Wrestling can be regarded as one of the oldest form of martial arts. It was a part of the ancient Olympic Games as well. It was a part of the ancient military exercises. It was prevalent in many different forms in many different countries of the world. It is a form of bare handed combat. Romans patronized the sport of wrestling for many years.
Wrestling is an ancient sport. There are also references of wrestling matches in some ancient scriptures. In ancient times, wrestling was quite popular in Greek provinces and towns. Wrestling in some form or other also existed in ancient China, Mongolia, and Egypt. Modern day wrestling too are popular in many countries of the world.
Wrestling has been a part of the modern Olympic Games as well. Wrestling has gone a sea change over the years and rules vary from country to country. But the Olympic discipline of Wrestling has rules that are standard throughout the world. In wrestling bouts, the participants are not allowed to exchange. Grappling and tripping are allowed. There are various categories of modern wrestling depending on body weight. Bouts are normally held on mats. Wrestlers are experts in many techniques including hold, locks, and clinching. The International Wrestling Body recognizes several wrestling variant across the world. These include Freestyle wrestling, Grappling, Sambo, Greco-Roman wrestling. Greco-Roman wrestling and Freestyle wrestling are Olympic disciplines. Greco-Roman wrestling has several restrictions on the participants. Grappling techniques are a part of wrestling. Grappling techniques can be effectively used to subdue the opponents. Professional wrestling has become a source of entertainment for many. Modern day professional wrestlers are paid high amounts of money for the fights. WWE fights have gained popularity throughout the world.
Wrestling requires enormous amount of strength and stamina. Wrestlers work hard to develop their bodies so that they are able to throw their opponents or pin them to the ground. Traditionally, countries like Turkey, Mongolia, USA, Russia, and China have been the superpowers of modern day wrestling. Countries like Japan and Korea are fast catching up with the other countries as wrestling powerhouses. It requires many years of dedicated training to master the wrestling techniques. Generally, wrestlers need to be strong and stout. Other qualities of good wrestlers include speed, agility, skills etc. Women’s wrestling competitions are also held in many countries of the word. But it is not as popular as men’s wrestling. As an Olympic discipline, competitors fight only people from his or her weight category. A fight is decided by virtue of points or knock outs. There is a provision of awarding points to the competitors for effective moves. When an opponent is totally overpowered, he or she loses the match by a knock out.
