Grappling Across Borders: 6 Regional Variations of Wrestling

Wrestling is a sport that is enjoyed in almost every corner of the world.

From the epic battles of Greco-Roman wrestling to the technical precision of folkstyle wrestling, the sport has captivated audiences for centuries. But wrestling doesn’t just take one form—in fact, depending on which part of the world you’re in, you may find wildly different forms of grappling.

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at six distinct regional variations of wrestling, from Mongolian Khuresh to Brazilian Luta Livre.

1) Greco-Roman Wrestling

One of the oldest forms of wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling originated in ancient Greece and was later adopted by the Romans. It’s a style that emphasizes throws and upper body holds, with wrestlers prohibited from using their legs or tripping their opponents.

In Greco-Roman wrestling, the match begins with both wrestlers standing upright and gripping each other’s upper bodies. The objective is to throw your opponent to the mat while maintaining control. The wrestler with the most points at the end of the match, which is typically six minutes long, wins.

This style of wrestling has been included in the modern Olympic Games since their inception in 1896 and continues to be popular around the world, particularly in Europe and Asia. Notable Greco-Roman wrestlers include Aleksandr Karelin from Russia, who was undefeated for 13 years in international competition and won three Olympic gold medals.

2) Freestyle Wrestling

Another popular form of wrestling that you’re probably familiar with is freestyle wrestling.

This style originated in Great Britain in the early 19th century and eventually made its way to the United States. In freestyle wrestling, the goal is to take down your opponent and pin them to the ground, but unlike in Greco-Roman wrestling, you can use your legs to attack your opponent.

This means that freestyle wrestlers often use more acrobatic techniques and have a wider variety of moves at their disposal.

Freestyle wrestling is an Olympic sport, with competitions held in different weight categories. It’s a highly competitive form of wrestling and requires athletes to have strength, speed, and agility. Matches are intense and fast-paced, with athletes constantly moving and looking for opportunities to take down their opponents.

Some notable freestyle wrestlers include Alexander Karelin from Russia, who won three Olympic gold medals and was known for his unmatched strength and dominance on the mat.

Another is Dan Gable from the United States, who won Olympic gold in 1972 and went on to become a legendary coach, helping his wrestlers win multiple NCAA titles and Olympic medals.

Freestyle wrestling is a thrilling form of wrestling that’s full of action and athleticism. It’s popular in countries like the United States, Russia, and Iran, and is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat!

3) Sumo Wrestling

Sumo wrestling is a traditional sport in Japan that has been practiced for centuries. The sport involves two wrestlers, known as rikishi, who wear a loincloth called a mawashi and attempt to push each other out of a circular ring called a dohyō.

Sumo wrestling has a strict set of rules and traditions, including a salt throwing ceremony and a unique way of starting the match. The rikishi are also divided into different divisions based on their skill level, with the highest division being the Makuuchi division.

While sumo wrestling is considered a professional sport in Japan, it has also gained popularity around the world. Sumo tournaments are now held in various countries, and many international sumo wrestlers have achieved success in Japan’s professional leagues.

Despite its popularity, sumo wrestling has also faced criticism over the years for issues such as match fixing and bullying within the sport. However, efforts are being made to address these issues and maintain the integrity of the traditional sport.

Overall, sumo wrestling offers a fascinating look into Japanese culture and tradition, as well as a unique form of wrestling that continues to captivate audiences around the world.

4) Pehlwani Wrestling

Pehlwani wrestling, also known as kushti, is a traditional style of wrestling that originated in India. It is believed to have been developed in the 16th century by Mughal emperors as a form of military training.
In Pehlwani wrestling, participants wear a loincloth known as a langot and oil their bodies to make it more difficult for their opponents to grip them. The wrestling matches take place in a pit called an akhara, which is typically made of mud.

The objective of Pehlwani wrestling is to throw the opponent onto their back and pin them down for three seconds. Unlike in Greco-Roman wrestling, participants are allowed to use their legs and perform holds below the waist.

Pehlwani wrestling is deeply ingrained in Indian culture, with many renowned wrestlers being considered national heroes. Wrestlers are typically known by their nickname, which is often associated with a physical attribute or personal trait.

The training regimen for Pehlwani wrestling is incredibly demanding, with participants following a strict diet and exercise routine. Wrestlers often train together in an akhara under the guidance of a coach or mentor.

Despite its popularity in India, Pehlwani wrestling remains relatively unknown outside of the country. However, there are efforts to promote the sport globally, with international competitions and events being organized in recent years.

5) Schwingen Wrestling

Schwingen wrestling is a traditional form of Swiss wrestling that dates back to the 1800s. Also known as Swiss wrestling or alpine wrestling, this style of grappling involves two competitors who try to pin each other to the ground using a range of throws, trips, and holds.

Unlike many other forms of wrestling, Schwingen is often practiced on sawdust-covered surfaces instead of mats, and competitors typically wear traditional Swiss wrestling pants known as Schwingerhosen.

One of the most notable features of Schwingen wrestling is its emphasis on sportsmanship and fair play. Competitors are expected to greet each other before the match and shake hands after the match, regardless of who wins or loses.

The sport has a long history in Switzerland, with many local and regional tournaments held throughout the year. The Swiss Wrestling and Alpine Games Federation, which was established in 1895, is responsible for overseeing the sport at the national level.

Schwingen wrestling is known for its combination of strength, technique, and agility, and many Swiss wrestlers have achieved great success both domestically and internationally. It remains a beloved part of Swiss culture and tradition, and its popularity shows no signs of waning anytime soon.

6) Kurash Wrestling

Kurash is a form of wrestling that originated in Central Asia, particularly in Uzbekistan. It involves using throws, trips, and holds to take down an opponent and earn points. The sport is often compared to judo, but with a focus on the traditional clothing worn by competitors, called kurtka and shita, which provide a unique challenge.

The origins of kurash can be traced back to ancient Central Asia, where it was used as a form of combat training. Today, it is an official sport in Uzbekistan and is gaining popularity in other countries, including Russia, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan.

One of the key aspects of kurash is its emphasis on respect and sportsmanship. Before each match, competitors bow to each other as a sign of respect and gratitude for the opportunity to compete. The sport also encourages athletes to use clean techniques and avoid unnecessary violence.

In kurash, points are awarded for throws, takedowns, and other moves that demonstrate control over an opponent. Matches can be won by scoring more points than the opponent or by pinning them to the ground for a certain amount of time.

While kurash may not be as well-known as other forms of wrestling, it is a unique and fascinating sport that showcases the traditional cultures of Central Asia. Its emphasis on respect and clean technique make it a popular choice for those looking to try something new in the world of grappling.