π What You'll Learn
- All major sumo ranks from jonokuchi to yokozuna
- Tournament structure, schedule terms, and bout terminology
- Winning techniques (kimarite) β including grip positions and video demonstrations
- Ring, equipment, training, ceremony, and food vocabulary
This glossary covers commonly used terms. Some terms may have additional nuances in specific contexts. For official information, refer to the Japan Sumo Association.
π Ranks & Titles
The sumo ranking system is one of the sport's most distinctive features. For a detailed explanation of how promotion and demotion work, see our complete guide to sumo ranks.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Yokozuna | Grand Champion β the highest rank in sumo. Once achieved, a yokozuna cannot be demoted but is expected to retire if performance declines. See our yokozuna list |
| Ozeki | Champion β the second-highest rank. An ozeki who posts a losing record is placed on probation (kadoban) |
| Sekiwake | Junior Champion β the third-highest rank and the last of the san'yaku titled positions |
| Komusubi | The fourth-highest rank and the entry-level san'yaku position. Extremely difficult to maintain |
| San'yaku | Collective term for the three titled ranks below yokozuna: ozeki, sekiwake, and komusubi |
| Maegashira | Rank-and-file wrestlers in the top division (makuuchi), numbered from 1 (highest) to about 17 |
| Makuuchi | The top division of professional sumo, consisting of 42 wrestlers including yokozuna, san'yaku, and maegashira |
| Juryo | The second division β the lowest in which wrestlers are considered sekitori (salaried professionals). Contains 28 wrestlers |
| Sekitori | A salaried professional wrestler β anyone ranked in juryo or above. They receive monthly salary, personal attendants, and silk mawashi |
| Makushita | Third division β the highest of the unsalaried ranks. Promotion from makushita to juryo is the most significant career milestone |
| Sandanme | Fourth division β below makushita |
| Jonidan | Fifth division β the second-lowest rank |
| Jonokuchi | The lowest division β where all new professional wrestlers begin their career |
| Banzuke | The official ranking list published before each tournament, handwritten in an elaborate calligraphic style |
| Shikona | A wrestler's ring name (fighting name), usually chosen to evoke strength, nature, or the wrestler's stable lineage |
| Kadoban | Probation status for an ozeki who posted a losing record. If they lose again, they are demoted |
| Gyoji | The referee who officiates bouts on the dohyo, dressed in elaborate traditional robes |
| Shinpan | Ringside judges β five senior officials who sit around the dohyo and can dispute the gyoji's decision |
| Yobidashi | Tournament attendants who call wrestlers to the ring, build the dohyo, and perform various ceremonial duties |
| Tokoyama | The hairdressers who style wrestlers' traditional topknots (chonmage and oicho) |
ποΈ Tournament Terms
Six official tournaments (honbasho) are held each year. For schedules and venue details, see our tournament schedule.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Honbasho | Official Grand Sumo Tournament β six are held annually (January, March, May, July, September, November), each lasting 15 days |
| Basho | General term for a tournament or "place." Often used as shorthand for honbasho |
| Torikumi | The day's schedule of bouts, or an individual bout/matchup |
| Tachiai | The initial charge β the explosive first contact at the start of a bout. One of the most critical moments in any match |
| Kensho | Prize money banners paraded around the ring before high-profile bouts, sponsored by companies. The winner collects the cash envelopes |
| Kachi-koshi | A winning record β more wins than losses in a tournament (minimum 8-7 in the top two divisions). Required for promotion |
| Make-koshi | A losing record β more losses than wins. Results in demotion on the next banzuke |
| Zensho-yusho | A perfect tournament championship β winning all 15 bouts without a single loss |
| Yusho | Tournament championship β awarded to the wrestler with the best record at the end of 15 days |
| Jun-yusho | Runner-up prize β awarded to the wrestler(s) finishing with the second-best record |
| Kinboshi | Gold star β awarded when a maegashira defeats a yokozuna. Each kinboshi adds a permanent bonus to the wrestler's pay |
| Sansho | Three special prizes awarded to outstanding maegashira: Outstanding Performance, Fighting Spirit, and Technique |
| Kettei-sen | Playoff bout(s) held when two or more wrestlers are tied for the lead after the final day |
| Mono-ii | A judges' conference called when a bout's result is disputed. Can result in the decision being upheld, reversed, or a rematch ordered |
| Torinaoshi | A rematch ordered when judges cannot determine a winner from the original bout |
| Fusensho / Fusenpai | Default win / default loss β awarded when an opponent withdraws due to injury or absence |
| Jungyo | Exhibition tour β regional tours held between official tournaments. Results do not affect rankings |
π₯ Techniques (Kimarite)
The Japan Sumo Association officially recognizes 82 kimarite (winning techniques), though only about a dozen are used regularly. For a deeper look, see our guide to sumo techniques.
