Wrestling

Wrestling is a combat sport focused on grappling, using various techniques such as throws, takedowns, joint locks, and pins to gain an advantage over an opponent. It dates back over 15,000 years, with evidence found in cave drawings in France. Historical records in Egypt and Babylon show early forms of wrestling, and it is referenced in ancient texts such as the Old Testament and Indian Vedas. In ancient Greece, wrestling was a key Olympic sport, and it later influenced Roman wrestling. Many philosophers, including Plato and Socrates, practised and referenced wrestling in their works, and it continued to be popular during the Middle Ages.

Modern wrestling includes several styles. Greco-Roman wrestling, part of the Olympic Games, focuses on upper-body techniques and bans holds below the waist. Freestyle wrestling, also Olympic, allows leg involvement, making it more versatile. Submission wrestling incorporates grappling and is popular in mixed martial arts (MMA). Amateur pankration, based on an ancient Greek martial art, combines wrestling and striking. Sambo, developed in Russia, mixes techniques from judo and wrestling. Belt wrestling, or alysh, a Central Asian style, and Pahlavani wrestling from Iran, focus on gripping the opponent’s belt.

The international governing body United World Wrestling (UWW) manages modern competitive wrestling. Founded in 1912, it oversees Olympic styles and other categories such as beach wrestling, which is fought on sand. UWW also recognises folk wrestling styles worldwide, including Cornish, Celtic, and schwingen in Switzerland, as well as oil wrestling in Turkey, where wrestlers compete covered in oil.

Professional wrestling evolved from catch wrestling, with theatrical storylines and pre-determined outcomes becoming standard in the 20th century, leading to American promotions like WWE. Puroresu in Japan and lucha libre in Mexico maintain a more athletic approach with distinct moves and traditions. British and European wrestling historically focused on realistic competitions but later adopted American entertainment elements.

Wrestling techniques are crucial in MMA, with many champions having a wrestling background. Wrestlers’ control and endurance make them strong competitors in mixed martial arts. Wrestling continues to be a central martial art in many cultures, preserving both competitive and folk styles across the globe.

Wrestling has various types, each with unique rules and styles. Major types include:

1. Greco-Roman Wrestling: In Greco-Roman wrestling, only upper-body techniques are allowed. Wrestlers cannot use their legs to attack or defend, focusing instead on throws and holds from above the waist. This type is part of the Olympic Games and emphasises powerful throws.
2. Freestyle Wrestling: Freestyle wrestling permits the use of both the wrestler’s and the opponent’s legs for attacks and defences. This type allows a wide range of moves, making it versatile. It is also an Olympic sport and includes men’s and women’s divisions.
3. Submission Wrestling: Submission wrestling incorporates techniques from various grappling styles. It aims to control the opponent and force them to submit through joint locks or chokeholds. It is widely used in mixed martial arts (MMA) and often has two formats: no-gi (without a jacket) and gi (with a jacket).
4. Pankration: Originating from ancient Greece, pankration combines wrestling and striking techniques. It allows both grappling and strikes, making it one of the earliest forms of mixed martial arts.
5. Sambo: Developed in Russia, Sambo mixes wrestling and judo techniques. It includes throws, pins, and leg locks but does not allow chokes. Sambo is widely practised in Russia and Eastern Europe and is recognised internationally.
6. Belt Wrestling (Alysh): Belt wrestling, or alysh, is popular in Central Asia. Wrestlers wear belts and must maintain a grip on their opponent’s belt throughout the match, focusing on throws and takedowns using the belt.
7. Beach Wrestling: Beach wrestling takes place on sand within a circular area. Points are awarded for takedowns and pushing the opponent out of bounds. Wrestlers wear simple athletic attire instead of standard uniforms.
8. Folk Wrestling: Folk wrestling includes traditional styles specific to regions or cultures. Examples include oil wrestling in Turkey, Cornish wrestling in England, and shuai jiao in China. These styles often have unique rules and are an important part of cultural heritage.
9. Professional Wrestling: Professional wrestling combines scripted matches with athletic skills, often for entertainment. Prominent styles include WWE in the United States, lucha libre in Mexico, and puroresu in Japan.

• Olympic Wrestling: This includes Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling, held as part of the Summer Olympic Games for both men and women.
• World Wrestling Championships: Organised by United World Wrestling (UWW), this annual event features Greco-Roman, freestyle, and women’s freestyle competitions.
• Continental Championships: These include championships for each continent, such as the European, Asian, Pan American, and African Wrestling Championships, where wrestlers compete in various styles.
• National Championships: Each country organises its own national wrestling championships, where wrestlers compete for national titles in different weight classes and styles.
• Collegiate Wrestling: Primarily in the United States, collegiate wrestling follows a unique folkstyle format. Competitions occur at high school, college, and university levels, including the NCAA Championships.
• Youth and Junior Competitions: These are held for young wrestlers under categories like cadet, junior, and U23, allowing them to compete at various skill levels internationally.
• Folk Wrestling Competitions: Specific to cultural styles, these include events like Cornish wrestling in England, oil wrestling in Turkey, and ssireum in Korea. Many countries hold annual tournaments for these styles.
• Professional Wrestling Events: Professional wrestling promotions, like WWE in the United States, New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in Japan, and Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) in Mexico, organise matches for entertainment.
• Beach Wrestling Competitions: Organised by UWW, these competitions take place on the sand and focus on throws and takedowns. They include the World Beach Wrestling Championships and have been featured in events like the Mediterranean Games.
• Military and Police Wrestling Competitions: These tournaments are held for military and police personnel worldwide, showcasing skills adapted from both Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling.