Wrestling History Essay Example For Students

Wrestling History Essay The forms of wrestling we know today as Greco-Roman, Folkstyle, and Freestylefound their origins in the lands on the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea. These lands are where the Ancient Greeks resided, and developed the art ofwrestling. The Greeks influenced the styles and skills of wrestling of today. The sport of wrestling has been highly developed for over five thousandyears, and it is believed to have begun part of the soldiers training, TheAncient Greeks and The sport of Wrestling stated. Proof of this lie on the wallsof the tomb in Beni Hasan in the form of pictures. These pictures are about fivethousand years old and show holds from both the standing positions and theground positions. From that time to the present wrestling turned from militaryskill to a sport skill. (The Ancient Greeks and The sport of Wrestling,7-2)During this time wrestling was also developed in other cultures, like that ofancient Greeks. Wrestling to the Greeks was not only part of the soldierstraining, but was also a part of everyday life. Youth did not only learngrammar, art of speech, and mathematics, but young men also went throughphysical training, which consist of dancing and the art of wrestling. The Greekssaw wrestling as a development of grace and an activity that demands a highskill and physica l fitness. (The Ancient Greeks and The sport of Wrestling,7-3)Greek literature points out this skill of wrestling was used by gods and kings,as well as by soldiers and private citizens, in their efforts to overcome eviland brute force. Most of the heroes of Greek mythology were considered skillfulwrestlers. Their view of skill most likely led to its introduction as a majorsport in the Olympic Games in the year 704 B.C. (The Ancient Greeks and Thesport of Wrestling,7-4) Wrestling was a major sport in most Greek festivals,including the Olympic Games. In these festivals sports other than wrestling,such as foot races, chariot-races, throwing of the discos and javelin, andboxing, were also included. These events with variations and additions made upthe program of the athletic festivals of Greece through the whole history. Theevents of the Olympic Games survived even through the rise and the fall of theRoman Empire. With the conquering of the Greece by the Romans, the Greekform of wrestli ng began to lose popularity, since, the Romans didnt have thesame sense of grace and skill, stated The Ancient Greeks and The sport ofWrestling. The Romans were also not interested in brute strength and violence. We will write a custom essay on Wrestling History specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now (The Ancient Greeks and The sport of Wrestling,7-5) One last thing that broughtthe decline of Greek wrestling, is the participation of many more countries inthe Olympics. This was due to The Romans allowing other countries in theOlympics. The Greek spectators became tired of seeing their local wrestlingheroes being defeated by competitors from the East. The success of the Asianwrestlers and others help along the decline of Greek Wrestling. (The AncientGreeks and The sport of Wrestling,7-5) Wrestling technique has changed verylittle, and many of the modern holds were derived from the sport as it waspracticed in ancient Egypt, in 704, included wrestling. Evidence thatmatches were increasingly being fixed and competitors rigged, however, cut shortpopularity of the sport, and it lay dormant for hundreds of years, statedthe Concise Encyclopedia of Sports. (Concise Encyclopedia of Sports, 7-3) Duringthe 19th century, Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling regained popular interest. Circuses and carnivals in the United States sponsored wrestling matches, andthis activity led directly to the revival of wrestling. William Muldon wasdeclared the first American Champion. Following World War I, fixed professionalwrestling matches threatened to discredit wrestling, but the FederationInternational des Luttes Amateur founded in 1921, saved the sport. Thisgoverning body codified rules, set standards, and organized competitions for allamateur 7 freestyle and 6 Greco-Roman weight divisions, an increase from onlyhaving one weight division in the 1904 Olympics. (Concise Encyclopedia ofSports, 7-3) In the Olympic and international completions wrestlers competeagainst others approximately the same weight. Ten weight classifications existfrom 15.8 pounds too more than 220.4 pounds. Competitors must wear tight-fittingone-piece singlets. The wrestling mat is a raised platform, 6-8 meters square. Amatch is scheduled for three rounds, each period lasting three minutes, with1-minute rest periods between them. Matches are won either by pinning anopponents shoulders to the mat and holding them for one second or byaccumulating the greater number of points during the match. A