Kaigo Isao

Kaigo Isao - 魁罡 功 (born November 16, 1941) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture. He made his debut in September 1960 and last wrestled for Futagoyama stable. He reached the makuuchi division in January 1969. His highest rank was maegashira 5 and he retired in March 1971.

## **Early Life**

In junior high school, Omura belonged to the automobile club and aspired to be a driver. However, he was also a fan of sumo and he met the 45th yokozuna Wakanohana I during a tour in Aomori. During the meeting he told the yokozuna about his intentions to join professional sumo and he later moved to Tokyo and joined Hanakago stable which is where the yokozuna belonged.

## **Career**

### **Early Career**

He made his professional debut in September 1960 and initially wrestled under his surname Omura. He was promoted to sandanme in November 1961 and makushita in July 1962. In 1962, he transferred to Futagoyama stable which was established by recently retired Wakanohana I. After transferring he changed his shikona to "Futagoryu" (二子竜). Weighing only 87 kg (192 Ib), he struggled to break into the elite sekitori ranks. In July 1967, he changed his shikona to "Kaigo" (魁罡) and was promoted to juryo six tournaments later in May 1968.

### **Juryo Career**

From his juryo debut, Kaigo posted two consecutive 9-6 records and was promoted to the top of juryo, however, he could only manage a 7-8 record. Nevertheless, he bounced back and posted a 12-3 record to claim the yusho and earn promotion to the top makuuchi division in January 1969 after only four tournaments in juryo.

### **Makuuchi Career**

Kaigo posted two consecutive winning records from his debut and was promoted to the rank of maegashira 5 in May 1969. However, this was to be his highest rank as he could only manage a 5-10 record. He was demoted back down to juryo in January 1970 after a total of six tournaments in makuuchi. He remained in juryo for another year before announcing his retirement after the March 1971 tournament.

## **Retirement from Sumo**

After retiring, Kaigo intended to leave the Japan Sumo Association, but his stablemaster (the 45th yokozuna Wakanohana I) submitted a request for him to obtain the Hanaregoma elder stock without his consent. However, Kaigo still left the sumo world the following day which meant that he held the record of shortest time as an oyakata (March 28, 1971 - March 29, 1971). After leaving the sumo world, he opened a restaurant in Nagoya.

## **Fighting Style**

Kaigo was a yotsu-sumo wrestler who prefers grappling to pushing and thrusting techniques. He favored a migi-yotsu (left hand outside, right hand inside) position when gripping his opponent's mawashi (belt). His most common kimarite was yorikiri, or force out. He was also fond of employing shitatehineri, or twisting underarm throw.

## **Record**

### **Division Results**

* **Total:** 307-278/585 (64 basho)
* **Makuuchi:** 40-50/90 (6 basho)
* **Juryo:** 90-90/180 (12 basho)
* **Makushita:** 119-98/217 (31 basho)
* **Sandanme:** 34-22/56 (8 basho)
* **Jonidan:** 19-16/35 (5 basho)
* **Jonokuchi:** 5-2/7 (1 basho)

### **Championships**

* 1 **Juryo** Championship (November 1968)

## **Shikona History**

* Omura Isao (1960.09 - 1962.07)
* Futagoryu Isao (1962.09 - 1967.05)
* Kaigo Isao (1967.07 - 1971.01)
* Futagoryu Isao (1971.03 - 1971.03)

## **Gallery**

Kaigo poses with his kesho-mawashiKaigo (c. 1969)Kaigo prepares for his upcoming match (c. 1970)
## **Sources**

* Kaigo Isao Japanese Wikipedia Article
* Kaigo Isao Rikishi Information