Sumo Divisions - Maezumou

In professional sumo wrestling, wrestlers (rikishi) are ranked in a hierarchical division system known as "banzuke." The divisions reflect a rikishi's skill level and experience, with promotion and demotion between divisions determined by performance in official tournaments (basho).

Each division has its own significance, traditions, and privileges. A rikishi's goal is to rise through the divisions, with the ultimate dream of reaching the prestigious Makuuchi (top) division and eventually attaining the highest rank of Yokozuna.

The division rankings are updated after each basho based on winning or losing records. Rikishi with winning records (kachi-koshi) may be promoted, while those with losing records (make-koshi) risk demotion.

Makuuchi 幕内

Top division, featuring the highest-ranked wrestlers including Yokozuna and Ozeki

Juryo 十両

Second division, representing the entry into salaried professional status

Makushita 幕下

Third division, the highest among the unsalaried divisions

Sandanme 三段目

Fourth division, the middle tier of unsalaried wrestlers

Jonidan 序二段

Fifth division, typically featuring younger wrestlers still developing their skills

Jonokuchi 序ノ口

Lowest division, the entry point for most new professional wrestlers

Makuuchi (幕内) literally means "inside the curtain" and is the highest division in professional sumo. It consists of 42 wrestlers who compete in all 15 days of each tournament. The division includes the titled ranks of Yokozuna (grand champion), Ozeki (champion), Sekiwake (junior champion), and Komusubi (minor champion), collectively known as "sanyaku," as well as the rank-and-file Maegashira ranks.

Significance

Reaching Makuuchi is a significant achievement in a rikishi's career. These wrestlers are highly skilled and enjoy celebrity status in Japan. Only Makuuchi matches are televised daily during tournaments, and these rikishi receive the highest salaries and bonuses.

Traditions & Privileges

Only Makuuchi wrestlers perform the grand ring-entering ceremony (dohyo-iri) before the afternoon session
Entitled to have assistants (tsukebito) assigned to them from lower divisions
Receive monthly salaries and special prizes (sansho) for outstanding performance
Special kesho-mawashi (ceremonial aprons) worn during ring-entering ceremonies
Lower-ranked wrestlers must defer to them in the stable and during training

Juryo (十両) means "ten ryō" (a unit of currency in old Japan), referring to the salary these wrestlers once received. It is the second-highest division and consists of 28 wrestlers who compete in all 15 days of each tournament. Reaching Juryo is a critical milestone as it marks the entry into being a fully salaried professional (sekitori).

Significance

The promotion to Juryo is arguably the most significant in a rikishi's career, as it changes their lifestyle dramatically. Upon promotion, a ceremony called "Juryo-sandan-gamae" is performed, where the wrestler wears a kesho-mawashi for the first time and receives a sword as a symbol of his new status.

Traditions & Privileges

Perform their own ring-entering ceremony before Makuuchi wrestlers
Receive a monthly salary and tournament allowances
Entitled to have lower-ranked wrestlers as personal assistants (tsukebito)
Can wear the prestigious silk mawashi during tournaments
Have private quarters in the sumo stable rather than shared rooms
Not required to perform chores at the stable, unlike lower division wrestlers

Makushita (幕下) means "below the curtain," positioned just under the two premier divisions. It consists of approximately 120 wrestlers, with most competing in seven matches per tournament. The top division of the unsalaried ranks, Makushita represents the final hurdle before reaching sekitori status.

Significance

The Makushita division is highly competitive, as wrestlers are fighting for promotion to the salaried ranks. The uppermost ranks of Makushita (Makushita 1-5) are sometimes referred to as "Makushita-joi" and are particularly fierce, as a strong tournament performance here can result in promotion to Juryo.

Traditions & Restrictions

No separate ring-entering ceremony; instead participate in group ceremonies
Must wear cotton rather than silk mawashi during tournaments
Required to serve as assistants (tsukebito) to higher-ranked wrestlers
Must perform stable chores and assist with tournament operations
Often serve as practice partners for sekitori wrestlers
Receive only small allowances rather than salaries

Sandanme (三段目) means "third level" and is the middle division of the unsalaried ranks. It consists of approximately 200 wrestlers, each fighting seven matches per tournament. Many wrestlers in this division are still developing their techniques and building their physical strength.

