Chiyotaikai Ryūji was given his "shikona" (wrestler name) in honour of his stablemaster and joined professional sumo in November 1992 and became a "sekitori" in July 1995 upon entering the second highest "jūryō" division. He remained in "jūryō" for another two years, but after winning two "jūryō" championships in March and July 1997 he reached "makuuchi", the top division. In May 1998, Chiyotaikai was made "komusubi" and never left the "san'yaku" ranks after that. He won the prestigious Technique Prize three times that year. In January 1999, he won his first top division championship, defeating "yokozuna" Takanohana and Wakanohana on the last
2009 in Pancrase was an event held on November 8, 2009 at Azelea Taisho Hall in Osaka, Osaka, Japan. Pancrase: Changing Tour 8 was an event held on December 6, 2009 at Differ Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. 2009 in Pancrase The year 2009 is the 17th year in the history of Pancrase, a mixed martial arts promotion based in Japan. In 2009 Pancrase held 10 events beginning with "Pancrase: Changing Tour 1". Pancrase: Changing Tour 1 was an event held on February 1, 2009 at The Differ Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. Pancrase: Changing Tour 2 was an event held on April