Welcome to the world of South Sudanese traditional wrestling.

While Canberra's South Sudanese community may be small, in the world of traditional wrestling they are a powerhouse.

It even says so in their name.

"Our team name is the Canberra Powerhouse. Our team was formed about a year ago," wrestler Kudum Kudum said.

Canberra are the Australian champions, having defeated the Queensland team – the Maroons – at the recent national championships.

While largely unheard of in Australia, the past three years has seen the sport grow across the country, with teams also in Victoria and NSW.

Mr Kudum is among the more than 30 wrestlers in Canberra Powerhouse and is one of their strongest competitors.

He said the contest was all about showing strength.

"We don't hit each other. When you force someone to the ground and you're still standing, that means you win. You don't do any harm to each other," the wrestler said.

Wrestling matches happen in three-minute bouts, with a draw declared if neither competitor can force their rival to the ground.

Traditionally, the sport is a contest between young men of the Dinka and Mundri tribes in South Sudan.

Powerhouse member Akur Ador said for many, competing is often a rite of passage.

"In some families, people's grandfather or uncle could also be a wrestler, so it goes down the generations," she said.

"When you start wrestling for a championship, it means that they are a young man growing up and get to leave your family and your youth life."

While only men compete in South Sudanese wrestling, the women play a valuable role during competitions, often providing encouragement and songs of support in their native languages.

"We make songs for our champions to give them morale and energy," Ms Ador said.

"We also sing in Dinkan dialect, which also teaches the younger kids how to sing and communicate in our language."

The Canberra team's success at the national championships has inspired more within the South Sudanese community to join the team.

Mr Kudum said sport plays an important role in the lives of young South Sudanese people.

"There are also kids who travel to Sydney to play soccer and there are also some playing in basketball tournaments," he said.

The Canberra Powerhouse are preparing for their next competition, where they will compete alongside other Australian teams against a group of South Sudanese wrestlers from America on Boxing Day in Melbourne.

"The whole of the Australian South Sudanese youth will be united," Mr Kudum said.