A legendary sumo wrestler who held the highest rank of Yokozuna for a record 21 tournaments, known for his unbeaten streak of 69 consecutive wins.
Jinmaku Kygor, born Ishigura Shintarō, is renowned as the 12th yokozuna in the revered tradition of Japanese sumo wrestling. This exceptional athlete dominated the sport during the late 19th century, earning admiration and respect from fans and fellow wrestlers alike.
Jinmaku's journey in sumo wrestling began in 1847, when he became a pupil of Hatsushio Kygor in Onomichi, Bingo Province (now Hiroshima Prefecture). After Hatsushio's passing in 1848, Jinmaku moved to Osaka and trained under Asahiyama Shirouemon, debuting in 1850 with the ring name Makinosuke Kuroodoshi.
He later became affiliated with the Tokushima Domain, taking the shikona Jinmaku Kygor, and was recognized as one of the Four Heavenly Kings of Awa, along with Kimenzan, Onaruto, and Nijigatake. This prestigious group of wrestlers represented the Tokushima Domain in high-stakes tournaments.
During his career, Jinmaku faced several grudge matches against fellow wrestlers from the Tokushima Domain, which added to his legend and notoriety. He was absent from four consecutive tournaments from 1863 to 1865 and was even expelled from one of these events. However, he made a remarkable comeback in November 1865 and achieved the rank of zeki in November 1866.
Jinmaku's hard work and determination paid off when he received a yokozuna licence from the Goj family in 1867. This prestigious honor solidified his position as one of the greatest sumo wrestlers of his time.
Although Jinmaku's active tournament career came to an end in November 1867, his influence on the sport of sumo wrestling is still felt today. He played a crucial role in shaping the sport during a period of significant change and growth, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of sumo wrestlers.
A fascinating aspect of Jinmaku's character is his bravery and loyalty. During the Boshin War, he remained in Osaka to protect Shimazu Tadayoshi from harm, demonstrating his commitment to his lord and his domain.
Through his remarkable career and personal life, Jinmaku Kygor has left an indelible mark on the world of Japanese sumo wrestling, cementing his place as one of the sport's all-time greats.
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