Wrestling

Wrestling – Martial Arts Style

Wrestling is purely focused on grappling techniques and does not allow any kicking or punching. Nevertheless, wrestling and grappling skills are very useful in terms of adding a ground component to a martial artist’s overall skills. Many successful mixed martial artists (i.e. Randy Couture) have come from wrestling backgrounds.

There are three main types of wrestling: Freestyle, Greco-Roman, & Folkstyle (aka Collegiate, amateur, etc). Freestyle and Greco Wrestling are Olympic sports. All forms have the same basic objective; you try to subdue an opponent or gain a superior position over your opponent. In addition, there are many regional wrestling variations (i.e. Cumberland Wrestling).

The commons ways to win in wrestling are to pin or fall: You must have total control and both shoulders should touch the mat. In Freestyle & Greco falls can be awarded simply by the shoulders touching the mat (MUST HAVE TOTAL CONTROL). Takedowns or Tech Fall: Gain more points than opponent. 5-point Throw (Greco/Freestyle): Most prominent in Greco. Achieved typically by Suplex, both shoulders hit the mat and opponents legs go over head. Similar to Judo‘s Ippon. There are more ways to win in Freestyle & Greco.

Greco Wrestling

  • Olympic sport.
  • Second most restrictive out of the three types of wrestling.
  • Does not allow leg grabs or sweeps.
  • The main objective of Greco is a “5” or tech fall. Pins are not common.
  • Greco emphasizes on upper body techniques such as: Body lock, Suplex, Slide-by/Duck, & Hip Tosses. The suplex is the most common takedown.
  • Belly-to-Back: Most common suplex. Attacker is positioned behind opponent. He then lowers hips and pops opponent off his feet. He bridges back on his own head and heists over. Attacker hopes the throw is a “5”
  • Belly-to-Belly: Typically achieved through a body lock clinch. Has more of a heist to it than a bridge.
  • Karelin Lift: Achieved form top position during Par Terre. Attacker faces opposite the head and locks around waist. He pops the hips on his knee(s) and lifts up. This throw usually results in a 5.
  • There, unfortunately, isn’t too many Greco clubs. However there are plenty of tournaments and Freestyle clubs often teach Greco Techniques.

Freestyle Wrestling

  • Least restrictive of the three types of wrestling.
  • Freestyle is a combo of folkstyle and Greco.
  • In a nutshell, it is Greco with leg grabs and sweeps allowed.
  • In freestyle you commonly win points by takedown or shoulder exposure. Shoulder exposure is typically achieved by a leg lace or gut wrench. The attacker turns the opponent over and hopes that both shoulders hit the mat.
  • Freestyle helps a lot with Folkstyle.

Folkstyle Wrestling

  • Most restrictive of the three types of wrestling.
  • It is a school-wide style.
  • Folkstyle does not permit clasping of the hands when one or more knee(s) are on the mat.
  • An Escape is also awarded a point when it is not in Freestyle & Greco.
  • Pins are more common in Folkstyle.
  • Shoulder exposure must be at least 2 seconds for 2 points and 5 for 3 points. This is called ”nearfall”.
  • Also there is a stall warning unlike Greco or Freestyle. Folkstyle also requires headgear.

No Gi Wrestling

  • Aka Submission Grappling, Submission Wrestling aka Catch Wrestling or Catch-As-Catch-Can, or No Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
  • In a nutshell, it is wrestling with groundwork. You can win by points, submission, etc

Examples of Wrestling Sub-Styles & Regional Wrestling Variations

Common Wrestling Injuries

  • Cauliflower ear is a common injury for wrestlers.
  • The constant rubbing of the ears against the mat, etc. can cause the cartilage to separate from the skin and fill with blood. However, doctors can drain the blood from the injured ear.
  • Many Grapplers view this injury as a “Badge of Honor.”
  • Headgear will protect the ears to some extent.

Wrestling, like stated above is purely a grappling sport. Wrestling is great for MMA. To improve your Wrestling, try Judo, BJJ, or No Gi. Wrestling, at the least will get you into to shape for your other arts.

YouTube video of 5 point throws