Tosatsu: Sawatari-Okonogi Rematch Set for November 9
The Shiomibashi Shopping District Tosatsu Association announced on the 29th that the previously reported November rematch between master Gonzo Sawatari, 77, and Daichi Okonogi, 23, will be held on November 9 at the district hall. Both have continued training focused on reworking their 'forms,' and are maintaining their previously reported policy of holding no further informal matches before the rematch itself.
According to the association's office, the rematch begins at 2 p.m. on November 9 at the district hall. Admission is free, but given the attention drawn by the previously reported informal match, numbered entry tickets are expected to be distributed on the day. Sawatari commented, "Age has nothing to do with fixing your form. It just takes time," while Okonogi said, "If I can break even one of Gonzo-san's forms, that alone would make this a worthwhile rematch."
■ What the "Form" Adjustments Involve
According to the association, Sawatari is experimenting with slightly raising the low throwing stance he has used for decades. "The lower you crouch, the easier it is to aim, but with age your aim stays sharp while your arm swing slows down. Raising the stance is a gamble to get the speed of the swing back," he explained. Okonogi, conversely, is said to be sealing away the unconventional throw no master ever taught him and training to return to the basic form. "In our last match I tried to beat Gonzo-san on speed, and my form got thin. This time I want to win on the thickness of the form."
■ What Comes Next
Both men plan to continue training privately until November 9, with the next official announcement expected to come on the day of the rematch itself. The association said, "We'd like people to watch not just a contest between a master and a newcomer, but how the two forms themselves keep changing."
