The life of the sumo adept is hard to survive in. After being accepted to a stable (heya), which is both a training center and a sort of monastic collective, young adepts must adhere to norms of the hierarchy. They compete in six two-week tournaments a year, trying to advance in the hierarchy, which is the only chance to live an easier or sometimes (seldom) relatively affluent life, if they become top-ranking wrestlers. Between periods of competing, training and performing menial duties, the moments of relaxation and simple pleasures are rare and precious.
