Inside the esteemed world of sumo wrestling in Japan: Pictures capture a year ... trends now
These are the men who dedicate their lives to the esteemed world of sumo wrestling.
On the road to glory, they eat, sleep and breathe the sport, living out their days in traditional Japanese stables where they undergo rigorous physical, spiritual and mental training.
Photographer David Sharabani was granted rare access to the wrestlers in the Kokugikan Stadium and their living quarters, and has captured the essence of day-to-day life in a series of fascinating pictures which form part of a new book, Sumo.
As Sharabani chronicles the life of the sumo wrestlers, it is evident how dedicated they are to the path they have chosen.
He says: 'Rikishi are not just wrestlers, they are the antiquated, traditional Japanese gentlemen.'
In this picture, a line of sumo wrestlers train together, holding onto each other's hips as they march in the dirt pit. On average, the wrestlers will be awake from 6am for fasted training (earlier for lower ranks), and the session will last until about midday
This Rikishi is moved between places in a wheelchair, with his eyes closed and one leg lifted. While the size of sumo wrestlers opens them up to serious injuries and even disease later in life, they're also worked extremely hard and follow a regimented way of life that is incomprehensible to outsiders
One man, wearing an elaborate gold trimmed robe, looks exuberant as he clutches a baby in his arms. Lord K2 says young children are inspired to follow in the footsteps of sumo's before them because: 'The depth of honour and esteem rewarded for such commitment is beyond the comprehension of most foreigners'
The pain is written all over their faces when they're thrown to the ground in a training match, while away from the pit their personalities can really shine through.
One man, wearing an elaborate gold trimmed robe, looks exuberant as he clutches a baby in his arms.
Another image shows six boys assembled in a line, watching intently at their trainer. They are future hopefuls, wearing matching uniforms and surrounded by a crowd.
The bond they form is like no other. Unless a sumo wrestler marries, they're required to live in stables with up to 15 others.
Here, they train together, eat every meal together and sleep in the same quarters. They are required to perform jobs which are dependent on their rank within the sport.
The pain is written all over their faces when they're thrown to the ground in a training match. In spite of this, they continue training for hours on end. There is no weight divisions in sumo wrestling. You compete against men sometimes double your size, based on your ranking, which in itself is determined by how many career wins one has amassed
Back in the pit, the men each sit in a middle split, pancaked so their stomachs and chins are flat on the dirt ground of the stables. These men are athletes, sticking to a regimented diet and exercise regime designed with an ambition to put on as much body mass as possible to give them an edge over other competitors
One image shows one of the men skateboarding while two others watch on, offering an insight into the life of the wrestlers who live in the stable in their recreational hours, outside of training. They continue to wear the traditional outfits and their hair in top knots
Among the lowest ranks, wrestlers earn their keep by waking up first to cook and serve food for their superiors. They clean up after meals, get the last pick of the food at dinner time and are even required to wait until the end to bathe after training.
These tasks lessen as time goes on and they move through the ranking system.
While it is a hard life, it offers a reward like no other. Both the wrestlers and the sport itself is still considered sacred in Japan.
There is also an abundance of happiness within the sport. As illustrated by Sharabani - who is also known as Lord K2 - the men spend their free time also in each other's company.
One image shows one of the men skateboarding while two others watch on.
Another image shows six boys assembled in a line, watching intently at their trainer. They are future hopefuls, wearing matching uniforms and surrounded by a crowd
They eat, sleep and breathe the sport, living out their days in traditional Japanese stables where they undergo rigorous physical, spiritual and mental training. Among the lowest ranks, wrestlers earn their keep by waking up first to cook and serve food for their superiors. They clean up after meals, get the last pick of the food at dinner time and are even required to wait until the end to bathe after training
They wear traditional garb as they catch public transport and order take out. The average weight in the top divisions is between 125kgs and 166kgs. Many sumo wrestlers develop diabetes later in life and are more prone to heart attacks due to their weight
Elsewhere, they wear traditional garb as they catch public transport and order take out.
Back in the pit, the men each sit in a middle split, pancaked so their stomachs and chins are flat on the dirt ground of the
