Futoshi Kokkai Georgian professional sumo wrestler. Date of Birth: 03.10.1981 Country: Georgia

1. Biography of Futoshi Kokkai
2. Early Life
3. Professional Sumo Career
4. Career Highlights
5. Later Career
6. Personal Life

Biography of Futoshi Kokkai

Futoshi Kokkai is a Georgian professional sumo wrestler who began his career in May 2001. He became the first European rikishi to reach the highest division of sumo, called "makuuchi." In 2006, he reached the peak of his career and was awarded the title of komusubi. He received two special prizes for his fighting spirit and two gold stars for defeating yokozunas.

Early Life

Levan Tsaguria was born in Sukhumi, Abkhaz Autonomous Republic, which was then a part of the Soviet Union. In 1992, due to the conflict in Abkhazia, his family fled to the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi. At the age of six, Levan started practicing wrestling, taught by his father, who had previously competed for the Soviet national team. He later enrolled in the National Sports Academy of Georgia, where he developed a passion for sumo and even participated in the World Amateur Sumo Championships held in Riesa, Germany.

Professional Sumo Career

In January 2001, Levan moved to Tokyo, Japan, and joined a sumo stable. He made his professional debut in May 2001 under the ring name Kokkai, which means "Black Sea" in Japanese, given to him by his coach Daishoyama. Kokkai quickly progressed through the lower divisions, winning championships in jonidan and sandanme divisions with perfect records of 7-0. He faced more challenges in the makushita division, where he suffered two losses. In May 2003, he reached the elite sekitori status by winning the juryo championship with a record-breaking 14-1 score, which promoted him to the makuuchi division. By January 2004, Kokkai had already won 16 tournaments.

Career Highlights

In November 2004, Kokkai faced a slight setback but quickly recovered. In July 2005, he had a notable bout against yokozuna Asashoryu, defeating him nine times and receiving an award for his fighting spirit. In September 2006, he achieved the rank of komusubi. However, he injured his back shortly after and dropped to the maegashira rank, losing 12 out of 15 matches.

In March 2007, Kokkai showed impressive results by winning ten out of 15 matches. However, his performance in May was less successful, with only three victories. He continued to struggle in July, falling to the lowest rank of the division. In November, he partially redeemed himself by winning nine matches against six losses. In January 2008, Kokkai achieved his best record with a score of 12-3, earning him his second Fighting Spirit Award. Unfortunately, he struggled again in May, winning only five matches and being disqualified in the final match after unintentionally pulling his opponent's hair.

Later Career

In 2009, Kokkai continued to compete with the same energy. He did not miss a single tournament since his debut and celebrated his 600th bout in July 2010.

Personal Life

Kokkai is fluent in four languages: Georgian, Russian, English, and Japanese. He is a devoted Christian and makes time for daily prayers. Additionally, he is superstitious and avoids shaving before important tournaments.