Yoshinobori Koji - 芳昇 幸司 (born August 19, 1968) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Hakata-ku, Fukuoka. He made his debut in March 1984 and wrestled for Kumagatani stable. He reached the juryo division in July 1990. His highest rank was juryo 4 and he retired in May 1993.
Early Life[]
He attended Fukuoka Shiritsu Katakasu Elementary School and played basketball before switching to judo at Toko Junior High School. He loved sumo since elementary school and would always ride his bike to watch the morning training in stables. After graduating junior high school he joined Kumagatani stable.
Career[]
Early Career[]
He made his professional debut in March 1984 and was given the shikona "Yoshinobori" (芳昇). Although he had no previous sumo experience, Yoshinobori was a devoted trainer and he was promoted to sandanme in November 1985 and makushita in September 1986. In January 1988 he participated in a seven man playoff for the makushita yusho and he defeated Daizen in the first round, but lost to Otaka in the second round. In may 1990, Yoshinobori posted a 5-2 record at the rank of makushita 3 and was promoted to juryo in the following July 1990 tournament.
Juryo Career[]
In his juryo debut, Yoshinobori finished with an 8-7 record. He followed with a 7-8 record, but went on to produce two consecutive winning records which promoted him to his highest rank of juryo 4 in March 1991. However, he could only manage 6 wins at this rank and followed with disastrous 5-10 and 2-13 records which sent him back down to makushita in September 1991. He returned briefly to juryo in January 1992, but could only last one tournament where he produced a poor 4-11 record. He returned for a third time in July 1992 where he rose as high as juryo 6 in January 1993 but in that tournament he posted a 3-12 record and was demoted down to makushita. He announced his retirement after the May 1993 tournament at the young age of 24.
Fighting Style[]
Yoshinobori defeats Naminohana by oshidashi (force out)
Yoshinobori was a tsuki/oshi specialist, who prefers pushing and thrusting at his opponents rather than fighting on the mawashi or belt. His most common winning kimarite or technique was oshidashi or a straightforward push out.
Record[]
Division Results[]
- Total: 246-215-20/460 (56 basho)
- Juryo: 75-105/180 (12 basho)
- Makushita: 111-72-20/182 (29 basho)
- Sandanme: 18-10/28 (4 basho)
- Jonidan: 38-25/63 (9 basho)
- Jonokuchi: 4-3/7 (1 basho)
Shikona History[]
- Ishihara Yoshiyuki (1984.03 - 1984.07)
- Yoshinobori Koji (1984.09 - 1993.05)
Gallery[]
