Re: What's wrong with Musashimaru?

[abe@zoom.com (Masumi Abe)]

I used to think Musashimaru could be a great yokozuna when he was on the way
to ozeki and as a new ozeki. But I found his weakness very soon and I bet most
of his opponents saw the same weakness in his sumo as well.

Musashimaru's sumo is all offence and no defence. When his heel touches the
straws, he is over. He is not balanced toward sideways, either. So the best
way to beat Musashimaru is to avoid his thrust first, then try to push him from
his side. When you could avoid to be right in front of him, your chance to beat
him will be a lot greater. Musashimaru is strong and powerful but stiff and 
less flexible. His steps are not the ones for typical sumo.

"Nebari" is the one he lacks. Nebari means stickyness.
Psycologically it's the attitude not to give up easily.
Physically, it's the tools to keep your balance and strength till very end.
It's the combination of strength and flexibility, just like the quality of
bamboo.
It seems his offensive strength is 90 and defensive strength is only 10. 
If he could not build defensive strength, he won't be reached to yokozuna level,
unless he is really lucky to win two consecutive yusho. Even if he is lucky to
be promoted to yokozuna, withouth defensive strength, he won't win too many
yusho.

-Masumiriki