ENTRY DESCRIPTION
Sumo consists of a deep tradition, with a history spanning over a thousand years. While it originated as a form of ritual dance, in the 1600s it became a way for fighters to showcase their strength in more formal competitions.

The rules are simple – a fighter must either force his opponent out of the ring or get any part of the opponent’s body to touch the ground. There are a few prohibited moves – eye gouging, hitting with closed fists, hair pulling, choking – but just about anything else goes.

While the match itself may be simple, sumo is enveloped in pageantry. From hand clapping to signal to the gods, leg stomping to ward off any bad spirits, and throwing of salt to cleanse the ring, each ceremonial element adds to the spectacle.

In Japanese, a “honbasho” is an official sumo tournament, distinguished from the unofficial events that take place throughout the year. January 8th was the first night of the first of six official tournaments for 2023, and it was my introduction to the national sport of Japan.

As if I didn’t stand out from the crowd enough just on appearance, I went to step up into my tiny box at Tokyo's Kokugikan Stadium only to be reminded that I needed to remove my shoes. Instead of giving me a glare, the couple to my right tapped me on the shoulder and asked if I liked yakitori. It only took a quick nod before they were handing over a box of chicken skewers. Soon after, the couple to our left presented me with an event program and began walking me through each of the pages to ensure I could with the fights that were taking place. I was no longer an outsider - I was a welcome guest.

AUTHOR
Eric's interest in photography began when his parents gave him an old film camera to use for his course in high school. While the class initially served as an escape from his rigorous biology and chemistry courses, it would eventually become the catalyst for each of his interests and passions melding into one. The film process revealed the "magic" of how science and technology could immortalize a scene in front of him. With this, his creative side would soon be unlocked.

Eric earned a Bachelor's Degree in Biology from Wake Forest University. He enjoyed his courses in physiology, molecular biology, and genetics, but it was ecology that grabbed his attention. The idea that life, across species and geographies, is intertwined resonated with him long after his classes concluded.

This concept has driven much of Eric's travel and work to date. He seeks to explore new cultures, new areas of the world, and unique wildlife with the hope that his images can deliver that same empowering idea to others that he felt in his studies — that we can all share some connection and hold interest in other people and living things, even when the link might not be apparent.

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