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Post by notbrucenorchuck on Jan 3, 2011 14:43:14 GMT -5
Quick/first thought, and maybe Arsenentte or someone else can verify where I read this. I remember sometime in the last few years, how Makoto Nagano said that as he got older, that his leg strength was going to be the main issue going forward. Given his height as well, issues involving the legs (like the trampoline) aren't likely going to get better if leg strength is the issue (and given where he's fallen the last few times).
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Post by Badalight on Jan 3, 2011 15:46:00 GMT -5
Quick/first thought, and maybe Arsenentte or someone else can verify where I read this. I remember sometime in the last few years, how Makoto Nagano said that as he got older, that his leg strength was going to be the main issue going forward. Given his height as well, issues involving the legs (like the trampoline) aren't likely going to get better if leg strength is the issue (and given where he's fallen the last few times). You're right that he said that, but that doesn't mean he can't workout to make them stronger.
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Post by yamfriend on Jan 3, 2011 15:49:31 GMT -5
Quick/first thought, and maybe Arsenentte or someone else can verify where I read this. I remember sometime in the last few years, how Makoto Nagano said that as he got older, that his leg strength was going to be the main issue going forward. Given his height as well, issues involving the legs (like the trampoline) aren't likely going to get better if leg strength is the issue (and given where he's fallen the last few times). I have no idea whether this is true or not, but either way Nagano will continue training---and especially regarding leg strength. IMHO I think Nagano just got unlucky in 26, not to mention the Jumping Spider also took out people such as Hiromichi Sato and Katsumi Yamada and nearly Yuuji Urushihara (which may have also had something to do with how it might have been a tougher version of the Jumping Spider than before). It may be starting to work a little against him due to age, but I think the much bigger aspect regarding it is how he's thinking about it. He's still got a while to go yet to have more great runs. Additionally going back to what I think someone else said earlier on in this thread, I'd also love to see Stage 1 tuned down to the point where 20-25 people can clear it so then Stage 2 would be more exciting. Also, if Stage 2 was kept the same it would take out most (if not all) of the weaker competitors anyway. Besides, maybe then we'd get to see competitors who've had trouble clearing Stage 1 lately show what they can do in the later stages and/or get back there again.
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Post by theitalianrob on Jan 3, 2011 16:01:50 GMT -5
it looks like they made the distance from the trampoline to the jumping spider either farther away or higher, and havign that right after the rolling escargot idk if nagano is gonna be able to do it. especially since yujji barely made it.
on another note, i wanna see mr.octopus do stage 3, i saw on one of the earlier american ninja challenge things the contestants went to his restaurant and he was doin the cliff hanger all the way around the restaurant. lol
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arsenette
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Post by arsenette on Jan 3, 2011 17:16:01 GMT -5
Quick/first thought, and maybe Arsenentte or someone else can verify where I read this. I remember sometime in the last few years, how Makoto Nagano said that as he got older, that his leg strength was going to be the main issue going forward. Given his height as well, issues involving the legs (like the trampoline) aren't likely going to get better if leg strength is the issue (and given where he's fallen the last few times). You're right that he said that, but that doesn't mean he can't workout to make them stronger. I do believe the quote was more that he COULDN'T make them stronger because as you age that is the FIRST thing that goes. In the past he was able to keep up with it and now he realizes as he ages it gets harder and harder for him to do so. That's when he made the determination that in order to be at the top of his game and still compete.. that will be ending soon.
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Post by notbrucenorchuck on Jan 3, 2011 23:36:26 GMT -5
Thanks Arsenette, I think you have the same quote in mind, maybe you were the one who posted/displayed it (maybe when he came the first time to the US? I'm not going to try to read through that transcript now) . When you get a certain age in any sport, the skills/abilities in general seem to decline no matter what you try to do (as well as healing), and you may not need the legs as much in stages 2 and 3, but you certainly need them in stage 1. As much as I hope I'm wrong, my concern was that his recent performances are indicating the trend isn't going to change.
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thet
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Post by thet on Jan 4, 2011 0:14:23 GMT -5
I was pretty much begging for the second stage to start already once I saw Urushihara's facial expressions at the start...I couldn't see him making it...truly crushing... On the other hand, Tako Tencho almost made it to the Jumping Spider! ;D And it was nice to see members from the Muscle Musical clearing the first stage again (24 seemed so long ago ). Those three (well, four) instances really stuck out for me, but overall, here is my conclusion: Sasuke 26 was freaking weird mang.
