Introduction
“Hulkamania is running wild, brother!” You may recognise this phrase from the “sports entertainment” shows that have passed for pro-wrestling on TV in the last 30 years. But Hulk Hogan, his pumped-up chums and their trashy storylines would not pass muster on the mats of Olympians (apart from one notable exception in the form of WWE’s Kurt Angle). Wrestling is actually one of the world’s oldest sports and was first contested at the ancient Olympics in 708BC. Played out on a circular mat, it’s a battle of nerve, strength and skill, and has two disciplines: Greco-Roman, where athletes use their upper bodies and arms only, and freestyle, where athletes can use any part of their bodies.
The basics
Wrestling is a body-to-body combat sport, divided into weight categories. Clotheslines, Stone Cold Stunners and the Walls of Jericho are not recognised as official moves. In both Greco-Roman and freestyle the aim is to force the back of the opponent’s shoulders on to the ground. Running away means you lose.
The rules in women’s wrestling are similar to those used in men’s freestyle wrestling, but with some key variations – for example, double headlocks are forbidden.
Health benefits
To wrestle, you need to use your body and mind. The sport offers a range of benefits: an increased ability to think tactically, improved flexibility and strength, better balance and co-ordination, as well as better core and limb strength, CV fitness and overall toning. It pretty much works everything.
Equipment, costs and practicalities
Once you’ve squeezed into a skintight Lycra unitard (around £22), you’re best off joining a club in order to learn how to do moves safely and correctly. They exist nationwide but you may have to travel to find one close to you. Have a look at this club finder for your nearest. You don’t need any specialist equipment.
Trendiness rating: 5/10
Although wrestling is popular in the US and mainland Europe, in the UK its image is tarnished by the all-singing, all-dancing ridiculousness of the televised US version. That seems unfair, since only one is a sport.
Inside line
Peter Jones, British Wrestling: “If you’re over 40, you probably associate wrestling with Giant Haystacks, Big Daddy and World of Sport on a Saturday afternoon in the 1970s and 80s. Youngsters will associate the sport with the WWE they see on TV from the United States. Which is fine, but freestyle wrestling is neither loud nor showbiz: just an honest sport with many merits, and great for getting fit. In certain parts of Europe, wrestling is big. In this country, though, it’s very much a minority sport.
Wrestling is fantastic for fitness, developing total use of the body and razor-sharp reactions. Whatever shape, size or age you are, anyone can take it up. Clubs welcome newcomers. All beginners receive basic coaching in the whys and wherefores of the sport, and only when they and the coach feel comfortable are they given the opportunity to wrestle competitively.
For more information on how to get involved, go to britishwrestling.org.”
Olga Butkevych, Team GB 2012 Olympic wrestler: “The more people learn about wrestling, the more they will appreciate its merits. It’s a great sport for youngsters, and it’s not expensive to take up. I hope that seeing wrestling at the Olympics will raise awareness of the sport, and encourage people to give it a go.”
Find out more
International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles – international body with information about different types of wrestling and worldwide competitions.
British Wrestling – website includes information on local clubs, competitions and news.
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Over to you
Are you a wrestler? Help us build up this resource by sharing tips, videos, links to clubs and anything else that beginners might find useful.
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