dojo

dojos (plural)
dojo (plural)
dōjō (alternative)

→ Russian: додзё (dodzjó)

Borrowed from Japanese 道場 (dōjō, literally “place of the ways”). Doublet of dojang.

bor

[ˈdəʊ̯d͡ʒəʊ̯]

/ˈdoʊˌd͡ʒoʊ/

[ˈdoʊ̯ˌd͡ʒoʊ̯]

In this class of truck it’s all about torque, and the Hilux has that in spades. [...] Its traction control stamps the ground with the immovable authority of a sumo wrestler entering the dojo.

2017 September 3, Martin Love, “Toyota Hilux pick-up review: ‘A work horse, not a fashion pony’”, in Katharine Viner, editor, The Guardian, London: Guardian News & Media, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 2018-10-05:

Women [...] considered "impure", are not allowed on the dojo, circular location of the fight considered a sacred place. The inflexibility of the sumo world on this point had caused a scandal last year when women doctors and nurses had come to the dojo to help an elected official feeling uncomfortable during a speech at a tournament. The sumo association had to present "sincere apologies" for asking them to come down as soon as possible.

2019 January 16, “Sumo: Kisenosato, only current yokozuna born in Japan, retires”, in Pakistan Today, Lahore: Arif Nizami, →ISSN, →OCLC:

Most stables are off-limits but Hakkaku's allows paying guests accompanied by a guide to watch a morning training session. Because sumo competitions are held just six times a year, it's a great way for visitors to experience this uniquely Japanese phenomenon. [...] Guests silently shuffle into the small dojo to sit or kneel just feet from where the enormous fighters are practising.

2019 July 27, Declan McVeigh, “Hakkaku stable: How to watch Tokyo’s sumo stars train live”, in The National, Abu Dhabi: International Media Investments, →OCLC, archived from the original on 2019-07-29:

Novak Djokovic had fought against other sumo players in a dojo before he started Japan Open, but the tennis champion was clearly out of his league. [...] "I had a slight weight deficit but I was very close to moving the guy an inch. They say they eat at least 10.000 calories a day to be strong and big. Don't know if I can match that to be honest", Nole commented on his poor performance in the dojo.

2019 October 2, Claudiu Pop, “Djokovic Tried Sumo Wrestling before Japan Open, but Failed to Impress”, in Tennis World, archived from the original on 2019-10-08:

(sumo) Synonym of dohyo (“the ring in which a sumo wrestling match is held”).


stable

From Middle English stable, borrowed from Anglo-Norman stable, singular derived from the plural Latin stab(u)la (“dwellings, stables”).

close the stable door after the horse has been stolen

close the stable door after the horse has bolted

lock the stable door after the horse has been stolen

lock the stable door after the horse has bolted

shut the stable door after the horse has bolted

(sumo) An organization of sumo wrestlers who live and train together.


mawashi

From Japanese 廻し or 回し (mawashi), same meaning.

(sumo) The belt worn by rikishi during training and in competition


isu

(sumo) An individual seat in the loft-like balcony of a sumo arena.


heya

(sumo) the so-called "stable" of rikishi who train under the instruction of a particular shisho; the place where this group lives and trains


kesho-mawashi

Borrowed from Japanese 化粧廻し (“ornamental belt”).

(sumo) A decorative mawashi worn by a sekitori during the ring-entering ceremony.


yokozuna

From Japanese 横綱(よこづな) (yokozuna, “wide rope”), the symbol of their rank worn about the waist.

A yokozuna is the very highest rank in sumo – “just like Mameha's position in Gion,” as Nobu explained it to me. I had no reason to doubt him; but if Mameha ever took half as much time entering a party as these yokozuna took entering the ring, she'd certainly never be invited back.

1997, Arthur Golden, Memoirs of a Geisha, Vintage, page 202:

(sumo) The highest rank of sumo wrestler, above ozeki; grand champion.

What mattered most was that, from the very top of the Nihon Sumo Kyōkai, Yokozuna Akebono had been shown respect.

2006, Mark Panek, Gaijin Yokozuna: A Biography of Chad Rowan, page 265:

(sumo) A person holding the rank, either competing at the rank or retired after having achieved it.


ozeki

ozekis (plural)
ozeki (plural)
ōzeki (alternative)

Borrowed from Japanese 大関(おおぜき) (ōzeki).

Terunofuji is the first in 64 years to be promoted to ozeki after spending two tournaments as a komusubi or sekiwake and the first since the season went to six meets in 1958.

2015 May 27, “Terunofuji promoted to ozeki after victory”, in Japan Times, archived from the original on 2018-05-09:

Former ozeki Hokutenyu, who held sumo’s second-highest rank for 44 tournaments […] died of kidney cancer at a Tokyo hospital on Friday at the age of 45.

2006 June 25, “Former ozeki Hokutenyu dies at 45”, in Japan Times:

(sumo) A sumo wrestler ranking below yokozuna and above sekiwake; champion.


sekiwake

The highest rank attainable is yokozuna, or grand champion. […] After him in standing come the ozekis, or champions; the sekiwakes, or junior champions; […]

1965, Myra Waldo, “Japan”, in Travel Guide to the Orient and the Pacific, New York, N.Y.: The Macmillan Company; London: Collier-Macmillan Limited, →LCCN, →OCLC, page 157:

Are there special standards for promotion to sekiwake or komusubi? No. The same standards apply as for promotion within the maegashira ranks.

2018, “Standards for Sumo ranking chart”, in Ozumo.com, archived from the original on 2018-04-17:

Sekiwake Tochinoshin (3-2) picked up a much-needed win against komusubi Chiyotairyu (1-4) after suffering his second loss the previous day.

2018 March 15, “Kakuryu makes most of second opportunity against Takarafuji”, in Japan Times, archived from the original on 2018-04-21:

(sumo) A sumo wrestler ranked below ozeki and above komusubi.


komusubi

[…] Kitani and Go were still only like the komusubi juniors in sumo program rankings. […] In fact, their first ten-game match was described merely as the battle of the komusubis.

