SUMO IS LIFE

Sumo Knowledge

Understanding the ranks and terminology of the sacred sport.

The Banzuke (Ranks)

横綱

Yokozuna

The Grand Champion. The pinnacle of sumo. They perform their own ring entering ceremony (dohyo-iri).

大関

Ozeki

Champion. The second highest rank. Ozeki face demotion if they have a losing record in two consecutive tournaments.

関脇

Sekiwake

Junior Champion. Must maintain a winning record to keep the rank.

小結

Komusubi

Fourth rank. Often faces the toughest schedule against higher ranks.

前頭

Maegashira

The rank-and-file of the top division.

十両

Juryo

The second division. Wrestlers here are also considered Sekitori (professionals) and receive a salary.

Terminology

  • 土俵Dohyo:The sacred ring where bouts take place. Made of specific clay and rice straw bales (tawara), it represents a purified space. The roof above (tsuriyane) resembles a Shinto shrine roof.
  • 清めの儀式Purification Rituals:Before a bout, wrestlers toss salt (kiyome-jio) to purify the ring. They also stomp the ground (shiko) to drive away evil spirits and rinse their mouths with water (chikara-mizu).
  • 行司Gyoji:The referee. Clad in elaborate silk outfits based on medieval court drass, they carry a gunbai (war fan) to signal the winner. They also carry a dagger, symbolizing their willingness to commit seppuku if they make a grave error (symbolically).
  • 部屋Heya:The stable where wrestlers live and train together. It is a strict hierarchical community.
  • ちゃんこ鍋Chanko Nabe:The staple diet of sumo wrestlers. A protein-rich stew containing meat, fish, and vegetables, eaten in large quantities to build mass.
  • 服装Dress Code:Wrestlers must wear traditional Japanese clothing (yukata or kimono) in public. The quality of the garment depends on their rank.
  • 髷Mage:The topknot hairstyle. Sekitori (salaried wrestlers) wear the more elaborate Oicho-mage (ginkgo leaf style).
  • 廻しMawashi:The thick waist belt worn by rikishi. For Sekitori (salaried wrestlers), it is made of silk (Shimekomi) and comes in various colors. For lower ranks, it is coarse dark cotton.
  • 前立褌Mae-tate-mitsu:The stiff vertical part of the mawashi that rises from the groin to the belt front. It serves as a stylistic knot and provides protection.
  • 下がりSagari:The stiffened silk strings hanging from the front of the mawashi. They are stiffened with glue and must be an odd number (usually 17-21).