Sumo Wrestling Glossary

A comprehensive A-Z guide to the Japanese terminology used in Grand Sumo. Whether you are new to the sport or a seasoned fan, this glossary covers the essential words you will encounter when following professional sumo wrestling.

B C D F G H J K M O R S T Y Z

B

Basho
A Grand Sumo Tournament. Six are held each year in odd-numbered months (January, March, May, July, September, November), each lasting 15 days. Follow the current basho on the predictions page.
Banzuke
The official ranking list published before each tournament, listing all wrestlers by rank. East side is considered slightly senior to West. See the Sumo Ranks Guide for a full breakdown of the ranking hierarchy, or view the current banzuke.

C

Chanko (Chanko-nabe)
The hearty stew that is the staple diet of sumo wrestlers, typically containing meat, fish, vegetables, and tofu cooked in a large pot.

D

Dohyo
The raised clay ring where sumo bouts take place. It is 4.55 meters (about 15 feet) in diameter and raised about 66 cm (26 inches) high.
Dohyo-iri
The ring-entering ceremony performed by sekitori (Juryo and Makuuchi division wrestlers) before the day's bouts begin.

F

Fusensho
A win by default, awarded when a scheduled opponent is absent, usually due to withdrawal from the tournament.

G

Gunbai
The war fan used by the gyoji (referee) to signal the winner of a bout.
Gyoji
The referee who officiates sumo bouts, wearing traditional robes. The two highest-ranking gyoji (tate-gyoji) carry a dagger symbolizing their readiness to accept responsibility for any incorrect call.

H

Hanamichi
The entrance path wrestlers use to approach the dohyo.
Haridashi
An extra position added to a rank when the number of wrestlers exceeds the standard slots.
Henka
A controversial sidestep at the initial charge (tachiai), considered unsportsmanlike by many fans.
Heya
A sumo stable (training house) where wrestlers live and train together under a stablemaster (oyakata).

J

Jonidan
The second-lowest division in sumo, above Jonokuchi. See the Sumo Ranks Guide for the full divisional hierarchy.
Jonokuchi
The lowest division in professional sumo, where new recruits begin their careers.
Juryo
The second-highest division. Wrestlers here are considered sekitori (professional) and receive a salary. See the Sumo Ranks Guide for more on the division system.
Jungyo
Regional exhibition tours held between official tournaments.

K

Kadoban
The status of an Ozeki who scored fewer than 8 wins in the previous tournament and must achieve 8 wins to retain the rank.
Kimarite
The winning technique used to defeat an opponent. There are 82 officially recognized kimarite. See the Kimarite Guide for a complete list of winning techniques with descriptions.
Kinboshi
A gold star awarded when a Maegashira-ranked wrestler defeats a Yokozuna. A prestigious career achievement.
Komusubi
The fourth-highest rank in sumo, the lowest of the titled (san'yaku) ranks. See the Sumo Ranks Guide for more details.
Kensho
Sponsor prize money for a bout. Before sponsored bouts, banners bearing sponsor names are paraded around the ring, and the winner receives the prize money in envelopes from the referee.

M

Maegashira
The lowest rank within the top Makuuchi division, numbered from 1 (highest) downward. See the Sumo Ranks Guide for the full ranking breakdown.
Makuuchi
The top division of professional sumo, consisting of 42 wrestlers. This is the division featured in Basho Picks predictions.
Makushita
The third-highest division, just below Juryo. Wrestlers here do not receive a salary.
Mawashi
The belt worn by wrestlers during bouts. Sekitori-ranked wrestlers (Makuuchi and Juryo) wear colorful silk mawashi; lower divisions wear black cotton.
Monoii
A conference of judges (shinpan) called when the referee's decision is disputed.
Musubi-no-ichiban
The final bout of the day, traditionally featuring a Yokozuna or the highest-ranked wrestler.

O

Ozeki
The second-highest rank in sumo. Promotion typically requires around 33 wins over three consecutive tournaments. See the Sumo Ranks Guide for promotion criteria.
Oyakata
A retired wrestler who runs a sumo stable (heya). Only Japanese citizens can become oyakata.

R

Rikishi
A professional sumo wrestler.

S

Sandanme
The fourth division from the top in professional sumo.
Sekiwake
The third-highest rank in sumo, below Ozeki. See the Sumo Ranks Guide for more on this san'yaku rank.
Shikona
A wrestler's ring name, chosen when they enter professional sumo or later in their career.

T

Tachiai
The initial charge at the start of a bout. Both wrestlers must place both fists on the ground before charging.
Tegata
A handprint on a board, signed by a wrestler. A traditional souvenir given by sekitori-ranked wrestlers.
Tokoyama
The hairdressers who style wrestlers' traditional topknot (chonmage) hairstyles.

Y

Yokozuna
The highest rank in sumo, Grand Champion. A Yokozuna cannot be demoted and must retire if unable to compete at the expected level. See the Sumo Ranks Guide for the full ranking hierarchy.
Yusho
The championship, awarded to the wrestler with the best record in a tournament. See who's leading the current tournament on the leaderboard.

Z

Zensho
A perfect record of 15-0 in a tournament, winning every bout.

Explore More Guides

Sumo Ranks

Learn the complete ranking hierarchy from Yokozuna to Jonokuchi.

Kimarite Guide

Explore all 82 winning techniques used in professional sumo.

Rules of Sumo

Understand how sumo matches are won, lost, and officiated.
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