The Wonderful World of Wrestling
As we celebrate our 10th anniversary at Beat the Streets, we honour the sport we love – wrestling. For a decade, we've empowered youth through wrestling, and there's no better way to mark this milestone than by exploring the sport's rich global diversity.
Wrestling is one of the oldest sports in the world, and it has been practiced for thousands of years across many cultures. From the arenas of Senegal to the rings of Japan, wrestling is a tradition deeply woven into the fabric of communities worldwide.
What makes wrestling truly remarkable is its diversity. While the basic premise – two competitors grappling to outmaneuver each other – remains the same, the techniques, rules, and cultural significance vary widely. This diversity showcases the sport's adaptability and universal appeal. Whether it's the explosive power of Sumo, the graceful throws of Greco-Roman wrestling, or the ritualistic intensity of Pahlavani, each style offers a unique glimpse into the culture that nurtured it.
This post will explore some unique wrestling styles worldwide, providing a glimpse into their origins, key characteristics, and cultural roles. We’ll discuss where each tradition began, its core rules, and why it remains significant today. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to the sport, this journey through the world of wrestling celebrates its universality and timeless appeal.
Table of Contents
Amateur Wrestling
Greco-Roman Wrestling
Sumo Wrestling
Bökh (Mongolian Wrestling)
Laamb (Senegalese Wrestling)
Yağlı Güreş (Oil Wrestling)
Kushti/Pahlwani (Indian Wrestling)
Pahlavani (Iranian Wrestling)
Sambo (Russian Wrestling)
Ssireum (Korean Wrestling)
Lutte Traditionnelle (West African Wrestling)
Schwingen (Swiss Wrestling)
Huka-Huka (Brazilian Indigenous Wrestling)
Glima (Icelandic Wrestling)
Backhold Wrestling (Scottish Wrestling)
Amateur Wrestling
Amateur wrestling at Beat the Street's Wrestle the North Event, 2017.
Date of Origin: 19th century
Country/Region: Global, with significant development in the United States, Canada, and Europe
Unique Characteristics: Focuses on grappling, takedowns, and pins; includes freestyle and Greco-Roman styles.
Surface: Performed on standardized wrestling mats in gymnasiums, arenas, and outdoor settings for specific events.
Typical Attire: Wrestlers wear singlets, headgear (in some styles), and wrestling shoes.
General Overview: Amateur wrestling is practiced at the collegiate, high school, and international levels. It includes two primary styles: freestyle and Greco-Roman. In freestyle wrestling, athletes can use their legs for offence and defence, while in Greco-Roman wrestling, holds below the waist are prohibited. Amateur wrestling is characterized by its emphasis on technique, strength, and strategy, with points awarded for takedowns, reversals, escapes, and pins. It has a rich history in educational institutions and is a key sport in the Olympic Games.
Comparison to Traditional Wrestling Styles: Unlike many traditional wrestling forms that may have specific cultural or ritualistic components, amateur wrestling is standardized globally, focusing purely on competitive sportsmanship. Its rules and techniques are consistent worldwide, unlike traditional styles that may vary significantly by region.
Cultural Significance: Amateur wrestling is widely practiced in schools, colleges, and clubs worldwide. It fosters discipline, physical fitness, and sportsmanship among young athletes. It has produced many Olympic champions and remains a foundational sport in the athletic development of youth in countries like the United States and Canada.
References & Further Information:
Wikipedia. 2024. Amateur Wrestling. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amateur_wrestling
Athletic Scholarships. 2010. The History Of Wrestling. https://www.athleticscholarships.net/history-of-wrestling
United World Wrestling. n.d. Inside UWW. https://uww.org/aboutt-uww/history-wrestling-uww
Greco-Roman Wrestling
Greco-Roman Wrestling
Photo: ©GoArmy https://www.flickr.com/photos/goarmy/
Date of Origin: 8th century BCE
Country/Region: Greece, adopted by the Romans
Unique Characteristics: Focuses solely on upper-body holds; no attacks below the waist are permitted.
Surface: Typically performed on mats in modern settings; historically, it was likely practiced on sand or earth.