Understanding Grip Positions
Before learning kimarite, it helps to understand how wrestlers grip the mawashi (belt). These grip positions determine which techniques are available.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Uwate | Overarm grip β the hand reaches over the opponent's arm to grab the mawashi. Written as "upper hand" (δΈζ) in Japanese |
| Shitate | Underarm grip β the hand reaches under the opponent's arm to grab the mawashi. Written as "lower hand" (δΈζ) |
| Migi-yotsu | Right inside grip β the wrestler's right hand has the underarm (shitate) position, with the left hand in overarm (uwate). A fundamental stance in belt sumo |
| Hidari-yotsu | Left inside grip β the wrestler's left hand has the underarm (shitate) position, with the right hand in overarm (uwate) |
Most Common Techniques
| Term | Type | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Yorikiri | Force-out | Frontal force-out β the most common kimarite (roughly 30% of all bouts). The attacker grips the opponent's mawashi and drives them out of the ring |
| Oshidashi | Push-out | Frontal push-out β pushing the opponent out without gripping the belt. The hands stay open, shoving the opponent's body |
| Hatakikomi | Pull-down | Slap-down β pulling or slapping the opponent down by their head or shoulder, typically hammering downward from above |
| Uwatenage | Throw | Overarm throw β using the uwate grip to throw the opponent sideways. The attacker opens their hips and swings the opponent to the ground |
| Shitatenage | Throw | Underarm throw β using the shitate grip to throw. The attacker pushes the opponent downward and sideways with the underarm hand |
| Yoritaoshi | Force-down | Frontal crush-out β driving the opponent while staying attached; if the opponent falls, it becomes yoritaoshi rather than yorikiri |
| Oshitaoshi | Push-down | Frontal push-down β pushing the opponent face-first to the clay |
| Tsukidashi | Thrust-out | Frontal thrust-out β driving the opponent out with rapid thrusting hand attacks while keeping the body in a firm position |
| Tsukiotoshi | Thrust-down | Thrust-down β pushing the opponent diagonally downward, causing them to fall. Distinct from hatakikomi in that the force goes sideways-downward |
| Kotenage | Throw | Arm-lock throw β wrapping one arm around the opponent's arm and bending it to throw them down. Midorifuji is known for this technique |
| Sukuinage | Throw | Scoop throw β releasing the belt grip and scooping from underneath the opponent's arm to throw them |
| Hikiotoshi | Pull-down | Hand pull-down β pulling the opponent down by their arm |
Throws & Twists
| Term | Type | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Kubinage | Throw | Neck throw β wrapping one arm around the opponent's neck and throwing them down. Often used when the attacker cannot get a belt grip |
| Koshinage | Throw | Hip throw β placing the hip against the opponent's stomach and lifting to throw. Similar to a judo hip throw but rare in sumo because of the weight involved |
| Uwatehineri | Twist | Overarm twist β using the uwate grip to twist the opponent's arm downward with the elbow, forcing them to the ground |
| Shitatehineri | Twist | Underarm twist β twisting the opponent down using the shitate grip. The reverse direction of uwatehineri |
| Harimanage | Throw | Backward-leaning body drop β with the opponent's head low, the attacker wraps an arm around from the outside and throws. A rare and spectacular technique most often seen from tall wrestlers with long arms |
Rear Techniques & Other Notable Kimarite
| Term | Type | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Okuridashi | Rear | Rear push-out β getting behind the opponent and pushing them out of the ring |
| Okurinage | Rear | Rear throw β grabbing the opponent from behind and throwing them down |
| Okuritaoshi | Rear | Rear push-down β getting behind the opponent, leaning weight on their back, and making them collapse forward |
| Utchari | Reversal | Backward pivot throw β a dramatic last-ditch reversal at the ring's edge. The wrestler being pushed out twists and throws their opponent down first. When the opponent's hips rise during an attack, the defender can twist from either side of the back |
| Kekaeshi | Leg | Kick-back trip β hooking the opponent's leg with a kick to make them collapse. Only works in specific situations at the ring's edge |
| Ketaguri | Leg | Pulling inside leg trip β kicking the opponent's leg while pulling them off balance. Occurs when a wrestler grabs the opponent's leg and forces their hand to touch the ground |
