What happens before a sumo bout?
I · Intermediate · The bout · 1 of 4Before a bout the rikishi purify the ring with salt and squat facing each other, fists down, until ready: four minutes at most in the top division, three in the second. The bout starts at the tachi-ai, the charge. In IFS sumo hands touch down behind the lines; an early charge is called back with Matta.
How it works
- Salt: purifies the ring.
- Who: top divisions.
- Shikiri: squat face-offs.
- Limit: four minutes, top division.
- Juryo: three minutes.
- Tachi-ai: the charge.
- Hands down: behind the lines (IFS).
- Early: "Matta", restart.
The glossary has the tachi-ai, the shikiri, the salt throwing, the chirichozu, the sonkyo and the gyoji's calls.
Tricky cases
Do lower-ranked rikishi throw salt?
No. Only the top divisions, and makushita on some occasions.
What does "Hakkeyoi" mean in a bout?
The start call, and a call to keep going when still.
What does the hand-cleansing show?
That no weapon is hidden.
Is there a ceremony each day?
Yes, the ring-entering ceremony and the bow-twirling at the close.
Why the rule exists
The rituals carry sumo's Shinto roots; the hands-down start makes the charge fair.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Top division | Four minutes | J p7 |
| Juryo | Three | J p7 |
| False start | Matta | I 6 |
From the rule book
Japan Sumo Association, Sumo (introduction booklet), pages 5 and 7, with International Sumo Federation, Regulations on Refereeing (in force 6 September 2024), Articles 6 and 29. Checked 15 October 2026. Official documents: JSA Sumo booklet and IFS Regulations on Refereeing 2024.