This chapter analyses the sumo world’s hierarchical structure and promotion system. The sumo world is a rigidly hierarchical pyramid society, with true professionals (sekitori: makuuchi and juryo) limited to 70 among approximately 700 wrestlers. Promotion is performance-based, but yokozuna promotion requires the ambiguous criterion of ‘dignity.’ Hawaiian-born Konishiki met performance criteria for yokozuna promotion but was not promoted, sparking debates about foreign discrimination. However, data analysis demonstrates Konishiki’s non-promotion was rational under contemporary standards rather than discrimination. ‘Dignity’ requirements reflect recognition that sumo is not merely sport but Japanese culture’s bearer. Analysis of the Sumo Association’s power structure reveals that master consensus forms the decision-making foundation. Foreign wrestlers increased pressure on this traditional promotion system for transformation. Balancing globalisation and tradition constitutes the sumo world’s greatest challenge. The chapter illuminates how traditional hierarchical systems adapt to external pressures, offering insights into institutional change processes in conservative organizations and tensions between meritocracy and cultural preservation.