Who Is Kotoōshū Katsunori? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on February 19, 1983, Kotoōshū Katsunori is currently 42 years old. He made history as the first non-Japanese wrestler to win a top-level sumo championship in over a century. His journey began in Bulgaria, where he showcased remarkable talent before moving to Japan to pursue a career in sumo wrestling. Today, Kotoōshū is not only celebrated as a sports figure but also as a cultural ambassador, bridging the gap between Bulgaria and Japan.
For a more comprehensive view of his career, visit his Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Wrestlers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 19, 1983 |
| Age | 42 Years |
| Birth Place | Dzhulunitsa, Veliko Tarnovo Province, Bulgaria |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | Bulgaria |
Popularity
Kotoōshū Katsunori's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Kotoōshū stands tall at an impressive height of 6 feet 7 inches (201 cm) and typically weighs around 450 lbs (204 kg). His imposing stature has contributed to his success in the sumo ring, allowing him to compete at the highest levels. Over the years, he has maintained his physique with rigorous training and a strict diet, crucial for athletes in this physically demanding sport.
Kotoōshū managed only three double-figure scores in 2006, and none at all in 2007, only doing enough to maintain his rank. Shortly before the November 2007 tournament he dislocated his right knee in training. Clearly troubled by the injury he pulled out on the 7th day, the first time in his career that he has had to withdraw from a tournament.
He preserved his ōzeki rank with a 9–6 score in January 2008. In the Osaka tournament of March 2008 he injured his left arm in a match with Kakuryū on the 4th day and withdrew on Day 9 with only two wins. There was speculation that he would be demoted to sekiwake in the following tournament in May.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Kotoōshū Katsunori is currently single. Although he has often been private about his personal life, there have been rumors linking him to various individuals throughout his career. However, he has not publicly confirmed any long-term relationships. He remains focused on his career and philanthropy work that often includes activities related to sports and community development.
He was originally a Greco-Roman wrestler, coached by his father, and by the age of 14 he had already won a European championship. He was accepted by the Bulgarian National Sports Academy where he majored in wrestling.
He hoped to compete for Bulgaria in the 2000 Olympic Games, but as his weight increased beyond the 120 kg upper limit, he switched instead to sumo. He was recruited by Sadogatake stable, whose stablemaster was impressed by his filial duty of sending money home to his parents.
Net Worth and Salary
Kotoōshū Katsunori's net worth is estimated to be around $2 million as of 2025. His wealth has primarily come from his successful sumo career, endorsements, and public appearances. Average salaries for top sumo wrestlers in Japan can vary, but Kotoōshū has been known to earn a substantial income, thanks to his popularity and achievements in the sport. Additionally, he is involved in various business ventures that contribute to his earnings.
Career, Business and Investments
Since retiring from competitive wrestling, Kotoōshū has ventured into several business opportunities, including opening a sumo dojo in Bulgaria. He is also involved in sports promotion and mentoring young wrestlers, both in Japan and Bulgaria. His passion for martial arts extends beyond sumo, as he continues to advocate for fitness and healthy living as integral parts of a balanced lifestyle. His business acumen is evident in his investments in sports and wellness initiatives.
Karoyan Andō (born Kaloyan Stefanov Mahlyanov, ; born 19 February 1983), known professionally as Kotoōshū Katsunori and in his coaching career as Naruto Katsunori, is a Bulgarian-Japanese former sumo wrestler. He made his debut in 2002, reaching the top division just two years later.
In 2005, he was the first European sumo wrestler to reach the rank of ōzeki or 'champion', the second-highest level in the sumo ranking system behind only yokozuna. On May 24, 2008, Kotoōshū made history by becoming the first European sumo wrestler to win an Emperor's Cup.
He was one of the longest serving ōzeki in sumo history, holding the rank for 47 consecutive tournaments until November 2013.
Social Network
Kotoōshū maintains an active presence on social media, where he connects with fans and shares insights about his life and career. His platforms of choice include Instagram and Twitter, where he often posts about his training regimen, motivational messages, and interactions with fellow athletes. As a public figure, he utilizes his influence to highlight the importance of sports and cultural exchange between Japan and Bulgaria.
Education
In terms of education, Kotoōshū Katsunori attended a sports academy in Bulgaria before moving to Japan. His educational background in sports science has helped him excel in his athletic career, focusing on the physical and psychological aspects of being a professional athlete. Additionally, he has attended various workshops and seminars related to coaching and sports management, equipping him with the knowledge to navigate his post-sumo career successfully.
In April 2017 Kotoōshū opened his own stable of wrestlers, Naruto stable (鳴戸部屋 Naruto-beya). He is the first European-born sumo wrestler to run his own stable and the third wrestler born outside Japan. His title is sumo elder Naruto Katsunori.
The stable started with three wrestlers, including a 20-year-old Bulgarian junior wrestling champion. Having studied training theory at Nippon Sport Science University following his retirement, he was keen to develop his own training methods based on his sumo experience and studies at both Bulgarian and Japanese universities.
