What is a 'Yokozuna' in Sumo Wrestling?
The Yokozuna is the highest rank in sumo wrestling, a title of immense prestige and responsibility reserved for the sport's absolute greatest champions.
- **Top Dog Status:** Yokozuna is the pinnacle. No rank is higher.
- **More Than Just Wins:** It's about dignity, skill, and consistent top-tier performance.
- **Permanent, Yet Fragile:** Once promoted, you can't be demoted. But poor performance forces retirement.
- **Living Symbol:** A Yokozuna embodies the spirit and tradition of sumo at all times.
Think of sumo's ranking system like a pyramid. Everyone starts at the bottom. Wrestlers claw their way up through divisions like Jonidan, Makushita, and Juryo. The top division is the *Makuuchi*, where you find the famous names.
Even in Makuuchi, there are ranks. *Maegashira* are the rank-and-file. *Sanyaku* are the title contenders: *Komusubi*, *Sekiwake*, and *Ozeki* (the second-highest rank). An Ozeki who shows sustained, dominant, and dignified championship form may be considered for the ultimate promotion.
**The bar is astronomically high.** Winning a tournament (*basho*) as an Ozeki is a good start, but the Sumo Association looks for back-to-back championships or equivalent dominance. They judge *hinkaku*—dignity and grace worthy of the rank.
Once promoted, the rules change. A Yokozuna cannot be demoted, even with a losing record. This might sound like a sweet deal, but it's a double-edged sword. The pressure is immense. A string of poor performances or a loss of form is seen as damaging the rank's dignity. The expectation? You retire.
Their daily life is a spectacle. From their elaborate, white rope belt (*tsuna*) worn only during ceremonies, to their specific ring-entering rituals (*dohyo-iri*), everything is ceremonial. They are expected to be role models 24/7.
**Why so few?** In over 300 years, there have been fewer than 75 Yokozuna. Recent legends include brothers **Hakuho** (the winningest ever) and **Asashoryu**, and the popular **Terunofuji**. Their dominance defines eras.
So, a Yokozuna isn't just a strong guy who wins a lot. He's a living institution, a guardian of tradition, and a competitor under the most intense scrutiny in sports. It's sumo's ultimate "you've made it... now don't screw it up" achievement.