Tengoyama Takakiyo - 天剛山 隆清 (born October 2, 1953) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Niigata City, Niigata. He made his debut in November 1970 and last wrestled for Kise stable. He reached the juryo division in November 1981. His highest rank was juryo 5 and he retired in May 1985.
Early Life[]
Sato attended Niigata Meikun Senior High School where he was a member of the judo club before transition to wrestling in the fall of his first year at the school. He was selected to represent Niigata Prefecture in the Japan-US High School Wrestling Tournament and when interviewed by an NHK reporter, he was asked if he tried out sumo. Sato was then introduced to Kise stable, to which he felt a personal connection as his mother's name was "Kise" (キセ) as well.
Career[]
Sato dropped out from high school during his second year and joined Kise stable in November 1970. He was given the shikona "Tengozan" (the pronunciation was switched to Tengoyama in July 1982). He was promoted to sandanme in March 1972 and makushita in November 1975. After 11 years in the unsalaried ranks, he was promoted to juryo in November 1981.
Tengoyama was ranked in juryo for 12 consecutive tournaments, reaching as high as juryo 5 in both January and July 1982 tournaments. In July 1982, he faced off against two makuuchi rikishi, Oko and Tochiakagi, and he defeated the both. However, he finished the tournament with a 6-9 record. He fell back down to makushita in November 1983 and never returned to sekitori status.
Retirement from Sumo[]
Chanko Tengoyama
Tengoyama remained in makushita for another two years before announcing his retirement after the May 1985 tournament. After retiring, he opened up a chanko restaurant in Chuo Ward, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture called "Chanko Tengoyama" (ちゃんこ 天剛山).
Fighting Style[]
Tengoyama was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He favored a migi-yotsu (left hand outside, right hand inside) position when gripping his opponent's mawashi (belt). His most common kimarite was yorikiri, or force out. He was also fond of oshidashi, or push out.
Record[]
Division Results[]
- Total: 350-351-4/701 (88 basho)
- Juryo: 85-95/180 (12 basho)
- Makushita: 151-150/301 (43 basho)
- Sandanme: 73-74/147 (21 basho)
- Jonidan: 36-30-4/66 (10 basho)
- Jonokuchi: 5-2/7 (1 basho)
Shikona History[]
- Tengozan Takakiyo (1970.11 - 1982.05)
- Tengoyama Takakiyo (1982.07 - 1985.05)
Gallery[]
