Very nice pictures, tosas are very impressive dogs. What is the meaning of those "suits"? Is it like a prize or is it just to show what class/category the dog is in?
Feeling all sentimental when seeing these. Gotta see Nagareboshi Gin again soon!
Tanja, those suits are called Kesho mawashi, the same as the Sumo wrestlers wear in Japan. Tosa's get them when they become a Yokozuna and most of the time the sponsor or the owner of the dog is embroided in the cloth. Yokozuna is one of the highest titles a dog can achieve, after that they can go for Meiken Yokozuna or Senshuken.
Senshuken: Japanese National Grand Champion: This prestigious title should only be given during the lifetime of the dog. The fighter should be ranked higher than Yokuzuna, and chosen by judges.
Meiken Yokozuna: Warrior Grand Champion: The competitor must have three fights as a Senshuken with a record of no less than two wins and a tie. Thirty-two dogs from more than four hundred fifty National Japan Grand Champions have achieved this prestigious honor.
Gaifu Taisho: tried to identify the most effective fighting technique
note: the title Gaifu Taisho (best fighting technique) is named after the founder of Fukyukai, Gaifu Nakajima
Kogata light weight 30-40 kg Chugata middle weight40 -45 kg Oogata heavy weight 45-55 kg Cho-oogata superheavyweight 55 kg to unlimited
And in some regions there's the weight class Musabetsu, over 65 kg and no limit.
During the competition are three referees on the top of the ring, the owners are at the top of the ring and two judges are at the bottom. The owners are allowed to come into the ring as they see need for it. The Tosa is allowed low growl heard during the first 2 minutes, just after this, they need to keep quiet. The Tosa who whines, barks or growls (Seri) is the loser. If at any time during the fight the Tosa doing 3 steps back from his opponent (Hashiri), or try to leave the ring, puts his nose through the bars, he has lost. As a Tosa is disqualified, the other is automatically the winner. If both dogs go the full 20 or 30 minutes, it's a tie. 20 minutes matches are most held in the summer because of the heat. The Japanese are not fond of a tie. There are nearly 250 of the Tosa Ken rules be strictly observed. The Tosa is also judged assessed by the length of the struggle, the strength of the opponent, courage and endurance. The longer the dog has struggled so much higher valuation. The Tosa weight class is aligned with the other Tosa, up 2 pounds up or down, no more. The dogs must be equal in performance and titles. You will never see a Meagashire standing in the ring with a Yokozuna. Degrees awarded continue to be valid.
Yeah probably not, although the touken kai has historically been known to go hand in hand with organized crime syndicates. Mostly due to the gambling and money laundering associated with the ring.
Comments
What is the meaning of those "suits"? Is it like a prize or is it just to show what class/category the dog is in?
Feeling all sentimental when seeing these. Gotta see Nagareboshi Gin again soon!
Rules in Japan
The following grades compete in Japan.
Maegashira: Amateur fighter
Komusubi: Professional fighter, 4 rounds
Sekiwake: rising fighter
Ozeki: profesional fighter - 10 laps Championship challenger
Yokozuna: Champion
Yushoken: Individual tournament champion
Honorary titles
Senshuken: Japanese National Grand Champion: This prestigious title should only be given during the lifetime of the dog. The fighter should be ranked higher than Yokuzuna, and chosen by judges.
Meiken Yokozuna: Warrior Grand Champion: The competitor must have three fights as a Senshuken with a record of no less than two wins and a tie. Thirty-two dogs from more than four hundred fifty National Japan Grand Champions have achieved this prestigious honor.
Gaifu Taisho: tried to identify the most effective fighting technique
note: the title Gaifu Taisho (best fighting technique) is named after the founder of Fukyukai, Gaifu Nakajima
Tosa 土 使 闘 犬
(Tosa-Ken, Tosa-Inu, Tosa Touken, Tosa Token,
Japanese Mastiff)
Weight Class
Kogata light weight 30-40 kg
Chugata middle weight40 -45 kg
Oogata heavy weight 45-55 kg
Cho-oogata superheavyweight 55 kg to unlimited
And in some regions there's the weight class Musabetsu, over 65 kg and no limit.
During the competition are three referees on the top of the ring, the owners are at the top of the ring and two judges are at the bottom. The owners are allowed to come into the ring as they see need for it. The Tosa is allowed low growl heard during the first 2 minutes, just after this, they need to keep quiet. The Tosa who whines, barks or growls (Seri) is the loser. If at any time during the fight the Tosa doing 3 steps back from his opponent (Hashiri), or try to leave the ring, puts his nose through the bars, he has lost. As a Tosa is disqualified, the other is automatically the winner. If both dogs go the full 20 or 30 minutes, it's a tie. 20 minutes matches are most held in the summer because of the heat. The Japanese are not fond of a tie. There are nearly 250 of the Tosa Ken rules be strictly observed. The Tosa is also judged assessed by the length of the struggle, the strength of the opponent, courage and endurance. The longer the dog has struggled so much higher valuation. The Tosa weight class is aligned with the other Tosa, up 2 pounds up or down, no more. The dogs must be equal in performance and titles. You will never see a Meagashire standing in the ring with a Yokozuna.
Degrees awarded continue to be valid.
Awesome photos. & Thanks for sharing the info! It's most definitely interesting. ~