Which Is Harder Greco-Roman or Freestyle Wrestling?By Coder| August 30, 2023 Wrestling Wrestling is a combat sport that has been practiced for centuries in various forms. Two of the most popular and widely recognized styles of wrestling are Greco-Roman and Freestyle. Both styles have their unique characteristics and challenges, making it difficult to determine which one is harder. Let’s take a closer look at each style to understand their differences and intricacies. Greco-Roman Wrestling Greco-Roman wrestling is a style that originated in ancient Greece and was reestablished as an Olympic sport in 1896. In this style, wrestlers are only allowed to use their upper body and must avoid using their legs for offensive or defensive moves. This limitation on leg usage makes Greco-Roman wrestling particularly challenging as it requires wrestlers to rely heavily on their upper body strength, technique, and quickness. The objective is to take down the opponent by throwing them to the mat while maintaining a firm grip on them. Key features of Greco-Roman wrestling: No leg attacks allowed Focuses on throws, lifts, and holds Emphasizes upper body strength Takedowns must be initiated from standing position Freestyle Wrestling Freestyle wrestling is another popular style that also originated from ancient times and became an Olympic sport in 1904. Unlike Greco-Roman wrestling, Freestyle allows wrestlers to use both their upper body and legs for offensive and defensive moves. This freedom of using legs opens up a wider range of techniques, making Freestyle wrestling more dynamic and fast-paced. Wrestlers can execute leg attacks such as single-leg and double-leg takedowns, which adds a whole new level of complexity to the sport. Key features of Freestyle wrestling: Leg attacks allowed Includes a wide range of takedowns and throws Combines upper body and leg techniques Takedowns can be initiated from standing or on the ground Which is Harder? Determining which style is harder, Greco-Roman or Freestyle, ultimately comes down to personal preference and individual strengths. Both styles require exceptional physical conditioning, technical proficiency, flexibility, and mental toughness. In Greco-Roman wrestling, the emphasis on upper body strength can be a significant challenge for many wrestlers. The limited techniques force competitors to rely heavily on their core and upper body muscles, making it physically demanding. In Freestyle wrestling, the inclusion of leg attacks opens up more opportunities for varied techniques. However, this also means that wrestlers need to possess excellent timing, flexibility, and coordination to execute these moves effectively. In conclusion, Both Greco-Roman and Freestyle wrestling have their own unique set of challenges. While Greco-Roman requires more upper body strength and technique, Freestyle demands a combination of both upper body and leg skills. Ultimately, the difficulty level depends on an individual’s strengths, preferences, and training focus. If you are considering getting into wrestling or are already involved in one style but want to try the other, remember that both styles offer incredible physical benefits and an opportunity for personal growth. Whichever path you choose, be prepared for hard work, dedication, and relentless determination!