2009, John Fairbairn, “Prelude to the Match”, in Kamakura, 2nd edition (2011), Richmond, Va.: Slate & Shell, →ISBN, page 25, column 2:

(sumo) A sumo wrestler of the lowest sanyaku rank, below sekiwake and above maegashira.


maegashira

en-noun

maegashira (plural maegashira or maegashiras)

maegashira (plural)
maegashiras (plural)

Several weeks before each grand tournament, the list of wrestlers is announced. They are divided into two sides - east and west. For each side there are 13 maegashiras, the lowest rank in the tournament.

1988 January 19, Hirotaka Yamashiro, “From sumo wrestling to women’s basketball Japan’s dedication and discipline are hard to beat”, in Tim Currie, Margie Philp, editors, Queen’s Journal, volume 115, number 26, Kingston, Ont.: Alma Mater Society of Queen’s University Inc., →OCLC, page 18, column 3:

“It wasn’t the kind of sumo I was aiming for, but it is a maegashira’s job to try and beat ozeki so in that sense I have got the job done,” said Okinoumi.

2016 March 17, “Okinoumi ends Kotoshogiku’s unbeaten start at Spring Basho”, in Japan Times, archived from the original on 2019-01-07:

(sumo) The highest salaried rank of sumo wrestler, below komusubi and above juryo; the lowest rank in the makuuchi division.


juryo

juryo (plural)
juryos (plural)
jūryō (alternative)

Borrowed from Japanese 十両(じゅうりょう) (jūryō, “ten ryō”), from Middle Chinese 十 (dʒip, “ten”) + 兩 (ljáng, “tael”).

ja-r

十両(じゅうりょう) (jūryō, “ten ryō”)

(sumo) The second highest division in sumo wrestling, below makuuchi and above makushita; rikishi at this point receive a salary.

Jesse won promotion into what is called the juryo division of sumo and to the title of “sekitori” on the basis of his showing at the New Year’s Sumo Tournament in Tokyo, where he compiled a respectable 5-2 showing, including wins over two former juryos.

1967 June, “Jesse Wins His Girdle”, in Black Belt, volume V, number 6, Los Angeles, Calif.: Black Belt, Inc., →ISSN, →OCLC, page 12:

The monthly pay for a yokozuna in the mid-1970s was only ¥373,000, while an ozeki received ¥294,700; a sekiwake or komusubi, ¥200,300; a maegashira, ¥137, 600; and a juryo, ¥114,500.

1979, P[atricia] L. Cuyler, “Wages”, in Sumo: From Rite to Sport, New York, N.Y.; Tokyo: John Weatherhill, Inc., →ISBN, “Sumo Today” section, chapter 5 (Wrestlers and Stables), page 157:

Yokozuna fight each other at the end of the tournament. Lower-division wrestlers fight a total of seven matches per tournament; juryo and makuuchi fight fifteen.

1997, Mina Hall, “Honbasho: Tournaments”, in The Big Book of Sumo: History, Practice, Ritual, Fight, Berkeley, Calif.: Stone Bridge Press, →ISBN, page 53:


makuuchi

Japanese 幕内 (maku-uchi まくうち, "inside the curtain"), from Middle Chinese 幕 (mak "curtain", "covering") + Japanese うち (uchi "inside").

(sumo) The highest division of sumo wrestling, above juryo, comprising the yokozuna, ozeki, sekiwake, komusubi and maegashira ranks.


sanyaku

Borrowed from Japanese 三役, literally "three ranks".

(sumo) Any of the three highest ranks of sumo wrestler: komusubi, sekiwake and ozeki, together with the honorary title of yokozuna.


makushita

(sumo) The third highest division of professional sumo wrestling, below juryo; the lowest division at which a salary is paid.


dohyo

dohyo (plural)
dohyos (plural)
dohyō (alternative)

Borrowed from Japanese 土(ど)俵(ひょう) (dohyō).

Sumo ’bots also tend to have very low ground clearance since they operate on dohyos, which have a very smooth rubberized running surface; […]

2000 June, Robert Nansel, “Amateur Robotics Notebook: Robot City, USA”, in Nuts & Volts, volume 21, number 6, Corona, Calif.: T & L Publications, Inc., →ISSN, →OCLC, page 53, column 1:

(sumo) The ring, made of compacted clay, in which a sumo wrestling match is held.


dohyo-iri

(sumo) a ring-entering ceremony performed by rikishi, in the juryo and higher divisions, upon entering the dohyo


rikishi

From Japanese 力士(りきし) (rikishi), from Middle Chinese 力士 (lik-dʐí), from Old Chinese 力士 (*k.rək m-s-rəʔ, “man of great strength”), from 力 (*rɯɡ, “strength”) + 士 (*zrɯʔ, “man; soldier”).


dohyo matsuri

(sumo) A Shinto ceremony in which the dohyo is purified and blessed prior to each basho.


basho

From Japanese 場所(ばしょ) (basho), short form of 本場所(ほんばしょ) (honbasho, “honbasho”).

Two basho later, I was at sekiwake, the third-highest rank in sumo.

1998, Matsumoto Toshimichi, editor, Japan Quarterly, volume 45, Asahi Shimbun Publishing Co., →ISSN, →OCLC, page 25:


honbasho

Although there are six two-week top-tier tournaments, or honbasho, every year, Kotoshogiku’s victory was the first for a Japanese wrestler in 10 years.

2016 January 27, Victor Mather, “Japanese End Drought in Sumo Wrestling, Their National Sport”, in The New York Times, New York, N.Y.: The New York Times Company, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 2016-01-27:

(sumo) Any of the six official sumo tournaments.


akeni

(sumo) A box used by sekitori to store their personal items.


sekitori

Sekitoris wrestle every one of the 15 days of a basho.

