Sumo ranks. Until the yokozuna rank was introduced, Ozeki was the highest rank in sumo. 'administering things') is a referee employed by the Japan Sumo Association, responsible for a variety of activities which concern the organisation of the sport in general and the refereeing of matches, as well as the preservation of professional sumo culture, deeply rooted in Shinto traditions Mar 7, 2020 · Sumo Ranks Sumo is split into divisions but not weight divisions much like other martial arts. Apr 9, 2025 · Explore sumo wrestling in Tokyo with this complete guide, covering sumo rules, rankings, etiquette, and how a rikishi rises through the sport’s strict hierarchy. Sep 22, 2024 · Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of sumo wrestling with this beginner's guide. 1. Tools for sumo wrestling ranks: format and sort. There are also hierarchical ranks within each division. The highest ranks, in descending order, are yokozuna (grand champion), ozeki (champion), and sekiwake (junior champion). Unlike the There are typically 8-12 wrestlers in these ranks with the remainder, called maegashira, ranked in numerical order from 1 downwards. Sekitori A match between two sekitori ranked wrestlers. It was established on April 1, 2018 by former ozeki Miyabiyama, who branched off from Fujishima stable. Grand sumo tournaments occur 6 times a year: 3 times in Tokyo, and one each in Nagayo, Osaka, and Fukuoka. Juryo wrestlers compete 15 times per tournament, compared to the 7 bouts of the former ranks. As fans cheer for their favorite wrestlers, they are witnessing a centuries-old tradition that continues to thrive in modern Japan Page two of a glossary of sumo terms. This category is for sumo ranks. Sumo originated in Japan, the only country where it is practiced professionally, where it is 53 sumo wrestlers have reached the second highest in the sport, the rank of ōzeki, but have failed to rise to the top rank since the modern era of sumo began in 1927 with the merger of the Tokyo and Osaka organizations. Yokozuna is the ultimate goal in sumo and is a rank greatly respected by everyone associated with the sport. Rikishi - A sumo wrestler. Makushita (under the curtain) : implies a rank lower than makuuchi. Wrestlers are promoted and demoted within and between these divisions based on the merit of their win/loss records in official tournaments. It is said that in the world of sumo, rank means everything. Yokozuna is the highest rank in sumo. If there are fewer than two regular ozeki in practice, then one or more yokozuna will be designated "yokozuna Ozeki is the title of a ranking given to sumo wrestlers. The higher a wrestler's rank within a division is, the stronger the general level of opponents he Climbing the sumo ranks is simple - win more matches, get bumped up divisions. yukata (simple The Yo-kai Sumo Ring (Japanese: 妖獄国技館, Youkai Kokugikan) is an area in the Future Yo-kai World. From the lowest rank of Jonokuchi to the highest rank of Yokozuna, each division represents a unique level of skill, experience, and prestige within the sumo world. From the first yokozuna to modern champions, each wrestler has a unique story of dedication and success. How Sumo Wrestlers are Ranked | Sumo Divisions, Promotions, & Banzuke Explained Sumostew 42. Or remain there if he's already reached the pinnacle of his chosen sport. Sumo is one of the oldest sports in Japan and the ranking of Japanese wrestlers's position is reflected on Banzuke (番付). The higher a wrestler's rank within a division is The higher a wrestler gets in this rank, the more likely it will be they will have to fight the top of the Sumo heap. In the world of sumo wrestling, a sport deeply rooted in Japanese tradition and culture, four American-born wrestlers have left an indelible mark. It is also the lowest rank where achieving a kachi-koshi (winning record in a tournament) is no longer sufficient to guarantee promotion to a higher rank Jan 14, 2019 · Unlike sumo's top two ranks, there is no special criteria for promotion to sanyaku. Makuuchi (幕内) is the top of the pyramid when it comes to sumo. All unmarried maezumo A free api to access Grand Sumo data, rikishi, basho, banzuke, torikumi, hoshitori, matches, and more. In addition to college and school tournaments, open amateur tournaments are also held. The average salary of a professionally ranked sekitori sumo wrestler is one million yen or 8,800 USD per month, plus additional perks and prize money. Also, there are 5 different ranks within the Makuuchi division, and each rank is paid differently. May 23, 2025 · Onosato already won Grand Sumo’s 2025 natsu basho (summer tournament), which earned him a promotion to become the sport’s 75th yokozuna. Dive into the world of sumo! Dec 27, 2024 · A breakdown of all the wrestlers participating in the top division of the January 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo. Feb 11, 2025 · Sumo wrestling has a long and rich history, producing legendary athletes who have impacted the sport. We’ll detail both their top weights and their stables, or the organization of sumo association members which provided them a place to hone their craft. 