Yamada Narihide - 山田 成英 (born February 7, 1989) is a former South Korean professional sumo wrestler from Muju, North Jeolla Province. He made his debut in March 2004 and wrestled for Takanohana stable. His highest rank was jonidan 31 and he retired in September 2006.
Early Life[]
Seongyeong Yu was born and in the city Muju in North Jeolla Province, however, his shusshin (birth-place) is listed as Gyeonggi Province. The sumo database lists his name as "Narihide Yamada" which is a Japanese name which indicates that he is either a Japanese-Korean or has lived in Japan prior to joining sumo. He entered the prestigious Takanohana stable at the age of fifteen in March 2004.
Career[]
Wrestling under his Japanese family name of "Yamada" (山田), he struggled initially and fell back down to jonokuchi on multiple occasions. He established himself in the jonidan division after posting a strong 6-1 record in March 2005. He reached a career-best jonidan 31 in May 2006.
Retirement from Sumo[]
Yamada sat out of the September 2006 tournament and his retirement from sumo was announced after the tournament.
After retirement he stayed in Japan and currently lives in Kawasaki, Kanagawa. According to his Facebook, he currently works as a cook at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi.
Fighting Style[]
Yamada was an oshi-sumo wrestler who prefers pushing and thrusting techniques to fighting on the mawashi. He won half of his bouts with a straightforward oshidashi, or push out.
Record[]
Division Results[]
- Total: 48-50-7/98 (16 basho)
- Jonidan: 30-40-7/70 (11 basho)
- Jonokuchi: 18-10/28 (4 basho)
Shikona History[]
- Yamada Narihide (2004.03 - 2006.09)
Gallery[]
