Can You Win by Submission in Wrestling?

Wrestling is a dynamic and intense sport that requires skill, strength, and strategy. While the primary objective in wrestling is to pin your opponent’s shoulders to the mat, there are times when a submission can lead to victory. In this article, we will explore the concept of winning by submission in wrestling.

Understanding Submissions in Wrestling

In traditional wrestling matches, submissions are not commonly used as a means of winning. The focus is primarily on scoring points through takedowns, escapes, and reversals. However, there are certain styles of wrestling where submissions play a significant role.

Freestyle Wrestling

In freestyle wrestling, which is an Olympic discipline, submissions are not allowed. The objective is to score points by executing various techniques such as takedowns and exposure moves. The match continues until one wrestler achieves a technical superiority or time runs out.

Grappling and Submission Wrestling

On the other hand, grappling and submission wrestling styles do emphasize winning by submission. These styles incorporate elements from various martial arts disciplines such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Catch Wrestling.

In these styles of wrestling, techniques like joint locks and chokes are utilized to force an opponent into submission. When executed properly, these moves can cause immense pain or restrict an opponent’s ability to continue fighting.

The Role of Submissions in Wrestling

While submissions may not be common in traditional wrestling matches, they do have their place in training and certain competitions. Understanding submissions can enhance your overall grappling skills and provide you with additional tools to overcome opponents.

Diversifying Your Skill Set: Learning submission techniques allows you to expand your arsenal of moves and catch opponents off guard. Being well-rounded and versatile in your approach can give you a significant advantage.
Controlling the Match: Submissions can be used strategically to control your opponent.
By threatening with a submission hold, you can force them into defensive positions, opening up opportunities for takedowns or other scoring techniques.
Creating Opportunities: Understanding submissions also helps you exploit openings created by your opponent’s mistakes or weaknesses. Capitalizing on these opportunities can lead to quick victories.

The Importance of Proper Technique

It’s important to note that executing submissions in wrestling requires proper technique and training. These moves can be dangerous if performed incorrectly, potentially causing serious injury to yourself or your opponent. Therefore, it is crucial to learn from qualified instructors and practice under controlled conditions.

Remember: The focus of wrestling should always be on sportsmanship, respect, and personal growth. Winning by submission should never be used as a means of intentionally harming an opponent.

In Conclusion

In traditional wrestling matches like freestyle wrestling, winning by submission is not typically a possibility. However, in grappling and submission wrestling styles, submissions play a vital role in achieving victory.

By diversifying your skill set, understanding submissions can give you an edge over opponents who may only focus on traditional scoring techniques. It’s important to approach submissions with caution and prioritize safety during training and competition.

Always remember: Wrestling is not just about winning but also about personal growth, discipline, and respect for yourself and your opponents.

So go ahead, explore the world of submissions in wrestling, but never lose sight of the values that make this sport great.