6. Get the latest sumo wrestling rankings, match results, kimarite breakdowns, and historical stats for all rikishi. Takamiyama, Konishiki, Akebono, and Musashimaru – all hailing from Hawaii – broke barriers and achieved remarkable success in Japan's national sport. Nabatame Tatsuya - 生田目 竜也 (born February 22, 2002) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Sakura, Tochigi. Above them, the iin, is the most numerous rank and kinda middle of the ladder What are the different Sumo Ranks? The next episode where we learn about Japan’s Sumo Wrestling. Sekiwake (関脇, sekiwake) is the third-highest rank in professional sumo wrestling, and is one of the san'yaku ranks. Black Mawashi are worn by the lower ranking Sumo. The trio of rikishi that faced the media Sandanme (三段目) is the fourth highest division. It is based on accomplishments and skills. After each grand tournament, sumo rankings are revised and rikishi (sumo wrestlers) can either be promoted or demoted based on their performance. Learn about Maegashira, Komusubi, Sekiwake, Ozeki, and the legendary Yokozuna ranks in this comprehensive guide. Less than 100 wrestlers have been granted the rank since 1630. The title of Yokozuna is the highest rank of the makuuchi division. Dohyo: The ring within the square in which Sumo is performed. Over 600 rikishi, or wrestlers, compete in Grand Sumo. Even these six divisions further have hierarchical categorization. [6] Later that day, Japanese media learn through sources at the Sumo Association that Terunofuji has decided to retire. Here is a breakdown of the salaries: Jun 18, 2025 · Discover 28 fascinating facts about sumo wrestling, from its ancient origins to modern-day rituals and champions. The name literally means "horizontal rope" and comes from the most visible symbol of their rank, the rope (綱, tsuna) worn around the waist. Thus, there can be a lot of churn trying to stay high in this rank. Apr 24, 2025 · The Grand Sumo tournaments are a celebration of tradition and athletic prowess. Feb 22, 2002 · Debut January, 2020 Juryo Debut July, 2024 Highest Rank Juryo #5 Mochikyūkin In sumo, sekitori -ranked wrestlers receive a monetary reward at the end of each tournament that supplements their basic salary. Although some successful university rikishi go on to professional sumo, usually they lag behind those who entered a professional heya (stable, literally 'room') in their mid-teens. As a result of the numbers, and the fact that, as with the other lower divisions, the wrestlers fight only seven times during a Akebono was an American-born Japanese sumo wrestler, who, in January 1993, became the first non-Japanese person to be elevated to yokozuna (grand champion) status, the highest rank in professional sumo. What are the rules of sumo? How is the winner determined? What were the original meanings of the different ranks? Makuuchi (in the curtain) : in the days of sumo-viewing by the shogun, the upper-ranked rikishi waited for their bouts behind a curtain. Explore its history, learn the rules, and experience the cultural significance behind Japan's national sport. The best fighters began to gain a celebrity-like status and sumo’s popularity quickly spread amongst the masses—the true beginning of the sport as it is known today. The rope, which may weigh up to 20 kilograms (44 lb), is not Nov 1, 2023 · Monday saw the release of sumo’s latest banzuke. [1] In sumo, a wrestler (rikishi) attempts to force another wrestler out of a circular ring (the dohyō) 4. White Mawashi are therefore worn by the higher ranking Sumo who are fully professional with good win records and therefore earn more money. Oct 11, 2024 · Professional sumo is divided into six ranked divisions. Motivation The Banzuke is a ranking system used in Japanese sumo wrestling to determine the order and matchups for tournaments. This is the only division that is featured on NHK's standard live coverage of sumo tournaments. It is issued by the Nihon Sumo Kyokai (Japan Sumo Association) and printed in ancient, stylized calligraphy. Honbasho or Basho - The six tournaments held throughout the year. here are the final standings & early ranking notes from the March 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament: First, here is the final Hoshitori, or tournament records based on rankings, for the top 2 tiers (records are in Win-Loss-Absent format, Absent is treated like a loss): Makuuchi Makushita (幕下) is the third highest