Significance

Sandanme represents a critical development phase for wrestlers. While less prestigious than the divisions above it, consistency in Sandanme shows that a rikishi is establishing himself in the professional ranks and building toward higher levels.

Lifestyle & Training

Rigorous daily training with emphasis on fundamentals and technique development
Responsible for various chores around the stable, including cleaning and food preparation
May be assigned as assistants to sekitori wrestlers
Subject to strict discipline and the traditional sumo lifestyle
Typically share rooms with other low-ranked wrestlers in the stable
May work part-time at tournaments as ushers or other staff

Jonidan (序二段) means "beginning second level" and is the second-lowest division in professional sumo. It is the largest division, with approximately 200-250 wrestlers, each competing in seven matches per tournament. Many wrestlers here are young and still developing both physically and technically.

Significance

Jonidan is often a proving ground for new recruits who have moved up from Jonokuchi. Success in this division demonstrates that a wrestler has the basic skills and determination to pursue a professional sumo career, though they are still far from the upper echelons of the sport.

Daily Life

Intense physical conditioning and basic sumo technique training
Responsible for most of the daily chores in the stable
Strict adherence to the traditional sumo schedule (early morning practice, afternoon rest, etc.)
Limited personal freedom and rigorous discipline
Often assist with tournament operations
Typically the last to eat at mealtimes, after higher-ranked wrestlers have been served

Jonokuchi (序ノ口) means "beginning rank" and is the lowest division in professional sumo. It consists of approximately 40-50 wrestlers, each fighting seven matches per tournament. This division is the entry point for most new recruits and those returning from extended absences due to injury.

Significance

Jonokuchi represents the first step in a professional sumo career. Wrestlers in this division are learning the basics of the lifestyle and adapting to the rigorous training regimen. Most new recruits start here, though exceptional entrants with prior amateur sumo success may start at higher divisions.

Entry & Development

Most new recruits must meet minimum height (167 cm) and weight (67 kg) requirements
New recruits undergo a period called "maezumo" (pre-sumo) before their first tournament
Emphasis on learning stable traditions, etiquette, and basic techniques
Lowest priority in the stable hierarchy, responsible for serving and attending to higher-ranked wrestlers
Focus on gaining weight and building strength, often through specific diets and training
Participants often include very young wrestlers (sometimes as young as 15-16 years old)

Yokozuna 横綱

The highest rank in sumo, awarded to wrestlers who have demonstrated exceptional skill, consistency, and dignity. Yokozuna cannot be demoted; they must retire if their performance declines. They perform a special ring-entering ceremony with a sacred rope (tsuna) and have unique responsibilities as sumo's greatest ambassadors.

Ozeki 大関

The second-highest rank, requiring consistent excellent performance to achieve and maintain. Ozeki who perform poorly may be demoted, but they have a chance to retain their rank with a winning record in the following tournament (kadoban system). Promotion to Ozeki typically requires 33 or more wins over three consecutive tournaments.

Sekiwake 関脇

The third-highest rank, considered the gateway to Ozeki promotion. Sekiwake wrestlers who maintain this rank for multiple tournaments and achieve strong winning records are considered for Ozeki promotion. Unlike Yokozuna and Ozeki, there is no special promotion criteria or ceremony for Sekiwake.

Komusubi 小結

The fourth-highest rank, and the lowest of the titled "sanyaku" ranks. Komusubi wrestlers face particularly challenging tournament schedules, as they must compete against higher-ranked opponents. Maintaining this rank for consecutive tournaments is considered a significant achievement.

The sumo promotion and demotion system is based primarily on tournament results. After each tournament (basho), the Japan Sumo Association reviews each wrestler's performance and makes adjustments to the rankings for the next tournament.

Kachi-koshi & Make-koshi

The basic principle of the promotion system is achieving a winning record (kachi-koshi) or suffering a losing record (make-koshi):

Kachi-koshi: More wins than losses in a tournament (e.g., 8-7 in a 15-match tournament, 4-3 in a 7-match tournament)
Make-koshi: More losses than wins in a tournament

Generally, wrestlers with a kachi-koshi will be promoted or maintain their position, while those with make-koshi will be demoted.

