The wrestlers rinse their mouths with purifying water before starting the bout.
salt
Before the start of the bout, the wrestlers toss a handful of salt on the dohyo, a Shinto purification rite.
step
Horizontal surface for accessing the dohyo.
sagari
Decorative cords of silk that hang from the front of the mawashi.
gyoji
Referee of the dohyo who directs the bout, encourages the wrestlers and announces the winner; this individual works with the judges, who are all former contestants.
mawashi
Silk belt about 10 m long that is the sumotori’s only clothing; it provides a solid hold for the opponent.
