Hailing from Ukraine, Aonishiki is a promising sumo wrestler

𝐀𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐊𝐈 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐛𝐲 𝐈𝐢𝐳𝐮𝐤𝐚 𝐒𝐚𝐤𝐢 (𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭) AONISHIKI was interviewed by Iizuka Saki on Dec.20, 2024, here the translation by Italianozeki (repost). Aonishiki of Ajigawa Stable made his debut in the Juryo division at the Kyushu Basho, marking his rise as a new Juryo wrestler with an impressive 10-win record. Hailing from Ukraine, Aonishiki is a promising wrestler expected to carry on the technical legacy of his mentor, Ajigawa Oyakata (former Sekiwake Aminishiki). In this first interview, we explore his journey along with comments from his mentor. [Keys to growth: body transformation without losing speed] ――Congratulations on your ten victories in your Juryo debut at the last tournament. Do you have any particularly memorable matches? “There are two that stand out. One was my bout against Oshoumi, where I lost. It was a long match, and while I gave it my all, I ended up losing, which was frustrating because it was my first defeat in Juryo. The other was the match where I secured my kachikoshi on the 12th day against Wakaikari. That match was a relief. I had been worried about the possibility of a losing record, which would mean returning to the Makushita division, wearing the black mawashi, and going back to the shared quarters. Securing the kachikoshi gave me peace of mind.” ――What kind of sumo do you aspire to perform? “I aim for a style where I hit low and attack forward. I want to grab the front of my opponent’s mawashi, then either drive forward from there or execute a pulling throw to attack from the side.” ――Watching your matches, it’s clear that your mentor, Ajigawa Oyakata, has taught you technical skills extensively. Your approach of keeping your elbows in, bending your knees, and attacking skillfully stands out. “I’m not that big physically, so I have to rely on techniques like that to win. And I’m thinking of incorporating even more techniques moving forward.” ――That’s impressive. Are there any new techniques you’ve recently mastered? “For example, when I have one hand on the front mawashi and the other reaching underneath for a grip, if I simply try to drive forward, it becomes easier for my opponent to grab my belt on the upper side. That causes me to lose leverage and get countered. Ajigawa Oyakata has always told me that in such situations, I should pull my arm out, pivot my body, and execute a pulling throw before launching an attack. Lately, I’ve finally been able to do that. By pulling out the underhand grip, I can move freely, and it also distances my opponent’s grip on the upper belt.” ――That’s real technique. You mentioned your physical size. I’ve heard you’ve been working hard on building your physique. What’s your target weight? “I’m around 138kg now, but I want to reach 145kg. I’m focused on adding muscle while maintaining my speed, eating well, and training hard. I go to the gym four times a week. My favorite exercise is bench press, and my max is 200kg. I also love saunas, but I’ve been avoiding them lately because I feel like they might make me lose weight.” [Training in his hometown and aspiring to join the sumo world] ――As a wrestler from Ukraine, what made you start sumo? “There was a facility in my hometown where you could practice boxing, wrestling, judo, and other sports. When I was six, I started going there to learn judo. While waiting for my mom to pick me up after practice, older kids would lay down mats and start sumo wrestling. I thought the rules were simple, the matches were fast, and it looked fun, so I asked my mom if I could try it. From then on, I quit judo and started learning sumo and wrestling instead.” ――That’s interesting. It’s rare to find such multi-purpose facilities in Japan. How did you first encounter professional sumo? “When I was about 12, I saw videos on YouTube and learned about the world of professional sumo for the first time. Until then, I didn’t even know there was a professional league. I watched matches between Takanohana and Asashoryu and thought, ‘Wow, this is amazing.’ From there, I started researching more and dreamed of becoming a sumo wrestler myself and going to Japan. In 2019, there was a world tournament in Osaka, and that was my first time coming to Japan.” ――And at that tournament, you made a connection with Kansai University. “Yes, I met Mr. Yamanaka, who is now a coach at their sumo club. We immediately exchanged Instagram accounts and started communicating. I also practiced at his alma mater, Hotoku Gakuen, and through him, I was introduced to Ajigawa Oyakata, who helped me join the stable.” ――When you first came to Japan and met Mr. Yamanaka, how did you communicate, especially since you exchanged Instagram accounts? “Oh, I couldn’t really speak at all (laughs). I didn’t know any Japanese at the time, and neither of us was very good at English. But somehow, we managed to talk, and we understood each other.” ――It seems like you had a great connection. Now your Japanese is very fluent. How did you learn? “At first, I just listened to the conversations of the university students I trained with, but I learned the most after joining the sumo stable. Living and practicing with everyone, I picked it up by listening. As for reading and writing, I can only write my shikona (ring name) and the stable’s address so far, but I’ll work on it from now on.” ――Even so, it’s impressive that you’ve become this fluent in just two years. You must be a fast learner. “Hmm, maybe I’ve been hit too hard at the tachiai and I’m getting stiff (laughs).” [Aiming for the techniques of Aminishiki, Wakanohana, and Wakatakakage] ――What’s the most delicious Japanese food you’ve discovered since coming here? “Japan has so much amazing food, doesn’t it? Sushi and yakiniku blew my mind the first time I tried them. But more than anything, Marugame Seimen’s meat bukkake udon! It’s so delicious, I was shocked. It’s cheap, tasty, not junky, and fills you up, which is rare overseas.” ――That’s true. You’ve adapted very well. Have you had any issues with food or daily life? “I don’t like umeboshi (pickled plums) or chicken skin (laughs), but other than that, not really. I’ve been here for three years now. Moving from the communal room to a private room was nice, but sometimes it feels lonely. Here, the private rooms are right next to the communal room, so it’s fine. But in Kyushu, the lodging quarters had private rooms that were more spread out, so I felt lonely and would call someone to ask them to come over (laughs).” ――Even as you aim higher, do you have anyone you admire? “Of course, my mentor. Also, I admire the techniques of Wakanohana and Wakatakakage.” ――What kind of sumo wrestler do you want to become in the future? “I want to put on matches that make the fans happy. Even if I end up with a losing record, I want to leave a lasting impression on the fans and be a wrestler who is loved by everyone.” ――It seems you haven’t returned to your hometown since joining. Your success as a professional must also be a way to repay your family. “Ukraine is dangerous right now, so my mom is living in Germany. She had already been working there before. So I could visit her anytime if I wanted to, but I’m waiting until my ranking stabilizes a bit more.” ――I see. By the way, there’s a tour in London next year, which is also in Europe. “Yes, but to be part of that, I need to be in the top division at that time, right? So I’ll work hard so I can participate in the London tour and see my mom.” [Ajigawa Oyakata's Comments] "Aonishiki is currently working hard on training and building up his body. As his muscles develop, for instance, the way he closes his armpits during moves might not work as it used to because the increased muscle mass gets in the way. So I teach him fine adjustments, like moving his elbow forward before closing his armpit. These are subtle details where his perception and physical reality might differ. Also, he always takes the initiative to ask questions when he doesn’t understand something. He’s very motivated, and I think all wrestlers should be like him. Honestly, at first, I hesitated a little about accepting someone from another country. But as soon as I met him, I thought, ‘This kid will be fine.’ He behaves properly, and I hope he continues to stay focused and work hard. He’s always considerate, wondering what the oyakata might be thinking and trying to understand. After reaching the sekitori rank, he even asked me if it would be okay for him to guide the younger wrestlers in my absence. I told him to absolutely go ahead and do that. It seems like he’s also taking care of their daily needs. What? Does he already have skills like Aminishiki’s? That’s an insult. He’s nowhere near there yet (laughs)." #italianozeki #大相撲 #sumo #相撲 #力士 #お相撲さん #grandsumo #sumoday #sumowrestling #相撲が好きな人と繋がりたい #相撲が好き #相撲好きな