Upper Division Promotion

Promotion to Juryo and Makuuchi follows more stringent criteria due to their prestigious status:

Promotion to Juryo: Usually requires a 5-2 or better record from the uppermost Makushita ranks
Promotion to Makuuchi: Typically requires a 10-5 or better record from Juryo
Ozeki Promotion: Generally requires 33+ wins over three consecutive tournaments as Sekiwake
Yokozuna Promotion: Requires winning two consecutive tournaments as Ozeki or equivalent performance

How many wrestlers are in each sumo division?

The approximate size of each division is:

Makuuchi: 42 wrestlers
Juryo: 28 wrestlers
Makushita: ~120 wrestlers
Sandanme: ~200 wrestlers
Jonidan: ~200-250 wrestlers
Jonokuchi: ~40-50 wrestlers

These numbers can vary slightly by tournament. The lower divisions are much larger than the upper divisions, creating a pyramid structure that becomes more competitive at each level.

Are there weight classes in sumo divisions?

No, sumo has no weight classes in any division. All wrestlers compete against opponents of similar rank regardless of their physical size. This is why larger wrestlers often have an advantage, though technique, leverage, and speed can allow smaller wrestlers to succeed. The lack of weight classes is one of sumo's distinctive features compared to other wrestling sports.

How long does it typically take to reach the top division?

The time required to reach Makuuchi varies greatly depending on talent, physical attributes, and training quality:

Exceptional talents: 2-3 years (very rare, usually with strong amateur backgrounds)
Strong prospects: 4-6 years
Average progression: 7-10 years
Slower development: 10+ years (many never reach Makuuchi)

Some exceptional wrestlers like Asashoryu and Hakuho reached Makuuchi in less than two years, while others may spend their entire careers in the lower divisions.

What happens if a wrestler is injured and cannot compete?

When a wrestler is injured and cannot compete:

They can submit a medical withdrawal (kyujo) before or during a tournament
All remaining matches are counted as losses
These losses affect their rank for the next tournament
A fully missed tournament typically results in demotion by several ranks
Yokozuna and Ozeki have special rules for absences
Extended absences can result in significant rank drops or even retirement recommendations

Can foreign wrestlers compete in all divisions?

Yes, foreign wrestlers (known as rikishi from outside Japan) can compete in all divisions, but with certain regulations:

Each stable can have only one foreign wrestler
The total number of foreign wrestlers is limited
Foreign wrestlers follow the same promotion/demotion system as Japanese wrestlers
Many top division champions in recent decades have been non-Japanese
Foreign wrestlers must adapt to Japanese culture and usually speak Japanese
Notable foreign Yokozuna have come from Mongolia, Hawaii, and other regions

Each sumo tournament (basho) lasts for 15 days, but the experience differs significantly across divisions. Higher divisions compete more frequently and with greater visibility than lower divisions.

Makuuchi & Juryo (Upper Divisions)

Match Schedule: Compete daily for all 15 days of the tournament
Total Matches: 15 matches per tournament
Winning Record: 8 or more wins (kachi-koshi)
Match Time: Afternoon and evening (Makuuchi), midday (Juryo)
Visibility: Televised and featured in newspapers
Special Prizes: Eligible for special prizes (sansho) for outstanding performance

Lower Divisions (Makushita and Below)

Match Schedule: Compete on 7 alternating days throughout the tournament
Total Matches: 7 matches per tournament
Winning Record: 4 or more wins (kachi-koshi)
Match Time: Early morning and before noon
Visibility: Limited audience, rarely televised or reported
Special Treatment: None; standard tournament processing

Typical Tournament Day Schedule

Time	Activity	Divisions
8:00 AM	Jonokuchi, Jonidan, and Sandanme matches begin	Lower divisions
10:00 AM	Makushita matches begin	Makushita
2:00 PM	Juryo ring-entering ceremony and matches	Juryo
3:45 PM	Makuuchi ring-entering ceremony	Makuuchi
4:00 PM	Makuuchi matches begin	Makuuchi
6:00 PM	Tournament day concludes	All