referee, judge,and a mat chairman decide on the awarding of penalty points. Wrestlers are notallowed to pull hair, kick, punch, grip the edge of the mat, use head locks, andbend an opponents arm more than 90 degrees or use any hold that may endangerthe physical well-being of the opponent. (Sports and Games, 5-4) There are manydifferent styles of wrestling. One of the most popular that is used in highschool and college in the United States is folkstyle. This style developed inthe United States as a modified form of the European Freestyle with variationsinfluenced by the American Indian and early pioneers. In fact several historyreferences indicated that both George Washington and Abe Lincoln were goodFolkstyle wrestlers. (Rules of the Game, 4-2) Folkstyle concentrates on controland the executi on of moves, with points awarded for successfully executing amove to gain control or escape your opponents control. The wrestler on top mustconstantly work towards a pin while the wrestler on bottom must continually tryto escape or reverse. In some aspects, Folkstyle is similar to Freestyle termsof wrestling technique used, however the rules influence the selection ofattacks and the conduct of the match. (Rules of the Game, 4-2) Another popularstyle of wrestling is Freestyle. Freestyle is used in the Olympic games. It issimilar folkstyle wrestling in terms of technique, but the rules and scoring aredifferent. Anyone who wrestles folkstyle can wrestler freestyle. Because of therules there are additional moves that can be don such as the gut wrench and leglace. Matches are usually on five-minute period in the open and high schooldivisions and two periods with short break between for the younger age groups. .u5019dcbf4b4ff851ff117fc8dc48974d , .u5019dcbf4b4ff851ff117fc8dc48974d .postImageUrl , .u5019dcbf4b4ff851ff117fc8dc48974d .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u5019dcbf4b4ff851ff117fc8dc48974d , .u5019dcbf4b4ff851ff117fc8dc48974d:hover , .u5019dcbf4b4ff851ff117fc8dc48974d:visited , .u5019dcbf4b4ff851ff117fc8dc48974d:active { border:0!important; } .u5019dcbf4b4ff851ff117fc8dc48974d .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u5019dcbf4b4ff851ff117fc8dc48974d { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u5019dcbf4b4ff851ff117fc8dc48974d:active , .u5019dcbf4b4ff851ff117fc8dc48974d:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u5019dcbf4b4ff851ff117fc8dc48974d .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u5019dcbf4b4ff851ff117fc8dc48974d .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u5019dcbf4b4ff851ff117fc8dc48974d .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u5019dcbf4b4ff851ff117fc8dc48974d .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u5019dcbf4b4ff851ff117fc8dc48974d:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u5019dcbf4b4ff851ff117fc8dc48974d .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u5019dcbf4b4ff851ff117fc8dc48974d .u5019dcbf4b4ff851ff117fc8dc48974d-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u5019dcbf4b4ff851ff117fc8dc48974d:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Youth Who Turn to Illicit Drugs EssayWrestlers start on their feet, and points are accumulated by taking the opponentto the mat and exposing his back. Points are given for back exposure withouthaving to hold your man down on his back for a certain period of time. Youropponents back does not have to touch the mat, just be exposed towards the matfor a fraction of a second. A pin is accomplished by bringing both of youropponents shoulders or scapula in contact with the mat at the same time,according to Rules of the Game. Since the emphasis in Freestyle is onattack and exposure, just controlling the opponent from the top with nocontinuos back exposure is considered a stalemate , and both wrestlers arebrought to their feet after a short time in order for the bout tocontinue, stated in Rules of the Game. Also, a wrestler can easily scorepoints or pin himself by exposing his own back unless he is very careful how heperforms his movements. There are no points for escapes and you can stall onbottom after you are takedown. Your objective on bottom is to gain a stalemateand to be restarted from the neutral position. Attempting an escape may onlygive your opponents points if you expose your back to the mat. You can score 1point for a reversal from the defensive position. However, you may give uppoints if you expose your back while attempting a reversal. (Rules of theGame,4-3) Another important points about both Freestyle and Greco-Roman is thatthere is no penalty for failed throws. If a wrestler attempts a throw and endsup being taken down by his opponent, his opponent does not score points andwrestling is restarted from the neutral position. Also, either wrestle r can lockhis hands at any time. Wrestling is an old sport, it is extremely popular inancient Greek and Roman