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Although the phrase 'sumo wrestler' typically conjures up an image of a chunky Asian man with a loincloth and a top-knot, it's fast becoming a sport for women such as Luciana Watanabe, the face of sumo in Brazil.

In the mother country - Japan - women are to this day barred from practising sumo professionally.

The martial art was deeply intertwined with the Shinto religion for over 1500 years and women were viewed by believers as unwholesome or as harbingers of bad luck.

Previously, attendance at the ritualised sumo performances was strictly prohibited for women, as was physically touching the gigantic wrestlers.

Despite this, 2001 welcomed the establishment of an international women's sumo championship, and it's hoped that designation as an Olympic sport may be on the cards.

Sumo amateur Diana Dall'Olio became hooked after first dabbling in alternative varieties of wrestling.

A treasured part of Japanese culture, sumo was brought to Brazil's shores in the early 20th century by Japanese settlers.

Currently, women account for over half of the country's 600 sumo fighters and Valeria Dall'Olio, mother of Diana, relishes shaking up stereotypes.

Perhaps the time is ripe to recognise that the revered sumo ring is no longer the sole domain of massive male titans.

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