Maegashira

Maegashira is a rank in sumo wrestling. It is the lowest of five ranks in the top division.

There are anywhere from 12 to 15 ranks of maegashira, depending on promotions from the juryo division, which is just below maegashira; demotions from sanyaku, the division just above maegashira; and demotions from maegashira to juryo.

Movement within the maegashira ranks can be minor or extreme. For example, an M-2 that has an 8-7 record might only be promoted one level to M-1 for the next tournament. An M-14 that wins the yusho could be promoted to the sanyaku rank of komosubi. Indeed, this happened in March 2001 when Takatoriki of Futagayama beya won the yusho with a 13-2 record.

When a maegashira defeats a yokozuna, the highest sumo ranking, it is called a kinboshi and he is rewarded monetarily for the victory for the remainder of his career. Akenoshima, also of Futagayama beya, is the all-time leader with 16 kinboshi.