Wakakoma Kenzo - 若駒 健三 (born April 20, 1937 - August 31, 2019) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Gojome, Akita. He made his debut in May 1952 and last wrestled for Hanakago stable. He reached the makuuchi division in September 1961. His highest rank was maegashira 8 and he retired in March 1962.
Career[]
Early Career[]
Kenzo joined Nishonoseki stable in May 1952 and was given the shikona "Ohibiki" (大響). He transferred to Shibatayama stable (later renamed Hanakago stable) in September 1952. He was promoted to sandanme in May 1954 and makushita in May 1955. In March 1960 he changed his shikona to "Wakakoma" (若駒). Three tournaments later in July 1960, he won the makushita yusho with a perfect 7-0 record at the rank of makushita 13 and was promoted to juryo for the following September 1960 tournament.
Juryo Career[]
In his first tournament as a sekitori, Wakakoma finished with an 8-7 record. In the following November 1960 tournament, he won the juryo yusho with a strong 12-3 record. After two successive 10-5 records, he was promoted to makuuchi in September 1961.
Makuuchi Career[]
He produced a solid 9-6 record in his top division debut, but followed with two consecutive losing records and was demoted back down to juryo after three tournaments in makuuchi. After falling down to juryo he abruptly announced his retirement after the March 1962 tournament.
Retirement from Sumo[]
He left the sumo world upon retirement from active competition in March 1962. After leaving, he opened up a construction company and served as its representative.
He died on August 31, 2019, at the age of 82.
Fighting Style[]
He was a yotsu-sumo wrestler, and his most common winning techniques were shitatehineri (twisting underarm throw), oshidashi (push out) and shitatenage (underarm throw). He preferred a migi-yotsu (left hand outside, left right inside) grip on his opponent's mawashi.
Record[]
Division Results[]
- Total: 219-153-48/372 (47 basho)
- Makuuchi: 18-27/45 (3 basho)
- Juryo: 54-36/90 (7 basho)
- Makushita: 110-73-32/183 (27 basho)
- Sandanme: 20-12/32 (4 basho)
- Jonidan: 13-3-8/16 (3 basho)
- Jonokuchi: 0-0-8/0 (1 basho)
- Shinjo: 4-2/6 (2 basho)
Championships[]
- 1 Juryo Championship (November 1960)
- 1 Makushita Championship (July 1960)
Shikona History[]
- Ohibiki Kenzo (1952.05 - 1957.03)
- Ugohibiki Kenzo (1957.05 - 1957.05)
- Ugohikari Kenzo (1957.09 - 1960.01)
- Wakakoma Kenzo (1960.03 - 1962.03)
Gallery[]
