How do you win in sumo?
B · Beginner · The bout · 3 of 3A rikishi wins by forcing the opponent out of the circle or making them touch the ground first with anything but the soles. If the opponent is already falling beyond recovery, the rikishi who touches down a moment before does not lose. The winning technique is the kimarite; the JSA lists 82.
How it works
- Out: of the circle.
- Touch down: anything but soles.
- Shinitai: opponent already falling.
- Excused: touching first then.
- Kimarite: the winning technique.
- JSA list: 82 techniques.
- Groups: six.
- Non-technique results: five.
The glossary has the win condition, the shinitai, the kimarite, the kimarite groups, the non-technique results and the yorikiri.
Tricky cases
Both fall together. Who wins?
The one whose opponent touched first, unless the opponent was already beyond recovery.
A wrestler steps out by mistake untouched. Result?
They lose; it is a non-technique result.
How many recognised techniques are there?
82 in the JSA list.
Does the IFS use the same list?
It recognises 70 basic and 10 older techniques.
Why the rule exists
The shinitai rule stops a wrestler losing because they touched down while protecting a beaten opponent.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Win | Out or touch down | J p7 |
| Shinitai | Excused | I 9 |
| Techniques | 82 | K |
From the rule book
Japan Sumo Association, Sumo (introduction booklet), page 7, the JSA technique list and International Sumo Federation, Regulations on Refereeing (in force 6 September 2024), Article 9. Checked 15 October 2026. Official documents: JSA Sumo booklet and IFS Regulations on Refereeing 2024.