Re: More aggressive Sumo style

["Gunnar Jeschke 5610" <JESCHKE@snchemie2.chemie.uni-bonn.de>]

> I agree, there are lies, damn lies, and then there are statistics.  But I
> suspect the statistics would reflect a remarkable divergence.  Can the
> fierce yearning of the rikishi on the cusp of a kachi-koshi, which
> overcomes the lesser desire of the opponent, really be the cause?  If so,
> through time wouldn't that naturally reinforce similar behaviors in bouts
> on earlier days?
> 
> So what if there is some laxity in opposition to these needy rikishi on key
> days?  Is that really so bad?  In the larger scheme of sumo things, cannot
> this also be seen as admirable?

Of course such a kind of unwritten ethical code among rikishi would 
also be an explanation, and it wouldn't amount to throwing matches 
for money. The net effect is obviously to dampen the elevator 
phenomenon, but also to considerably worsen the fate of those rikishi 
who suffer makekoshi earlier than on day 15.

Gunnar