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However, the difference between the sekitori in the top two divisions and the rikishi in the four lower divisions is massive. Sumo Wrestling Hierarchical Salary Systemīelow is the average salary of sumo wrestlers according to rank: Division/Sub-categoriesĪs the table above shows, all Sumo wrestlers receive a steady livable income. Now, let’s take a closer look at the various aspects of sumo wrestlers’ salaries to see where things change depending on their rank. The title of Yokozuna is the most prestigious of all and serves as the pinnacle of the sumo world. However, the Makuuchi division is further subdivided into the subcategories of Yokozuna, Ozeki, Sekiwake, and Maegashira. Wrestlers in the Makuuchi division are at the top of the sport. Opportunities to earn more money become more accessible the higher a wrestler is in the rankings. Only once a wrestler reaches the Jūryō division can they become a salaried sekitori. To move into the Jūryō division, a makushita wrestler must win all 7 of their fights. The Makushita division serves as the final bottleneck separating trainees from professionals. Again, this is extremely important as their level of income depends on their ranking. If they do well enough, then they can start climbing the ranks.Ĭonversely, wrestlers who perform poorly can also be demoted into lower divisions.Īside from poor performance, factors such as injuries, illnesses, and inability to compete can play a role in sekitori sliding back into the lower divisions. They can do so through their performance in tournaments. That said, rikishi entering the world of sumo start in the lowest jonokuchi division and will strive to reach the status of sekitori. The rikishi in the lower divisions are allowed seven bouts a year while the sekitori are afforded 14 bouts – thus allowing them more opportunities to earn cash prizes and other bonuses. Specifically, wrestlers competing in the Makuuchi and Jūryō divisions are called sekitori, while those in the four lower divisions are referred to as rikishi. It’s also worth noting that a general distinction is made between the top two and lower four wrestlers. In addition, note that the divisions are presented by level of prestige, with the Makuuchi being the most revered. However, as NHK announcer Morita Hiroshi points out, these divisions are unlike other combat sports because they don’t function as weight classes. Presented in the table below are the different divisions in Sumo. According to the Japan Sumo Foundation, the wrestlers’ status, privileges, and income depend primarily on their division. The Sumo ranking system works by dividing Sumo wrestlers into six different divisions – Makuuchi, Jūryō, Makushita, Sandanme, Jonidan, and Jonukuchi. There is a definitive hierarchy of salaries in sumo wrestling, with the lowest on the list earning almost a tenth of the top-tier athletes’ pay. However, it’s worth noting that their money is directly tied to their rank. Monthly salary/stipend, performance bonuses, and prize money from tournaments all contribute to a sumo wrestler’s pay.
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