Rhythmic gymnastics is a sport where competitors manipulate 5 types of apparatus: rope, hoop, ball, clubs and ribbon. Competition takes place individually or in teams of five. Competitors are rewarded points by a selected team of judges for leaps, balances, pivots, flexibility, apparatus handling and artistic effect. The Code of Points has been modified three times in recent years, in 2001, 2003 and 2005, with emphasis on technical elements and to promote objectiveness in judging. Before 2001, judging was on a scale of 10, changed to 30 in 2003 and it is now on a scale of 20.

For international competitions, there are two age categories, Juniors, which is for girls under 16, and Seniors, for girls 16 and over. Gymnasts typically start training at a very young age and those at their peak are typically in their late teens or early twenties.

Rhythmic gymnastics was developed out of 19th century Swedish and German gymnastic styles. It was added to the Summer Olympic Games in 1984. The largest events in the sport are the Olympic Games, World Championships, and the Corbeil-Essonnes Tournament .

At the moment, rhythmic gymnastics is a sport for girls, however, there is a movement to officially create rhythmic gymnastics for men. The Japanese's version of Men's rhythmic gymnastics includes tumbling and is performed on a spring floor. Points are awarded based on the level of difficult of the tumbling and apparatus handling. The maximum is 10 points. Individuals compete in 4 types of apparatus: rope, stick, double rings and clubs. Groups do not use any apparatus.

The first world championship for men's rhythmic gymnastics was held in Japan in 2003 and was participated by Japan, Malaysia, Korea, Canada and United States.