Jilin, China — The experiences of female professional wrestlers in northeastern China reveal how athletic performance depends not only on physical strength but also on psychological resilience, social support, and structured training systems. This insight comes from a 2026 study by Dr. Wang Xuepeng, Doctor of Education from the University of Baguio, published in the East Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Research. The research documents the real-life journeys of women competing in traditional Chinese wrestling in Jilin Province, highlighting both the demands of elite sport and the broader cultural importance of preserving a historic martial tradition.
The findings matter because traditional Chinese wrestling—an ancient sport with more than two thousand years of history—has experienced declining visibility in recent decades. As modern sports systems prioritize international Olympic disciplines, traditional wrestling has gradually lost institutional support, competition opportunities, and public attention. In regions like Jilin Province, historically known as a center for Chinese wrestling, fewer tournaments and limited athlete development pathways have created uncertainty about the sport’s future. Female athletes, in particular, face additional barriers, including gender stereotypes and unequal access to training resources.
Dr. Wang Xuepeng’s research brings these overlooked perspectives to light by focusing on the lived experiences of women athletes. The study shows that female wrestlers play an important role not only in competitive sports but also in preserving the cultural heritage embedded in traditional Chinese wrestling.
Understanding the Lives of Female Wrestlers
The research used a qualitative approach to examine how female athletes train, compete, and navigate their careers in a challenging sporting environment. Dr. Wang Xuepeng conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with seven active female wrestlers and four experienced coaches in Jilin Province. The participants were athletes aged 18 or older with at least one year of training and competition experience.
In addition to interviews, the study included non-intrusive performance observations during training and competitions. All interview recordings were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis, a method that identifies recurring patterns in personal experiences and narratives. This approach allowed the researcher to understand not just the technical aspects of wrestling but also the emotional, social, and psychological dimensions of the athletes’ journeys.
How Women Enter the Sport
One of the study’s major findings is that many female wrestlers begin their careers through family influence, school sports programs, or personal interest in martial arts. Over time, the sport becomes a defining part of their identity.
Participants explained that wrestling helped them build confidence, discipline, and mental strength. The demanding training environment teaches athletes how to cope with adversity and maintain focus under pressure. For many athletes, wrestling is more than competition—it becomes a lifelong source of personal growth and self-development.
Intense Training and Physical Demands
The research reveals the rigorous training routines required to compete at a professional level. Female wrestlers typically follow a daily training schedule consisting of three sessions per day, each lasting around 150 minutes.
Training sessions combine several components. Technical drills focus on improving wrestling techniques and match strategies. Strength training develops power and explosiveness, which are essential in grappling sports. Conditioning exercises enhance endurance and overall physical fitness. Many athletes also perform flexibility routines and injury-prevention exercises to maintain peak physical performance.
High-intensity interval training and explosive movement drills are commonly used methods in wrestling training programs. These exercises simulate the physical demands of real matches, where athletes must combine speed, power, and endurance within short bursts of intense activity.
Injuries and Weight Management
Like many combat sports, wrestling carries a high risk of physical injury. According to the study, the most common injuries reported by female wrestlers involve the knees, shoulders, and lower back. These injuries often result from repetitive training movements, intense physical contact, and the demanding nature of grappling techniques.
Another challenge is strict weight management. Wrestlers compete in specific weight categories, which means athletes must carefully monitor their diet, hydration, and training load before competitions. Improper weight reduction can affect strength, stamina, and overall health, making nutrition planning a critical part of an athlete’s preparation.
Psychological Pressure Before Competition
The study also highlights the psychological challenges faced by female wrestlers. Many athletes experience nervousness, anxiety, and emotional pressure before entering the competition arena. Managing these emotions becomes a key factor in achieving strong performance.
To maintain focus, athletes use several psychological techniques such as breathing exercises, visualization, and positive self-affirmation. Visualization allows wrestlers to mentally rehearse their strategies before a match, while breathing techniques help regulate stress levels. Over time, these strategies become part of an athlete’s personal routine for entering a competitive mindset.
The research emphasizes that psychological resilience is not only an individual trait but also influenced by the surrounding environment.
“Support from coaches and teammates plays a crucial role in building athletes’ confidence and resilience,” Dr. Wang Xuepeng from the University of Baguio explains in the study. The research shows that mentorship, encouragement, and technical feedback from experienced coaches significantly help athletes overcome setbacks such as injuries or performance slumps.
Building a Better Training Model
Based on the findings, the research proposes a comprehensive training framework designed specifically for female wrestlers. The model integrates physical preparation, mental training, and scientific support systems.
The proposed training structure divides the annual program into several phases, including a base training period, a specialized skill development phase, and a competition preparation phase. This periodization approach helps athletes gradually increase training intensity while minimizing the risk of overtraining or injury.
Another key recommendation involves personalized training plans. Each athlete has unique strengths, weaknesses, and physical characteristics. Tailoring training programs based on performance assessments and video analysis can improve technical skills and tactical decision-making during matches.
The study also emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary support network. Nutritionists, sports psychologists, physiotherapists, and recovery specialists can work alongside coaches to maintain athletes’ physical health and mental well-being.
Modern sports technology is also becoming an important part of athlete development. Tools such as wearable fitness trackers, artificial intelligence motion analysis, and virtual reality match simulations allow athletes to analyze performance data and refine techniques more efficiently.
Promoting Gender Equality in Wrestling
Beyond performance training, the study highlights the broader issue of gender equality in combat sports. Although women’s participation in wrestling has increased globally, structural barriers and cultural stereotypes still limit opportunities for female athletes.
Increasing media visibility, organizing more competitions for women, and ensuring equal access to training resources are important steps toward strengthening women’s wrestling programs. According to the research, empowering female wrestlers can help revitalize traditional Chinese wrestling and ensure its long-term sustainability.
Author Profile
Wang Xuepeng from the University of Baguio.
Source
Wang Xuepeng. 2026. Beyond the Mat: Describing the Journeys of Female Professional Wrestlers in Jilin Province. East Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, Vol. 5 No. 3, pp. 877–894.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/eajmr.v5i3.41
Journal Link: https://journaleajmr.my.id/index.php/eajmr/article/view/41
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