Is Freestyle Wrestling the Same as Greco-Roman?By Coder| August 31, 2023 Wrestling Freestyle wrestling and Greco-Roman wrestling are two prominent styles of competitive wrestling. While they share similarities, it is important to note that they are not the same. In this article, we will delve into the characteristics of each style and highlight the key differences between them. Freestyle Wrestling Freestyle wrestling is a style that allows wrestlers to use both their upper and lower bodies to attack and defend. It originated in France and has become one of the most popular forms of wrestling worldwide. One key feature of freestyle wrestling is that it permits holds below the waist, including leg attacks such as single-leg takedowns and double-leg takedowns. Key Characteristics: Allows holds below the waist Leg attacks are permitted A wrestler can score points for exposing their opponent’s back to the mat The match consists of three rounds, each lasting two minutes The wrestler can win by pinning their opponent’s shoulders to the mat or by scoring more points by the end of the match Greco-Roman Wrestling In contrast, Greco-Roman wrestling focuses solely on upper body techniques and prohibits any holds below the waist. This style originated in ancient Greece and was later revived in France during the early 19th century. It places emphasis on throws, suplexes, and other techniques that require strength and skill in using only one’s arms and upper body. Key Characteristics: No holds below the waist are allowed Only upper body techniques are permitted A wrestler cannot score points for exposing their opponent’s back to the mat The match consists of two three-minute periods The wrestler can win by pinning their opponent’s shoulders to the mat or by scoring more points by the end of the match Differences between Freestyle and Greco-Roman Wrestling While both styles share similarities in terms of objectives and methods of victory, there are several key differences that set them apart. These include: Allowed Techniques: Freestyle wrestling allows attacks below the waist, including leg attacks, while Greco-Roman wrestling focuses solely on upper body techniques. Scoring System: In freestyle wrestling, a wrestler can score points for exposing their opponent’s back to the mat. This is not allowed in Greco-Roman wrestling. Rounds and Match Duration: Freestyle matches consist of three two-minute rounds, whereas Greco-Roman matches consist of two three-minute periods. Conclusion In summary, while freestyle wrestling and Greco-Roman wrestling share a common foundation as competitive styles of wrestling, they differ significantly in terms of techniques allowed, scoring systems, and match durations. Whether you prefer the versatility of freestyle or the focus on upper body strength in Greco-Roman, both styles offer unique challenges and opportunities for wrestlers to showcase their skills.
