Kaiketsu Masateru, Japanese sumo wrestler and coach (d. 2014)

Kaiketsu Masateru: A Luminary of Japanese Sumo

Kaiketsu Masateru (Japanese: 魁傑 將晃), born Teruyuki Nishimori on February 16, 1948, and passing on May 18, 2014, was a profoundly influential figure in the world of Japanese professional sumo. His career was marked by exceptional achievements both inside and outside the ring, embodying resilience, leadership, and a deep commitment to the sport.

A Distinguished Sumo Career: Reaching Ōzeki Twice and Championship Glory

Kaiketsu is notably remembered for his remarkable success as a sumo wrestler, particularly his ascent to the sport's second-highest rank, ōzeki, on two separate occasions. This rare accomplishment highlights his extraordinary tenacity and consistent high performance, as regaining such a prestigious rank after demotion is an arduous challenge faced by very few. The rank of ōzeki is just below the ultimate rank of yokozuna and signifies a wrestler of immense skill and consistent winning record. His formidable strength and refined technique also earned him two coveted top division (Makuuchi) tournament championships, known as yusho. Winning a yusho is a pinnacle achievement for a sumo wrestler, signifying dominance over an entire tournament of elite competitors and solidifying his status among the sport's greats.

Transition to Stablemaster and Founding Hanaregoma Stable

Following his distinguished active career, Kaiketsu retired from the dohyo in 1979. He seamlessly transitioned into the vital role of a stablemaster, or oyakata, adopting the name Hanaregoma-oyakata. An oyakata serves as a crucial mentor, coach, and manager, guiding young aspiring wrestlers, known as rikishi, through their rigorous training and careers. Demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to fostering new talent, he went on to establish his own training institution, the Hanaregoma stable. A sumo stable is the fundamental unit of sumo life, where wrestlers live, train daily, and immerse themselves in the strict traditions and discipline of the sport under the direct supervision of their stablemaster.

Leadership as Chairman of the Japan Sumo Association

Kaiketsu's influence extended to the highest echelons of sumo administration. From 2010 to 2012, he held the esteemed position of Chairman of the Japan Sumo Association (JSA), the governing body for professional sumo in Japan. This role is the ultimate administrative leadership position within the sport, responsible for overseeing all aspects of professional sumo, including tournament organization, rule enforcement, wrestler welfare, and the preservation of sumo's rich cultural heritage. His tenure as chairman further solidified his legacy as not only a great competitor but also a respected leader and steward of the ancient sport.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kaiketsu Masateru and Sumo

Who was Kaiketsu Masateru's birth name?

Kaiketsu Masateru was born Teruyuki Nishimori.

What is the significance of the ōzeki rank in sumo?

The ōzeki rank is the second-highest rank in professional sumo, directly below yokozuna. It designates a wrestler of exceptional skill, consistent performance, and significant presence within the sport. Promotion to ōzeki is based on a strict points system and requires a sustained winning record over multiple tournaments.

How rare is it for a sumo wrestler to reach ōzeki twice?

Reaching the ōzeki rank twice, as Kaiketsu Masateru did, is an extremely rare feat in sumo history. It typically involves being demotion from ōzeki (kadoban) due to poor performance and then successfully battling back through winning records to regain the rank. This achievement underscores extraordinary resilience and unwavering skill.

What does it mean to be an oyakata and establish a sumo stable?

An oyakata is a retired sumo wrestler who becomes a stablemaster, taking on the responsibility of coaching, mentoring, and managing active wrestlers. Establishing a sumo stable means founding and overseeing a training facility and living quarters where aspiring wrestlers reside and undergo daily rigorous training under the oyakata's guidance, embodying the traditional structure of sumo.

What are yusho in sumo?

Yusho refers to a championship victory in a professional sumo tournament. There are six Grand Sumo Tournaments (Honbasho) held annually, and winning a yusho in the top Makuuchi division is considered one of the most prestigious individual achievements for a sumo wrestler, signaling their temporary supremacy among their peers.

What is the Japan Sumo Association (JSA)?

The Japan Sumo Association (JSA) is the official governing body for professional sumo in Japan. It is responsible for organizing all professional sumo tournaments, managing the sumo ranks, enforcing rules, overseeing stable operations, and promoting the sport both domestically and internationally. The chairman of the JSA is the highest administrative position within this organization.