At what age can girls start wrestling?

Many youth clubs allow children to begin wrestling as early as five or six. Early exposure to stance, balance, and movement builds a foundation for long-term success, and sessions at this age emphasize fun and safe skill-building.

Do girls wrestle against boys?

At the youth and early middle school levels, girls often compete against boys where numbers are limited. As participation grows, more states now offer all-girls divisions and sanctioned state championships.

Is wrestling safe for girls?

Yes—when proper guidelines are followed. With protective gear, clean mats, and trained coaches, wrestling has comparatively low injury rates. Modern programs emphasize hydration, nutrition, and avoiding dangerous weight-cutting.

What gear do female wrestlers need?

Core items include wrestling shoes, headgear (optional internationally but recommended in U.S. youth programs), a fitted singlet or compression set, and knee pads. Hygiene gear such as personal water bottles and antibacterial wipes is also encouraged.

Are there college opportunities for women wrestlers?

Yes. Women’s wrestling is an NCAA Emerging Sport and is fully sanctioned in the NAIA. Hundreds of programs now exist, with scholarship pathways for qualified athletes.

A Glimpse Into Greatness: Yojiro Uetake Shows His Wrestling Spirit

keepkidswrestling
Dec 27, 2022
2 min read

Updated: Aug 1, 2025

At Keep Kids Wrestling, we’re always on the lookout for pieces of wrestling history that remind us why we love this sport so deeply. Today, we’re honored to share something truly special—an actual classroom assignment from one of the greatest wrestlers the United States has ever seen: Yojiro Uetake.

Even as a student, Uetake’s passion for wrestling was clear. His schoolwork reflected the same focus, discipline, and love for the sport that carried him through an undefeated college career and two Olympic gold medals. Seeing the world through the eyes of a young wrestler who would become a legend is a rare gift, and we believe this document deserves to be shared with the entire wrestling community.

Yojiro Uetake's school work show casing his love for wrestling

Before you dive into the PDF file attached above , we encourage you to read the brief biography below. Many young wrestlers today have never heard of Mr. Uetake—and that simply won’t do. He was more than just a champion; he was a trailblazer, a teacher, and a symbol of excellence in the wrestling world.

Who Was Yojiro Uetake?

Yojiro Uetake was a Japanese-born freestyle wrestler who made history on and off the mat. Although he originally hoped to train in judo, his small size led him to wrestling instead—a decision that would impact the sport forever.

After becoming a high school national champion in Japan, Uetake was sent to the United States by the Japanese Wrestling Federation, fulfilling a promise to Oklahoma State University head coach Myron Roderick. Coach Roderick would later call Uetake “by far the best wrestler he ever saw or coached.”

At Oklahoma State, Uetake accomplished something few ever will: he went undefeated throughout his college career and captured three NCAA titles, making him a legend in Cowboy wrestling history.

Olympic Gold, Twice Over

Uetake’s career didn’t stop at college. At the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, he won gold in the freestyle bantamweight division in front of his home crowd. Four years later, he stunned the world again by winning a second gold at the 1968 Olympics—despite suffering a separated shoulder mid-tournament. Down 0–2 in the match, he fought back to even the score and eventually stood atop the podium once more.

Legacy and Honors

Inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame (1980)
Inducted into the FILA International Wrestling Hall of Fame (2005)
Inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame (2015)

After retiring from competition, Uetake returned to Japan and became a coach, passing on his knowledge and passion to the next generation.

Why This Matters

Yojiro Uetake starting a freestyle throw

Wrestling isn’t just about moves and medals—it’s about heart, legacy, and connection. Sharing pieces of our past like Uetake’s school assignment helps us understand the mindset of a champion and brings us all a little closer as a community.

Thank you to all our supporters who make moments like this possible. This project has been a learning experience for everyone involved, and we hope it brings you as much inspiration as it brought us.

Take a moment. Download the file. Look at wrestling through Yojiro Uetake’s young eyes.

Let’s keep his memory alive and continue honoring those who paved the way.

—The KKW Team