Typical Attire: Wrestlers wear singlets or similar tight-fitting gear that allows freedom of movement while adhering to regulations.
General Overview: Greco-Roman wrestling is one of the oldest forms, with roots in ancient Greek and Roman traditions. It was a significant event in the ancient Olympic Games and has remained a core sport in modern Olympic competitions.
Comparison to Amateur Wrestling: Unlike amateur wrestling, which allows holds on the legs and a broader range of techniques, Greco-Roman wrestling is restricted to upper-body techniques, emphasizing throws and upper-body strength.
Cultural Significance: Historically, Greco-Roman wrestling was seen as a test of both physical and moral strength in Greek and Roman societies, and it continues to be revered in the sporting world today.
References & Further Information
Evolve MMA. 2022. What Is Greco-Roman Wrestling? Evolve Daily. 1 December 2022. https://evolve-mma.com/blog/what-is-greco-roman-wrestling/
Wikipedia. 2024. Greco-Roman Wrestling. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Greco-Roman_wrestling&oldid=1240086379
Wood, R. 2016. About Greco-Roman Wrestling. Topend Sports Website. https://www.topendsports.com/sport/list/wrestling-greco-roman.htm
Sumo Wrestling
Sumo Wrestling
Photo: ©ElHeineken, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Date of Origin: 8th century CE
Country/Region: Japan
Unique Characteristics: It involves large, heavyweight competitors. The objective is to force the opponent out of the ring or make them touch the ground with any body part other than the soles of their feet.
Surface: Sumo is traditionally performed in a circular ring made of clay and covered with sand.
Typical Attire: Wrestlers wear a mawashi, a thick, heavy belt that is the only garment worn during the match.
General Overview: Sumo wrestling is deeply embedded in Japanese culture and Shinto rituals. It is characterized by its ceremonial aspects, including the purification of the ring with salt and its emphasis on size and mass as critical components of success.
Comparison to Amateur Wrestling: Sumo differs significantly from amateur wrestling, particularly in the rules that allow pushing or shoving an opponent out of the ring and the emphasis on ritual and ceremony surrounding each match.
Cultural Significance: Sumo is not just a sport in Japan but a cultural treasure, with professional wrestlers revered as cultural icons. The rituals and traditions of sumo reflect deep connections to Japan's spiritual and historical roots.
References & Further Information
Japan Up Close. 2023. A Brief History of Sumo. 2023. https://japanupclose.web-japan.org/techculture/c20230315_2.html
Acar, A. n.d. Sumo Wrestling in Japan Facts, Meaning, Culture. https://mai-ko.com/travel/culture-in-japan/sumo/sumo-2/
Wikipedia. 2024. Sumo. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumo
Bökh (Mongolian Wrestling)
Bökh (Mongolian Wrestling)
Photo by Agostino Toselli: https://www.pexels.com/photo/men-in-traditional-costumes-wrestling-in-field-9247660/
Date of Origin: Exact origins unknown (Likely 3rd century BCE or earlier)
Country/Region: Mongolia
Unique Characteristics: No weight classes; the objective is to make the opponent touch the ground with any body part other than their feet.
Surface: Bökh is typically performed outdoors on grass, dirt, or other natural surfaces.
Typical Attire: Wrestlers wear a traditional outfit consisting of tight, open-fronted jackets called zodog and shorts called shuudag.
General Overview: Bökh is a central feature of the Naadam festival, reflecting Mongolia's nomadic heritage and warrior culture. It is a test of strength, stamina, and technique, with no weight classes, allowing competitors of all sizes to compete together.
Comparison to Amateur Wrestling: Unlike amateur wrestling, which has weight divisions and is performed on standardized mats, Bökh allows competitors of any size to compete against each other, and the matches are often held outdoors.
Cultural Significance: Bökh is more than just a sport in Mongolia; it is a symbol of the nation’s history, representing the strength and spirit of the Mongolian people.
