The Complete Guide to Makushita Tsukedashi: Sumo Wrestling’s Fast Track to Professional Success
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Contact Jasumo Now →What is the Makushita Tsukedashi System?
The Makushita tsukedashi system represents one of sumo wrestling’s most significant pathways for talented amateur wrestlers to accelerate their professional careers. Rather than starting at the bottom of the sumo hierarchy in Jonokuchi (the lowest division), exceptional amateur wrestlers can bypass the lower divisions and begin their professional journey in Makushita, the third-highest division in professional sumo.
This system has revolutionized how promising talent enters the world of professional sumo, creating opportunities for skilled wrestlers to reach the prestigious sekitori (salaried wrestler) ranks much faster than traditional entrants.
Historical Evolution and 2024 Rule Changes
The Traditional System (Pre-2001)
Originally, the tsukedashi system existed in a limited form, allowing only the most exceptional amateur wrestlers to skip the grueling climb through Jonokuchi and Jonidan divisions.
The Enhanced System (2001-2023)
Significant changes in 2001 expanded opportunities for amateur wrestlers, introducing starts at Ms15 (Makushita 15) and even Ms10 (Makushita 10) for truly outstanding candidates. During this period, only three wrestlers ever qualified for the prestigious Ms10 start:
- Endo – Later became a popular maegashira-ranked wrestler
- Mitakeumi – Rose to ozeki rank and won multiple tournaments
- Onosato – Current rising star who reached ozeki in record time
The Revolutionary Recent Reform
The most dramatic changes came at the end of 2023, fundamentally restructuring the system:
Key Changes:
- Eliminated upper-Makushita starts (Ms15 and Ms10)
- Introduced Ms60 as the new standard starting rank
- Significantly expanded qualifying criteria
- Made the system more accessible to amateur wrestlers
Statistical Impact:
- Previous system (2018-2023): Only 5 wrestlers received Ms15 or Ms10 starts
- Current system: 11 wrestlers have debuted at Ms60, with more expected
Onokatsu holds the distinction of being the last wrestler to debut at Ms15 under the old system, while Matsui became the first to benefit from the new Ms60 regulations.
Comprehensive Performance Analysis: The Ms60 Generation
Outstanding Performers
Kusano – The System’s Greatest Success Story (Grade: A+)
Debut: Natsu tournament Career Trajectory: Ms60 → Juryo → Makuuchi in 5 tournaments
Kusano’s meteoric rise represents the tsukedashi system at its finest. Originally recruited by legendary yokozuna Hakuho, he joined Isegahama beya following the stable merger. His achievements include:
- Debut Performance: Dominant 6-1 record at Ms60
- Juryo Success: Two consecutive Juryo division championships
- Makuuchi Breakthrough: 11-4 record with jun-yusho (runner-up) and two special prizes in his top-division debut
- Historic Achievement: 38 wins in his first 3 sekitori tournaments – a new all-time record, surpassing even Onosato (35 wins) and previous record-holder Ichinojo (37 wins)
Kusano’s rapid ascent demonstrates how the reformed system can identify and fast-track elite talent to sumo’s highest levels.