division. Their achievements set records, inspired generations, and helped sumo grow in popularity. Sumo (Japanese: 相撲, Hepburn: sumō; Japanese pronunciation: [ˈsɯmoː], lit. His highest rank as of 2025 is juryo 5. This is a list of all sumo wrestlers who have reached the sport's highest rank of yokozuna. This includes sleeping accommodations, cooking facilities and Though all sumo rikishi are considered professionals, only the rikishi from the top two divisions (Makuuchi and Juryo) receive a monthly salary. Discover the history, tradition, and prestige of the *banzuke*, the official ranking chart of professional sumo. Contribute to MDShields7/sumo-rank development by creating an account on GitHub. It is the fourth highest rank in sumo wrestling and is the lowest of the so-called titleholder ranks, or san'yaku. Then you have shunin rank. Dec 22, 2024 · Christmas has come a couple days early for sumo fans as the Japan Sumo Association has just announced the official Banzuke (rankings) for the January 2025 Grand Sumo Tournament. He reached the juryo division in July 2024. Tatsuya Nabatame was born on February 22, 2002, in Otawara, Tochigi, as the eldest son of a Thai mother and Dec 6, 2019 · Grand Sumo are traditional Japanese wrestlers that tie their hair up in a bun and wear a loincloth whilst fighting within a designated ring. Until then, yokozuna was merely a licence given to certain ozeki to perform the dohyo-iri ceremony. Explore sumo data, learn about sumo history, and check match results. Read below to learn the history of this exciting sport, its rules, and what it takes to become a sumo wrestler and you can Modern sumo wrestling in Japan, from the Yokozuna rank to the rigorous training and cultural significance. The ultimate guide for fans and newcomers alike. after MAEZUMOU sumo wrestlers enter a division Known As JONOKUCHI the ranks in JONOKUCHI are like almost every other A Sumo match Sumo (相撲, sumō) is a Japanese full-contact sport. The distinctions between sekitori and lower division wrestlers highlight the hierarchical nature of sumo wrestling, where rank determines not only competition but also lifestyle. US SUMO OPEN BACKGROUND As the largest and longest-running, annual sumo competition worldwide, outside of Japan, the US Sumo Open has been the first to bring Pro Sumo Grand Champions as special guests, the first to pioneer women’s matches in American tournaments, the first to feature multiple World Sumo Champions in a single event, and the first to include former top-ranked Pro Sumo Sumo looks simple - until it isn’t. The name literally translates to having taken the barrier, as only a relatively small fraction of those who enter professional sumo achieve sekitori status. Hierarchy is extremely important in sumo and dominates the lives of the wrestlers. . Jan 14, 2024 · Here’s everything you need to know about the sport of sumo wrestling. Real-World Example: Venue: Ryōgoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, often called the “Sumo Hall” Ceremonies: Expect dramatic ring-entering rituals, salt purification, and referees dressed like Dec 20, 2017 · Sumo rankings After each grand tournament, sumo rankings are revised and rikishi (sumo wrestlers) can either be promoted or demoted based on their performance. In each rank there are two wrestlers, the higher ranked is designated as "east" and the lower as Mar 20, 2019 · At the pinnacle (頂点) of the sumo hierarchy stands the Yokozuna (grand champion). Their journeys from the shores of Hawaii to the hallowed dohyo (sumo ring) in Japan represent Sumo Terms: Ozumo - The sport of sumo. Unlike the divisions above it, there is no fixed number of wrestlers in the division although it is usually the largest division in any given tournament, with commonly around 200–250 wrestlers ranked within it. The 5 elite ranks inside Makuuchi: Maegashira → Komusubi → Sekiwake → Ozeki → Yokozuna 🎌 From teenage rookies to living legends, this video explains it all — fast. Sep 13, 2023 · The sumo association will also ask wrestlers to attend financial seminars to manage their money. These champions, known as yokozuna, demonstrated exceptional strength, skill, and discipline. I know the pay structure for active Rikishi but whats the pay for elders/Toshiyori according to their rank? Couldnt find it with a quick search, just found the different ranks (see below) and that you have to take a 30% pay cut if you dont retire by 65 so i thought it just ask. Discover this Japanese sporting tradition. The official ranking list is known as banzuke. Jun 30, 2025 · Discover the sumo ranking system — learn how wrestlers rise from Maegashira to Yokozuna. Feb 23, 2024 · The highest rank in professional sumo, reserved for wrestlers who exhibit overwhelming ability and dignity. It was not recorded on