References & Further Information
Before the Mat. 2022. Mongolian Wrestling: Introducing Bokh And Its Major Variations - Before The Mat. https://beforethemat.com/traditional-mongolian-wrestling-bokh/
Wikipedia. 2024. Mongolian Wrestling. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mongolian_wrestling&oldid=1241826693
World Nomad Games. n.d. Mongol Bokh. https://worldnomadgames.com/en/sport/Mongol-Bokh/
Laamb (Senegalese Wrestling)
Laamb Senegalese Wrestling
Photo: ©Christine Vaufrey
https://www.flickr.com/photos/christing/
Date of Origin: Pre-colonial times in West Africa
Country/Region: Senegal
Unique Characteristics: Combines wrestling with striking; highly ceremonial with grand displays and cultural significance.
Surface: Typically performed on sand in open arenas.
Typical Attire: Wrestlers wear loincloths or shorts, often adorned with talismans for protection and strength.
General Overview: Laamb is not only a sport but a significant cultural event in Senegal. It combines elements of wrestling with boxing. Matches are accompanied by music, dance, and rituals, making them a deeply communal experience.
Comparison to Amateur Wrestling: Laamb differs from amateur wrestling in its incorporation of striking and its cultural ceremonies. While amateur wrestling is focused purely on grappling, Laamb includes elements of both.
Cultural Significance: Laamb is deeply ingrained in Senegalese culture. It serves as entertainment and a rite of passage for young men. The sport plays a significant role in community life and is a major spectator event.
References & Further Information
Palace Travel. 2024. Laamb: Local Wrestling Champions of Senegal. 2024. https://www.palacetravel.com/laamb-local-wrestling-champions-of-senegal/
Senegal Online. 2021. Senegalese Wrestling Explained In-Depth. https://www.senegal-online.com/senegalese-wrestling-explained-in-depth/
Wikipedia. 2024. Senegalese Wrestling .https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Senegalese_wrestling&oldid=1224286940
Yağlı Güreş (Oil Wrestling)
Yağlı Güreş (Oil Wrestling)
Photo: ©Adam Cohn https://api.flickr.com/photos/adamcohn/
Date of Origin: 14th century
Country/Region: Turkey
Unique Characteristics: Wrestlers are covered in olive oil; the goal is to pin the opponent, typically in an open field.
Surface: Traditionally performed on grass in outdoor settings.
Typical Attire: Wrestlers wear leather kispet trousers and are otherwise shirtless.
General Overview: Yağlı Güreş, or oil wrestling, is a traditional Turkish sport where wrestlers douse themselves in olive oil before competing. The oil makes gripping difficult, so matches often focus on endurance and skill rather than brute strength.
Comparison to Amateur Wrestling: The use of oil and the outdoor grass surface make Yağlı Güreş quite different from amateur wrestling, which is performed on mats and does not involve such conditions. The oil creates unique challenges that require different strategies.
Cultural Significance: Yağlı Güreş is a key feature of the annual Kirkpinar festival, which is recognized as one of the oldest continuously running sports events in the world. The sport is deeply tied to Turkish history and cultural identity.
References & Further Information
Wikipedia. 2024. Oil Wrestling. 2024.https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Oil_wrestling&oldid=1228338702
Pehlivan Kıspet. 2022. Tarihten Günümüze Yağlı Güreşler. Pehlivan Kıspet (blog). 21 October 2022. https://www.pehlivankispet.com/tarihten-gunumuze-yagli-guresler/
Turkish Traditional Wrestling Federation Presidency. n.d. Oil Wrestling. Oil Wrestling: Turkish Traditional Sport (blog). https://tggf.org.tr/yagli-gures-2/
UNESCO - Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival. n.d. https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/krkpnar-oil-wrestling-festival-00386.
Kushti/Pahlwani (Indian Wrestling)
Kushti/Pahlwani (Indian Wrestling)
Photo: ©Blinkofaneye
https://www.flickr.com/photos/blinkofanaye/
Date of Origin: Mughal Empire, 16th century
Country/Region: India
Unique Characteristics: Practiced in mud pits; wrestlers adhere to strict dietary and lifestyle rules emphasizing strength and technique.
Surface: Typically performed in mud pits known as Akhara.
Typical Attire: Wrestlers traditionally wear a loincloth or shorts called langot.
