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''.
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 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''
* to wear the more elaborate ''ōichō
chonmage
The is a type of traditional Japanese topknot (disambiguation), topknot haircut worn by men. It is most commonly associated with the Edo period (1603–1868) and samurai, and in recent times with sumo wrestlers. It was originally a method of usi ...
'' hairstyle in competition and on formal occasions
* to become an
elder 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 ''
keshō-mawashi''. 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
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