1977, Larry Winderbaum, “Sekitori”, in The Martial Arts Encyclopedia, Washington, D.C.: INSCAPE, →ISBN, page 143, column 1:

(sumo) A rikishi, of rank juryo and above, who draws a salary.


amasumo

From Japanese アマ相撲 (ama-sumō); ama is a shortening of English amateur.


ani-deshi

(sumo) The senior rikishi in a particular heya.


oyakata

For a foreigner like Jesse, becoming an oyakata to pave the way to open a heya had its obstacles.

1992, Philbert Ono, “A Visit to Azumazeki-beya (Part 1)”, in Eye-Ai, Tokyo: Riverfield, Inc., →ISSN, →OCLC, page 4:

(sumo) A retired rikishi who has reached a certain standing and either becomes a shisho or helps train in others' heya.


banzuke

(sumo) the document, published six times a year, before each basho, showing the official rankings of all rikishi


jungyo

Borrowed from Japanese 巡業 (じゅんぎょう, jungyō), from Middle Chinese 巡 (zwin, “to make rounds, tour”) + 業 (ngjæp, “work”).

ja-l/helper

巡業 (じゅんぎょう, jungyō)

ja-l

巡業 (じゅんぎょう, jungyō)

der

(sumo) A regional tour, undertaken between honbashos, during which the rikishi give exhibition matches.


jun-yusho

(sumo) The second-place position, behind yusho, at the end of a basho; often shared by more than one rikishi.


yusho

From Japanese 優勝 (“victory, championship”).

(sumo) The top-ranking position at the end of a basho; the championship.


bintsuke

(sumo) A wax, derived from soy, used in cosmetics, and to groom the topknot of a sekitori.


chankonabe

Borrowed from Japanese ちゃんこ鍋 (chankonabe).

(sumo) The staple diet of rikishi: a stew of meat, seafood and vegetables.


chikara gami

From Japanese 力紙 (chikara-gami, “strength paper”).

bor

(sumo) Sheets of paper used by rikishi to wipe their lips after the ritual cleansing with chikara mizu.


chikara mizu

From Japanese 力水 (chikara mizu, “strength water”).

(sumo) Water used by rikishi to ritually cleanse the mouth before a match.


daigappei

(sumo) a jungyo tour that features all the rikishi of jonidan rank or higher


jonidan

(sumo) The division of sumo wrestlers above jonokuchi and below sandanme, containing the highest number of rikishi.


jonokuchi

(sumo) A member of the lowest division of sumo wrestlers (below jonidan) to which new recruits are promoted after their first tournament.


sandanme

(sumo) the division of sumo wrestlers above jonidan and below makushita


danpatsushiki

Borrowed from Japanese 断髪式 (danpatsushiki).

(sumo) The ceremony in which the topknot of a retiring rikishi is cut off.


intai-zumo

From Japanese 引退相撲 (intai-zumō, literally “retirement sumo”).

(sumo) A one-day exhibition tournament to commemorate the retirement of a salaried rikishi.


degeiko

(sumo) A practice session between rikishi of competing heya.


deshi

Borrowed from Japanese 弟子 (deshi, “disciple, pupil”).

(sumo) a member of a heya ("stable"); trained by its shisho


eboshi

(sumo) the hat of black lacquer worn by the gyoji presiding over a sumo match


gyoji

gyoji (plural)
gyojis (plural)
gyōji (alternative)

Informants stated that from time immemorial the Emperor himself was a sumo fan, and that it would be disrespectful to appear before him clad in only a long belt-like affair, such as gyojis wear, without his prior consent.

1945 January–March, Marvin K[aufmann] Opler, “A ‘Sumo’ Tournament at Tule Lake Center”, in Ralph Linton, editor, American Anthropologist, volume 47, number 1, Menasha, Wis.: American Anthropological Association, →ISSN, →OCLC, page 137:


fumidawara

Borrowed from Japanese 踏み俵 (fumidawara, “stepping-bale”).

(sumo) rice bales used at the side of the dohyo at steps


tawara

(sumo) Any of the straw bales, packed with earth, placed in a circle on the dohyo and forming the area that the rikishi must stay inside.


fusa

(sumo) The four knotted tassels hanging from the roof of the dohyo; symbolising the four seasons.


fusen

Borrowed from Japanese 不戦 (fusen, “not fighting, not competing”).

(sumo) A sumo match that is cancelled due to the absence of one of the rikishi.


fusenpai

(sumo) a loss by default for failing to appear, normally because of injury


fusensho

(sumo) a win by default due to the opponent not appearing, normally due to injury


gino-sho

(sumo) a prize for technique; one of the sansho prizes


sansho

(sumo) Any of the three special prizes awarded at the end of a basho.

三賞

special prize awarded at the end of a basho


kanto-sho

(sumo) A special prize for fighting-spirit; one of the sansho prizes.


shukun-sho

(sumo) A special prize for outstanding performance; one of the sansho prizes.


gunbai

From Japanese 軍配 (“war fan”), shortened form of 軍配団扇 (gunbai uchiwa).

(sumo) The lacquered wooden fan used by the gyoji.


hanazumo

From Japanese 花相撲 (hana-zumō, literally “flower sumo”).

(sumo) A special sumo exhibition tournament.


haridashi

(sumo) an extra rikishi at a rank that normally only allows two


heyagashira

(sumo) the rikishi of highest rank in a particular heya


higashi

From Japanese 東 (higashi, “east”), from the way the eastern or right side of the sumo ranking list is considered more prestigious, by analogy with the rising sun as opposed to the setting sun.

(sumo) The (more prestigious) right-hand side of the banzuke.

(sumo) A rikishi listed on the right side of the banzuke.


nishi

From Japanese 西 (nishi, “west”), from the way the western or left side of the sumo ranking list is considered less prestigious, by analogy with the setting sun as opposed to the rising sun.

