In sumo, wrestlers may look like they are grappling in the same way, but their grip styles can differ. When one wrestler takes the right-hand grip and the other takes the left-hand grip, this is called “Kenka-Yotsu”. This situation creates greater variety in techniques and strategies, making the match far more exciting for spectators.
What is Kenka-Yotsu?
Kenka-Yotsu refers to a situation in sumo where the wrestlers’ favored grips are opposite. For example, if one wrestler prefers Migi-Yotsu (right hand inside, left hand outside) and the other prefers Hidari-Yotsu (left hand inside, right hand outside), the match becomes Kenka-Yotsu.
In this situation, wrestlers find it difficult to lock into a square, balanced grip. Instead, they engage in a fierce battle to block and secure inside grips, often resulting in fast-paced and tactical exchanges from the opening clash.
Differences Between Kenka-Yotsu and Ai-Yotsu
| Category | Kenka-Yotsu | Ai-Yotsu |
|---|---|---|
| Grip | Opposite preferred grips (Right vs Left) | Same preferred grips (Right vs Right, Left vs Left) |
| Ease of grappling | Hard to achieve a square grip | Easy to lock into a square stance |
| Tactical traits | Frequent exchanges, throws, grip changes | Power contest, can become deadlocked |
| Spectacle | Strategic maneuvering stands out | Often decided by size and strength differences |
Techniques Commonly Seen in Kenka-Yotsu
In Kenka-Yotsu, wrestlers focus on preventing their opponent’s favored grip while establishing their own. Common techniques include:
| Technique | Feature |
|---|---|
| Otsuke | Blocking the opponent’s arm to deny the inside grip |
| Makikae | Releasing and re-inserting the hand on the opposite side |
| Sotogake | Hooking the opponent’s leg from the outside |
| Sotoyotsu Throw | Powerful throw from the outside grip |
These techniques often succeed or fail in a split second, creating dramatic momentum shifts.
Key Points for Watching Kenka-Yotsu
For beginners and foreign fans, the following points make Kenka-Yotsu bouts especially exciting:
| Viewing Point | Explanation |
|---|---|
| First inside grip | Whoever secures their favored grip at the start often gains control |
| Arm position | Wrestlers use body pressure and arm angles to deny the opponent’s grip |
| Weight shifting | The timing of hip movement decides whether an attack succeeds |
| Outside grip strategy | Wrestlers with the outside grip must decide between throwing or driving forward |
By focusing on these aspects, spectators can better appreciate the depth of the battle.
Famous Historical Kenka-Yotsu Matches
Kenka-Yotsu has produced many legendary bouts in sumo history:
- Taiho vs Kashiwado
Two Yokozuna of the Showa era whose duels often hinged on who secured their grip first. - Takanohana vs Akebono
A highlight of the Heisei era. Despite Akebono’s massive size, Takanohana often used Kenka-Yotsu positions to unleash throws and foot techniques for brilliant victories. - Chiyonofuji vs Hokutenyu
Known for his muscle and agility, Chiyonofuji frequently won Kenka-Yotsu battles by throwing larger opponents in spectacular fashion.
Current Wrestlers and Kenka-Yotsu
Kenka-Yotsu is also prominent in modern sumo, where many wrestlers have distinct grip styles.
| Wrestler | Preferred Grip | Traits in Kenka-Yotsu |
|---|---|---|
| Terunofuji | Right-hand inside | Strong throws from the outside grip |
| Takakeisho | Push-and-thrust style (avoids grips) | Uses thrusting attacks before grips are established |
| Shodai | Left-hand inside | Often wins with forceful drives once he secures grip |
| Wakamotoharu | Right-hand inside | Known for persistence, destabilizing opponents once locked |
Kenka-Yotsu highlights each wrestler’s individuality, making bouts more entertaining.
Notes for Foreign Spectators
For non-Japanese fans, Kenka-Yotsu can be explained as:
- Ai-Yotsu = “Same grip style”
- Kenka-Yotsu = “Opposite grip style”
While the word “Kenka” literally means “fight” or “quarrel” in Japanese, in this context it refers to the conflicting grip styles rather than actual quarreling.
Sumo is both a martial art and a form of entertainment, and understanding Kenka-Yotsu helps fans enjoy the sport beyond mere wins and losses.
Conclusion
Kenka-Yotsu is when wrestlers with opposite favored grips face each other. Unlike Ai-Yotsu, it is harder to establish a stable hold, leading to more grip battles, diverse throwing techniques, and strategic exchanges.
Many of the most famous historical matches were Kenka-Yotsu bouts, and today’s top wrestlers continue to showcase their individual strengths through this style. By simply watching which grip each wrestler takes, fans can predict how the match will unfold and enjoy the sport on a deeper level.
For both beginners and foreign spectators, understanding Kenka-Yotsu is the key to fully appreciating the drama of sumo.
コメント