Mita – The Steady Climber (Grade: A)
Debut: Aki tournament Path to Success: Methodical progression through Makushita
Mita’s journey exemplifies consistent excellence:
- Makushita Performance: 22-6 record across four tournaments
- Juryo Debut Challenge: Despite a broken finger injury, achieved 8 wins before withdrawal
- Championship Success: 11-4 Juryo yusho at J11w in recent Nagoya tournament
- Future Prospects: Expected promotion to approximately J3 rank, positioning him for potential Makuuchi debut
Ishizaki/Asasuiryu – Persistence Pays Off (Grade: A-)
Debut: Nagoya tournament Notable: Brother of former wrestler Asakoryu
Ishizaki’s career demonstrates the importance of perseverance:
- Early Success: 16-5 record in first three tournaments
- Promotion Struggles: Three consecutive near-misses for sekitori promotion
- Breakthrough: 6-1 at Ms2e finally secured promotion
- New Identity: Adopted the shikona Asasuiryu for his sekitori debut
Promising Prospects
The Fujishima Duo: Goshima and Fukuzaki (Grade: A)
Debut: Haru tournament Current Status: Both sporting identical 16-5 career records
These teammates have become regular features in Makushita championship races:
- Expected Ranking: Ms5-Ms6 for upcoming tournaments
- Promotion Timeline: Likely sekitori debuts in the near future
- Stable Success: Contributing to Fujishima beya’s growing reputation
Gyotoku – The Unconventional Success (Grade: A)
Debut: Natsu tournament Unique Background: College graduate with no collegiate sumo experience
Gyotoku’s unusual path makes his success particularly noteworthy:
- Training Method: Continued with high school sumo club post-graduation
- Qualification Route: Corporate sumo competition
- Performance: 6-1 debut, multiple tournament semifinal appearances
- Future Outlook: Expected to reach extended promotion zone quickly
Developing Talents
Matsui – The Pioneer (Grade: B-)
Debut: Haru tournament (First Ms60 starter) Career Arc: Steady but unspectacular progression
As the system’s first beneficiary, Matsui has shown:
- Consistent Performance: Multiple kachi-koshi (winning) records
- Upper Division Challenge: Struggled at Ms8e with 2-5 record
- Recovery: Three consecutive 4-3 records showing resilience
Hanaoka – The Improving Prospect (Grade: B+)
Debut: Natsu tournament Recent Performance: 6-1 in recent Nagoya tournament (including one fusen win)
Despite some asterisks on his record, Hanaoka shows promise for upper division competition.
Injury-Affected Careers
Kazuma (Grade: Incomplete)
Challenge: Serious knee injury after strong 4-0 start Recovery: Currently climbing back through lower divisions with 7-0 and 6-1 records Timeline: Expected to return to original Ms60 level in the near future
Kakueizan/Urayama (Grade: Incomplete)
Status: Knee injury prevented recent tournament participation Outlook: Return timeline uncertain
Statistical Success Metrics
Perfect Debut Record
The new Ms60 system has achieved remarkable consistency:
- 11 out of 11 uninjured wrestlers achieved kachi-koshi in their debut tournament
- 100% success rate in sophomore tournaments for healthy wrestlers
- Average debut record: Approximately 5.5 wins per tournament
Promotion Success Rates
- 3 wrestlers have reached sekitori status (Kusano, Mita, Ishizaki/Asasuiryu)
- Several more expected to achieve promotion in 2026
- Fastest promotion: Kusano (5 tournaments to Makuuchi)
The Broader Impact on Professional Sumo
Benefits of the Reformed System
- Increased Talent Pool: More amateur wrestlers now have viable paths to professional success
- Accelerated Development: Promising wrestlers reach competitive levels faster
- Enhanced Competition: Higher skill levels in Makushita division
- Fan Interest: More compelling storylines and rising stars
Challenges and Considerations
- Adjustment Period: Some wrestlers still struggle with the professional environment
- Injury Risk: Higher-level competition from debut increases injury potential
- Pressure Management: Expectations may exceed reality for some entrants
Future Outlook and Predictions
Short-term Expectations
Based on current trajectories, expect:
- Kusano: Potential ozeki candidacy if current form continues
- Mita: Makuuchi debut likely in the coming tournaments
- Fujishima Duo: Sekitori promotions in the near future
- Gyotoku: Rapid rise through upper Makushita
System Evolution
The success of the Ms60 system may lead to further refinements:
- Possible expansion of qualifying criteria
- Enhanced support systems for tsukedashi wrestlers
- Integration with international amateur wrestling programs
How to Experience Sumo Wrestling Live
The excitement of watching these rising stars compete live is unmatched. For the ultimate sumo experience, book your tournament tickets through jasumo.com, your premier destination for sumo wrestling tickets and experiences.
Whether you’re interested in witnessing the next Kusano or Mita in action, jasumo.com offers:
- Premium tournament seating
- English-language support
- Cultural experiences
- Expert guidance for first-time visitors
Stay connected with the sumo community through omoriwifi.com for reliable internet access during your Japan sumo adventure.
The Makushita tsukedashi system continues to evolve, creating new opportunities for amateur wrestlers while enriching the professional sumo landscape. As we watch these talented athletes progress, we witness the future of sumo wrestling taking shape before our
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