David — European Judoka

David sits on the tatami after training. His white judogi is slightly unbuttoned, his black belt lying nearby. His size 47 bare feet are in front of him — soft, warm, with a golden hue to the soles. He places his palm on the sole of his right foot, slowly tracing from heel to toes, feeling the warmth and the texture of the mats. A deep breath — his chest rises under the judogi. A slow exhale — a quiet hiss through his teeth. The tension leaves through his feet. He looks up — calm, restrained. He nods. Hello. Sit down.