F3 / Primer
How sumo works
Two wrestlers face each other in a clay ring 4.55m across. Whoever forces the other out, or down to anything other than the soles of his feet, wins. Most matches end in seconds. Six tournaments a year, 15 days each, ranks visibly cycle every two months.
The match
- Win condition A Force any part of your opponent's body - except the soles of his feet - to touch the dohyō (the clay ring).
- Win condition B Force your opponent out of the dohyō. Stepping out, falling out, or being thrown out all count.
- Illegal moves Striking with a closed fist, hair pulling, eye-gouging, kicking the chest or higher, choking. Also: grabbing the mawashi (belt) directly over the groin.
- Match length Often under 10 seconds. Multi-minute battles are exceptional. There is no time limit, but stalling is penalized.
- Tournament format Six bashos per year, 15 days each. Each Makuuchi wrestler fights once per day - 15 bouts. Most wins takes the yusho.
Ranks (top division)
| 横綱 | Yokozuna Grand Champion | The highest rank. Once attained, it cannot be lost - only retired. Yokozuna are expected to win or contend for the yusho every basho. |
| 大関 | Ozeki Champion | Second-highest rank. Can be demoted after consecutive losing tournaments (kadoban). Promotion typically requires ~33 wins over three bashos at sanyaku. |
| 関脇 | Sekiwake Junior Champion | Promotion from here is the gateway to Ozeki. |
| 小結 | Komusubi Junior Champion 2nd | Lowest sanyaku rank. Holders face all the top wrestlers - the toughest schedule outside of yokozuna duty. |
| 前頭 | Maegashira Rank-and-file | Numbered 1 through ~17. The bulk of Makuuchi. Maegashira 1 fights yokozuna and ozeki on opening days. |
The cast
力士
Rikishi
The wrestler. Top-division rikishi are sekitori - salaried professionals.
行司
Gyōji
The referee. Wears elaborate court robes; calls the match and points his gunbai (war fan) toward the winner.
呼出
Yobidashi
The announcer. Sings each rikishi's name and tends the dohyō between matches.
親方
Oyakata
The stablemaster - a retired wrestler who owns one of 105 kabu (toshiyori names). Trains the next generation.
部屋
Heya
The stable - where rikishi live, train, and eat. There are ~45 active heya, organized into 5 ichimon (factions).
横審
Yokozuna Council
Outside committee of 15 experts that recommends yokozuna promotions. Their approval is required for the rank.