Shimotori Norio

Shimotori Norio (born March 18, 1978) is a former sumo wrestler from Arai, Niigata Prefecture, Japan. A former amateur champion, he made his professional debut in 2000 and first reached the top division in 2002, although due to injuries he had trouble maintaining that position. He earned one special prize, for Fighting Spirit. His highest rank was komusubi. He was forced to retire in April 2011 after an investigation by the Japan Sumo Association found him guilty of match-fixing.

Career Shimotori competed in amateur sumo at Tokyo University of Agriculture, but did not manage to win a major national title. He was recruited by the Tokitsukaze stable and made his professional debut in May 2000, almost a year later than intended due to injuries from a traffic accident. He also had to give up the rights to the elder name of Nishikijima which he would have used to stay in sumo as a coach.

Fighting style

Shimotori was a yotsu-sumo wrestler, preferring grappling techniques and grabbing his opponent's mawashi or belt. His favourite grip was migi-yotsu, which is left hand outside, right hand inside his opponent's arms. His most common winning technique was yori-kiri, a straightforward force-out, which accounted for roughly half his wins.

Career record