Wrestling is a universal sport that transcends borders, cultures, and languages. While it shares a common core of grappling and pinning, the world of wrestling boasts a diverse array of styles, each with its own unique techniques, traditions, and history. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey around the world to explore various wrestling styles, offering a global perspective on this ancient and captivating sport.

1. Greco-Roman Wrestling (Europe and Beyond)

Greco-Roman wrestling, rooted in ancient Greece and Rome, is characterized by its focus on upper-body holds and throws. Wrestlers are not allowed to attack their opponent’s legs, making this style a test of strength, balance, and technique. Greco-Roman wrestling has a strong tradition in Europe, with countries like Russia, Sweden, and Hungary excelling in this style. It is also an Olympic discipline, showcasing its global appeal.

2. Freestyle Wrestling (Worldwide Dominance)

Freestyle wrestling is perhaps the most widely practiced style globally and is featured prominently in international competitions, including the Olympics. Unlike Greco-Roman, freestyle wrestling allows both upper-body and lower-body attacks. Wrestlers score points by pinning their opponents’ shoulders to the mat or executing takedowns and escapes. Countries like the United States, Iran, and Russia have consistently produced top-tier freestyle wrestlers.

3. Sumo Wrestling (Japan)

Sumo wrestling is Japan’s national sport and boasts a rich cultural heritage. Wrestlers, known as “rikishi,” engage in matches inside a circular ring called a “dohyo.” The goal is to force the opponent out of the ring or make any part of their body, other than their soles, touch the ground. Sumo combines elements of tradition, ceremony, and physical prowess, making it a unique and revered sport in Japan.

4. Lucha Libre (Mexico)

Lucha Libre, or Mexican wrestling, is famous for its high-flying acrobatics, colorful masks, and dramatic storytelling. Luchadores, as the wrestlers are known, wear vibrant costumes and masks, often concealing their identities. Lucha Libre matches are a spectacle of athleticism and theatrics, with moves like “lucha armdrags” and “huracanranas” thrilling audiences in Mexico and around the world.

5. Pehlwani (India)

Pehlwani, the traditional wrestling style of India, has deep roots in the country’s history and culture. Wrestlers, known as “pehlwans,” train rigorously and compete on soil mats called “akhara.” Pehlwani emphasizes both physical strength and mental discipline. Indian wrestlers have excelled on the international stage, with Olympic medalists like Sushil Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt.

6. Mongolian Wrestling (Bökh)

Mongolian wrestling, or Bökh, is a centuries-old tradition that reflects the nomadic heritage of Mongolia. Competitions take place on a large open field, and the objective is to throw the opponent to the ground. Bökh wrestlers wear distinctive traditional clothing and engage in rituals before matches. This style is deeply ingrained in Mongolian culture and is celebrated during the annual Naadam Festival.

7. Catch Wrestling (United Kingdom and United States)

Catch wrestling, with origins in the United Kingdom and the United States, is a hybrid style that incorporates elements of submission grappling and pinning techniques. Unlike traditional wrestling, catch wrestling allows a wider range of holds and submissions, making it a precursor to modern professional wrestling. Prominent catch wrestlers include Billy Robinson and Karl Gotch.

8. Schwingen (Switzerland)

Schwingen, known as Swiss wrestling, is a sport unique to Switzerland. Competitors wear special pants and try to throw their opponents off balance and onto the sawdust-covered ground. Victory is achieved by pinning both of the opponent’s shoulders to the ground. Schwingen is celebrated during the Eidgenössisches Schwing- und Älplerfest, a traditional Swiss festival.

9. Turkish Oil Wrestling (Yağlı Güreş)

Turkish oil wrestling, or Yağlı Güreş, is a traditional sport where wrestlers douse themselves in olive oil and compete to pin their opponent’s shoulders to the ground. The slippery nature of the contest adds an extra layer of difficulty and strategy. This style has a rich history in Turkey and is a highlight of the annual Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival.

10. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Brazil)

While not a traditional wrestling style, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has gained global recognition for its grappling techniques and ground fighting. Developed in Brazil, BJJ focuses on submissions and positional control. It has influenced mixed martial arts (MMA) and is practiced by people of all ages and backgrounds around the world.

Conclusion: A Tapestry of Styles

Wrestling is a sport that weaves a tapestry of styles and traditions from around the world. Each wrestling style reflects the culture, history, and values of its origin, offering a unique glimpse into the diversity of the sport. Whether it’s the brute strength of Greco-Roman, the high-flying antics of Lucha Libre, or the disciplined grace of Sumo, wrestling styles provide a fascinating global perspective on the enduring art of grappling.