(sumo) the left-hand (less prestigious) side of the banzuke (番付, “ranking list”)

(sumo) a rikishi (力士, “sumo wrestler”) listed on the left side of the banzuke


hyoshigi

I put the glasses down and found that my heart was beating fast, thumping with an accelerating sound like that of the hyoshigi which I had last heard in that sombre vaporous gallery in the Wallace Collection.

1978, Iris Murdoch, The Sea, The Sea, Vintage, published 1999, page 247:

(sumo) One of the wooden sticks that are clapped by the yobidashi to draw the spectator's attention.


yobidashi

(sumo) Any of the functionaries whose tasks include building the dohyo, making announcements, singing the shikona of each rikishi and advising them of preparation time.


shikona

(sumo) The wrestling name of a rikishi, normally derived from his heya, place of birth etc.


ichidai toshiyori

From Japanese 一代年寄 (ichidai toshiyori, literally “lifelong elder”).

(sumo) the lifelong status of elder conferred on an outstanding yokozuna


ichimon

(sumo) Any of the five groups that most heya belong to.

一門

any of the five groups that most heya belong to


ichomage

(sumo) Alternative spelling of oichomage.


oichomage

From Japanese 大銀杏髷 (oo-ichō-mage, literally “gingko topknot”).

(sumo) The elaborate hairstyle, resembling a gingko leaf, worn by sekitori during bouts and on ceremonial occasions.


juryo-kaku

(sumo) the rank of gyoji who officiates a bout involving a rikishi from the juryo division


kachi-koshi

(sumo) a majority of wins in an honbasho; reflects positively on the rikishi's ranking


make-koshi

(sumo) a majority of losses in a honbasho; reflects negatively on the rikishi's ranking


kanjin-sumo

From Japanese 勧進相撲 (kanjin-zumō), with zumō changed to its usual English form sumo.

(sumo) The historic form of sumo that developed into the modern sport.


kensho

(sumo) Prize money given to encourage rikishi by sponsors.


kinboshi

Borrowed from Japanese 金星 (kinboshi, “gold star”).

(sumo) An honour awarded to a rikishi of maegashira rank upon beating a yokozuna.


kinjite

Borrowed from Japanese 禁じ手 (kinjite), from 禁じる (kinjiru, “to forbid”) + 手 (te, “hand”).


kimarite

(sumo) any of the 82 techniques that may be used to win a match


kimarite-gakari

(sumo) The official who announces the winner of the torikumi and the kimarite used.


torikumi-hyo

From Japanese 取組表 (torikumi-hyō, literally “bout table”).

(sumo) The programme of bouts in a day at a tournament.


koen-kai

(sumo) a sumo fan club, either for a heya or for a particular rikishi; a useful source of money


ozumo

Borrowed from Japanese 大相撲 (grand sumo).


maezumo

Borrowed from Japanese 前相撲, literally "before sumo".

(sumo) The unofficial rank of beginners etc.


makuuchi dohyo-iri

From Japanese 幕内土俵入り (makuuchi dohyō-iri, literally “makuuchi ring-entering”).

(sumo) A group ring-entering ceremony performed by all members of the makuuchi division, except the yokozuna, after the juryo bouts.


makuuchi-kaku

(sumo) The gyoji who referees bouts involving a rikishi from the makuuchi division.


masu-seki

(sumo) The expensive seats, holding four people, on the ground floor of the arena.


matawari

(sumo) A form of exercise in which a rikishi sits on the ground with his legs wide apart, then lowers his torso to touch the ground between his legs.


matta

(sumo) The false start of a bout due to mutual misunderstanding.


mizuhiki-maku

(sumo) The curtain that hangs from the yakata, symbolizing the movement of clouds and the passing of time.


mono-ii

From Japanese 物言い (mono-ii, literally “talk of things”).

(sumo) a conference among the shimpan to reconsider a referee's decision


shimpan

From Japanese 審判 (shinpan, しんぱん), from Middle Chinese 審判 (ʃim-pʰàn "to judge", "to try") (compare Mandarin shěnpàn 审判).

(sumo) the four judges, sitting at each cardinal point


shiranui-gata

Borrowed from Japanese 不知火型 (shiranuigata).

(sumo) The less common ring-entering ceremony performed by yokozuna, consisting only of offensive moves.


unryu-gata

(sumo) The normal ring-entering ceremony performed by yokozuna, consisting of both offensive and defensive moves.


myoseki

(sumo) Any of the 105 names available to sumo oyakata.

名跡

any of the 105 names available to sumo oyakata


nage-waza

(sumo) Any of the 12 throwing techniques.


sashichigai

(sumo) a decision by the shimpan to overturn the decision of the gyoji


seigen jikan

(sumo) The time allocated for the shikiri rituals before the beginning of each bout.


senshuraku

Borrowed from Japanese 千秋楽 (senshūraku, literally “music of a thousand autumns”).

(sumo) The last day of a fifteen-day tournament, always on a Sunday.


shihon-bashira

From Japanese 四本柱 (shi-hon-bashira, literally “four pillars”).

(sumo) The four pillars that support the tsuriyane over the sumo ring; in modern practice removed for better television coverage.


shikiri

(sumo) the preparation time before a sumo bout during which the rikishi try to gain a psychological advantage by intense staring (niramiai) and when salt is ceremonially thrown (kiyome-jio)


shikiri-sen

Borrowed from Japanese 仕切り線 (shikiri-sen).

(sumo) The two enamel lines, embedded in the dohyo, behind which the rikishi crouch in preparation for the tachiai.


tachiai

(sumo) the initial charge towards each other by the rikishi at the start of a sumo bout


buchikamashi

Borrowed from Japanese ぶちかまし (buchikamashi).