General Overview: Kushti, also known as Pahlwani, is a traditional Indian form of wrestling with deep cultural and spiritual significance. Wrestlers, known as Pahalwans, train rigorously in traditional schools, following strict regimens that include both physical and spiritual practices.
Comparison to Amateur Wrestling: Kushti differs from amateur wrestling primarily in its setting—being held in mud pits rather than on mats—and in the strict lifestyle and spiritual practices accompanying training.
Cultural Significance: Kushti is more than just a sport in India; it is a way of life that embodies discipline, strength, and spiritual development. The tradition is revered in many parts of the country and is seen as a heritage practice.
References & Further Information
Topend Sports. n.d. About Pehlwani. https://www.topendsports.com/sport/list/wrestling-pehlwani.htm
Wikipedia. 2024. Pehlwani. 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pehlwani&oldid=1240736959
William. 2019. Pehlwani – Ancient South Asian Wrestling. https://masterfighting.com/pehlwani/
Pahlavani (Iranian Wrestling)
Date of Origin: Ancient Persia, as far back as the Achaemenid Empire
Country/Region: Iran
Unique Characteristics: Combines martial arts with wrestling; includes rituals and spiritual aspects.
Surface: Traditionally performed in a domed structure called a Zurkhaneh on a sunken circular arena.
Typical Attire: Wrestlers wear tights and traditional shirts, sometimes with specific symbols related to spiritual and physical strength.
General Overview: Pahlavani is a traditional Iranian wrestling style that has evolved into a martial art known as Varzesh-e Pahlavani. It blends physical training with spiritual rituals. It is performed in a Zurkhaneh, where physical exercises are accompanied by the rhythmic beating of a drum, reflecting the blend of martial prowess and spirituality.
Comparison to Amateur Wrestling: Pahlavani incorporates elements of martial arts and spiritual practices, which are not present in amateur wrestling. Its traditional setting and cultural rituals also differentiate it from the more competitive, secular nature of amateur wrestling.
Cultural Significance: Pahlavani is highly respected in Iranian culture as a symbol of strength, virtue, and spirituality. It is seen as a holistic practice that develops both the body and the spirit, continuing to hold cultural importance in modern Iran.
References & Further Information
Wikipedia. n.d. Pahlevani and zoorkhaneh rituals. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pahlevani_and_zoorkhaneh_rituals
Khosravi, H. 2015. English: Mashhadi sportpeople in zurkhaneh. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Varzesh-e_Pahlavani_in_Mashhad_%282%29.jpg
Pahlavani. n.d. Pahlavani Wrestling Overview. http://www.pahlavani.com/
Sambo (Russian Wrestling)
Sambo Wrestling Photo.
© PAN Photo
https://www.flickr.com/photos/panarmenian_photo/
Date of Origin: 1920s
Country/Region: Russia
Unique Characteristics: A hybrid martial art that combines wrestling with judo and self-defence techniques, including submissions and throws.
Surface: Typically performed on mats designed for judo or wrestling.
Typical Attire: Wrestlers wear a jacket called a kurtka, wrestling shoes, and shorts.
General Overview: Sambo, short for "Samozashchita Bez Oruzhiya" (self-defence without weapons), was developed in the Soviet Union to enhance hand-to-hand combat training for the military. It combines elements of judo, Greco-Roman wrestling, and various Indigenous wrestling styles of the Soviet republics. There are two main types: sport Sambo, which is more akin to amateur wrestling, and combat Sambo, which includes striking.
Comparison to Amateur Wrestling: Unlike amateur wrestling, which focuses solely on grappling, Sambo incorporates a wide range of submissions and throws, similar to judo, as well as striking techniques in its combat form. This makes Sambo a more comprehensive martial art with a broader range of techniques.
Cultural Significance: Sambo is a source of national pride in Russia, where it is practiced widely and has produced many world-class martial artists. It is also a foundational discipline for many Russian athletes transitioning to mixed martial arts (MMA).
