Wrestling
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Wrestling
 Wrestling is an ancient martial art that uses grappling type techniques such as clinch fighting, throws and takedowns, joint locks, pins and other grappling holds to gain and maintain a superior position. There are a wide range of styles with varying rules with both traditional historic and modern styles. Traditional styles are maintained in isolated pockets around the world. Modern styles of amateur wrestling are controlled by FILA. Professional wrestling has its own organisations and rules.
The Global GameOverview - the main stylesTraditional WrestlingTraditional wrestling forms have been a part of human culture since the beginning of civilization. They have served societies around the world in various ways throughout history and have been an integral part of man's ascent into the present. These styles all have distinct rules and objectives and may have regional variations and ceremonial rituals incorporated into the events. Some of these styles have become legitimate internationally practiced amateur sports and some have remained as traditional social customs. Key links to taditional wrestling styles are shown, below.
Modern Wrestling StylesThe modern forms of Wrestling, used in international competition, and recognized by the Federation Internationale des Luttes Amateurs (FILA) are Freestyle which allows any fair hold, throw, or trip, Graeco-Roman wrestling which does not permit wrestlers to hold below the hips, nor to grip with the legs, and Sambo - a synthesis of styles native to the former Soviet Union which is a combination of loose and jacket styles requiring a submission for victory . Only Freestyle and Greco-Roman are part of the Olympic Games.Inter-collegiate wrestling, which is practised only in American colleges, is broadly similar to the freestyle and Graeco-Roman styles, apart from the points system. Professional wrestling, based on freestyle, is sometimes defined as a form of entertainment, rather than a sport. Olympic Sport Wrestling
Freestyle and Graeco-Roman Westling.
Graeco-Roman: the legs may not be used in any way to obtain a fall, and no holds may be taken below the waist, but otherwise the rules are similar to freestyle.
Sambo WrestlingA relatively modern Martial Art founded in 1937 in the Soviet Union. Sambo was in part born of native Russian and other regional styles of grappling and combative wrestling, bolstered with the most useful and adaptable concepts and techniques from the rest of the world. The foreign influences included various styles of European wrestling,catch wrestling, Japanese jujutsu, French savate, muay thai and other martial arts of the day plus the classical Olympic sports of amateur boxing, Greco-Roman wrestling and freestyle wrestling. See Wikipedia.
About Amateur WrestlingProfessional Wresting is covered separately under Play/Watch Professional
Historical Development of WrestlingUnique versions of the sport developed around the world. In the Viking era, forms of Backhold and Trouser wrestling were practiced in Scandinavia and Glima developed in Iceland, where it is now recognised as the national sport. There are written records of Sumo in Japan from the 8th Century. In the UK, styles varied around the country and still exist today. The Lancashire or 'Catch as catch can' was introduced to America by the Scottish professional strongman Donald Dinnie in the 1870's. His trips were soon followed by the Lancashire wrestlers Joseph Acton, Edwin Bibby and Tom Cannon. In Turkey, Oil Wrestling developed. For further information , see different wrestling styles or wrestling styles. See full listing and links. Pro-Wrestling developed in America in the early 20th Century and there were a number of successful court cases against promoters, some of whom were jailed for defrauding the public. Nowadays, Show Wrestling is usually promoted as 'sports entertainment' to prevent legal action.
Wrestling Rules
Play/Watch WrestlingWrestling Organisational bodies
Wrestling EventsInternational Wrestling EventsThe major International Events are the World Championships, controlled by FILA or the Olympic Games. There are also European Championships; European Championships in Celtic Wrestling; Student World Championships.; Asian Games and the Calendar of World Wrestling Events.Wrestling CompetitionsProfessional WrestlingWrestling shows developing from fair-ground sideshows and raising income from ticket sales, television broadcasts, branded merchandise and home video have become very popular in parts of the World, especially America, where World Wide Entertainment (WWE) have taken over several of the smaller companies. Total Non-stop Action (TNA), National Wrestling Alliance (NWA),..... are other popular shows in the USA. Popular current businesses in other countries are are Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre in Mexico and New Japan Pro Wrestling in Japan. The offical websites for the popular promotions are shown here with more detail in the relevant country category
There is no governing authority for professional wrestling rules, although there is a general standard which has developed. Matches are decided on a number of succesful 'falls' or for the number of falls in a set time limit (eg as in an Iron Man match). A fall can be made by pinning the opponent's shoulders to the mat, Knocking out the opponent, forcing a submission, or counted out of the ring. See Wikipedia for more detail
Professional Wrestlers of note
College Wrestling
Wrestling PortalsWrestling Forums
Wrestling in AsiaAll about Wrestling in AsiaWhat is Wrestling in Asia
Wrestling in IranAll about Wrestling in IranChookhehTraditional wrestling in Khorassan; Chookheh is actually the name of the wool jacket (white, red or blue) worn by the wrestlers. Victory comes when the rival wrestler is lifted in the air and spun in a circle, or when his shoulder touches the ground -- or by jury decision.Wrestling in JapanWrestling in EuropeWrestling in IrelandPlay/Watch Wrestling in IrelandWrestling Competitions in IrelandProfessional Wrestling in Ireland
Wrestling in SpainWrestling in United KingdomAll about Wrestling in the United KingdomThe History of Wrestling in the United Kingdom
Play/Watch Wrestling in the United KingdomWrestling Organisational bodies in the United Kingdom
Wrestling Competitions in the United KingdomProfessional Wrestling in the United Kingdom
Wrestling in EnglandAll about Wrestling in EnglandCornish WrestlingCornish Wrestling, or 'wrasslin' as the local call it, is an ancient form of one-on-one combat, similar in style to many other forms of Celtic wrestling. Similar to Judo, and unlike most other Celtic styles, a jacket is used which enables opponents to gain a hold of each other. There is no wrestling on the ground at all. See Cornish Wrestling by Wikipedia.Wrestling in ScotlandPlay/Watch Wrestling in Scotland
Wrestling in North AmericaPlay/Watch Wrestling in North AmericaWrestling Competitions in North AmericaAmateur Wrestling in North America
Wrestling News in North America
Wrestling in CanadaAll about Wrestling in Canada
Play/Watch Wrestling in CanadaWrestling Organisational bodies in Canada
Wrestling Competitions in CanadaProfessional Wrestling in Canada
Wrestling in USAAll about Wrestling in the USAWhat is Wrestling in the USA
Wrestling Rules in the USAAmerican FolkstyleSafer submission rules of the traditional grappling style developed in the USA in the 1800's are now practiced at the university level in the United States. A very similar style is practiced at the high school and middle school levels, and also for younger participants.Wrestling Training in the USA
Play/Watch Wrestling in the USAWrestling Organisational bodies in the USA
Wrestling Competitions in the USAProfessional promotions
Amateur Wrestling in the USA
College Wrestling in the USA
Wrestling News in the USA
Wrestling Players in the USA
Wrestling in OceaniaAsk the ExpertUse this form to ask one of our experts about this sport. Submitting this form will take you to another screen where you can complete your request. |
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