http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20882835
According to tradition, women are not allowed to step onto or even touch the dohyo. Such strict adherence to tradition has resulted in controversy in Osaka. Fusae Ota, the female prefectural governor of Osaka repeatedly challenged the Sumo Association's policy by requesting that she fulfill the Osaka governor's traditional role of presenting the Governor's Prize to the winner of the Osaka tournament. This would require her to enter the ring. Her requests have thus far been rejected by the Sumo Federation and she has been obliged to send a male counterpart in her place.
Muay Thai has the same prohibition about women entering the ring. However, this taboo has been somewhat relaxed in recent times.
How such discriminatory practices came about? I can only wonder. Perhaps the historians and anthropologists can provide an explanation. As for their applicability in this modern age of equality, one cannot help but question the value or lack thereof of adhering to to them.
On a related note, Sifu Yong Soon Teik who practises a rare form of Emei kungfu once told me that the Emei style he teaches should not be taught to women. He further elaborated that the training methods for that particular style isn't suitable for women. Having seen the basic training exercises for that style, I'm inclined to agree with sifu. The style at a basic level is characterized with powerful, explosive short range hand strikes to vital points on the opponent's body.
As such, basic training consists of resistance exercises using traditional implements. What would result is a relatively developed upper body with powerful sinewy arms. A physique not typically attributed to feminine beauty.
On the other hand, in this day and age where women outnumber the men in some fitness centers, the perception of female beauty has changed somewhat. Who's to say what is or isn't attractive? Isn't it all in the eye of the beholder?
There probably was a practical reason behind such discrimination in Thailand and Japan back then. I won't even hazard a guess but whatever those reasons were, I'm sure they served their purpose back then and there seems to be very little justification to maintaining them now.
Madam governor of Osaka,
....More Power to Ya!!
Muay Thai has the same prohibition about women entering the ring. However, this taboo has been somewhat relaxed in recent times.
How such discriminatory practices came about? I can only wonder. Perhaps the historians and anthropologists can provide an explanation. As for their applicability in this modern age of equality, one cannot help but question the value or lack thereof of adhering to to them.
On a related note, Sifu Yong Soon Teik who practises a rare form of Emei kungfu once told me that the Emei style he teaches should not be taught to women. He further elaborated that the training methods for that particular style isn't suitable for women. Having seen the basic training exercises for that style, I'm inclined to agree with sifu. The style at a basic level is characterized with powerful, explosive short range hand strikes to vital points on the opponent's body.
As such, basic training consists of resistance exercises using traditional implements. What would result is a relatively developed upper body with powerful sinewy arms. A physique not typically attributed to feminine beauty.
On the other hand, in this day and age where women outnumber the men in some fitness centers, the perception of female beauty has changed somewhat. Who's to say what is or isn't attractive? Isn't it all in the eye of the beholder?
There probably was a practical reason behind such discrimination in Thailand and Japan back then. I won't even hazard a guess but whatever those reasons were, I'm sure they served their purpose back then and there seems to be very little justification to maintaining them now.
Madam governor of Osaka,
....More Power to Ya!!
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