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Post by Badalight on Jan 4, 2011 0:15:00 GMT -5
Thanks Arsenette, I think you have the same quote in mind, maybe you were the one who posted/displayed it (maybe when he came the first time to the US? I'm not going to try to read through that transcript now) . When you get a certain age in any sport, the skills/abilities in general seem to decline no matter what you try to do (as well as healing), and you may not need the legs as much in stages 2 and 3, but you certainly need them in stage 1. As much as I hope I'm wrong, my concern was that his recent performances are indicating the trend isn't going to change. I feel like it was in a radio interview that he said it... and arsenette blogged about it something. I don't quite remember, but it was in response to him taking 2 tries on the warped wall which is odd for him (discounting his early attempts at it obviously)
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arsenette
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Post by arsenette on Jan 4, 2011 3:03:45 GMT -5
Yep Bada nailed it. It was the Yodaraji radio interview after Sasuke.. er.. 22 I think. I think it was when Levi went to see Nagano in Kagoshima and he made the comment that he wanted to retire when Levi asked him directly.. then the radio chicks asked if he was serious and he said that he was still training and hoped to continue until the end of Sasuke or if he really believed he couldn't continue.. whichever came first. Though Nagano is a pessimist.. he thinks Sasuke will end before he can't continue.. LOL
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lars072
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Post by lars072 on Jan 4, 2011 5:22:07 GMT -5
Yep Bada nailed it. It was the Yodaraji radio interview after Sasuke.. er.. 22 I think. I think it was when Levi went to see Nagano in Kagoshima and he made the comment that he wanted to retire when Levi asked him directly.. then the radio chicks asked if he was serious and he said that he was still training and hoped to continue until the end of Sasuke or if he really believed he couldn't continue.. whichever came first. Though Nagano is a pessimist.. he thinks Sasuke will end before he can't continue.. LOL I wouldn't think any less of Nagano if he decided enough is enough. He is 38 now and has a family and a job. He needs to think of his family and health. TBH, he really doesn't need to prove anything to anyone.
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Post by GregPuciato on Jan 11, 2011 17:12:15 GMT -5
I wouldn't think any less of Nagano if he decided enough is enough. He is 38 now and has a family and a job. He needs to think of his family and health. TBH, he really doesn't need to prove anything to anyone. I think all this talk about Nagano is pretty silly. Yes, in professional sports old age has a huge effect on performance, but Sasuke is totally different. IMO Nagano's age has very little effect on his ability to succeed in Sasuke. He's strong, experienced, and confident and definitely has a few more years in him. Aside from the upper body endurance it takes in stage 3, you really don't need all that much strength for the rest of the obstacles. Reflexes, coordination, and focus - the mental part - is what really counts for most of it. Physically, Nagano is pretty ideal (even if he smokes like a chimney, haha). Regarding stage 1, I'm happy about how it's been designed - although it does blow that favorites are failing it. If it were up to me, it would be a little different every time. This time, a lot of competitors probably got unlucky.
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lars072
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Post by lars072 on Jan 12, 2011 7:28:55 GMT -5
I wouldn't think any less of Nagano if he decided enough is enough. He is 38 now and has a family and a job. He needs to think of his family and health. TBH, he really doesn't need to prove anything to anyone. I think all this talk about Nagano is pretty silly. Yes, in professional sports old age has a huge effect on performance, but Sasuke is totally different. IMO Nagano's age has very little effect on his ability to succeed in Sasuke. He's strong, experienced, and confident and definitely has a few more years in him. Aside from the upper body endurance it takes in stage 3, you really don't need all that much strength for the rest of the obstacles. Reflexes, coordination, and focus - the mental part - is what really counts for most of it. Physically, Nagano is pretty ideal (even if he smokes like a chimney, haha). Regarding stage 1, I'm happy about how it's been designed - although it does blow that favorites are failing it. If it were up to me, it would be a little different every time. This time, a lot of competitors probably got unlucky. The problem with Nagano is not upper body strength or even a question of age or confidence. It's his legs and the difficulty he's having with jumping obstacles. He's even admitted ths fact.
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Post by Badalight on Jan 12, 2011 11:17:41 GMT -5
I think all this talk about Nagano is pretty silly. Yes, in professional sports old age has a huge effect on performance, but Sasuke is totally different. IMO Nagano's age has very little effect on his ability to succeed in Sasuke. He's strong, experienced, and confident and definitely has a few more years in him. Aside from the upper body endurance it takes in stage 3, you really don't need all that much strength for the rest of the obstacles. Reflexes, coordination, and focus - the mental part - is what really counts for most of it. Physically, Nagano is pretty ideal (even if he smokes like a chimney, haha). Regarding stage 1, I'm happy about how it's been designed - although it does blow that favorites are failing it. If it were up to me, it would be a little different every time. This time, a lot of competitors probably got unlucky. The problem with Nagano is not upper body strength or even a question of age or confidence. It's his legs and the difficulty he's having with jumping obstacles. He's even admitted ths fact. No lars it IS about his age. The reason his legs are starting to leave him is because he's getting old. That's the reason he gave. He said "the legs are the first to go" in response to when the lady was asking him about his 2 warped wall attempts and if he'll retire because of old age
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Post by Oti on Jan 12, 2011 11:22:48 GMT -5
You're right that he said that, but that doesn't mean he can't workout to make them stronger. You sound like me. I love it. Anyway, I believe Nagano's fine, provided he addresses his weaknesses. He's not too old yet.
