Different Types of Martial Arts
*Greco-Roman Wrestling
Greco-Roman wrestling is based on an ancient form of wrestling, a version of which is practiced as an Olympic sport today along with other MMA arts like
Greco-Roman Wrestling in the Olympics
Judo, and Taekwondo. Headlocks and bear hugs are common, and throws are the favored techniques, although players are not allowed to attack below the waist. The system evolved from a wrestling system developed by a Napoleonic soldier called Exbroyat, who established the rules in 1848.
Continental appeal
Although popular in mainland Europe, the art did not enjoy the same level of success in the United Kingdom or the United States. As a result, freestyle wrestling became the more popular form in both countries, and that led to the development of collegiate wrestling.
Although early Greco-Roman wrestling matches lasted for an unusually long time sometimes up to two or three hours modern bouts are far shorter. With competitors separated by weight categories, most victories are earned by a fall or throw, with technical superiority being more important than brute strength. This is why the training for Greco style wrestling can be very grueling.
Rules of engagement
Fights take place on a thick, rubber mat to ensure the participants’ physical safety and are played out in a 29 1/2 ft (9 m) square surrounded by a 5 ft (1.5m) border, known as the “protection area.” Practitioners wear a special type of shoe, which is light and flexible, along with a singlet. Head gear is also sometimes worn to protect the wrestlers’ heads and ears. Victories are decided by a fall; by a pin, whereby one player holds down his opponent’s two shoulders on the mat simultaneously; by decision, whereby the wrestler with the most points at the end of a set period is declared the winner; by default, whereby the wrestler is unable to continue; by technical superiority, sometimes known as a “technical fall,” where a wrestler gains a six-point lead over his opponent; by disqualification; or by injury, where a medical practitioner deems the injuries sustained by a player serious enough to halt the bout.
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September 6th, 2009 at 2:41 am
I like this post because it is very clear and concise. I like how the rules of greco-roman wrestling are broken down…There are so many styles out there. It helps to learn about the ones not always covered in the media.
September 6th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Hey thanks Anna!
Our goal is to break stuff down so anyone could understand. Sometime we try and get to technical and that leaves a lot of people out.
Thanks for letting us know!
Tony
September 9th, 2009 at 12:04 am
That’s a very interesting breakdown of the history of greco-roman wrestling. It’s interesting how the conditioning of wrestlers follows from a long tradition of long wrestling matches.
Interesting idea for a blog overall. Now with guys like UFC Champ Lyoto Machida openly touting traditional karate, there’s far more interest in what more the sport of MMA can borrow from new and different martial arts.