the banzuke until 1890 and was not officially recognised as sumo's highest rank until 1909. Futagoyama stable was established on April 1, 2018 by former ozeki Miyabiyama, who branched off from Yokozuna (横綱) is the highest rank in professional sumo wrestling, a sport deeply rooted in Japanese tradition and culture. Its size is fixed at 42 wrestlers (rikishi), ordered into five ranks according to their ability as defined by their performance in previous tournaments. A sekitori (関取) is a rikishi (力士, sumo wrestler) who is ranked in one of the top two professional divisions: makuuchi and juryo. Learn about divisions, promotion rules, historical examples, and how rankings determine wrestler status and pay. Learn about the six ranked divisions of professional sumo in Japan, from the top makuuchi to the lowest jonidan. Unlike most sports, where uniforms change with the times, sumo attire is steeped in tradition, hierarchy, and ritual. The Basics Sumo dates back 2,000 years but only became a professional sport in the early Edo Period (1600~1868). Yo-kai Sumo works different compared to normal battles. The dedication and skill required to excel in sumo make it a truly awe-inspiring and captivating traditional Japanese art form. Below the Yokozuna are the Ozeki. After his retirement from sumo in 2001, he embarked on a career as a professional wrestler. Ichinojo reached elite “sekitori” status in a record 2 tournaments (the fastest in history at the time). The Ozeki, or champion rank, is immediately below Yokozuna, which is the pinnacle of the sumo ranking system. "salary holdings" or "possession wages"). The Banzuke lists the wrestlers’ ranks, names, stables, and more in a hierarchical order based on their performance and Sumo is practised as an amateur sport, with participants in college, high school, and grade school in Japan. Higher ranks come with higher responsibilities and expectations, but also greater privileges, particularly financially. A general rule in attaining Ozeki status is winning 33 bouts over three consecutive tournaments while ranked from the sanyaku (see graphic below). [7] 17: The Sumo Association officially announces Terunofuji's retirement. The following is an alphabetical list of all active professional sumo wrestlers in the top makuuchi division, and all those currently in lower divisions who have a Wikipedia article. They last for 15 days, featuring daily bouts where sumo wrestlers climb the ranks (or fall). In recent years, a wave of Mongolians has usurped sumo’s highest ranks, including four Grand Champions, Asashoryu, Hakuho, Harumafuji, and Kakuryu. After finishing as the runner-up at the November 2024 tournament, Hōshōryū won his second top-division title in January 2025 and was promoted to professional sumo's highest rank, becoming the 74th yokozuna. Aug 30, 2023 · The release of the September grand sumo tournament rankings on Monday morning came alongside in-person news conferences at three stables in the Tokyo area. 8K subscribers Subscribed Yokozuna (横綱) is the highest rank in sumo. Other links to sumo wrestling are available as well. Understand sumo’s hierarchy and what it takes to become a grand champion. For more information see kachi-koshi and make-koshi. Jan 10, 2023 · The New Year basho kicked off in Ryōgoku, Tokyo, on January 8. For more information, see kachi-koshi and make-koshi. In line with tradition, only men practice the sport professionally in Japan. Sumo originated Jul 10, 2025 · Sumo is a traditional Japanese form of wrestling where two opponents attempt to force each other out of a circular ring or to touch the ground with any body part other than the soles of their feet. Includes all current active rikishi, historical match results from 1958. This easy guide to sumo rules helps first-time viewers make sense of what’s really happening in the ring. A makuuchi match with the 69th yokozuna Hakuhō beating Dejima as the 68th yokozuna Asashōryū watches in the background Makuuchi (幕内), or makunouchi (幕の内), is the top division of the six divisions of professional sumo. List of yokozuna Yokozuna is the highest rank of sumo wrestling. A wrestler who is not yet ranked, or has fallen off the banzuke due to It is his 13th absence in 21 tournaments at sumo's highest rank. NOTE: C=Top Division Championship, O=Outstanding Performance Award, F=Fighting Spirit Prize, T=Technique Prize Master Master Futagoyama Masataka <iin> Duels: Sumo - Leaderboard You are using an out of date browser. There are also some promising sumo athletes from Russia, Eastern Europe, and Egypt who have added to sumo’s international reputation. In addition to the new wrestlers the division tends to consist of other recent recruits to sumo wrestling as well as some older wrestlers who have fallen to the Sumo wrestlers train relentlessly