Wrestling is one of humanity’s oldest and most enduring forms of physical expression, a martial art, a sport, and a cultural ritual that spans continents and centuries. From ancient cave drawings to Olympic podiums, wrestling has evolved into a dynamic discipline rooted in technique, strategy, and respect.
What is Wrestling?
Wrestling is a martial art, combat sport, and form of entertainment that involves grappling with an opponent and striving to obtain a position of advantage through different throws or techniques, within a given ruleset.
Techniques:
- Clinch Fighting
- Throws and Takedowns
- Joint Locks
- Pins
- Grappling Holds
The Founding of Wrestling
Wrestling is one of the oldest forms of combat sport, with the origins of wrestling going back to around 15,000 to 17,000 years ago, through cave drawings in France. Literary references to wrestling occur as early as the Old Testament and the ancient indian Vedas. In Ancient Greece, wrestling occupied a prominent place in legend, literature, and philosophy. Wrestling competition, brutal in many aspects, served as the focal sport of the ancient Olympic Games. Ancient Romans borrowed heavily from Greek wrestling, but eliminated much of its brutality by implementing different rules.
Early British settlers in America brought a strong wrestling tradition with them. The settlers also found wrestling to be popular among Native Americans. Amateur wrestling flourished throughout the early years of the North American colonies and would later serve as a popular activity at country fairs, holiday celebrations, and in military exercises. The first organised national wrestling tournament in the United States took place in New York City in 1888.
Wrestling has also been an event at every modern Olympic Games since the 1904 games in St. Louis, Missouri; Greco-Roman wrestling was contested at the first modern Olympics in 1896, but not at the 1900 games. The international governing body for the sport, United World Wrestling (UWW), was established in 1912 in Antwerp, Belgium, as the International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (FILA). The first annual NCAA Wrestling Championships were held in 1928 in Ames, Iowa. USA Wrestling, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, was established as the national governing body of U.S. amateur wrestling in 1983.
The Styles of Wrestling
There are many styles of Wrestling, and they have been grouped into three main categories: International Wrestling Disciplines, Folk Wrestling Disciplines and Professional wrestling.
Greco-Roman Wrestling
Greco-Roman is an international discipline and one of two wrestling disciplines featured in the Olympic Games. This form of wrestling prioritises upper-body attacks, with an emphasis on explosive “high amplitude” throws. Under the Greco-Roman ruleset, it is forbidden to attack the opponent below the belt in the execution of any action (restricting holds, trips, and active but not passive usage of the legs). Points are allotted on the basis of throw amplitude, exposure of an opponent’s back to the mat and opponent passivity.
Freestyle Wrestling
Freestyle Wrestling is an international discipline and one of two wrestling disciplines featured in the Olympic Games, for both men and women. This style allows the use of the Wrestler’s or his opponent’s legs in offence and defence. Freestyle has its origins in catch-as-catch-can wrestling and awards points on the basis of throw amplitude, exposure of an opponent’s back to the mat and opponent passivity.
Oil Wrestling
Oil Wrestling is a folk style of wrestling that’s also called grease wrestling, and is the Turkiye national sport. Unlike Olympic wrestling, oil wrestling matches may be won by achieving an effective hold on their opponents' Kispetler (a hand-stitched lederhosen). Thus, the “champions” aim to control their opponent by putting their arm through the latter’s Kisbet. To win by this move is called paca kazik.
American Collegiate Wrestling
Collegiate Wrestling is a type of folkstyle wrestling and is commonly practised at the college and university level in the United States. This style, with modifications, is also practised at the high school and middle school levels, and also for younger participants.
Professional wrestling
This is often concluded in a raised ring, akin to boxing. Although advertised as contests, bouts are actually exhibitions with winners generally pre-determined to increase entertainment value. Legitimate wrestling skills were a valuable bargaining chip in the wrestling industry until the late 20th century; however, with occasional shoot matches taking place in the early days of the business and still occurring well into the 1930s.
Benefits of Training In Wrestling
Physical Fitness and Conditioning
Wrestling develops full-body strength, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, and explosive power. Training sessions often include rigorous drills, bodyweight exercises, and technique refinement, making it one of the most physically demanding and rewarding sports.
Mental Toughness and Discipline
Wrestlers cultivate mental grit through intense practice and competition. The sport teaches perseverance, focus, and emotional control, qualities that extend far beyond the mat into everyday life.
Respect and Sportsmanship
Rooted in ancient traditions, wrestling emphasises mutual respect between opponents. Athletes learn to honour their competitors, coaches, and themselves through disciplined conduct and fair play.
Self-Defence and Body Awareness
Wrestling enhances spatial awareness, balance, and reaction time. Many techniques, such as clinch control, takedowns, and escapes, translate into effective self-defence skills, especially when integrated with other martial arts.
Goal Setting and Achievement
From mastering a single move to winning a tournament, wrestling encourages incremental progress. Athletes learn to set goals, track improvement, and celebrate milestones, fostering a growth mindset.
Wrestling is more than a contest of strength; it’s a celebration of discipline, heritage, and human connection. Across its many styles and traditions, wrestling teaches us how to face challenges with courage, how to move with purpose, and how to grow through struggle.
