Sumo wrestlers in their youth

The Rikishi project is a series of portraits of sumo wrestlers at the very beginning of their sports career. The history of Japanese sumo wrestling dates back to the Heian period (“calm period”), that is, to the time period from 794 to 1185. And, as with any other ancient martial arts, it is not just a sport, wrestling or competition. This is an alloy in which there is a place for history, and religion, and the organization of free time, and, in fact, athletics. The roots of sumo lie in the worship of the gods - this is precisely the meaning of this type of wrestling originally. Well, now we know sumo as the most famous Japanese professional sport.

The faces of the heroes show respect; most of them have piercing eyes. Such a look is a kind of preparation for a contemplative struggle, because sumo is not just a bodily strike, it is also a psychological struggle, expressed in the struggle of views - in the truest sense of the word. Sometimes an experienced wrestler can fall from the assertive gaze of his lesser opponent, this is the essence of sumo philosophy. But still, a massive body is also important for sumo wrestlers - even many young wrestlers weigh well over a hundred.

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