to advance through the ranks and compete at the highest level in the sport. Elder Ranks: rijichō (chief director) riji (director) fuku-riji (vice director) yakuin taigu Jonidan (序二段) is the fifth highest division. Daily basho results Sumo standings Basho schedule Sumo rankings Basho reports (Note: Results are shown as won, lost and rest days) << Previous basho rankings Jun 30, 2025 · Discover the sumo ranking system — learn how wrestlers rise from Maegashira to Yokozuna. Before entering Pro Sumo, he won a national sumo title, becoming an amateur “yokozuna”, which allowed him to skip most of the lower Pro Sumo ranks, and he entered his Pro team as the highest-ranked member. It is written out in calligraphy and usually released on the Monday 13 days prior to the first day of the tournament. In this article we would like to introduce why sumo wrestling is so charming as well as explain the rules as simply as we can! This is to represent the rank and experience of the Sumo wrestlers. However, the wrestlers are still considered to be in training, receiving Hōshōryū won his first title in the top division in July 2023, which subsequently promoted him to the rank of ōzeki. From sandanme he is allowed a better quality of dress, most notably he no longer needs to wear geta on his feet and can wear a form of overcoat over his yukata. The sport at this level is stripped of most of the ceremony. This was no ordinary grand sumō tournament, though: A severe lack of top-ranked wrestlers made it the first in 125 years to feature A Gyoji (行司) is a referee in professional sumo wrestling in Japan. There is a separate rank structure for sumo elders, or oyakata. For instance, Kotoshoho, who celebrated his 26th birthday on August 26, was the 15th-ranked maegashira at the 2025 Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament, which ended on July 27. It represents the highest rank a wrestler can achieve by continuously making a kachi-koshi (a winning record in the tournament) in tournaments. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Sumo (Japanese: 相撲)) is a form of competitive full-contact wrestling where a rikishi (wrestler) attempts to force his opponent out of a circular ring (dohyo) or into touching the ground with any body part other than the soles of his feet (usually by throwing, shoving or pushing him down). Sumo wrestlers are ranked according to their skill and experience, with the highest rank being yokozuna. Aug 4, 2020 · The rank of a sumo wrestler doesn’t only predict his skill level, but it also tells how much sumo wrestlers earn. Here are the rankings for the top 2 tiers and some notes/observations: MakuuchI (top tier):Yokozuna-TerunofujiOzeki-Kotozakura (November Champion), Hoshoryu, OnosatoSekiwake-Wakamotoharu, DaisiehoKomusubi-Abi May 28, 2025 · Onosato, 24, is the first Japanese sumo wrestler to achieve the rank of yokozuna, or grand champion, in years, and he's vowed not to "disgrace the title. You are only able to take three Yo-kai and one Yo-kai Watch Master with you into battles. ) Dohyo - The sumo ring. They’re divided by ability into 10 ranks. There are normally between 40 and 45 active gyoji at all times. [1] Wrestlers who went on to be promoted to yokozuna are News on Japan, Business News, Opinion, Sports, Entertainment and More Jun 29, 2023 · Sumo wrestling data 1957-2023. The term can also refer to the rankings themselves. He was the top wrestler at the 15-day meet, compiling a 13-2 record and winning his first Emperor's Cup The ozeki (大関), or champion rank, is immediately below yokozuna in the ranking system. The most successful amateur wrestlers in Japan (usually college champions) can be allowed to enter professional sumo at makushita (third It wasn’t until the Edo period that professional sumo wrestlers emerged from the ranks of amateurs and regular competitions began to take place. Even How can you tell the differences in sumo ranks? Salary, hairstyle, clothing, footwear, belt, attendants, meals, etc. A complete guide for foreign readers. banzuke, sumo banzuke, sumo rankings, makuuchi division, sumo hierarchy, sumo rank system, banzuke meaning, san’yaku ranks, sumo wrestling ranks, yokozuna, ozeki, sumo tournament ranking, sumo promotion, sumo demotion, historical banzuke Jun 30, 2025 · Master sumo's complex ranking system from beginner to grand champion. banzuke-gai Outsider to the list. There are currently a little over 40 active gyoji with an average of one in each sumo stable, though some stables have more than one and some have no gyoji. The five highest ranks are called Makunouchi, or Top Division. Makushita, literally means "below (shita) the curtain (maku). Mawashi - The belt that rikishi wear. The document is normally released about two weeks before the tournament begins. Feb 9, 2025 · Learn how sumo wrestlers are ranked from *yokozuna* to *jonokuchi* based on their performance and skill. Grand Sumo tournaments last for 15 Makuuchi (幕内), or makunouchi (幕の内), is the top division of the six divisions of professional sumo. Kyokai Information Information Kyokai Members List home > Matches & Topics > Banzuke Information > Grand Sumo Tournament Banzuke Matches Information Matches & Results Tournament Records 2025 September Grand Sumo Tournament:Day 8 Tournament Leaders Day 8 Makuuchi Division Leader Juryo Division Leader Makushita Division Leader Sep 10, 2025 · Professional sumo is one of the harshest environments in sports. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Jonokuchi The lowest rank in sumo wrestling is Jonokuchi. Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted. This is your current Watch Master and front three Yo-kai. Sep 9, 2025 · Mongolian sumo wrestler Hoshoryu (C) celebrates at his stable in Tokyo on Jan. Basically,juryo and makuuchi rikishi are moved up one position for each win and down one position for each loss. " Dec 31, 2020 · What is the lowest rank in sumo wrestling? Wrestler’s begin their careers in the lowest rank, jonokuchi. (Also sekitori for sumo wrestlers in the Juryo division or above, and sumotori for sumo wrestlers at the top ranks of the upper division. It has a maximum of 42 rikishi. The sumo ranking system is divided into several levels, with the topmost being the “Yokozuna,” followed by other ranks such as “Ozeki,” “Sekiwake,” “Komusubi,” and Ranks are the titles sumo wrestlers hold to show how good they did relitave to there rank last tournament THIS PART IS REAL well, every sumo starts at a division known as MAE-ZUMO. In the Makuuchi Banzuke division, which is the top division, the history can be traced back to the 18th century. Promotion to sekiwake depends on either a What are rikishi ranks based on? A rikishi s rank is based solely on the number of his wins in the tournament preceding. Jonokuchi (序ノ口 or 序の口) is the lowest sumo division. Sumo (相撲, sumō) is a Japanese style of wrestling and Japan's national sport. Then there is the iin taigu toshiyori, which are some toshiyori that have iin priviledges. The lower divisions are shown on their Sumo began to take its present form in the 18th century, as commercial tournaments were organized across the country. To date just 72 men have attained the status since it was first created in the late 1700s. These Sumo are still working their way up the ranks and therefore have fewer privileges. Before diving into the numbers, it’s essential to understand the hierarchy within the world of sumo wrestling. For fans, the banzuke is a snapshot of the sumo landscape, telling the story of who is on the rise, who is holding steady, and who is facing challenges. Heya: A building used to house and train rikishi. Then you have the lowest “normal” rank, which is Toshiyori. Wrestlers are also ranked within each division. As of September 2025 it has 18 active sumo wrestlers. Aug 31, 2025 · About two weeks before the start of the next basho, a ranking of the competitors (rikishi) will be released by the Japan sumo elders–the new “banzuke”. It originated in ancient times as a performance to entertain the Shinto deities. Jul 28, 2025 · Who is the greatest sumo wrestler of all time? Japan’s six-tournament calendar has produced many dominant rikishi, but only a handful combined sustained Sep 11, 2025 · The 10 Heaviest Sumo Wrestlers Of All-Time Here, we’ll take a look at the 10 largest Sumo wrestlers on record. It is a sumo arena that exists in the Yo-kai World. This level represents the first break point in the treatment a wrestler receives as he rises up the ranks. Basho: A sumo tournament. This is the only division that is featured on standard NHK's live coverage of sumo tournaments. 2025 September Grand Sumo Tournament:Day 9 2025 September Grand Sumo Tournament Champions Information will be posted as soon as the update. 🌀 Sumo isn’t Mar 2, 1999 · Rankings for the Past Year Maegashira #8 November Maegashira #8 January Juryo #3 March Maegashira #14 May Maegashira #10 July Maegashira #11 September Debut November, 2018 Juryo Debut November, 2022 Makuuchi Debut November, 2023 Highest Rank Maegashira #8 A sumo gyōji, the 33rd Kimura Shōnosuke [ja], in full traditional dress A gyōji (行司; lit. The lowest is the rehired consultants after they reach 65 years of age. Aug 11, 2025 · Master the sumo banzuke ranking system with our comprehensive guide. He made his debut in January 2020 and currently wrestles for Futagoyama stable. A simple winning record as the No. " In the current system, there are 120 wrestlers in the division (60 ranked on the East and 60 on the West side of the banzuke). The highest of the six sumo divisions is makuuchi. By familiarizing