(sumo) The heavy collision of the two rikishi during the tachiai at the start of a sumo bout.


shiko

(sumo) One of the basic sumo exercises, in which the rikishi raises a leg high in the air to the side, then brings it down with a stamp. It is also performed on the dohyo to drive away bad spirits.


shimekomi

Borrowed from Japanese 締め込み (shimekomi).

(sumo) The silk mawashi worn by sekitori for competition.


shindeshi

(sumo) a young rikishi recruit, not yet professional


shini-tai

(sumo) A rikishi who is crushed by his opponent when both fall simultaneously.


shokkiri

(sumo) A comical display of fouls etc performed by deshi during tours.


shozoku

LL-Q1860 (eng)-Flame, not lame-shozoku.wav

(sumo) The garment worn by the gyoji, derived from court dress.


shusse hiro

(sumo) The ceremonial introduction of new rikishi at a tournament.


suna-kaburi

From Japanese 砂被り (suna-kaburi, literally “covered by sand”).

(sumo) The six rows of single seats closest to the dohyo.


tachimochi

From Japanese 太刀持ち (tachimochi, “sword bearer”).

(sumo) A rikishi who participates in the dohyo-iri ceremony of a yokozuna by carrying a sword behind him.


tachi-seki

From Japanese 立ち席 (tachi-seki, literally “standing seat”).

(sumo) tickets to stand at the back of the arena.


taiko

Borrowed from Japanese 太鼓 (たいこ taiko), from 太 (tʰàj, “great”) + 鼓 (kú, “drum”).

(sumo) A traditional drum, beaten by yobidashi to announce the beginning of a tournament, and at the end of each day


tategyoji

Borrowed from Japanese 立行司 (tate-gyōji).

(sumo) Either of the two highest-ranked gyoji who referee matches involving a yokozuna.


teppo

(sumo) a wooden pillar that is slapped repeatedly by a rikishi as a sumo wrestling exercise.


teuchi-shiki

From Japanese 手打ち式 (teuchi-shiki, literally “clapping ceremony”).

(sumo) A welcoming ceremony to new rikishi.


tokei-gakari

From Japanese 時計係 (tokei-gakari, literally “one who is responsible for the clock”).

(sumo) The shimpan who acts as timekeeper.


tokoyama

(sumo) A hairdresser who makes the rikishi's topknot; they have their own ranks.


toku-dawara

Borrowed from Japanese 徳俵 (tokudawara, “special rice bale”).

In fact, the sumo ring is not exactly round. Instead, the ring is broadened at four points by the width of a small rice bag (see fig. 1). These four rice bags placed at the cardinal points of the ring are called toku-dawara (lucky straw bags).

Just outside the circle the cardinal directions are marked by four tokudawara. It is only on these that the contestant can step outside the ring and not be deemed to have lost.

2000, Tony Allan, Realm of the Rising Sun: Japanese Myth, page 51:

(sumo) Small enlargements at the cardinal points of the dohyo; originally the entry and exit points.


torinaoshi

(sumo) a rematch; ordered by the judges if unable to determine a winner


toshiyori-kabu

(sumo) One of the 105 licenses to coach, and the associated name of an elder.


tsukebito

(sumo) An attendant of a higher-ranked rikishi or gyoji.


tsuki-oshi

(sumo) a style of fighting involving only thrusts or pushes


tsuna

Borrowed from Japanese 綱 (つな, tsuna, “rope”).

(sumo) the wide ceremonial belt, with hanging zigzag ribbons, worn by a yokozuna


tsunauchi

(sumo) the ceremony in which a yokozuna's tsuna belt is made and presented


tsuyuharai

Borrowed from Japanese 露払い, literally "dew sweeper".

(sumo) a heralding attendant who walks in front of a yokozuna at his dohyo-iri ceremony


yagura

Borrowed from Japanese 櫓 (“tower, turret, keep, scaffold”).

(sumo) A high wooden tower in front of a sumo arena from which a yobidashi beats the taiko drum each day before and after each tournament.


yakata

(sumo) The structure, suspended over the sumo dohyo, that resembles the roof of a Shinto shrine.


yotsu-zumo

(sumo) A style of sumo centred on gripping the mawashi.


yumitori-shiki

(sumo) The bow-twirling ceremony that closes each day of a tournament.


zensho yusho

Borrowed from Japanese 全勝優勝 (zenshō yūshō).

(sumo) the act of winning a tournament and not losing a single bout


zenpai

Borrowed from Japanese 全敗 (zenpai, “utter defeat”).

(sumo) the act of losing every bout in a tournament


isamiashi

Borrowed from Japanese 勇み足, literally "forward step out".

(sumo) a situation in which an attacking rikishi accidentally steps too far forward and out of the ring, his opponent thus winning


fumidashi

From Japanese 踏み出し (fumidashi, literally “stepping out”).

(sumo) A situation in which a defending rikishi accidentally steps too far back and out of the ring, his opponent thus winning. A rear step out.


koshikudake

Borrowed from Japanese 腰砕け, literally "inadvertent collapse".

(sumo) A situation in which a rikishi accidentally falls over, his opponent thus winning.


okuriashi

Borrowed from Japanese 送足, literally "step out".

(sumo) A situation in which a rikishi accidentally steps out of ring whilst carrying his opponent out, his opponent thus winning.


tsukihiza

Borrowed from Japanese 突き膝 (つきひざ, tsukihiza), literally meaning “push-down knee”.

(sumo) a situation in which a rikishi accidentally touches the dohyo with his knee, his opponent thus winning


tsukite

Borrowed from Japanese つき手, meaning "hand touch down".

(sumo) The situation in which a rikishi accidentally touches the dohyo with his hand, his opponent thus winning.


abisetaoshi

Borrowed from Japanese 浴びせ倒し (“backward force down”).

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker forces his opponent over backwards by throwing his weight into him from a grappling position.


amiuchi

Borrowed from Japanese 網打ち, literally fisherman's throw.

