A ''sekitori'' (関取) is a '' rikishi'' (力士, sumo wrestler) who is ranked in one of the top two professional divisions: '' makuuchi'' and ''

jūryō Professional sumo as administered by the Japan Sumo Association is divided into six ranked divisions. Wrestlers are promoted and demoted within and between these divisions based on the merit of their win–loss records in official tournaments. F ...

''. The name literally translates to having taken the barrier, as only a relatively small fraction of those who enter professional sumo achieve ''sekitori'' status. Currently there are 70 ''rikishi'' in these divisions. The benefits of being a ''sekitori'' compared to lower ranked wrestlers are significant and include: * to receive a salary and bonus (those in the lower divisions merely receive an allowance) * to have one's own supporters' club * to wear high quality men's

kimono The is a traditional Japanese garment and the national dress of Japan. The kimono is a wrapped-front garment with square sleeves and a rectangular body, and is worn left side wrapped over right, unless the wearer is deceased. The kimono ...

and other items of attire * to have a private room in the training stable * to be able to get married and live away from the training stable * to have junior ''rikishi'' to effectively act as their personal servants * to wear a silk '' mawashi'' with stiffened cords (called ''sagari'') in tournament bouts * to participate in the ring entrance ceremony and wear a ''

keshō-mawashi In sumo, a is the loincloth that (sumo wrestlers) wear during training or in competition. Upper ranked professional wrestlers wear a as part of the ring entry ceremony or . For top ranked professional , it is made of silk and comes in a ...

'' * to wear the more elaborate ''ōichō chonmage'' hairstyle in competition and on formal occasions * to become an

elder An elder is someone with a degree of seniority or authority. Elder or elders may refer to: Positions Administrative * Elder (administrative title), a position of authority Cultural * North American Indigenous elder, a person who has and ...

in the Sumo Association if one is ''sekitori'' for long enough

Memorabilia associated with ''sekitori''

The item of memorabilia most often associated with sumo wrestling is ''tegata'' (literally hand shape). Only ''sekitori'' are allowed to make them for fans. They could be equated to the sumo version of an autograph. ''Tegata'' consist of a print of a wrestler's hand using black or red ink accompanied by his ring name written in calligraphic style by the wrestler himself. Original ''tegata'' are given out to fans and members of one's supporter club. Printed copies of ''tegata'' can also be bought inexpensively.

Supporter clubs

When a wrestler achieves ''sekitori'' status, he is allowed to have a fan/supporter club called a ''kōenkai'' if he has enough popularity. This is in addition to ''kōenkai'' associated with his sumo stable. These clubs often pool their money to buy the wrestler such items as his decorative apron called a ''

''. For their support, supporter club members expect and receive access to the wrestlers and are given invitations to post-tournament parties and other events where they will have direct contact with them.

References

Sumo terminology Sport in Japan {{sumo-stub