Tsurugizan Taniemon

Sumo wrestler infobox
wrestlername = 劔山谷右衛門 Tsurugizan Taniemon


realname = Bunzō
dateofbirth = 1803
placeofbirth = Toyama, Japan
dateofdeath = death date and age|1854|10|17|1803|1|1
height = convert|1.67|m|ftin|abbr=on|lk=on
weight = convert|115|kg|lb|abbr=on|lk=on
heya = Onomatsu
rank =
record = 143-31-148
22draws-6holds-5noresults (Makuuchi)
debut = March, 1827
highestrank = Ozeki (February 1842)
retireddate = February, 1852
yushos = 6 (Makuuchi, unofficial)
goldstars =
update = June 2008

Tsurugizan Taniemon (劔山谷右衛門, 1803 - October 17, 1854) was a sumo wrestler from Toyama, Japan. His highest rank was "ōzeki". He won six tournament championships on an official basis, before the "yusho" system was established and was offered, but rejected, a "yokozuna" licence.

Career

He joined Hatachiyama stable and was later trained under "yokozuna" Ōnomatsu Midorinosuke. At first he fought under the ring name Waniishi. He was one of few wrestlers to defeat "yokozuna" Inazuma Raigorō, who held a winning percentage of 90.9. After he won all bouts as "sekiwake" in the November 1841 tournament, he was promoted to ozeki in February 1842. He was to have the best individual record in six tournaments, equivalent to six "yusho" today, and recorded 29 consecutive wins. He changed his techniques according to the circumstances. [cite web|url=http://sumo.goo.ne.jp/ozumo_joho_kyoku/yomu/003/054.html|title=「得意手のないのが名人！」（大関・剣山谷右衛門）|language=Japanese|publisher=Japan Sumo Association|accessdate=2008-06-21] He was granted a "yokozuna" licence, but rejected this and nominated Hidenoyama Raigorō. [cite web|url=http://www.city.toyama.toyama.jp/shisetu/bunka/html/tayori/tayori42/tayori42.htm|title=博物館だより 第四十二号|language=Japanese|publisher=Toyama, Toyama|date=2000-06-30|accessdate=2008-06-21] He held the ozeki rank for 11 years, but he finally retired from an active wrestler in February 1852 shortly before the age of 50. He is said to have died on October 17, 1854, but his death date remains vague.

Top division record

"*2 tournaments were held yearly in this period, though the actual time they were held was often erratic"
"*Championships from this period were unofficial "*There was no fusensho system until March 1927
"*All top division wrestlers were usually absent on the 10th day until 1909

References

ee also

*Glossary of sumo terms
*List of past sumo wrestlers

External links

* [http://sumodb.sumogames.com/Rikishi.aspx?r=3310 Tournament results]