What is takanoyama?

Takanoyama Shuntarō (born December 21, 1982) is a retired professional sumo wrestler from the Czech Republic. He made his debut in sumo in 2001 and reached the top division in 2009. Takanoyama was known for his unorthodox wrestling style and small stature, standing at only 175 cm (5 ft 9 in) and weighing around 100 kg (220 lbs).

Despite his small size, Takanoyama relied on his agility, flexibility, and technique to defeat much larger opponents. He also gained a large following for his entertaining and unconventional approach to sumo, often performing acrobatic moves and using a variety of creative techniques in his matches.

Takanoyama retired from professional sumo in 2014 after struggling with injuries and facing difficulty in maintaining his weight to compete in the top division. After retiring, he briefly pursued a career in professional wrestling before ultimately retiring from combat sports altogether.

Takanoyama remains a fan favorite and is remembered for his unique style and charisma during his time in sumo.