In this article, we will take a closer look at the rules of wrestling, its history, equipment, and how to win in the sport of competitive wrestling.
Wrestling has been around for thousands of years and is enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. It is physically demanding and requires strength, agility, and technique.
A Brief History of Wrestling
Wrestling is one of the oldest sports in the world. There is evidence of wrestling competitions dating back to ancient civilisations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome. In ancient Greece, wrestling was considered a valuable skill and was included in the Olympic Games. The modern sport of wrestling has its roots in Europe and North America, where it was developed as a competitive sport in the 19th century.
The international governing body of wrestling is United World Wrestling (UWW).
What Equipment Do I need to Wrestle?
The most essential piece of equipment for wrestling is the wrestling mat. The wrestling mat is typically made of foam and covered in a resilient, vinyl surface. It is used to provide a safe and level surface for the wrestlers to compete on. Competition sized mats can be quite expensive but this one is highly rated, durable and great if you are stepping up to the next level; GXMMAT Large Exercise Mat 6’x6’x7mm
In addition to the mat, wrestlers also wear a singlet. A singlet is a tight-fitting, one-piece garment that covers the upper body and legs.
Wrestling Weight Classes and Athletes
Wrestling is divided into different weight classes, with each wrestler competing against opponents of the same weight. The weight classes for men’s freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) are:
- 57 kg (125.66 lbs)
- 65 kg (143.30 lbs)
- 74 kg (163.14 lbs)
- 86 kg (189.60 lbs)
- 97 kg (213.85 lbs)
- 125 kg (275.58 lbs)
And here are the weight classes for women’s freestyle wrestling recognized by the IOC:
- 50 kg (110.23 lbs)
- 53 kg (116.84 lbs)
- 57 kg (125.66 lbs)
- 62 kg (136.69 lbs)
- 68 kg (149.91 lbs)
- 76 kg (167.55 lbs)
There are typically two wrestlers on the mat at the same time, one in the red corner and one in the blue corner.
How Does An Actual Wrestling Match Work?
The objective of wrestling is to pin the opponent’s shoulder blades to the mat for a certain amount of time, normally a three count. This is known as a pinfall. A match can also be won by technical superiority, which is when a wrestler earns a certain number of points through techniques such as take downs, escapes, and near falls. The match can also end in a draw.
Rules in Wrestling
In wrestling, there are several rules that must be followed to ensure fair play. These include:
Illegal holds: Certain holds or techniques are not allowed and will result in a penalty. These include headlocks without an arm included or to bring an opponent’s arm behind their back at an acute angle, called hammerlock.
Illegal contact: A wrestler is not allowed to strike or make contact with the opponent’s head or eyes.
Stalling: A wrestler must make a sincere effort to score points and cannot simply avoid engaging with the opponent.
Scoring a Point and Winning a Match
Scoring in competitive wrestling varies depending on the type of wrestling, the level of competition, and the rules of the governing organization. However, the following is a general overview of scoring in wrestling:
In most forms of wrestling, a match consists of several periods, usually two or three, each lasting a specified amount of time, usually two or three minutes. During a period, wrestlers attempt to score points. This is done by executing various techniques, such as takedowns, reversals, and exposure of their opponent’s back to the mat.
The most common way to score points in wrestling is through a takedown. This involves taking an opponent from a standing position to the mat and establishing control over them. The wrestler executing the takedown is typically awarded two points.
A reversal is when a wrestler who is on the bottom or in a disadvantaged position is able to gain control over their opponent and end up in a position of dominance. This move is usually awarded two points.
When a wrestler is able to expose their opponent’s back to the mat, they are usually awarded points. The number of points awarded varies depending on the rules, but it is typically two or three points.
In addition, wrestlers can also score points for a variety of other moves and situations, such as escapes, penalties on the opponent, and riding time.
The wrestler with the most points at the end of the match is declared the winner. If the score is tied, additional periods or other tie-breaking procedures may be used to determine a winner.
Competitive wrestling requires a combination of strength, agility, and technique, as well as a strong mindset and the ability to stay focused under pressure. Training in various techniques, such as take downs, escapes and counter-attacks, as well as drilling and conditioning, is essential to improve your game. Additionally, a wrestler must also have a good understanding of strategy, and how to effectively use their strengths and exploit their opponent’s weaknesses.
Hopefully you now have a good overview of the rules of wrestling and know enough to watch along or get up close and personal with another wrestler in your first match.
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