Shimazaki

The sensei leading the training session at Mie Nishi is Kioshi Shimazaki, one of the few nikkeis at the gym on a Sunday morning.

Shimazaki, who has been a rikishi, or sumo wrestler, for 42 years, watches closely, his brow furrowed.

His focus now is solely on Shimazaki’s instructions.

Bare feet planted firmly in the dirt of the dohyo — a raised platform where bouts take place with a ring, or tawara, at its center — the athletes try to follow Shimazaki’s slow and steady instructions.

With their palms resting on their knees, they follow Shimazaki as he slowly stands and lifts his left leg into an arc, his left hand sliding up to his waist as it bends to the side.