| Tsuriotoshi | Lift | Frontal lifting body slam β lifting the opponent off the ground by the mawashi and slamming them down. A spectacular and physically demanding technique |
| Tsuridashi | Lift | Lift-out β gripping the opponent's mawashi, lifting them off their feet, and carrying them out of the ring |
| Henka | Evasion | A sidestepping move at the initial charge to dodge the opponent. Considered unsportsmanlike by many fans and wrestlers, though technically legal |
Non-Technique Outcomes & Key Terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Kimarite | The officially recognized winning technique used to decide a bout. 82 are classified by the Japan Sumo Association |
| Isamiashi | Not a kimarite β a non-technique loss where the advancing wrestler accidentally steps out of the ring before the retreating opponent touches down |
| Kinjite | Forbidden moves β illegal techniques including grabbing the opponent's topknot (mage), punching with a closed fist, or poking the eyes. A kinjite results in automatic disqualification |
| Matta-nashi | "No more waiting" β once the time limit is reached (4 minutes for makuuchi, 3 minutes for juryo, 2 minutes for makushita and below), wrestlers must charge without further delay |
| Hakkeyoi | The shout from the gyoji (referee) urging wrestlers to keep fighting with vigor. Essentially means "put your spirit into it" |
π¬ Watch: Kimarite Explained by Isegahama-beya Wrestlers
Wrestlers from Isegahama-beya (one of sumo's most prestigious stables) demonstrate and explain key winning techniques in this excellent video. Seeing the moves performed makes them much easier to recognize during live broadcasts.
Source: δΌε’γΆζ΅ι¨ε± SUMO β featuring Suzunofuji, Satoru Fuji, and Mimurodake demonstrating techniques during the Spring Tournament (Haru Basho).
β©οΈ Ring & Equipment
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Dohyo | The raised clay ring where bouts take place. Approximately 4.55 meters in diameter, bounded by rice-straw bales. Considered a sacred space in the Shinto tradition |
| Tawara | Rice-straw bales partially embedded in the clay surface of the dohyo to mark its boundary |
| Mawashi | The belt (loincloth) worn by wrestlers during bouts. Top-division wrestlers wear silk mawashi in various colors; lower divisions wear dark cotton |
| Kesho-mawashi | Decorative ceremonial apron worn by top-division wrestlers during the ring-entering ceremony. Often elaborately embroidered and sponsored by supporters |
| Tsuna | The thick braided rope worn by a yokozuna during the ring-entering ceremony. Can weigh up to around 20 kg and is handmade from hemp |
| Gunbai | War fan carried by the gyoji (referee) to signal decisions. Historically a military command fan used by samurai generals |
| Sagari | Stiffened strings hanging from the front of the mawashi during bouts. Top-division wrestlers' sagari are stiffened with a paste; lower divisions use limp strings |
| Chonmage | The traditional topknot hairstyle worn by all professional sumo wrestlers. Top-division wrestlers wear a more elaborate style called oicho |
| Oicho | The fan-shaped topknot worn by sekitori during bouts and formal occasions, resembling a ginkgo leaf |
ποΈ Training & Daily Life
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Heya | A sumo stable β the training establishment where wrestlers live, train, and eat together under a shisho (stable master). There are typically 40-50 active stables. See: Futagoyama Stable |
| Shisho | Stable master β the head of a heya, responsible for training, discipline, and development of all wrestlers in the stable |
| Keiko | Training or practice. Morning training sessions are the core of a wrestler's daily routine |
| Butsukari-geiko | A practice drill where one wrestler repeatedly charges at a senior wrestler who absorbs and redirects the impact |
| Sanban-geiko | Consecutive practice bouts between two wrestlers, one of the most important training methods |
| Degeiko | Training visit to another stable β wrestlers occasionally visit other stables to practice against different opponents |
| Shiko | The fundamental sumo exercise: high leg raises followed by powerful ground stomps. Builds hip flexibility, leg strength, and balance |
| Teppo | Pillar-striking exercise β wrestlers repeatedly strike a wooden pillar with open palms to build arm and shoulder strength |
| Matawari | The full box split β a flexibility exercise essential for sumo. Wrestlers work toward pressing their chest flat to the ground in a straddle position |
