Tenryu Wrestler wasborn01 November 1903. Born
Saburo Wakuta. B. Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
Prefecture. Famous sumo
wrestler who entered the Dewanoumi Sumo stable in
1920, and
gained promotion to sekiwake, sumo's third highest rank, in
1930.
In 1932, Tenryu seceded from the Japan Sumo Association,
taking with him dozens of other wrestlers, after spearheading
a movement to reform the feudalistic sumo world. This event
and ensuing developments were covered by the Osaka Asahi Newspaper
from January 7 to 15, 1932 on the society page. He ultimately
abandoned this movement, and some of the wrestlers who were
part of the new organization were reabsorbed by the main
group. He then moved to Manchuria to take up a teaching position.
It was there he witnessed a demonstration by Morihei
UESHIBA c. 1939 and proceeded to test the latter's strength. Impressed
by Ueshiba's mastery, he returned to Tokyo for a 70-day intensive
training session at the KOBUKAN DOJO. After World War II,
Tenryu entered the broadcasting world and served as a popular
sumo commentator on radio and television. In later years,
he maintained regular contact with Ueshiba and YOSHINKAN
AIKIDO.
He
died on Aout the 20th 1989, aged 86
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