Freestyle Wrestling
Freestyle wrestling is one of the most dynamic and popular styles of wrestling, and along with Greco-Roman wrestling, it is contested at the Olympic Games. Unlike Greco-Roman wrestling, freestyle wrestling allows the use of the wrestler's or the opponent's legs in offense and defense, making it a more versatile and comprehensive form of the sport.
Historical Origins
Freestyle wrestling has its roots in catch-as-catch-can wrestling, a form that originated in Britain and rapidly spread to the United States in the late 19th century. This style was characterized by its relatively loose rules compared to other traditional forms like Greco-Roman wrestling, allowing for a wider variety of techniques and holds.
Governing Bodies
The international governing body for freestyle wrestling is United World Wrestling (UWW), which also oversees other styles such as Greco-Roman, grappling/submission wrestling, beach wrestling, pankration athlima, alysh/belt wrestling, and traditional/folk wrestling. UWW is responsible for organizing major competitions, including the World Wrestling Championships and overseeing wrestling at the Olympic Games.
Rules and Techniques
In freestyle wrestling, the primary objective is to pin the opponent's shoulders to the mat. Matches are typically divided into two periods, and points can be scored in various ways, such as takedowns, reversals, exposures (holding the opponent's back to the mat), and escapes. Unlike Greco-Roman wrestling, freestyle allows both upper and lower body attacks. Techniques from judo and sambo are often incorporated, making it a diverse and adaptive sport.
Collegiate Wrestling
Freestyle wrestling shares many similarities with collegiate wrestling, also known as folkstyle wrestling, which is practiced in high schools and colleges across the United States. Both styles aim to pin the opponent and allow leg attacks, but there are key differences in scoring and match structure. Collegiate wrestling places greater emphasis on control and maintaining dominance over the opponent.
Competitions
Freestyle wrestling is a staple at numerous high-profile competitions, including the Summer Olympics, World Wrestling Championships, and various continental championships like the European Wrestling Championships and Asian Wrestling Championships. These events showcase the best wrestlers from around the globe, competing for prestigious titles and medals.
Prominent Wrestlers
The sport has seen numerous legends, including Olympic and World Champions like Aleksandr Karelin, John Smith, and Saori Yoshida. Their contributions have not only elevated the sport but also inspired future generations of wrestlers.