References & Further Information
USA Sambo. n.d. History of Sambo Wrestling. https://usasambo.com/sambo-history/
Wikipedia. 2024. Sambo (martial art). https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sambo_(martial_art)&oldid=1242503153
Inside the Games. n.d. What is SAMBO? https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1045459/what-is-sambo
Ssireum (Korean Wrestling)
Ssireum (Korean Wrestling)
© 문화체육관광부
Date of Origin: 4th century CE
Country/Region: South Korea
Unique Characteristics: Wrestlers wear belts and aim to throw the opponent to the ground, focusing heavily on leg techniques.
Surface: Ssireum is traditionally performed on a sand-filled circular ring.
Typical Attire: Wrestlers wear a cloth belt called satba around the waist and thigh, which they use to grip their opponent.
General Overview: Ssireum is a traditional Korean wrestling style practiced for centuries, often during festivals such as Dano and Chuseok. The sport emphasizes balance, leverage, and technique, particularly leg-based maneuvers. Competitors win by forcing any part of their opponent's body besides their feet to touch the ground.
Comparison to Amateur Wrestling: Ssireum’s use of belts and emphasis on leg techniques distinguish it from amateur wrestling. The sand surface also contrasts with the mats used in amateur wrestling.
Cultural Significance: Ssireum is integral to Korean cultural heritage, symbolizing strength and endurance. It is a sport and a traditional practice that connects modern Koreans with their ancestral past.
References & Further Information
UNESCO. Traditional Korean Wrestling Ssireum. https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/traditional-korean-wrestling-ssirum-ssireum-01533#:~:text=Ssireum%20is%20a%20type%20of,send%20them%20to%20the%20ground.
Scorizer. Ssireum - Korean Wrestling. https://scorizer.com/en/ssireum-sirum-lucha-coreana/
Wikipedia. 2024. Ssireum. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ssireum&oldid=1239786798
Folkstyle Wrestling (United States)
Folkstyle Wrestling
©John Sachs
https://www.flickr.com/photos/tech-fall/
Date of Origin: 19th century
Country/Region: United States
Unique Characteristics: This style emphasizes control and pinning the opponent to the mat; points are awarded for maintaining control and for effective takedowns and escapes.
Surface: Performed on wrestling mats, typically in gymnasiums or arenas.
Typical Attire: Wrestlers wear singlets, headgear, and wrestling shoes.
General Overview: Folkstyle wrestling, also known as scholastic or collegiate wrestling, is the most common form of wrestling practiced in the United States, particularly in high schools and colleges. The sport focuses on controlling the opponent and pinning their shoulders to the mat. Scoring is based on takedowns, escapes, reversals, and near-falls, emphasizing maintaining control over the opponent.
Comparison to Amateur Wrestling: Folkstyle wrestling is closely related to amateur wrestling but has specific rules emphasizing control and pinning. It is distinct from international styles like freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, which allow more varied techniques and scoring methods.
Cultural Significance: Folkstyle wrestling is a foundational sport in American education systems, contributing to the development of discipline, physical fitness, and sportsmanship in young athletes. It has produced numerous Olympic champions and has a strong following nationwide.
References & Further Information
Fanatic Wrestling. n.d. History of Folkstyle Wrestling. https://fanaticwrestling.com/blogs/news/when-was-folkstyle-wrestling-invented?srsltid=AfmBOorc0b_Zlxt4v0V2TOwF62obOg8WKpXPP7QQdIhRhEIJv833LCq1
Wikipedia. 2024. Collegiate Wrestling. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collegiate_wrestling
Fanatic Wrestling. n.d. FOLKSTYLE WRESTLING. https://fanaticwrestling.com/blogs/news/folkstyle-wrestling
Lutte Traditionnelle (West African Wrestling)
Date of Origin: Ancient times, specific origins vary by region
Country/Region: Various countries in West Africa, including Senegal, The Gambia, and Niger
Unique Characteristics: Combines wrestling with cultural rituals, often performed during festivals and ceremonies.
Surface: Typically performed on sand in open arenas or village squares.
Typical Attire: Wrestlers wear minimal clothing, often just loincloths, with some participants using amulets or charms believed to provide spiritual protection.
General Overview: Lutte Traditionnelle is a traditional form of wrestling practiced across West Africa, with each region having its own variations and rules. The sport is deeply intertwined with local cultures and often includes music, dance, and spiritual rituals. It is particularly popular in Senegal, where it is known as Laamb and has grown into a major spectator sport with professional leagues.
