What Is the Best Wrestling Style?

Wrestling is a sport that has captured the hearts of millions around the world. With its rich history and diverse range of styles, it’s no wonder that wrestling enthusiasts often debate about which style is the best. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular wrestling styles and discuss their unique characteristics and advantages.

The Classic – Freestyle Wrestling

Freestyle wrestling is one of the oldest forms of wrestling and is widely practiced in many countries. It emphasizes speed, agility, and technique.

One of the key distinctions of freestyle wrestling is that it allows wrestlers to use their legs actively for both offense and defense. This adds an extra layer of complexity to the sport, as wrestlers can execute various takedowns and leg attacks.

Advantages:

• Versatility: Freestyle wrestlers are known for their ability to adapt to different situations quickly. They have a wide range of techniques at their disposal, making them well-rounded competitors.
• Olympic Recognition: Freestyle wrestling is an Olympic sport, which means it has gained significant international recognition. This has led to increased participation and exposure for athletes competing in this style.

The Mighty – Greco-Roman Wrestling

Greco-Roman wrestling takes its name from its origins in ancient Greece and Rome. This style focuses on upper body control and throws while forbidding leg attacks or holds below the waist. In Greco-Roman wrestling, athletes must rely solely on their upper body strength and technical prowess to outmaneuver opponents.

Advantages:

• Upper Body Dominance: Greco-Roman wrestlers develop exceptional upper body strength due to their emphasis on throws and holds. This strength translates well into other sports and activities that require upper body power.
• Strategic Maneuvering: With the limitations on leg attacks, Greco-Roman wrestlers must rely heavily on their technique and strategic thinking to gain an advantage over their opponents.

The Technical – Folkstyle Wrestling

Folkstyle wrestling, also known as collegiate wrestling, is primarily practiced in the United States. It is a unique style that combines elements of both freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. Folkstyle places a strong emphasis on control and mat wrestling, where athletes aim to pin their opponents to the ground.

Advantages:

• Takedown Skills: Folkstyle wrestlers are renowned for their exceptional takedown skills. They focus on controlling their opponents’ movements and executing precise takedowns to gain an advantage.
• Mental Toughness: Folkstyle matches are often physically demanding and mentally challenging. Wrestlers need to develop mental toughness to endure grueling matches and overcome adversity.

So, Which Style Is the Best?

The question of which wrestling style is the best ultimately comes down to personal preference and goals. Each style has its own unique characteristics and advantages that make it appealing to different individuals.

If you aspire to compete at the Olympic level, freestyle wrestling might be your best choice due to its international recognition. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a style that focuses on upper body strength and throws, Greco-Roman wrestling could be your ideal fit. And if you’re in the United States with ambitions of collegiate success, folkstyle wrestling might be your best bet.

Regardless of which style you choose, it’s important to remember that wrestling is a challenging and demanding sport that requires dedication, discipline, and hard work. So, embrace the style that resonates with you the most and enjoy the exhilarating journey of becoming a skilled wrestler!