Wrestling
From Karate, Kungfu, Wrestling, Mixed Fighting Information Source
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One of the most famous forms of western martial art as well as a sport is Wrestling. In this fighting style, two opponents try to overwhlem and control each other without the use of striking techniques. As a sport, it uses a point system for clean takedowns, reversals, escapes and near-falls. Aside from winning by points, a wrestler can also win by "pinning" or completely turning the opponent onto his or her back.
This martial art maybe one of the most demanding physical activities in th field, due to the fact that athletes are required to maintain great strenght, speed and conditionig to be more competitive. In addition to this, a wrestler must memorize at least a dozen offensive and defensive moves.
Wrestling has evolved into many different styles and forms, ranging from world-wide, commercialised stadium events to less publicized, local amateur competitions. Generally, two unarmed fighters compete against each other for each contest.
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History
Wrestling is one of the oldest sports known to mankind. Since the early Greek and Roman times, wrestling has been around. The styles of wrestling have vastly changed throughout the centuries, such as aparel and the moves used today. Wrestling has faded far from the public eye, as more popular sports, such as Basketball and football have been more predominantly viewed. Most of the United States (and the world) know virtually nothing about the art.
Modern Wrestling
Modern Wrestling is quite deferent than the earliest days of the sport. Most organisations require singlets, (simmilar to a wetsuit, but with much thiner, and more stretchy fabric) to be worn during the matches. The matches are held inside of a circle, in which the lines are painted onto a 1.5-3.5 inch thick mat. Headgear, which is worn to protect the ears, is also often required in certain styles, but is sometimes left off by the younger wrestlers, in a desire for the "Wrestler's ear", better known as "Cauliflower Ear." the shoes worn in these matches have special grips on the bottom, specifically designed for good traction on the mats, as they can be slippery at times. Wrestling can be found at all age levels. In states like Illinois and Pennsylvania, Open Tournaments are scattered throughout high schools in the state. Most of these have age groups (often 4-5, 6-8, 9-11, 12-14, 15-16, 17-18, and 18+, yet it should be noted that there are at times older groups), and wight classes, measured in pounds. (104, 112, 119, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 152, 160, 171, 189, 215, and 285+ are generally the weights found in most states, for High school, and in most colleges.)
Styles
Folkstyle: this is the most common style used in the United States. However, it is the least commonly used the World. There is a shift in focus from the other, more popular styles. Rules: 3 Periods, 2 minutes each (varies in the off-season tournaments). The first round is started, in which both wrestlers are on their feet, looking to take down their opponent. The action is hurried by a referee, who may slap penalties on stalling wrestlers. Once a takedown is secured (i.e. the takedown man is behind the other, and in the top position), the objective of the top wrestler is to score backpoints, and to pin his opponent, while the bottom man's objective is to escape the top man's control, or to switch positions. After the first round is over, a coin is tossed, and a choice is presented to whoever won the coin toss: Top position, bottom position, or to defer the choice. After the second round is over, the wrestler who lost (or defered) the previous coin toss then chooses his/her position. Scoring: Automatic win- By pin, or too many stalling penalties enacted by the opponent. 3 points- Exposing opponent to his back for 5 seconds or more (no additional points added for more than five seconds). 2 points- Securing the takedown, getting a reversal, exposing opponent to back for three seconds. 1 point - Securing an escape, or being awarded a point for the other opponents stalling.
Techiques
See also
| European Martial Arts | |
|---|---|
| Archery | Bare Knuckle Boxing | Bartitsu | Bata | Bâton français | Boxing | Buza | Catch Wrestling | Cornish Wrestling | Dai Ki Haku | Dirk Dance | Fencing | German Ju-Jutsu | German school of Swordsmanship | Glima | Gouren | Greco-Roman Wrestling | Italian School of Swordsmanship | Jieishudan | Jogo do Pau | Jousting | Juego del Palo | Kampfringen | Kas Pin | Kickboxing | Nindokai | Pankration | Real Aikido | Russian All-Round Fighting | Sambo | Savate | Schwingen | Scottish Backhold | Spirit Combat | Stav | Svebor | Systema | Wrestling | Wu Shu Kwan | Zhuan Shu Kuan | |
