The grueling world of sumo wrestlers at the renowned Tomozuna stable begins every morning with three hours of intense training. This collection of photos offers a rare peek at their everyday lives and practices for the ongoing Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament (ends July 23) at their temporary Buddhist temple base. A wrestler’s life is encompassed by Japan’s national sport dating back to the 15th century, from training to diet to dress. In recent years, the sport and its tough training regimen has attracted fewer young Japanese, leaving foreign wrestlers to fill the void. Mostly from Mongolia, the new wrestlers face barriers such as culture and language “I couldn’t understand anything, I can’t even tell when I’m being cursed out or even being praised,” said Tomozuna Oyakata, known by his fighting name Kyokutenho, who was one of the six that made up the first wave of Mongolain sumo wrestlers in 1992. Photos: CFP