Iron Man Tamawashi Appreciation
Beefcake makes real cake... maybe that's his longevity secret
The old man still has it….
Going from one extreme to another - jumping from newbie Onosato, let’s check out Tamawashi, who has been in pro sumo for over 20 years.
First, I’ve been keeping track of wrestler weights going back only to January 2022, which is just as well. Tamawashi will be turning 40 during the November 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament, and had started pro in January 2004, back when he was 19 and a scant 135 kgs.
Here is a video from the Japan Sumo Association showing Tamawashi at his first bout and at his recent record-breaking bout, where he had his 1631st consecutive bout (no absences! (COVID doesn’t count)).
Tamawashi Rank and Weight Profile, January 2022 - September 2024
Tamawashi’s weight has been creeping up in the last couple years, from 172 kgs up to 178 kgs (392 lbs). That can be good or bad, or just the approach of his big 4-0.
More concerning is the slippage in rank. He achieved his peak rank of Sekiwake in 2017, and had stayed there for multiple tournaments. He achieved Sekiwake again in 2108 and 2019 a few times, but slipped back down.
His last recent peak was Komusubi in November 2022, which he earned after winning the September 2022 tournament. By winning Wacky Aki 2022, he became the oldest wrestler to win a tournament at age 37.
Yes, the sole Yokozuna Terunofuji had to withdraw from the tournament, but it’s not like Tamawashi had no competition. As many remember, this was Takayasu’s chance to finally get a championship…
Poor Papayasu.
In any case, since that win, Tamawashi has had a rougher time of it.
Tamawashi Kimarite
Tamawashi has achieved almost perfect balance in his record, with 828 wins and 816 losses.
But his kimarite are a bit less balanced.
Surprising nobody, he is very “overweight” oshidashi.
There is not much to say about Tamawashi’s kimarite profile, other than a straightforward oshidashi might lead to fewer injuries and thus the Ironman’s longevity.
Of course, Tamawashi’s preferred hobbies may also be related:
If you were not aware, Tamawashi is a very crafty person. He bakes, quilts, and does origami. Check out this Christmas Cake demo by Tamawashi from 2 years ago:
I bet this reduces the stress quite a bit.
I hope Tamawashi can ganbarize well into his 40s!
Hakkeyoi!