[sumo] [SPOILER] Baruto v Ama

[Barbara]

JDeMund at aol.com wrote:
> I actually think it was an 'inadvertent step out" by Baruto - his foot was 
> clearly out before Ama, but I think he just did not realize he was stepping out. 
>   Ama really fought hard, though and pushed the big guy back before he 
> stepped out.


Ama deserves the win.  Attacking a larger opponent so furiously that 
they get confused and disoriented and cannot keep their feet in the 
dohyo is a valid strategy for a smaller rikishi.  That was how Akebono 
or Musashimaru could be beat sometimes, especially if the smaller man 
was moving in circles around them.  There should be a kimarite which 
says, in effect, "get them dizzy or dazed until they fall over or step 
out."  I think the strategy is used more than we'd suspect, especially 
in combination with pulling, pushing, and tripping. Good for you Ama!

Of course, Ama was a bit lucky because Baruto needs to learn better ring 
technique.  Baruto might try learning that one should avoid STEPPING - 
one should slide or at least make very shallow steps when close to the 
edge.  By sliding, one can tell one's location by feeling the hay bales 
at the edge. Watching Asashouryuu, you can see how he automatically goes 
into a crouched slide whenever he senses he is close to the edge. He 
will only take a step if it is toward the center or if it causes him to 
spin toward his opponent.

Barbara Murasakihana