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker throws his opponent behind him by pulling his arm with both hands and twisting backwards; resembles casting a fishing net.


ashitori

(sumo) a kimarite in which the attacker takes his opponent down by grabbing and lifting his leg with both hands


chongake

Borrowed from Japanese ちょん掛け, literally "pulling heel hook".

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker hooks his heel behind that of his opponent from the inside, pulls the leg towards him, grabs the opponent's arm on the same side and twists him sideways and backwards.


gasshohineri

Borrowed from Japanese 合掌捻り, literally "clasped hand twist down".

(sumo) a kimarite in which the attacker clasps his hands behind the opponent's back and twists him down and over


harimanage

From Japanese 波離間投げ (“backward belt throw”).

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker, at the edge of the dohyo, reaches over his opponent's shoulder, grabs his mawashi from behind, then pulls and twists him past his own body.


hatakikomi

Borrowed from Japanese 叩き込み, literally "slap down".

(sumo) a kimarite in which the attacker dodges his opponent at the tachiai and slaps his opponent's shoulder, back or arm, forcing him to touch the dohyo


hikiotoshi

Borrowed from Japanese 引き落とし, literally hand pull down.

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker pulls on his opponent's arm, shoulder or mawashi while backing away.


hikkake

Borrowed from Japanese 引っ掛け, literally arm-grabbing force out.

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker grabs his opponent's arm with both hands and pulls him past him while moving backwards and to the side.


izori

From Japanese 居反り, literally backwards body drop.

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker dives under his opponent's charge, grabs his knees or his mawashi, and lifts him up and over backwards.


kainahineri

Borrowed from Japanese 腕捻り, literally "two-handed arm twist down".

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker locks one of his opponent's arms with both arms, then twists him down.


kakenage

Borrowed from Japanese 掛け投げ, literally hooking inner thigh throw.

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker hooks one leg under those of his opponent, raises the hooked leg up and back forcing the opponent up and over.


kakezori

Borrowed from Japanese 掛け反り, literally "hooking backwards body drop".

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker, with his head under one of his opponent's arms, takes an inside grip on the opponent's mawashi and twists him over a leg while driving his head into the opponent's side to force him over backwards.


katasukashi

Borrowed from Japanese 肩透かし, meaning under-shoulder swing down.

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker forces his opponent down by placing his hands on the opponent's shoulder blade (one inside and one outside) and pulling him down and forward while backing away.


kawazugake

Borrowed from Japanese 河津掛け, literally hooking backward counter throw.

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker hooks his opponent's leg from the inside, pulls it forward and across his own body, taking him over backwards.


kekaeshi

Borrowed from Japanese 蹴返し, literally "minor inner foot sweep".

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker sweeps his opponent's leg from under him by kicking it from the inside; often accompanied by a slap on the back.


ketaguri

Borrowed from Japanese 蹴手繰り, literally pulling inside ankle sweep.

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker leaps aside at the tachiai and sweeps his opponent's front leg from the inside while slapping the shoulder or pulling the arm.


kimedashi

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker bars or locks the opponent's arms by wrapping his own arms round them from the outside, then grabs one of the wrists and pulls up and in and then swings or marches his opponent backwards and out. An arm-barring force-out.


kimetaoshi

Borrowed from Japanese 極め倒し, literally "arm barring force down".

(sumo) a kimarite in which the attacker bars or locks his opponent's arms from the outside then forces him down by throwing his weight on top of him


kirikaeshi

Borrowed from Japanese 切り返し, literally "twisting backward knee trip".

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker puts his knee behind his opponent's leg then twists him backwards over the knee.


komatasukui

Borrowed from Japanese 小股掬い, meaning "over thigh scooping body drop".

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker attempts to throw his opponent and, when the opponent steps forward to defend himself, the attacker grabs his leg, near the thigh, and pulls upward driving the opponent over backwards.


koshinage

Borrowed from Japanese 腰投げ, literally "hip throw".

(sumo) a kimarite in which the attacker turns his opponent while pulling him onto his hips then straightens his knees and throws him over and onto his back


kotehineri

Borrowed from Japanese 小手捻り, literally armlocking twist down.

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker locks his opponents arm at the biceps then twists him around and down.


kotenage

Borrowed from Japanese 小手投げ, literally armlock throw.

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker wraps his arm around that of his opponent and, when it is locked near the elbow, turning away from him.


kubihineri

Borrowed from Japanese 首捻り, literally head twisting throw.

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker wraps one hand around his opponent's neck and grips his arm with the other; he then forces his opponent down by twisting his neck.


kubinage

kubinage (plural)
kubi nage (alternative)

Borrowed from Japanese 首投げ (“neck throw”).

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker wraps one arm around his opponent's neck then turns and throws him.


makiotoshi

Borrowed from Japanese 巻き落とし, meaning "twist down".

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker throws his opponent by twisting him towards his own inside hand.


mitokorozeme

From Japanese 三所攻め (mi-tokoro-zeme, literally “attacking three places”).

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker attempts an inside leg trip with one leg, tries to pull the other out from under him, and drives his head into the opponent's stomach so as to force him out backwards. A triple attack force out.


nichonage

Borrowed from Japanese 二丁投げ, literally "body drop throw".

(sumo) a kimarite in which the attacker places a leg in front of his opponent's leg, at the knee, then sweeps back with his leg and pulls the opponent forward over the leg.


nimaigeri

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker kicks away the opponent's ankle while throwing or twisting him onto his side.


okuridashi

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker drives his opponent out from behind.


okurigake

From Japanese 送り掛け, meaning "rear leg trip".

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker hooks his legs behind one of his opponent's and pulls it towards himself from behind, toppling his opponent forward.


okurihikiotoshi

Borrowed from Japanese 送り引き落とし, meaning "rear pull down".

