Wrestling

Wrestling exists in some form in almost every culture – from Turkish oil wrestling to Mongolian bökh to Japanese sumo. The two international styles, Greco-Roman (no attacks below the waist) and freestyle (legs allowed), were shaped in 19th-century Europe and have been Olympic since 1896 and 1904 respectively; women's freestyle joined the Games in 2004. American folkstyle is the school and college variant. No throws to submissions, no strikes: the goal is to take the opponent down, control them and pin their shoulders.

Character

• Takedowns: Single and double legs, throws, arm drags – the skill every grappler wants.
• Control and pins: Riding, turning and holding the shoulders to the mat.
• Conditioning: Wrestling practice is famously hard; the sport builds an engine.
• Scrambles: Constant movement and positional recovery.

Who is it for?

Anyone who wants the most direct route to takedown skill and physical toughness. Wrestling is the base of most successful MMA fighters and complements BJJ and judo. Wrestling shoes, a mouthguard and headgear (for ears) are the usual kit.