Review of the weight class names in the Ssireum competition

The purpose of this study is to review the weight class names of Ssireum matches. The conclusion are following in these.First, The existing weight classification situation. The amateur Ssireum weight classes can be divided into seven weight classes: Gyeongjang, Sojang, Cheongjang, Yongjang, Yongsa, Yeoksa, and Jangsa. The folk Ssireum weight classes can be divided into four weight classes: Taebaek, Geumgang, Halla, and Baekdu. The Women’s Ssireum weight classes can be divided into five weight classes: Maehwa, Nancho, Kukhwa, Daenamu and Mugunghwa. However, some weight classification methods have been mixed with their meanings thus the significance of classification is not clear.Second, The etymology of weight classification. The etymology of Cheonhajangsa can be examined through concepts of ‘Cheonha’ and ‘Jangsa’. ‘Cheonha’ means national or global in the context of indicating the scope, and It implies the meaning of The world s best’ in the context of indicating the level. ‘Jangsa’ is a term that refers to a brave person with a strong build and physical strength like a warrior. The term ‘Janggun’ refers to a military officer in a very high position. ‘Seonsa’ means ‘selected people of talent, selected soldiers.’ Therefore, In the competition the term ‘Janggun’ should be the first in the ranking of the competition, and then the order of ’Jangsa’ and ‘Seonsa’ masters.Third, The limit of the existing weight classification. The distinction between Garam, Meo, Nuri, and Hanul, which were selected as entry names in the folk Ssireum weight class contest is not consistent with its standards and scope of application, so the difference in weight class is not clearly revealed. Also the seven amateur Ssireum weight classes are too subdivided. Therefore, it is desirable to adjust each weight class to four general weight classes: "Boy – Young man – Young adult- Senior".Fourth, The new weight classification. The five weight classes of women s Ssireum can be classified into "Geumgang – Daedonggang – Nakdonggang – Hangang" by applying the name of the four representative rivers of Korea and if the "Cheonhajangsa" weight class is added, It can be reorganized into five weight classes the same as the men s division. In this way, standardizing Amateur Ssireum weight classes into "Boy – Young man – Young adult- Senior" , and Men’s Ssireum weight classes Taebaek – Geumgang - Halla-Baekdu ,and Women s Ssireum classes "Geumgang – Daedonggang – Nakgang - Han River" highlights the integrated title of Korea s healthy adults and stands for beautiful Korean Mountains. Through this efforts, the ranking of the Ssireum weight class names can be sorted out, and the environment of Ssireum can be changed from the intangible heritage of traditional games to the "Ssireum" as traditional sports.