In professional sumo in Japan, women are not even allowed to stand on the "dohyo" (ring) where athletes compete. This ancient tradition certainly does not jive with the goal of equal rights, so the International Sumo Federation, while pushing for sumo to become an Olympic sport, has opened up sumo to competitors of both genders.

There will be several women competitors in three weight classes at the USA SUMO OPEN on August 4 at UCLA. Many of these women train every week with the California Sumo Association (CSA). Most of them get looks of surprise when they tell people they do sumo!

"My friends didn't believe me until I showed them pictures," says Mahshid Tarazi, who is part of the CSA team. "After four months of heavy sumo training, I've gotten into great shape from practicing sumo." Mahshid hopes to qualify for the US national team that will compete in the World Sumo Championship in Japan later this year.

May Chung of Hong Kong weighs only 105 pounds, but is one of the toughest fighters on the team. "I like the exercise," says May, "and I especially like practicing against the guys!" May's model-like appearance defies the traditional sumo image.

Emeline Perrenot is also a serious sumo athlete. "When I started three months ago, there were only four girls, and now we have about eight," says Emeline, whose reputation as a fierce opponent is already spreading. "I hope to win a gold medal at the USA SUMO OPEN!" she exclaims.

"We are very proud of our women's team," says Andrew Freund, CSA president. "I feel confident that many of these young ladies will have success on the national level. We look forward to developing an even stronger team in the years to come."

Svetoslav Binev, CSA coach and two-time Sumo World Champion, agrees: "I went from coaching the Bulgarian national team to coaching the CSA club here in LA. We still have a long way to go, but I am impressed by the determination that many of the ladies show. They generally fight even harder than the guys!"