He was introduced to amateur sumo when he was a little boy.

Shimotori competed in amateur sumo at Tokyo University of Agriculture.

Through an acquaintance, he became involved in amateur sumo at the age of sixteen.

Born in Shibata, he attended the Tokyo University of Agriculture, and in amateur sumo earned the Collegiate Yokozuna title.

This move is forbidden in amateur sumo.

Satake, at 175 cm and 80 kg, was unmatched in amateur sumo but admitted that he himself was not able to match Maeda in judo.

Tochinohana practised amateur sumo at Meiji University, but unlike many former amateur wrestlers, he still began his professional career at the very bottom of the rankings.

But, his father, after seeing his continued success in amateur sumo, suggested he try his hand at professional sumo.

Takahama practised amateur sumo at Nihon University and joined the professional sport in March 1999.