Comparison to Amateur Wrestling: Unlike amateur wrestling, a purely competitive sport, Lutte Traditionnelle is as much a cultural and spiritual event as a physical contest. Incorporating rituals, music, and dance makes it a community celebration as well as a sport.
Cultural Significance: Lutte Traditionnelle symbolizes cultural identity and community cohesion in West Africa. It plays a significant role in social and religious life, marking important events and celebrations.
References & Further Information
DBpedia. n.d. Lutte Traditionnelle Overview. DBpedia.
Wikipedia. 2024. Lutte Traditionelle. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lutte_Traditionnelle
UNICEF. n.d. Lutte traditionnelle, passion de deux jumeaux à la Semaine Nationale de la Culture. https://www.unicef.org/burkinafaso/recits/lutte-traditionnelle-passion-de-deux-jumeaux-%C3%A0-la-semaine-nationale-de-la-culture
Schwingen (Swiss Wrestling)
Schwingen (Swiss Wreslting)
©Roman Koch
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
Date of Origin: 13th century
Country/Region: Switzerland
Unique Characteristics: Wrestlers compete in a sawdust ring, wearing special shorts, and attempt to throw their opponent onto their back.
Surface: Performed on a ring of sawdust, typically outdoors during traditional Swiss festivals.
Typical Attire: Wrestlers wear traditional Swiss wrestling shorts, called Schwingerhosen, with a belt for gripping.
General Overview: Schwingen is a traditional Swiss wrestling style practiced for centuries, especially in the Alpine regions. It is a key event at local festivals, where competitors aim to throw their opponent onto their back. The sport is known for its focus on technique and leverage, with wrestlers often competing multiple times in a single day.
Comparison to Amateur Wrestling: Schwingen differs from amateur wrestling in its use of a sawdust ring and the gripping of the opponent’s shorts for leverage. The techniques used in Schwingen are also distinct, focusing on throws and maintaining balance in a relatively small space.
Cultural Significance: Schwingen is a cherished Swiss tradition that embodies the values of strength, fairness, and community. It is celebrated as a national sport and is closely associated with Swiss identity and heritage.
References & Further Information
Tourismus, S. n.d. Swiss wrestling (Schwingen) - From herdsman’s pastime to elite sport. https://www.myswitzerland.com/en/planning/about-switzerland/custom-and-tradition/swiss-wrestling-schwingen-from-herdsmans-pastime-to-elite-sport/
Reinhard, K. 2022. All you need to know about the Swiss sport Schwingen. In: Z’Nüni - Online Magazine from Switzerland. https://z-nuni.com/all-about-schwingen/
Wikipedia. 2024. Schwingen. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schwingen
Huka-Huka (Brazilian Indigenous Wrestling)
Huka Huka Wrestling
© Wilfred Paulse, Flickr
Date of Origin: Ancient times, practiced by the Kamayurá people
Country/Region: Brazil, particularly among the Indigenous Kamayurá people
Unique Characteristics: A fast-paced, aggressive grappling style practiced as part of ritual ceremonies.
Surface: Performed on the ground, often in village clearings or dirt surfaces.
Typical Attire: Wrestlers wear minimal clothing, often just a traditional loincloth.
General Overview: Huka-Huka is a traditional wrestling style practiced by the Kamayurá people in the Xingu Indigenous Park of Brazil. It is performed as part of a larger ritual that includes ceremonies, dances, and other forms of physical competition. The objective is to throw the opponent to the ground, and matches are often short but intense, reflecting the warrior traditions of the community.
Comparison to Amateur Wrestling: Huka-Huka is distinct from amateur wrestling in its cultural context and the ritualistic nature of the matches. While amateur wrestling is a structured sport with formal rules and regulations, Huka-Huka is part of a broader cultural ceremony with deep spiritual significance.
Cultural Significance: Huka-Huka is a vital part of the Kamayurá cultural identity. It serves as a rite of passage and a way to honour ancestral traditions. The sport is closely tied to the community's social and spiritual life.