societies. When the Romans conquered the Greeks, theirtwo styles of wrestling gradually merged and created the internationally popularstyle of wrestling named Greco-Roman. Although other styles of wrestling aremore popular in the United States, Greco-Roman is very popular in many otherparts of the world. The unique characteristics that makes Greco-Roman sodifferent from other styles of wrestling is the fact that holds or attacks belowthe waist are not permitted. For this reason, upper body throws are the norm. (Rules of the Game, 4-4) Like Freestyle, Greco-Roman concentrates on taking youropponent to the mat and exposing his back, without using or attacking the legs. Points for takedowns and exposures are nearly identical between Freestyle andGreco-Roman, so long as the legs are not used. Both Freestyle and Greco-Roman,in addition to judo, are recognized Olympic sports. (Rules of the Game, 4-4) Inaddition to these styles there are many other styles of wrestling. In thenational style of Ireland, collar-and-elbow wrestling, thecompetitors wear short jackets with strong collars and grasp each others collarbehind the left ear with the right hand. The position of the hands cannot bechanged until the fall is secure. Changing the position of the hands is a fouland loses the fall. Two shoulders and one hip or both hips and one shoulder musttouch the floor at the same time for this fall. Wrestling in Japan dates morethan 2,000 years. Two styles are popular: sumo and jujitsu. Sumo is the nationalstyle. Weight is the main factor, and so most Japanese sumo wrestlers are verylarge. The methods are similar to those of Greco-Roman, but touching the floorwith an y part of the body except the feet or leaving the mat loses the fall. Asimilar sport is popular in India, but both shoulders must be pinned to the matat the same time. (Encyclopedia of World Sports, 3-2) Jujitsu was introducedinto Japan from China many centuries ago. For ages it was a secret art,guarded jealously by the nobility, stated the Encyclopedia of WorldSports. Now it is known not only throughout Japan many other countries. DuringWorld War II and there after all United States combat troops learned judo, whichis similar to jujitsu, as means of fighting without weapons. (Encyclopedia ofWorld Sports, 3-3) The art of falling without injury is the first principle ofjujitsu. Often an expert will fall purposely in order to trap an unwary opponentinto a dangerous position. This is called conquering by yielding. Another typeof wrestling, called sambo, was recognized in 1964 by the InternationalFederation of Amateur Wrestling. Developed in the Soviet Union in the 1930s, itis popular t oday in Russia and also in Bulgaria and Japan. Based on regionalwrestling styles, sambo resembles both jujitsu and Greco-Roman. There are manydifferent variations of the sport of wrestling but they all still carry thetradition that the early Greeks started many years ago. This tradition is hardwork, discipline and grace. .ud7e4d91a6c7831cb8493a63d31cc8f85 , .ud7e4d91a6c7831cb8493a63d31cc8f85 .postImageUrl , .ud7e4d91a6c7831cb8493a63d31cc8f85 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ud7e4d91a6c7831cb8493a63d31cc8f85 , .ud7e4d91a6c7831cb8493a63d31cc8f85:hover , .ud7e4d91a6c7831cb8493a63d31cc8f85:visited , .ud7e4d91a6c7831cb8493a63d31cc8f85:active { border:0!important; } .ud7e4d91a6c7831cb8493a63d31cc8f85 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ud7e4d91a6c7831cb8493a63d31cc8f85 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ud7e4d91a6c7831cb8493a63d31cc8f85:active , .ud7e4d91a6c7831cb8493a63d31cc8f85:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ud7e4d91a6c7831cb8493a63d31cc8f85 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ud7e4d91a6c7831cb8493a63d31cc8f85 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ud7e4d91a6c7831cb8493a63d31cc8f85 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ud7e4d91a6c7831cb8493a63d31cc8f85 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ud7e4d91a6c7831cb8493a63d31cc8f85:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ud7e4d91a6c7831cb8493a63d31cc8f85 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ud7e4d91a6c7831cb8493a63d31cc8f85 .ud7e4d91a6c7831cb8493a63d31cc8f85-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ud7e4d91a6c7831cb8493a63d31cc8f85:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: My European Experience EssayBibliographyBrosch, R. How Did Sports Begin? New York: David McKay company, Inc., 1970Carson, Ray. The Ancient Greeks and the Sport of Wrestling. New Jersey: Barnesand Co., 1974. Lewinson, David, Christensen, Karen. III Encyclopedia of WorldSports. California: ABC-CLIO, Inc., 1996. Sports and Games. California: Sydney,1997. The Consise Encyclopedia of Sports. USA: Grolier Incorporated, 1970. Rulesof the Game. USA: Paddington Press LTD, 1974. Wrestling. ComptorsEncyclopedia. 1995 ed.