π Ceremony & Ritual
Sumo is deeply rooted in Shinto tradition. For more detail, see our guide to sumo ceremonies.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Dohyo-iri | Ring-entering ceremony β the formal procession of wrestlers onto the dohyo before bouts begin. Yokozuna have their own elaborate solo ceremony |
| Shiranui / Unryu | The two styles of yokozuna ring-entering ceremony, distinguished by how the tsuna is tied and the arm movements performed |
| Chirichozu | The hand-clapping ritual performed before a bout β clapping, extending arms, and turning palms up to show no concealed weapons |
| Shikiri | The pre-bout ritual of crouching, glaring, and stretching at the starting lines before the tachiai. Repeated several times to build tension |
| Dohyo matsuri | The ring-purification ceremony held before each tournament, involving prayers and the burial of offerings inside the dohyo |
| Danpatsu-shiki | The retirement hair-cutting ceremony β guests take turns snipping the wrestler's topknot, with the stable master making the final cut |
| Kachi-agari | The ritual dance-like performance by a yokozuna at the end of the ring-entering ceremony, involving rhythmic foot stamping |
π² Food & Culture
Food plays a central role in sumo life. Read more in our chanko nabe guide and sumo diet article.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Chanko | General term for food prepared and eaten in a sumo stable. Often used as shorthand for chanko-nabe |
| Chanko-nabe | The hearty hot-pot stew that serves as the staple meal for sumo wrestlers β packed with protein, vegetables, and carbs |
| Chanko-ban | The wrestler(s) on cooking duty in the stable. Usually a lower-ranked wrestler who learns to cook for the entire stable |
| Chirashi | A type of chanko-nabe flavored with soy sauce and dashi |
π Recommended Books
For deeper exploration of sumo terminology and culture, these books are excellent resources.
π Sumo & Japanese Language Books on Amazon
- Sumo wrestling books in English β Comprehensive guides to the sport's history, rules, and culture
- Japanese sports vocabulary books β Helpful for learning the language behind the sport
- Sumo history books β Deep dives into the centuries-long evolution of the sport
As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability subject to change.
β Frequently Asked Questions
What does "yokozuna" mean in sumo?
Yokozuna literally means "horizontal rope" and refers to the thick braided rope (tsuna) worn around the waist by the highest-ranked wrestler during the ring-entering ceremony. It is the highest rank in professional sumo. Once a wrestler is promoted to yokozuna, they cannot be demoted β though they are expected to retire if their performance declines significantly. Learn more in our guide to sumo ranks.
How many official sumo winning techniques (kimarite) are there?
The Japan Sumo Association officially recognizes 82 kimarite (winning techniques). Additionally, there are five recognized non-technique wins (such as default or disqualification). In practice, only about a dozen techniques are used regularly, with yorikiri (frontal force-out) being the most common at roughly 30% of all bouts. See our techniques guide for details on the most important ones.
What is the difference between a basho and a honbasho?
Basho is a general term meaning "place" or "tournament." Honbasho specifically refers to one of the six official Grand Sumo Tournaments held annually, where results count toward wrestler rankings. There are also jungyo (exhibition tours) and other unofficial events that are sometimes informally called basho but do not affect rankings.
What does "chanko-nabe" mean?
Chanko-nabe is the hearty stew that serves as the staple meal for sumo wrestlers. "Chanko" broadly refers to food prepared and eaten in a sumo stable, while "nabe" means "pot" or "hot pot." The stew typically contains large quantities of protein (chicken, fish, tofu) and vegetables cooked in a dashi-based broth. Read more in our guide to the sumo wrestler diet.
What is the dohyo in sumo?
The dohyo is the raised clay platform on which sumo bouts take place. It features a circle approximately 4.55 meters in diameter marked by rice-straw bales (tawara) partially embedded in the surface. The dohyo is considered a sacred space in the Shinto tradition and is ritually purified before each tournament in a ceremony called dohyo matsuri. See our ceremony guide for more.