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Post by bidenichhaun on Jan 13, 2011 16:55:23 GMT -5
i dont think nagano is too old either cause look at Yoshiyuki Okuyama (200m running guy^^ )hes 2 years older and made it to the 3rd stage 5 times in a row (even final in 24) so i hope he wont quit cause he is one of the top reasons i enjoy watching sasuke so much (especially his reactions to the other competitors) on the other hand when he says he cant do it anymore i would understand and i dont want him to end up like yamada failing 1st stage what? 10-15 times in a row (poor guy)
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Post by YoDaUO on Jan 13, 2011 19:31:28 GMT -5
i dont think nagano is too old either cause look at Yoshiyuki Okuyama (200m running guy^^ )hes 2 years older and made it to the 3rd stage 5 times in a row (even final in 24) Here it goes again.. If Okuyama can still do it, so can Nagano. This statement annoys me a bit when someone says it. No guarantee with that.. Okuyama is an olympic runner. Hes got endurance/speed and all that. Nagano is a fisherman. Sasuke is like a sport. Some people can be done at 30, yet others can still be strong till 40. Heck in some sports people can ever retire at 24 when they realize they arent as fast as they used to be and "lost their luster". You kind of understand what I mean?? Sorta like comparing Ishumaru to other 50+ year olds. So if Ishumaru can get to the Flying Chute so can they? Nah, 99% probably cant. Everybody is individual and have differences.. Athletes can have their "downfall" at different ages. Im not saying Nagano is done, just pointing out that if Okuyama can do it doesnt mean Nagano can.
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Post by bidenichhaun on Jan 13, 2011 20:16:49 GMT -5
ok sry didnt read your post
and i know people are different
but i dont want him to go so im trying to find excuses (can u say like that? dont know my english isnt perfect)
and i dont think that Okuyama has more endurance than nagano even though he was professionaly trained and a olympic runner (many years ago)
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Post by RiderLeangle on Jan 13, 2011 20:19:53 GMT -5
Well... Kuramochi is in his 60s and in 26 he tied with and even beat people who recently made the final stage, Your argument of age is invalid
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Post by jfeathe on Jan 15, 2011 11:56:35 GMT -5
Well... Kuramochi is in his 60s and in 26 he tied with and even beat people who recently made the final stage, Your argument of age is invalid This really goes back to my comment about the first stage being a crap shoot. I really dislike that there are obstacles that are so uncertain. People like Nagano, Kanno, Sato, Tajima, Urushihara, Takahashi, and others should be clearing nearly every time. I say it's 75% bad course design and 25% bad luck. About Nagano and leg strength, it's evident now that his leg power was compensating for poor jumping technique in the past- he's never been the best jumper. If he focuses on jumping technique, he'll be back where he was.
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Post by yamfriend on Jan 15, 2011 12:55:05 GMT -5
Well... Kuramochi is in his 60s and in 26 he tied with and even beat people who recently made the final stage, Your argument of age is invalid This really goes back to my comment about the first stage being a crap shoot. I really dislike that there are obstacles that are so uncertain. People like Nagano, Kanno, Sato, Tajima, Urushihara, Takahashi, and others should be clearing nearly every time. I say it's 75% bad course design and 25% bad luck. I agree with that, but also the fact that Stage 1 has simply become too difficult IMO. When's the last time we've even had someone clear it who hasn't been training for it? That's what I liked about the 5-17 era---it was still difficult enough to eliminate top competitors sometimes, but it was also still in the realm of possibility for people who've never trained for Sasuke to still have some chance of clearing it. In fact, I honestly think this is one of top reasons why Sasuke is going down ratings-wise in Japan---because it's the same people who keep clearing and no "average joes" can even get past the first few obstacles anymore (people want variety). Sasuke was in its peak around the first half of its competitions so far (i.e. the first dozen or so) because regular people who had some decent physical abilities still had a shot at clearing Stage 1 and occasionally Stage 2. Point blank (and I know this has been said multiple times lately by both me and other people on here), Sasuke needs to go back to an easier Stage 1. In general, every Stage 1 since Shin-Sasuke started has been ridiculously difficult to the point that you have to train almost constantly to have a shot at clearing it. IMO the easiest Stage 1 since then was by far Sasuke 25, but even that was too tough for anyone besides top names and consistent clearers to move on (as a matter of fact IIRC the farthest someone made it who we're unfamiliar with was the Soritatsu Kabe, because the people who made it to at least the Circle Slider were Nagano and STQers). I want to see Stage 1's overall difficulty dropped pretty much so that not only will the majority of the main guys clear, but also several new people. Even if like 20-25 made it past Stage 1, I'd still be very happy with more variety and excitement in Stage 2 and possibly Stage 3. There's nothing wrong with that IMO, plus ratings might also go up a decent amount. Now don't get me wrong, I've still really enjoyed the recent tournaments, I just think they could be better in ways like this.
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