Is There Kicking in Wrestling?

Wrestling is a combat sport that has been practiced for centuries. It involves grappling techniques and holds to overpower and control an opponent.

While the primary focus of wrestling is on takedowns, throws, and submission holds, kicking is not a part of traditional wrestling. However, there are certain forms of wrestling that incorporate kicking techniques.

The Origins of Wrestling

Wrestling can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as ancient Greece, Mesopotamia, and Egypt. In these early forms of wrestling, the emphasis was on grappling and pinning an opponent rather than striking or kicking. The objective was to establish dominance over the opponent through physical skill and technique.

Kicking in Folk Wrestling

Folk wrestling refers to traditional forms of wrestling practiced in different regions around the world. Some folk wrestling styles incorporate kicking techniques as part of their repertoire. For example:

Catch Wrestling: Originating in England, catch wrestling incorporates various techniques from different martial arts disciplines. It allows for striking, including kicks, within certain rules and limitations.
Bokh: A traditional Mongolian style of wrestling that permits kicks to the legs but prohibits any strikes above the waist.
Ssireum: A Korean folk wrestling style that combines elements of grappling and striking. Kicks are allowed but are not the primary focus.

Kicking in Modern Professional Wrestling

In modern professional wrestling, which is more entertainment-oriented than competitive sport-based, kicks play a significant role in creating a visually engaging performance for the audience. Professional wrestlers often use various high-impact kicks as part of their movesets to enhance the excitement and drama of their matches.

However, it is important to note that these kicks are not meant to cause legitimate harm to the opponent and are executed with precision and control.

Kicking Techniques in Professional Wrestling

Here are some commonly used kicking techniques in professional wrestling:

Roundhouse Kick: A powerful kick delivered by swinging the leg in a semi-circular motion, striking the opponent with the shin or foot.
Superkick: A quick and impactful kick usually Targeted towards the head of the opponent, performed with speed and precision.
Enzuigiri: A high-impact kick delivered by jumping and striking the back of the opponent’s head or neck with the sole of the foot.

The Importance of Kicking in Wrestling

Incorporating kicking techniques into professional wrestling adds diversity to a wrestler’s moveset. It allows for more dynamic and visually appealing performances, captivating audiences around the world. Kicks can enhance storytelling within a match, creating moments of suspense and excitement.

In Conclusion

Kicking is not an integral part of traditional wrestling styles, which primarily focus on grappling and controlling an opponent. However, various forms of folk wrestling incorporate kicking techniques within certain rules.

In modern professional wrestling, kicks play a significant role in creating an entertaining spectacle for the audience. While they may not be present in all styles of wrestling, kicks add excitement and visual appeal to this unique form of sport-entertainment.