References & Further Information
Vanishing Cultures Photography. Huka-Huka Wrestling. https://www.vanishingculturesphotography.com/p584455295
Enso Martial Arts. n.d. Huka-Huka - Indigenous Brazilian Wrestling. https://ensomartialarts.com/brazil/huka-huka-wrestling/
Wikipedia. 2024. Huka-Huka. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huka-huka
Glima (Icelandic Wrestling)
Glima Wrestling
© Willem van de Poll
Wikipedia Commons
Date of Origin: Viking Age, around the 9th century
Country/Region: Iceland
Unique Characteristics: Emphasizes balance, quick footwork, and upright grappling; competitors aim to throw each other off balance while maintaining a standing position.
Surface: Traditionally performed on grass or earth, but modern competitions sometimes use mats indoors.
Typical Attire: Wrestlers wear traditional Icelandic clothing or modern athletic gear, depending on the event.
General Overview: Glima is a traditional Icelandic wrestling style that dates back to the Viking Age. Known for its emphasis on balance and agility, It involves a variety of holds and techniques designed to destabilize the opponent. It is one of Europe's oldest continuously practiced wrestling styles and holds significant cultural importance in Iceland.
Comparison to Amateur Wrestling: Glima is distinct from amateur wrestling in its focus on maintaining an upright posture and balance throughout the match. Unlike amateur wrestling, which often involves takedowns to the mat, Glima's objective is to throw the opponent off balance while both wrestlers remain standing.
Cultural Significance: Glima is celebrated as a national sport in Iceland and is viewed as a living connection to the country’s Viking heritage. It is practiced as a sport and cultural tradition, often showcased during national festivals and events.
References & Further Information
Ívarsson, J. 1999. From the Archive: The Ancient Art of Glíma. In: Iceland Review. https://www.icelandreview.com/magazine/from-the-archive-the-ancient-art-of-glima/
King, S. 2022. Glíma: Icelandic Folk Wrestling. In: Looking North. https://lookingnorth.blog/2022/03/glima-icelandic-folk-wrestling/
Wikipedia. 2024. Glima. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gl%C3%ADma
Backhold Wrestling (Scottish Wrestling)
Backhold Wrestling
© Claude PERON
Wikimedia Commons https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Backhold_wrestling_scotland.jpg
Date of Origin: Estimated to date back to the early Celtic period, possibly as far back as the 5th century CE.
Country/Region: Scotland
Unique Characteristics: Wrestlers start the match, standing and gripping each other around the upper body with locked arms; the goal is to throw the opponent to the ground without losing the hold.
Surface: Typically performed on grass at outdoor events, particularly at Highland Games and other traditional Scottish festivals.
Typical Attire: Wrestlers often wear kilts or traditional Scottish attire, though modern competitions may use standard athletic wear.
General Overview: Backhold wrestling is a traditional Scottish style deeply rooted in the country's cultural heritage. The sport is known for its simplicity and reliance on strength, balance, and technique. Competitors start the match by gripping each other around the torso, and the winner is the first to throw their opponent to the ground without breaking the hold. It is a popular event at Highland Games and other traditional Scottish gatherings.
Comparison to Amateur Wrestling: Backhold wrestling differs from amateur wrestling in its starting position and the fact that the wrestlers must maintain a locked grip throughout the match. This contrasts with the more dynamic and varied techniques allowed in amateur wrestling.
Cultural Significance: Backhold wrestling is integral to Scottish cultural heritage and is often showcased at the Highland Games. It is celebrated as a symbol of strength and tradition, contributing to the preservation of Scottish identity.
References & Further Information
Clannada na Gadelica. n.d. Clannada na Gadelica. In: Gaelic Traditionalist Resource Site. https://www.clannada.org/culture_wrestling.html
Celtic Wrestling Tripod. n.d. Backhold Rules & Weight Classes. https://celtic-wrestling.tripod.com/id14.html
Wikipedia. 2024. Scottish Backhold. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottish_backhold
Black Belt White Hat. 2013. Highland Backhold Wrestling. In: Fitness & MMA Blog - BlackBeltWhiteHat.com. https://blackbeltwhitehat.com/mma-articles/other/highland-backhold-wrestling/
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