(sumo) a kimarite in which the attacker circles behind his opponent and pulls him down while backing away


okurinage

Borrowed from Japanese 送り投げ, literally "rear throw down".

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker circles behind his opponent and throws him forward or to the side and down.


okuritaoshi

Borrowed from Japanese 送り倒し, literally "rear push down".

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker forces his opponent down from behind.


okuritsuridashi

Borrowed from Japanese 送り吊り出し, literally rear lift out.

(sumo) a kimarite in which the attacker circles behind his opponent, lifts him up and carries him out of the ring


okuritsuriotoshi

Borrowed from Japanese 送り吊り落とし, meaning "rear lifting body slam".

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker circles behind his opponent then lifts him up and slams him down.


omata

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker grabs his opponent's leg from the inside and lifts it up and backwards, driving his body into that of the defender, forcing him over onto his back. A thigh scooping body drop.


osakate

Borrowed from Japanese 大逆手, literally backward twisting overarm throw.

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker, grappling near the edge, bends backwards and swings his opponent around and out.


oshidashi

Borrowed from Japanese 押し出し, literally "frontal push out".

(sumo) a kimarite in which the attacker pushes his opponent out of the ring, maintaining hand contact at all times


oshitaoshi

Borrowed from Japanese 押し倒し, meaning frontal push down.

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker pushed his opponent backwards and over.


sakatottari

Borrowed from Japanese 逆とったり, literally arm bar throw counter.

(sumo) A kimarite, counter to a tottari, in which the attacker frees the arm being barred and forces his opponent to fall forward.


shitatedashinage

Borrowed from Japanese 下手出し投げ, literally pulling underarm throw.

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker turns away from his opponent and pulls him forward and down.


shitatehineri

Borrowed from Japanese 下手捻り, literally twisting underarm throw.

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker twists his opponent down with an inside grip.


shitatenage

Borrowed from Japanese 下手投げ, literally underarm throw.

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker pulls his opponent straight down with his inside arm as he twists away.


shumokuzori

Borrowed from Japanese 撞木反り, literally "bell hammer backwards body drop".

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker ducks under his opponent's arm and lifts him up and takes him over backwards.


sokubiotoshi

Borrowed from Japanese 素首落とし, literally head chop down.

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker chops down on his opponent's neck, forcing him to touch down.


sotogake

Borrowed from Japanese 外掛け, literally "outside leg trip".

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker pulls his opponent towards him, hooks his leg, and drives him over backwards.


sotokomata

Borrowed from Japanese 外小股, literally "over thigh scooping body drop".

(sumo) a kimarite in which the attacker grabs his opponent's leading leg, over the top of the thigh, and drives him over backwards


sotomuso

Borrowed from Japanese 外無双, literally “outside nothing pair”, but meaning "outer thigh propping twist down".

(sumo) a kimarite in which the attacker reaches over his opponent's body to block his leg and, at the same time, locking his gripping arm and twisting him over onto his back


sototasukizori

Borrowed from Japanese 外たすき反り, literally outer reverse backwards body drop.

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker bars his opponent's inside gripping arm, grabs his closest leg and pulls it up and forces him to touch down.


sukuinage

Borrowed from Japanese 掬い投げ, literally "scooping throw" but conventionally translated as "beltless arm throw".

(sumo) a kimarite in which the attacker releases his gripping hand, extends his arm across his opponent's back, turns away and pulls him forward and down


susoharai

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker sweeps his opponent's leg forward and pulls him backwards and down.


susotori

Borrowed from Japanese 裾取り, literally ankle pick.

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker grabs his opponent's ankle and pulls it up, driving him over backwards.


tasukizori

From Japanese たすき反り (“reverse backwards body drop”).

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker ducks under his opponent's arm, grabs his arm and back leg and leans backwards, driving him over.


tokkurinage

Borrowed from Japanese 徳利投げ, "two-handed head twist down".

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker grabs his opponent's head or neck with both hands and twists him over.


tottari

Borrowed from Japanese とったり, literally "arm bar throw".

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker grabs his opponent's arm at the wrist, bars it, and forces him down.


tsukaminage

Borrowed from Japanese つかみ投げ (tsukaminage), literally "lifting throw".

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker pulls his opponent past him and heaves him into the air.


tsukidashi

Borrowed from Japanese 突き出し, literally frontal thrust out.

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker drives his opponent backwards and out using a rhythmic thrusting motion.


tsukiotoshi

Borrowed from Japanese 突き落とし, literally "thrust down".

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker drives his opponent down using a thrusting movement on his rib cage or shoulder.


tsukitaoshi

Borrowed from Japanese 突き倒し, literally "frontal thrust down".

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker, after a heated slapping exchange, thrusts his opponent over onto his back or side.


tsumatori

Borrowed from Japanese 褄取り, literally "rear toe pick".

(sumo) a kimarite in which the attacker reaches down and picks up his opponent's foot (at the toes) and pulls back and up forcing him to fall forward


tsuridashi

Borrowed from Japanese 吊り出し (tsuridashi).

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker grips his opponent's mawashi and heaves him into the air, lifting him over and out of the ring.


tsuriotoshi

From Japanese 吊り落とし (tsuriotoshi, literally “hanging and dropping”).

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker grips his opponent's mawashi, lifts him, and swings him sideways and down. A lifting bodyslam.


tsutaezori

From Japanese 伝え反り (tsutaezori), literally underarm forward body drop.

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker dives under his opponent's arm whilst maintaining a grip on it, then leans back, forcing him to fall forward.


uchigake

From Japanese 内掛け (uchigake, “inside leg trip”).

(sumo) a kimarite in which the attacker pulls his opponent forward, hooks his opponent's leg with his own, and pulls him over backwards.


uchimuso

Borrowed from Japanese 内無双, literally inner thigh propping twist down.