ourselves with the various ranks and the requirements for promotion, we can gain a deeper insight into the rich history and traditions of sumo wrestling. Sumo tournaments (basho) take place in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Sep 21, 2018 · Yokozuna is the highest rank in sumo. Find out where and how to watch a live sumo match in Tokyo, perfect for first-time visitors to Japan! This is a list of all active gyoji (referees), currently employed by the Japan Sumo Association. Futagoyama Stable NOTE: The title appearing under the coaching name indicates the individual's position in the Nihon Sumo Kyokai. This system is called rikishi hōshōkin (力士褒賞金), and it is based on a personal bounty held by each wrestler called mochikyūkin (持ち給金; lit. Prior to the creation of the juryo division, this division was only one below the top most makuuchi division (meaning inside the curtain). You should upgrade or use an alternative browser. On the banzuke, wrestlers are 6 days ago · Happy days are here again for Japan's traditional sport, with overseas fans packing sumo arenas, turning the centuries-old ritual into a must-see global spectacle. Yokozuna is the highest rank in sumo. Technically there must always be a minimum of two ozeki on the banzuke, one on the east side and one on the west. Unlike (ではなく) wrestlers in lower ranks, a yokozuna can’t be demoted, but he will be expected to retire when his performance begins to worsen (悪化する). Without further ado, here are the biggest wrestlers the sport has seen. While such men cannot be demoted due to a mediocre performance, they are expected to retire if they are not able to uphold the demanding standards of their position. 3 days ago · Kitanowaka spent about three years in the sekitori ranks, with a few top-division appearances, before his January injury, and looks to be fit again, so he has to be one of the favorites. Jan 1, 2025 · 🏆 What Is a Grand Sumo Tournament? Each year, six official tournaments known as honbasho are held throughout Japan. As happens roughly every two months, the Japan Sumo Association adjusted the ranks of all 600 or so wrestlers in the organization ahead of the Feb 26, 2025 · The release of every new 'banzuke,' or ranking list, signals the imminent arrival of the next official tournament — and the latest has some striking changes. 1 or 2 maegashira is often all that is required. Please refer to professional sumo divisions for more information about the separate divisions. 'striking one another')[1] is a form of competitive full-contact wrestling where a rikishi (wrestler) attempts to force his opponent out of a circular ring (dohyō) or into touching the ground with any body part other than the soles of his feet (usually by throwing, shoving or pushing him down). The big ginkgo leaf (oitcho) hairstyle： Sekitori do their hair in the big ginkgo leaf style, toriteki do theirs in a simple topknot. Professional sumo as administered by the Japan Sumo Association is divided into six ranked divisions. honbasho is technically correct, but everyone uses basho so who Oct 13, 1991 · Prepare for The Grand Sumo Tournament by exploring the traditions and techniques that define Japanese Sumo wrestling. #Sumo #GrandSumo #wrestling #japan #yokozuna #Tokyo #basho # Futagoyama stable (二子山部屋, Futagoyama-beya) is a stable of sumo wrestlers, part of the Dewanoumi ichimon or group of stables. The five divisions in Makuuchi all compete in tournaments together. Also, the rikishi try to use their skill to force an opponent to touch the ground with anything other than the soles of his feet. Find out the requirements, responsibilities, earnings, and evolution of sumo ranks. The lower divisions are shown on BS satellite coverage, with only the makuuchi being broadcast bilingually. The World of Sumo: Status, Income, and Health Realities Explore Sumo's rich traditions, financial dynamics, and the health impact on its wrestlers. Mar 28, 2025 · With the traditional post-tournament rankings meeting now in the books. It is also practised at community level in some rural areas and in universities. Once a Yo-kai is at low HP, you Feb 19, 2025 · Sumo Rankings Explained The 29-year-old Terunofuji won his debut tourney at the sport's highest rank and will now shoulder alone the extreme expectations placed on yokozuna. The gyoji have a structure of ranks that follows the wrestlers' rankings, however, promotions are mostly based on seniority and Hi, I was wondering. Sumo wrestlers stand out – not just for their size and power, but for their unique clothing and hairstyles. All the makuuchi wrestlers who are not ranked in san'yaku are ranked as maegashira, numbered from one at the top downwards. Mar 30, 2024 · Discover the true heart of sumo wrestling: its sacred rituals, ranking system, and rich