Wrestling History The sport of wrestling is a competition in which two wrestlers demonstrate their honed strength and technique. Wrestling is an ancient form of martial arts with a lengthy history and tradition However, it is also modern, with soldiers being trained in the art of wrestling for self-defense. It has been practiced by rural folk people, even though they ritualistically battled with weapons as well. Advanced wrestlers employ effective moves such a clinching, locking, holding, and leverage. The troops at the time wore helmets specifically designed to inflict damage upon the enemy whilst fighting, they were horned. This was named Jiao Ti. The horns were replaced with hands at a later date. Originally called Jiao Ti, this was an early form of wrestling. Later on, hands would be used instead of horns. Near 2300 BC, evidence within the grave site of Ptahhotep, an Old Kingdom philosopher, indicates that both the Egyptians and Nubians took part in wrestling competitions. It was during the reign of the Greeks from 1100 BC to 146 BC that a more recognizable form of wrestling would be used during competitions, with one wrestler attempting to pin his opponent, force him to admit defeat, or knock him out of bounds. Eventually it would become known as Roman wrestling when the Greeks were taken over by the Romans. There are two main categories for wrestling, International wrestling and Folk wrestling. Folk wrestling describes traditional wrestling, undertaken by different cultures it can be used to describe a number of different fighting styles which are similar to wrestling. International wrestling describes more organized forms of wrestling, such as judo, Greco-roman wrestling or freestyle wrestling, to name just a few. You will find freestyle wrestling in the Olympics. Amateur wrestlers will fight other wrestlers of an equal weight class. They can win in five different ways. These five ways are winning by superiority, decision, fall, injury or if their opponent is disqualified. The fundamental aim is to force your opponent to trip by holding their legs. The best wrestlers will be very agile, quick and strong. Freestyle wrestling is the sole type of international wrestling that is meant for women. |