Silver medalist of the championship of Russia, European sumo champion and freshman of the Volga Academy of sports Sergey Antonov is not like a typical sumo wrestler-athletic build, relief muscles, not a gram of excess weight. Recently he took part in the show "Russian ninja" on the First channel. Sergey overcame most of the obstacle course, but made a mistake at the very last stage. Remembering the shooting, sumo wrestler said that he was upset not only misfire at a distance.
- Unfortunately, they got a little confused there in preparation for the show.  Clearly all painted of himself, and I was introduced to judo. I did not like it very much, I did not even want to go out. Uncultured. Then tried to rectify that, but the first phrase would still people more true. I also did judo, but sumo is my main sport. I have kimono. If I said to act as a judoka – please, would like a judoka. But their country very much. For viewers sumo wrestler, but still my physique, more interest would be aroused... Okay, it was.
- How did you hear about the project?
– Still in that year found out when the first season was still going. The coach advised me to try and apply. Even mom asked about the project! Then I decided the next year to sign up for the casting. To be honest, I signed up and forgot. And then they called, invited to the casting in Moscow. He performed well, liked the producers. And then invited a second time, now on the show, to pass the obstacle.
- What did you pay attention to at the casting?
- On a physical form of the athlete, but the main thing was not force, and equipment. Watched you go through the strip. It was important to think, to think strategically. Also looked at the activity, emancipation.
– What relations did you have with other participants of the project?
– Good. All children interesting, active, sociable, support each other. He plunged back into the friendly team, where everyone is rooting for each other. Adequately, quietly, no " squabble."
- Did you cut a lot during editing?
- Cut out the uninteresting moments. Want to make everything beautiful and bright. For example, removed push-UPS. In the picture they do not look so good.
- The producers of the show gave you the installation, how to behave in the frame?
- No, there were no special requirements for the participants. Asked to behave such what we are.
- Are you happy with your performance?
 Not completely. Still wanted to go to the finals. But would fall in the beginning would not pass the track. On the one hand, the whole route has overcome, on the other - is wrong in the end... it's a Shame, but what can you do! I will go next year again, these mistakes will not allow.
- The show was practically in Prime time on the main Federal channel. Did they recognize you after the broadcast?
- I can't say I've made new friends. Although a couple of people, Yes, remembered me on the air. And man, I did not public. And so I'm attracted to, I generally considered the show as a regular competition.
"ALL IDEA OF SUMO AS A HUGE FAT MAN»
- How did you decide to do sumo?
- I am from Dzerzhinsk, Nizhny Novgorod region. There we have a sumo a long time developing. At first I was engaged in Boxing and hockey. Then in judo-the trainer who taught at us physical education at school called. He performed well, and after the Director began to develop sumo, and I decided to try. Now DYUSSH "Constellation" one of the best sports schools of sumo in Russia. In the city we have three sumo schools so that the guys do not have to travel far. Our Director was one of the first in Russia who became interested in this sport, at first he began to study and then train. But in any case, in Japan – it's life, it's a whole culture, it's a professional sport. And in Russia sumo engage in only lovers. But at the level of Russia and Europe the results were, so the sport continued to develop.
- Does the sumo coach have to be Japanese?
– In Japan, Yes. It would be nice to find a Japanese coach, but where? So learn, Japanese seems to be not in Russia. We have good coaches who study this sport thoroughly and deeply, so the training is serious. In Japan sumo live, and at us athletes from other sports who are close to sumo act, - judo, Sambo, free-style wrestling. Guys interested in, they like. People get, that is. In addition to their main sport, they are also developing in sumo. In General, sumo culture is developing. For the second year as the competition in the Volga Federal district will carry out the championship of Russia was. You pass Russia-you get on the European and world competitions.
- How do family and friends relate to sumo hobby?
- Only positive. They are for any activity. Friends also support. As a child, of course, asked: "Why do you need it?"and they said that it would not work. Two or three years ago there were many skeptics. Now everyone sees my achievements, and no questions arise. Even proud that they have such a friend. Pleasantly.
- Why did people have doubts?
