Page "Sumo" Paragraph 76

Sumo, while considered a martial art, diverges from the typical Eastern style both at the surface and at its heart.

Whereas most martial arts award promotions through time and practice, sumo ranks can be gained and lost every two months in the official tournaments.

Conversely, in more common Japanese martial arts ( such as karate ), ranks are gained after passing a single test, and practitioners of karate are not normally demoted, even after repeated poor performances at tournaments.

This divergence from other martial arts creates a high-pressure, high-intensity environment for sumo wrestlers.

All the benefits that sekitori wrestlers receive can be taken from them if they fail to maintain a high level of achievement in each official tournament.