Analysis21
Why did tsuridashi disappear?
Conclusion
Tsuridashi, the dramatic lift-out, made up 5.6% of recorded winning techniques in the 1930s but only 0.1% in the 2020s. Ucchari has followed a similar path, while oshidashi grew from 5.1% to 26.2%. Changes in technique classification account for part of the shift.
How to read this number
Sorting winning techniques by decade from 1927 onward shows how the sport itself has changed. Tsuridashi fell from 5.6% in the 1930s to 0.1% in the 2020s, and ucchari from 4.8% to 0.2%: the strength techniques and last-instant reversals have largely left the ring.
Oshidashi took their place, climbing from 5.1% in the 1930s to 26.2% in the 2020s, more than a quarter of all decisions. Quick finishes such as hatakikomi (4.6% to 8.7%) and tsukiotoshi (1.3% to 5.9%) also became more common.
As rikishi grew larger, driving an opponent straight back plausibly became more efficient than lifting and carrying him. The data cannot supply the reason, only the shape. What is certain is that a tsuridashi in the current era is a rarity worth savouring.
Methodology
- Period
- 1927〜2026 Natsu Basho
- Sample
- Winbout Winning techniques can be classified into 7 types
- Sample size
- 1930s 5,563 bouts, 2020s 86,098 bouts
- Calculation
- Tsuridashi ÷ All Winning techniques. 1930s 5.6% (312 bouts total), 2020s 0.1% (103 bouts total)
- comparison
- Oshidashi5.1%→26.2%, Utchari4.8%→0.2%
How to read this
Winning techniques names and classification systems have changed over time. Technique itself cannot be completely separated from changes in recording methods.