- Stereotypes work. Everyone has the idea of a sumo wrestler as a huge fat man. They look at me and don't believe I can be sumo. Many do not know that there are different weight categories, ranging from 60 kilograms. A total of seven, the dilution is 10 - 15 pounds. See I'm little, athletic, and asked: "How?"If I say that I am also a master of sports, people come to a complete bewilderment.
- And there are heavyweights in Russia?
- Yes, there are strong guys in Ossetia. Weigh 220 - 230 pounds. This is not the maximum, but the average heavyweight and weigh in Japan. Heavyweight to be very honorable – are the main contenders, stars, professionals, candidates for the title in the absolute.
- How do they fight with such a mass? After all, according to all medical standards, they are practically disabled.
- Training is built in such a way as not to swim fat. Regime, nutrition, vitamins-thanks to this cope.
- In everyday life, they have no problems with weight?
– If you saw them moving on the dohyo (sumo ring – approx.) then all the answers are there already. Smoothness, speed, reaction – as they move in life. Man in structure of movements, gait can be determined, and a fighter can be seen immediately. So sumo just a plus for the body.
 "KURESH AND SUMO SIMILAR»
- How comfortable are you in Tatarstan?
- There are all conditions and opportunities for life and development. If about University of my say something the teachers have in the Academy is good, all help. What I like-do not look at the regalia. Even if you are ten times world champion, you will have the same requirements as a simple guy without sports achievements. I have just arrived, I live and study here for only two months, but I have already fallen in love with Kazan and the sports Academy.
- How did you know about the Volga Academy?
- I acted at competitions, and there I was seen by the trainer Kazan. Invited to go to Kazan. My coach approved the idea and I applied. I do not regret it. Among sports universities in Kazan can compete except Moscow, St.-Petersburg, Sochi.
- What is the emphasis in studies?
– I study at the Department of combat sports, we study the techniques of wrestling and features the body of a fighter. As future coaches, we have to know physiology in order to plan classes correctly. The most important thing is not to injure the athlete, to know the limits of the body, not to overload it. This is useful for active athletes, knowledge about their own body is priceless.
- Do you do sumo by yourself in Tatarstan?
- At the moment, Yes, I am alone. No schools, no trainers. Even sparring with no one to hold, so the train Dzerzhinsk.
- Is it possible to say that sumo is similar to kuresh? In sumo unless there is no belt...
 Is, only it's different use. It is called "Malaya" and is attached to the athlete. We have a slightly different technique. In kuresh it is impossible to do capture and to break a distance. But, in General, these species are very similar.
– Is there a chance for the Batyr of kuresh to achieve success in sumo?
- Depends on how well you do. You can try yourself, he will have a base if the champion besides. Maybe it will. Depends on the athlete, his style, weight.
"IN JAPAN LIVE, NOT SURVIVE»
– Is it possible to earn sumo in Russia?
 Not yet. Only in Japan sumo wrestlers earn their careers. And very well! Sumo in Europe is gaining momentum, perhaps in the future our sport will become Olympic. Then it will be possible to earn victories in sumo tournaments.
– Are there any plans to include sumo in the Olympics program?
– Talk went, but never going to happen. It also depends on the popularity of the species, how many people involved. Sumo, I think, will be presented as indicative discipline. This year, sumo has already been included in the nomad Games. I didn't go, but I'll try to go next year.
- What success do you need to achieve in sumo to consider a successful career?
- To win Russia and the European championship, to confirm the result.
– How competitive are Russian sumo wrestlers on the world stage? Is there any chance the Russian has against the Japanese?
- Not much, but there is. From Moscow Batyr Altyev went to Japan, trained there. The level there is much higher than ours, but it looked good. Russian sumo is listed in the world.
- Did you study Japanese culture?
- Sumo culture. The life of sumo, the code of conduct. I try to observe it. Without immersion anywhere, in any activity. But in General, the philosophical part of the sumo sports I am less interested in the subtleties did not go.
- The Japanese, in your experience, are very different from the Russians?
- Yes, a very progressive nation. Very hard-working. Everything is done not for quantity, but for quality, so that things serve people not for one year, but for many years. This they should learn. They have respect for elders, and we raise the retirement age. In Russia, people who live up to 70 years, will soon be entered in the Red book. And in Japan not survive, and live. And in 90 years, and in 100.
Photo: screenshot from the website of the First channel  
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