The Essence of Mainoumi’s Sumō: When Small Can Win Big

Mainoumi executes mitokoro-zeme against Akebono on November 20, 1991, at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center. (© Jiji)

In this 1993 match against Mitoizumi, Mainoumi (at left) used his low center of gravity effectively to grab a leg and down his much larger opponent. “In sumō, the key to winning is getting your opponent off-balance.” Taken on March 17, 1993, at the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium. (© Jiji)

Mainoumi and Terao, two popular and comparatively light rikishi, grapple at the 1991 September basho. Mainoumi won the match with a cleanly executed kirikaeshi. Taken on September 10, 1991, at Ryōgoku Kokugikan. (© Jiji)

At the July 1994 basho, Mainoumi was at a disadvantage, with Musōyama behind him, but Mainoumi recovered and won the match. Taken on July 7, 1994, at the Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium. (© Jiji)

Mainoumi racked up his first win against Takanohana, forcing him down using kirikaeshi while falling himself, on July 4, 1994, at the Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium. (© Kyōdō)

Mainoumi uses nekodamashi to throw Tomoefuji off his stride at the tachiai at the March 1992 basho. Taken on March 20, 1992, at the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium. (© Jiji)

During the interview, Mainoumi frequently stood and gesticulated to demonstrate a move. His commentary during NHK sumō tournament broadcasts is clear and easy to follow. (© Nippon.com)