What Are The Different Types of Wrestling? Around The Globe

Two young men in blue and red wrestling tights are wrestlng

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Wrestling has been the talk of the town for years, and it is gaining popularity daily. That aside, what are the different types of wrestling? There are many types of wrestling and styles around the globe, and we will discuss some of them relating to other geographical areas.

Any wrestling type can involve many kinds of clinch fighting, grappling techniques, takedowns, pins, throws, and joint locks. And even if these types of wrestling are from different continents, feel free to try any of them that excites you. 

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Is Wrestling Easier Than Boxing?

wo fighters wrestle in the sand

Learning wrestling is much more complex than boxing, but that doesn’t mean that learning boxing is a walkover, either. What I mean is that the techniques for wrestling are much more complex or tough to learn. Other than that, they are more demanding compared to boxing techniques.

7 Different Types of Wrestling

Two wrestlers in flexibility training

1. Freestyle Olympic Wrestling

Freestyle wrestling is the 2nd most Olympic game practiced in the world, and it is popular. This freestyle Olympic wrestling game allows the takedowns to attack your upper body and legs. And that makes a difference from the Greco-Roman wrestling that allows the waist up for takedowns.

The main aim of this freestyle wrestling is throwing and pinning the opponents on a mat. Once a wrestler archives that, they are termed a winner. And the most common feature of this type of wrestling is scissors and trip holds, which don’t appear in any other kind of wrestling.

2. Folkstyle Wrestling

Folkstyle or scholastic wrestling is done on all continents around the globe and is similar to freestyle wrestling. But there are a few differences, such as competition rules and point systems. And is mainly in the USA it is available in colleges and schools since it is a healthy game for all ages.

In this type of wrestling, you will receive more points if you escape from a bottom position. Moreover, you can lock your hands as you attempt pins or takedowns without riding parts. It would help if you used your legs defensively and offensively to control your opponent.

3. Glima Wrestling

Glima wrestling is practiced in modern Iceland. Also, it has three forms: one features the back grip, the other the belt and pant grip, and the other allows the range of grips. And other than the easy strength moves, it has full regard for technical sports.

4. Cumberland Wrestling

Cumberland wrestling is standard in English countries. It is so exciting to watch and begins with the back hold.

After that, the wrestler will stand looking at each other and their chests touching each other. Then every contestant will wrap each other’s arms while their chin is on the right shoulder.

The moment they begin wrestling, they will try to lift or trip the opponent, and if one of them loses the hold, they will lose the contest. Also, if one of them successfully gets the other onto the ground, they will win.

5. Greco-Roman Wrestling

Two wrestlers in open air combat

Greco-Roman wrestling has existed for the past 500 years, and it is famous around the globe. The most exciting thing about it is that it took after the most ancient styles elements of folk wrestling.

And before the existence of freestyle wrestling, the Greco-Roman was the talk of the town. What differentiates it from freestyle wrestling is that it doesn’t allow the opponent’s low waist. Also, it doesn’t enable features like trips.

Due to the restrictions, throws become more vital, and mainly, a powerful wrestler lifts the opponent bodily into the air before he can dump him to a mat.

6. Sumo Wrestling

Sumo is a Japanese type of wrestling that has existed for more than 1000 years. This game involves a dirt ring, and before beginning the match, the wrestlers must dance around the dirt ring. And even throw salt to the ground, as that is a sign of blessing the dirt ring.

To win this wrestling game, you must push your opponent out of the dirt ring or take his entire body to the ground apart from his feet. And this type of wrestling allows you to strike your opponent, knocking him off balance to set up the takedowns.

The entire life of a sumo wrestler involves resting, eating large quantities of meals rich in calories, and training. Also, how this sumo wrestler’s dress is so impressive.

7. Sambo Wrestling

Sambo is a blend of wrestling, judo, and other unique martial arts and is a sports practice in Russia to date. To practice sambo, you need shorts and a Gi top; the aim is to take the opponent down before submitting them.

Wrapping Up

It is so exciting watching wrestling or trying wrestling. And with the wrestling types from different cultures in the continent, you won’t lack one to try.

Our article has given their unique features, and you may even find some of them have similar characteristics.

Do you have any questions about wrestling? Feel free to leave a comment below.

Kase Nipe

Kase Nipe

My name is Kase Nipe, and I’m a professional wrestler.
I’ve been in the business for about 2 years now, and it’s been an amazing journey.
Before I started my wrestling career, I had a bar in Fairmount, Philadelphia, for 7 years named Kase’s Box. In the last 2 years of the bar, I started getting interested in wrestling, which took up most of my time.
Eventually, I decided to quit the bar and become a wrestler full-time!

About Me

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