Re: question

[Otakeyama <Otakeyama@aol.com>]

Raiden-san,

"Henka" is a jumping to the side (or back) at the tachiai (Initial move at the
begining of a match) to keep from having frontal contact with your opponent.
It is done to get your opponent to lose balance coming forward.  Then the
rikishi that does the "Henka" simply pushes him out or slaps him down. 

The big debate is not over whether it is legal, it clearly is.  The debate is
whether it is a move that is, shall we say, unmanly.  This is when people take
sides.  In most circles, and IMHO, it is considered "Okay" when a
smaller/junior rikishi uses it against a larger/senior one.   But once you
reach the sanyaku ranks (Komusubi, Sekiwake, and Ozeki) many people think that
it should not be used because it is a move that does not have the dignity
their vaulted rank.  (Especially an Ozeki!!)  A Yokozuna would never henka
because he is considered to be the strongest and most skillful of all.  It
would be equivalent to blasphemy for a Yokozuna to henka.   

So, legal?  Yes
Manly?  Depends on your size and position in relation to your opponent (and
your opinion!!).

Will the debate continue?? Of course. 

Watashi no ni en desu.
Otakeyama