Sumo wrestling regulations Sumo matches are held in a ring that is roughly 15 feet in diameter and is raised 2.5 feet above the ground on a block of clay known as a dohyo. Each Sumo match must begin with an elaborate ceremonial rite in which the wrestlers execute certain movements as well as toss salt into the ring. Then they fight for three minutes, or until one wrestler falls. The winner is determined by how much turf he manages to push over the side of the dohyo. The ring in which they fight is important because it has to be large enough to accommodate both fighters. In addition, there should be space around it so that spectators can see the match. The size of the ring depends on the organization holding the tournament but most often it is about 16 feet across. When two mature males enter the ring together, it usually means that they intend to fight. But sometimes older men will enter the ring to settle disputes between younger wrestlers or to prevent fights between teammates. Such incidents are called "Ippon Sabai" (meaning "wrestler's agreement") and mean that there will be no further fighting that day. In professional sumo tournaments, only wrestlers who have achieved a certain level of success through prior competition can participate. These men are referred to as "makuuchi" ("top division"). To qualify, a wrestler must win his district (or group) tournament.