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Show Description
  • The older boys act, naturally, as "sempai," or upperclassmen and provide an example for their younger peers but it is a remarkably egalitarian atmosphere. When training is over all of the boys bustle about, preparing the dohyo for the next practice. It is meticulously swept clean of loose clay and repaired to its original state, before being covered by a tarp, which is weighed down by sandbags, in preparation for the next session. The group trains three times a week. 
Ryota, the oldest of the six, says that his friends and classmates aren't surprised that he's chosen this sport, "because I'm quite big." Even though the training is grueling and requires a great commitment, he says he's never even thought about quitting. 
Both he and Watauru want to be rikishi when they're older. Wataru's hero is the former Japanese great Chiyonofuji, who had a career record of 807 victories,  while Ryota prefers the now-retired bad boy Asashoryu. "I like him because he's cool," he says.
Ryota echoes his stablemate when he pays tribute to the mental aspect of training. "It's more than just the training of the body," he says. "It's about discipline, respect and becoming a better person."
"Also, once when it was snowing my neighbor asked me to help push his two-ton truck."

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