Divisions of Professional Sumo
Professional sumo has six divisions, from highest to lowest:
Makuuchi (Top Division)
The premier division, featuring approximately 42 wrestlers. All named ranks (Yokozuna, Ozeki, Sekiwake, Komusubi) exist only in Makuuchi. Makuuchi bouts are broadcast on NHK television and receive the most attention from fans and media.
Juryo (Second Division)
The second-highest division with 28 wrestlers. Juryo is the lowest division where wrestlers are considered sekitori (professional), meaning they receive a salary, have personal attendants, and can wear silk mawashi.
Makushita (Third Division)
Makushita wrestlers normally compete in 7 bouts per tournament rather than the 15-bout schedule used by sekitori. The boundary above the division is a major change in status: Makushita wrestlers are not salaried and may serve as attendants to sekitori.
Sandanme (Fourth Division)
Wrestlers compete in 7 bouts per tournament. Winning records move them toward Makushita, while losing records move them deeper into the lower ranks.
Jonidan (Fifth Division)
This large lower division includes developing wrestlers, veterans who have fallen in rank, and wrestlers returning after injury.
Jonokuchi (Sixth Division)
This is the entry division for wrestlers who have completed the required preliminary process. Wrestlers normally have 7 bouts, and a winning record can bring a quick move into Jonidan.
Rank and daily life are closely connected. Promotion into Juryo brings salary and sekitori privileges, while demotion to Makushita removes them.