What Are the 2 Styles of Wrestling?

Wrestling is a popular combat sport that has been practiced for centuries. Over time, different styles of wrestling have emerged, each with its own unique rules and techniques. In this article, we will explore the two main styles of wrestling: Greco-Roman and Freestyle.

The Greco-Roman Style

The Greco-Roman style of wrestling is one of the oldest forms of wrestling in the world. It originated in ancient Greece and was later adopted by the Romans.

This style focuses on upper body moves and prohibits holds below the waist. It is known for its emphasis on throws and takedowns.

Key Features:

• Upper Body Techniques: In Greco-Roman wrestling, wrestlers are only allowed to use their arms and upper bodies to execute moves. This restriction adds an element of challenge and requires competitors to rely on their strength and technique.
• No Leg Attacks: Unlike other wrestling styles, such as freestyle, Greco-Roman does not permit attacks or holds below the waist. This rule encourages wrestlers to develop creative strategies for taking down opponents using only their upper bodies.
• Throwing Techniques: Throws are a hallmark of Greco-Roman wrestling. Wrestlers aim to lift their opponents off the mat and forcefully bring them down onto their backs. The ability to execute powerful throws requires excellent timing, precision, and strength.

The Freestyle Style

Freestyle wrestling is a more dynamic and versatile style compared to Greco-Roman wrestling. It allows competitors to use both their upper bodies and legs to execute moves. Originating from catch-as-catch-can wrestling, this style gained popularity due to its inclusion in modern Olympic games.

• Full Body Techniques: Freestyle wrestling permits the use of both upper body and leg attacks. Wrestlers can employ a wider range of moves, including takedowns, throws, and holds Targeting the legs. This versatility allows for more varied and complex strategies during a match.
• Leg Attacks: Unlike Greco-Roman wrestling, freestyle wrestlers can execute leg attacks such as single-leg takedowns or leg trips. These moves often involve grabbing an opponent’s leg and using leverage to bring them down to the mat.
• Groundwork: Freestyle wrestling places a greater emphasis on ground techniques compared to Greco-Roman. Once a takedown is executed, wrestlers can continue to score points by maintaining control over their opponents on the ground.

Conclusion

In summary, there are two main styles of wrestling: Greco-Roman and freestyle. While Greco-Roman focuses on upper body techniques and throws while prohibiting holds below the waist, freestyle allows for more versatility with full body attacks and leg maneuvers. Both styles require strength, technique, and strategic thinking to outperform opponents on the mat.

Whether you’re interested in ancient wrestling traditions or modern Olympic competition, exploring these styles will give you a deeper appreciation for the rich history and diverse techniques of this incredible sport.