Sumo Ranks Explained
From Yokozuna to Jonokuchi — a complete guide to the sumo ranking system
The Sumo Hierarchy
In professional sumo wrestling, every wrestler (rikishi) holds a specific rank on the official ranking sheet called the banzuke. The banzuke is redrawn before each of the six annual tournaments based on each wrestler's win-loss record. Rising through the ranks requires consistent winning records, while losing records lead to demotion. The ultimate goal for every rikishi is to reach the pinnacle: Yokozuna. You can see the current banzuke and tournament standings on the live banzuke page.
The Rank Pyramid
Professional sumo is organized into six divisions. Only the top two divisions (Makuuchi and Juryo) are salaried, making the jump from Makushita to Juryo one of the most significant milestones in a wrestler's career.
Makuuchi
Top Division
Juryo
Second Division (salaried)
Makushita
Third Division (unsalaried)
Sandanme
Fourth Division
Jonidan
Fifth Division
Jonokuchi
Entry Division
The Named Ranks (Makuuchi Division)
Within the top Makuuchi division, the highest-ranked wrestlers hold specific named titles known as san'yaku (literally "three roles" — Ozeki, Sekiwake, and Komusubi, with Yokozuna historically a special rank above). Here is each rank explained in detail.
Yokozuna
Grand ChampionThe Yokozuna is the highest rank in all of sumo and the most prestigious title a wrestler can achieve. A Yokozuna is considered the living embodiment of sumo's traditions and is expected to exemplify dignity, strength, and grace both on and off the dohyo (ring).
Key Facts
- Cannot be demoted — a Yokozuna who performs poorly is expected to retire
- Promotion typically requires back-to-back tournament victories (or equivalent dominance)
- Performs the sacred dohyo-iri (ring-entering ceremony) before each tournament day
- Wears the iconic tsuna (thick white rope) around the waist during ceremony
- There may be zero, one, two, or more active Yokozuna at any given time
Ozeki
Great BarrierOzeki is the second-highest rank in sumo. Ozeki wrestlers are considered elite competitors and are often the primary contenders for tournament championships. Unlike Yokozuna, Ozeki can be demoted, but they receive some protection through the kadoban system.
Key Facts
- Promotion requires approximately 33+ wins over 3 consecutive tournaments at Sekiwake/Komusubi
- Must maintain at least 8 wins per tournament to avoid kadoban (probation) status
- If kadoban and scoring another losing record, demoted to Sekiwake
- Can regain Ozeki immediately by winning 10+ bouts in the next tournament after demotion
- Ozeki who demonstrate extraordinary dominance may be considered for Yokozuna promotion
Sekiwake
Beside the BarrierSekiwake is the third-highest rank and the highest of the "regular" san'yaku positions. Sekiwake wrestlers face all top-ranked opponents each tournament and consistent success at this level is the launching pad for Ozeki promotion.
Key Facts
- Can be demoted with a losing record (fewer than 8 wins)
- Faces all Yokozuna, Ozeki, and fellow san'yaku members each tournament
- Strong Sekiwake performances are the primary path to Ozeki promotion
- There are always at least two Sekiwake (East and West)
Komusubi
Little KnotKomusubi is the fourth-highest rank and the entry point into san'yaku. Often called the "gatekeepers," Komusubi wrestlers must face all higher-ranked opponents, making it one of the most challenging positions to maintain. Many wrestlers bounce between Komusubi and the upper Maegashira ranks.
Key Facts
- Faces the toughest schedule of any rank relative to their position
- Can be demoted with a losing record
- There are always at least two Komusubi (East and West)
- Historically one of the hardest ranks to hold for consecutive tournaments
Maegashira
Rank-and-FileMaegashira make up the bulk of the top Makuuchi division. They are numbered from 1 (highest) down to approximately 17 (lowest), with both an East and West wrestler at each number. Upper Maegashira (1-5) often face san'yaku opponents, while lower Maegashira primarily compete among themselves.
Key Facts
- Numbered ranks from Maegashira 1 (highest) to roughly Maegashira 17 (lowest)
- Upper Maegashira face san'yaku opponents; lower Maegashira mostly face each other
- A strong record at the bottom of Makuuchi keeps a wrestler in the top division
- The lowest-ranked Maegashira risk demotion to Juryo with a poor record
- A Maegashira winning the tournament championship (yusho) is a rare and celebrated achievement
Promotion and Demotion Rules
After each tournament, the Japan Sumo Association's ranking committee evaluates every wrestler's record to determine their new rank. The fundamental principle is simple: winning records (kachi-koshi, 8+ wins) lead to promotion, while losing records (make-koshi, 7 or fewer wins) lead to demotion. However, the exact amount of movement depends on several factors.
Promotion (Kachi-koshi)
- To Yokozuna: Back-to-back tournament wins (or equivalent) as Ozeki, plus approval from the Yokozuna Deliberation Council
- To Ozeki: ~33+ wins over 3 consecutive tournaments at Sekiwake/Komusubi level
- To San'yaku: Strong winning record as upper Maegashira (typically 10+ wins)
- Between divisions: Winning records near the top of a lower division can earn promotion to the next division
Demotion (Make-koshi)
- Yokozuna: Cannot be demoted — expected to retire if performance declines
- Ozeki: First losing record = kadoban; second consecutive = demotion to Sekiwake
- Sekiwake/Komusubi: Losing record typically means demotion to Maegashira
- Between divisions: Losing records near the bottom of a division risk demotion to the division below
Special Cases
- Injury Absence (Kyujo): A wrestler who withdraws from a tournament due to injury has their remaining bouts counted as losses for ranking purposes. Extended absences can lead to significant rank drops.
- Kosho (Injury Exemption): This system was abolished in 2003. Previously, wrestlers injured during a bout could be exempted from the next tournament without rank change.
- Banzuke Luck: Sometimes the math of promotions and demotions doesn't work out evenly, and wrestlers may receive slightly favorable or unfavorable treatment to fill the required number of slots at each rank.
Banzuke Structure: East and West
The banzuke (番付) is the official ranking document published by the Japan Sumo Association before each tournament. Written in an elaborate calligraphic style, it organizes all wrestlers into two columns: East (considered slightly higher) and West.
| East (Higher) | Rank | West (Lower) |
|---|---|---|
| Wrestler A | Yokozuna | Wrestler B |
| Wrestler C | Ozeki | Wrestler D |
| Wrestler E | Sekiwake | Wrestler F |
| Wrestler G | Komusubi | Wrestler H |
| Wrestler I | Maegashira 1 | Wrestler J |
| ... | ... | ... |
At each rank level, the East side wrestler is considered slightly higher-ranked than the West side wrestler of the same rank. For example, East Maegashira 3 outranks West Maegashira 3. This distinction can affect match scheduling and, in very close cases, promotion decisions.
The banzuke is traditionally written by a team of gyoji (referees) in a distinctive brush calligraphy style. Higher-ranked wrestlers' names are written in larger characters, with the Yokozuna's name being the largest on the entire document. The banzuke is published approximately two weeks before each tournament begins. Curious who holds each rank right now? Check the current banzuke to see real wrestlers at every position.