Despite his small stature, Sakaigawa had a drum belly and a strong body, and rose steadily through the ranks. During his time in the makuuchi ranks, he did not suddenly defeat any opponent, but rather allowed his opponent to wrestle sufficiently before going on to win the match, and his opponents were impressed by his ring attitude even after his defeat. He won the equivalent of his first tournament championship in June 1868 from the maegashira ranks, emerging undefeated with eight wins (though this was before the championship system established in 1909).
Sakaigawa's modest stature belied a robust physique and prominent drum-like abdomen. He steadily rose through the ranks, demonstrating restraint in his matches by allowing opponents sufficient time to engage before securing victories. His ring presence even after defeat earned him respect from adversaries. In June 1868, he secured an early tournament title equivalent to his first championship, going undefeated with eight wins.