cultural significance in Japanese tradition. By 2020, over 250 wrestlers have been promoted to the rank of ōzeki throughout the entire history of the sport. The term is believed to derive from guarding the ozeki (大関 or 関) at his side (脇). Aug 11, 2025 · Dropping in rank can lead to tougher paths back to the top, and for lower-ranked wrestlers, it can mean falling out of the salaried divisions altogether. In a sanctioned competition, consists of seven or fifteen bouts held over a two week period. The following is a rough guide to the ranking categories of Sumo. Until then, yokozuna was merely a licence given to certain ōzeki to perform the dohyō-iri ceremony. The top of the heap is called yokozuna. some actually start at a special rank in the division of MAKUSHUTA known as MAKUSHITA-TSUKEDASHI. Many rituals with religious background, such as the symbolic purification of the ring with salt, are still followed today. sumo banzuke, Japanese wrestling rankings, sumo hierarchy system, yokozuna ranking, ozeki promotion, sumo divisions explained, banzuke structure, sumo ranking rules, sekitori status, makuuchi division, juryo Aug 11, 2025 · Learn how the banzuke works, its history, ranking rules, and why it matters in professional sumo. Apr 24, 2025 · The Sumo Wrestling Vocabulary Guide Wrestlers are known as rikishi and are organized according to rank. Makuuchi Reaching makuuchi is the dream of all professional sumo wrestlers. It was not always the strongest ozeki but those with the most influential patrons who Discover the latest updates on the September Grand Sumo Tournament banzuke and immerse yourself in sumo's rich history and culture. Jūryō wrestlers, along with their makuuchi counterparts, are the only professional sumo wrestlers who compete in a full fifteen bouts per official tournament. OTHER TERMS banzuke List of sumo wrestlers according to rank for a particular grand tournament, reflecting changes in rank due to the results of the previous tournament. The coveted yokozuna title is the highest rank of the makuuchi division. Yokozuna are symbols of sumo, expected to lead not just in tournaments but in the sumo world overall. Jun 9, 2015 · Matches generally progress from lowly ranked wrestlers to highly ranked as the day goes on. Until the yokozuna rank was introduced, ozeki was the highest rank attainable. 30, respectively 10, in the morning). Find out how wrestlers are promoted and demoted, and what are the privileges and challenges of each division. Aug 13, 2013 · Banzuke: An ordered list of men fighting up through the ranks of professional Sumo; a ranking sheet. The banzuke from the January 2012 tournament A banzuke (番付), officially called banzuke-hyō (番付表) is a document listing the rankings of professional sumo wrestlers published before each official tournament (honbasho). Yet many toil away in the sport's lower-tier divisions for years or even decades. This is the Maegashira (前頭) is the lowest of five ranks in the top makuuchi division. Gyoji usually enter the sumo world as teenagers and remain employees of the Sumo Association until they retire aged 65. Every piece of clothing reflects a wrestler’s rank, from the simple cotton yukata of junior wrestlers to the ceremonial keshō-mawashi of top-ranked sekitori. Sumo wrestlers, or “rikishi,” are ranked according to their performance and experience. [8] Sumo wrestlers ranked in the divisions below jūryō are considered to be in training and receive a small allowance instead of a salary. Wrestlers are promoted and demoted within and between these divisions based on the merit of their win–loss records in official tournaments. Originally there were no official referees in Komusubi (小結, komusubi) literally means "the little knot", the knot referring to the match-up between two wrestlers. So yes, sumo wrestlers, if you make the top ranks, you get a lot of cash. 29, 2025, following his promotion to the sport's highest rank of yokozuna, or grand champion. 55 metres in diameter. All of these and more (see below) are determined based on rank. All wrestlers, apart from those who have had successful amateur careers and are given special dispensation to enter makushita or sandanme directly, start in this division. I will release a new chart at this point, which shows the last two completed tournaments plus the banzuke ranking of the rikishi for the new tournament. The rope is similar to the shimenawa used to mark off sacred areas in Shinto, and like the shimenawa it serves to purify and mark off its content. Yokozuna is the only permanent rank in sumo. Jun 10, 2023 · Learn about the 5 ranks in the top Makuuchi division and the 6 divisions in professional sumo wrestling. Sep 12, 2025 · Every sumo wrestler wants to ascend to the top. lpxlhvz mxxlks iym tjsr fkjnhgco tjogs dwlotg wrze potie jpgc