What's the Big Deal about Henka? | Sumo Wrestling Explained

In this video, we are discussing one of the most controversial techniques in sumo - henka. It is a dodge technique that is perfectly legal in sumo matches but the use of it at the start of the sumo match is causing outrage all over the sumo community. What is it and why has it divided sumo fans so much? Learn about the sumo wrestling technique henka from sumo bouts and the impact of using such to win sumo tournaments.
#henka #sumo #sumoexplained

TYPO: Heian Period - 794 to 1185

Thank you very much to:
Jason's All Sumo Channel for his amazing reaction on Hakuho vs Harumafuji

Kinatamayama YouTube Channel for Konishiki's Interview on the Henka

Special thanks to Don Don YouTube Channel for the sumo bouts

[HeadmasterAutobot]

In a sport without weight divisions, and a very spartan ruleset, henka is critical to allowing more strategic depth than merely dominating at the tachi'ai. Even when few rikishi represent it, the potential for it can make a bout more interesting for the competitors and spectators alike.

[dvoob]

It's an important balancing mechanic. Uncontrolled lunges into the opponent goes against the balance between aggression and stability. You can't rely on your opponent to hold you body up by staying in place.

[ArminEghdamiDrums]

🤣🤣🤣 that guy at the end when teru pulled a henka was awesome

[SkeledroMan]

Moves like the Henka are what make Sumo special. Physical advantage comes in many forms and the beauty of Sumo is that it allows any such advantage to be used. The rikishi doing the henka can capitalise on his superior agility, while the opponent can, if he reacts quickly enough or is cautious enough, call their bluff and catch them off balance part way through the henka in order to overpower them.

[yashverruckt]

I remember this match between harumafuji & hakuho! You can hear Jason's Exclamation in the background 🤣

[therealteal]

That last example with Teru is genius. He matta’d on purpose to trick his enemy into thinking he planned on charging.

[banehthistle]

Holy crap Stewie, you REALLY outdid yourself with this.
Leveling up.

[sweets.parade]

"That's for the Gods to decide, " is quite a poignant conclusion to the debate of the Henka. It's an entertaining tactical move, and if we look at the origins of Sumo's purpose, then it is not our place to decide if the Henka is right or wrong. My real question is whether using false starts as a psychological tactic is considered acceptable or cowardly? This is the one that truly has me curious.

[BazzaBeeBenson]

Great video as usual! I'm someone who doesn't mind a henka personally, it's a rikishi's job to not fall for such tricks :)
Would have been nice to see a bit of analysis on the teru henka that so disgusted Jason et al having said that having that ending was brilliant! I think you can do a whole video on that one henka alone! I know I'm in the minority but personally, the big, slow deliberate matta followed by a henka was tactical genius from teru!

[DavidRodriguez-jtns]

Thank you for clarifying the meaning and the purpose of the henka, I always wondered why it was so frowned upon, thank you for such a great video on the topic.

[iRoamYouTube]

I learn something new every time I watch your videos! Thanks 🥣

[musu]

honestly i like to see a well executed henka, no matter the rank. there are counter moves to it, and no rikishi can use it more than occasionally without becoming predictable and thus easier to exploit by their opponents, so i don't feel like it should be disfavored. but i do understand that seeing one's favorite lose to a henka instead of a proper bout can occasionally be disappointing as a spectator.

[UlyssesHaq]

The last frame encapsulates the mood of henka completely! Your content is informative and exquisite, even, spiritual and philosophical in its effect. Please keep sharing more with us. 🥰🙌🏽

[tupo_x]

that final shot was so perfect i could hear the seinfeld bass riff in my head. great editing 👏

[iraklikotiashvili]

I love your videos. Even tho I'm a long-time sumo fan, it is delightful to watch you educate sumo enthusiasts with well-researched videos like this. Keep it up, cheers! 🙌🏻

[Dephire]

Wow you've been spoiling us sumo fans with videos lately! I get a new favorite video every time you upload XD. They really do make the off-season months go by quicker. It's almost September already!

And I'm so glad you put the Terunofuji henka at the end. Arguably one of the most infamous ones. There are still fans today that dislike Terunofuji for that reason. The context is that Kotoshogiku could have regained his Ozeki rank by winning that bout. Even then, I think Terunofuji has gone on record to say something along the lines of that he has learned a lot from that bout and that he regrets disappointing his fans. Personally, after all he's been through, I think he redeemed himself.

[conig]

Wow GREAT. Really slick very educational. And yes KILLER EDITING !!!! TIGHT!

[joannaedwards]

8/24/21
Hey there Ter
Just heard your interview by World of Sumo. Glad he put that out there. Getting to know both of you a little more personally was a real joy. You both are so talented as video producers.
Always looking forward to more from SumoStew.

[brentnicoapolinar]

Thank you for making your video not just informative, but also entertaining to watch.

[susanpurcell]

Evening from the U.K and OMG this post was very interested to see and hear information about how to fight, these Men deserved the cheers from the crowds, would definitely be shouting for them, thanks you ❤