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker sweeps one of his opponent's legs up by hitting his inner thigh, then pulling him with the other hand.


ushiromotare

Borrowed from Japanese 後ろもたれ, literally backward lean out.

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker leans into his opponent from behind, forcing him back and out.


utchari

Borrowed from Japanese うっちゃり, literally "backward pivot throw".

(sumo) a kimarite in which the attacker, in a last ditch effort, drops his hips while twisting and pulling his opponent up and past him, sometimes onto his back


uwatedashinage

Borrowed from Japanese 上手出し投げ, literally "pulling overarm throw".

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker pulls his opponent forward and down.


uwatehineri

Borrowed from Japanese 上手捻り, literally "twisting overarm throw".

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker twists his opponent in the direction of his outside arm.


uwatenage

(sumo) a kimarite in which the attacker heaves his opponent down as he turns away


waridashi

Borrowed from Japanese 割り出し, literally "upper-arm force out".

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker grabs his opponent's arm at the biceps and pushes him back and out.


watashikomi

Borrowed from Japanese 渡し込み (watashikomi, “thigh-grabbing push down”).

Akinoshima chases "Yankee Doodle Dandy" around the dohyo, until he finally wins by watashikomi (thigh grabbing push down).

1999 March 22, Ken Crouch, “Day 9 spoiler - Kintaro's Musings Group”, in rec.sport.sumo (Usenet):

Kyokushuzan deployed several rare techniques such as watashi-komi, which he used in September of 1996.

2013, J Sargeant, Wild Men, Bad Boys and Model Citiizens:

Thigh-Grabbing Push Down (Watashikomi)

2016, Andrew Zerling, Sumo for Mixed Martial Arts: Winning Clinches, Takedowns, & Tactics, →ISBN:

Ozeki Terunofuji (4-2) outlasted top-ranked maegashira Tochiozan (0-6), while New Year champion Kotoshogiku saw off sekiwake Okinoumi (1-5) with a watashikomi thigh-grabbing pushdown to level his mark at 3-3.

2016 November 18, “Goeido, Hakuho fall; Kakuryu still unbeaten”, in The Japan Times:

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker, while driving his opponent forward, grabs his leg and pulls it, forcing him over.


yaguranage

Borrowed from Japanese 櫓投げ, meaning inner thigh throw.

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker pulls his opponent towards him, places his knee against his opponent's inner thigh and drives the leg upwards while forcing him over.


yobimodoshi

Borrowed from Japanese 呼び戻し, literally pulling body slam.

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker first pulls his opponent forward, then suddenly releases his grip and pushes him back and down.


yorikiri

From Japanese 寄り切り (yorikiri, “frontal force out”).

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker drives his opponent out backwards while maintaining a constant grip on his mawashi.


yoritaoshi

Borrowed from Japanese 寄り倒し, literally "frontal crush out".

(sumo) A kimarite in which, during a yorikiri attack, the opponent collapses to the floor.


zubuneri

Borrowed from Japanese ずぶねり, meaning "head pivot throw".

(sumo) A kimarite in which the attacker buries his head in the opponent's chest, locks his arm, and spins him down using the head as fulcrum.


sonkyo

From Japanese 蹲踞 (sonkyo), from Middle Chinese 蹲踞 (MC dzwon kjoH).

(sumo) The calm, straight-backed squat, following the shiko exercises, in mental preparation for the tachiai


sumotori

sumotoris (plural)
sumotori (plural)
sumōtori (alternative)

His past was evident in his small office, crowded with his wrestling trophies and certificates, but most intriguing to Hiroshi were the photos of sumotori that lined the wall—their bulky, imposing bodies filling the space around them.

2007, Gail Tsukiyama, The Street of a Thousand Blossoms: A Novel, page 47:


sagari

(sumo) The stiffened silk fronds inserted in the front of a mawashi.


pusher-thruster

(sumo) A rikishi who uses his weight to push and pummel his opponent, rather than holding the opponent's mawashi and attempting to throw him


niramiai

(sumo) The staredown between sumo wrestlers before a match.


ebanzuke

(sumo) A banzuke illustrated with pictures of the wrestlers


fudadome

(sumo) sold out said of spectators' seats


hanamichi

(sumo) Either of the East or West paths that lead to the dohyo


harite

(sumo) A slap (strike with an open hand)


hazuoshi

(sumo) The act of pushing the opponent with hands beneath his armpits


hiwaza

(sumo) Any of passive several ways of winning because the opponent makes a mistake


itamiwake

(sumo) A draw due to the injury of one of the wrestlers


kadoban

(sumo) An ozeki who is in danger of demotion


kuisagaru

(sumo) A technique in which a wrestler lowers his centre of gravity and pushes his opponent out of the ring


maemitsu

(sumo) A grip on the front of the mawashi


makikae

(sumo) A quick change from an overarm to an underarm grip on the opponent's mawashi


nekodamashi

(sumo) The act of clapping the hands in order to distract one's opponent.


nodowa

From Japanese 喉輪 (literally “throat ring”).

(sumo) A thrust at the opponent's throat.


okamisan

From Japanese 女将さん (okami-san, literally “miss proprietress”).

(sumo) The wife of a stablemaster who oversees all activities except coaching


sewanin

(sumo) A retired wrestler who assists at a stable.


shimenawa

(sumo) A length of straw that lines the ring (used as ritual purification in shinto)


shingitai

(sumo) The qualities of head, technique and body held to be essential for a successful wrestler


shonichi

(sumo) The first day of a basho, or the first win after a string of defeats


tegatana

From Japanese 手刀 (tegatana, “knife hand”).

(sumo) The ceremonial gesture made by a winning wrestler after receiving his prize money.


wakaimonogashira

(sumo) A retired wrestler who works with new recruits


zanbara

(sumo) hair that is loose and dishevelled and too short to be arranged into a chonmage