If you were a boy scout, you would likely be familiar with leg wrestling. This fun sport is often played at family gatherings or social events. It was made famous by the scouts, but the roots of this sport can be traced back to Native American tribes hundreds of years ago. 

What is Leg Wrestling?

Leg wrestling is an informal form of wrestling where competitors use only one leg to flip each other over while lying down on the ground side by side. Despite its informality,  some leg wrestling leagues and tournaments take place in the U.S every year. 

The rest of this article will discuss leg wrestling further, which include:

• The rules of leg wrestling and why it is referred to as Indian leg wrestling.
• Winning techniques for leg wrestling.
• What you need for leg wrestling.
• How you can compete in leg wrestling. 

What Are the Rules of Leg Wrestling? 

The rules of leg wrestling involve two contestants lying down on the ground with their legs facing in opposing directions. Each player then lifts their inside leg in the air while keeping their other leg flat on the floor. After counting to 3, the players try to flip each other over with one leg. 

During the countdown from 3, each player lifts their leg at three then returns it to the ground. This step is repeated for two, and then at 1, players lock legs with each other and attempt to flip each other over. 

A winner is declared when a competitor has flipped over their opponent using only one leg. Games usually consist of either a best of 3 or a tournament where the losers are eliminated until only one player is remaining. 

Why Is It Called Indian Leg Wrestling?

Leg wrestling is called Indian leg wrestling because it has roots in Native American tribes. Back in the 1500s, Spanish explorers documented Native tribes competing in wrestling competitions where they could only use one part of their body to win.

Native American tribes would wrestle using different body parts to build strength and conditioning in individual body parts. Various tribes would wrestle with different rules and use other body parts. However, leg wrestling is the only widespread form still commonly played to this day. 

Not a lot is known about Native American wrestling other than the fact that it was used as combat training and a way for men from different tribes to compete against each other. Rules and techniques in Native wrestling would vary from tribe to tribe, but little is known about the different variations and forms of Native American wrestling. 

How Do You Win in Leg Wrestling?

You must push your leg against your opponent’s leg with enough force to flip them over to win in leg wrestling. Flipping over your opponent will score you a point. The first competitor to reach either two or three points is the winner. 

Leg wrestling tournaments may work off of an elimination process, or a ‘winner stays on’ system. The format varies depending on who is organizing the game. 

What Techniques Can Help You Win Leg Wrestling?

You’ll need good leg strength and speed to win leg wrestling. The stronger your legs are, and the more flexible you are, the more likely you will win leg wrestling. Ensure your leg is positioned at the right angle, and you maximize your leg strength during combat.

I’ll discuss more on this below.

Use of Speed

The first strategy that you can use is speed. If you can get into position quicker than your opponent, you have a good chance of pinning them and winning the match. 

Angle of leg

Another technique that can help you win leg wrestling is the angle at which you push your leg forward. Driving your opponent’s leg out and away from their hip will weaken their position. This will allow you to flip them over with less force. This technique will enable you to compete and win, even against a stronger opponent. 

The following technique requires some trickery. You push against your opponent, then relax your leg, allowing them to move against you. When they then quickly move against you, it will trigger a reaction that stops them from driving for a second. 

If you then go back against your opponent during this window, you can catch your opponent off guard, which will lead to a swift victory. This technique is known as the fake. 

Maximize strength

Another technique you can use to maximize your strength is to ensure that you engage your glutes and hamstrings. Your glutes are powerful muscles that, when appropriately engaged, will give you a competitive advantage. You can do so by pulling the heel of your competitive leg towards the hip of your relaxed leg. This move provides you with a powerful motion that flips your opponent. 

What Do You Need for Leg Wrestling?

Leg wrestling is a game that requires nothing other than some space to move and some players to play. Some people may choose to place a blanket or mat on the ground for comfort, but this is not required. 

This is why leg wrestling is so popular with organizations such as the boy scouts, as it is easy to set up and play while out camping. 

Where Can You Compete in Leg Wrestling?

Leg wrestling is usually played informally with friends and family. Sometimes, leg wrestling is used in team-building exercises. That said, it’s common to see leg wrestling played in colleges or high school sports teams.  

There are, however, some competitions where people train to win at leg wrestling. These competitions can be found online as they are sporadic events held in Canada and the U.S. 

You can also find leg wrestling organizations on social media sites like Facebook. Here you can gain information about when and where leg wrestling competitions are taking place. 

Leg wrestling is a popular game played throughout North America. Native American tribes first developed it to test the strength of different aspects of competitors’ bodies. The game has then been adopted and popularized by the boy scouts. 

Leg wrestling is easy to play, as it requires no equipment. There are even some competitions that you can partake in to test your leg wrestling skills. While strength gives you a significant advantage in this game, using the right leg angle and improving your speed can help you win.

Interested in Wrestling? Check Out My Recommendations

Looking For Gear To Use When You Train?
If you are interested in training Wrestling, here is some of the gear I recommend: Best Ear Guards(Headgear) Best Mouth Guard Best Wrestling Shoes Best Groin Protection
Want To Learn To Fight, But Don’t Want To Go In Person?
CoachTube has online training videos for Wrestling, Boxing, MMA and more. And best part is you can do it all from your home allowing you to go at your own pace. Check them out here.
Interested In Training Other MMA Fighters?
Click here to check out the MMA Conditioning Association and see what you need to become an MMA conditioning coach and begin training fighters.

Sources

• Michigan State University: Indian Leg Wrestling
• Sports Aspire: Everything You Need to Know About Indian Leg Wrestling
• Loomis Chaffee: Microsoft Word – Origins of Wrestling revised
• SportsRech: Indian Leg Wrestling Techniques

Whether you’re an amateur wrestler or casual wrestling spectator, you’ve probably heard the term “chain wrestling.” As a newcomer to the sport, learning chain wrestling techniques is essential to your wrestling growth. The question is, what exactly is chain wrestling?

What Is Chain Wrestling?

Chain wrestling is a methodology of wrestling where a wrestler fluidly moves from one move to the next without thinking. Rather than focusing on a particular strategy, a chain wrestler switches their approach throughout a match to best counter their opponent. 

To start, I’ll take a closer look at what defines chain wrestling. Then, I’ll break down a chain wrestling sequence from pioneer John Smith. Lastly, I will explore a few drills to boost your chain wrestling skills.

An Introduction to Chain Wrestling

Beginner wrestlers often stick to one strategy amid a match. While their strategy might work against other novices, an experienced wrestler will easily read their approach and take them down.

Chain wrestling ensures that won’t happen. The moment an opponent counters an approach, chain wrestlers switch their attack to take advantage of his opponent’s new defense.

A wrestler needs to have a high-level knowledge of a variety of wrestling techniques to chain wrestle. Beginners typically struggle to chain wrestle simply because they don’t know enough moves to chain together!

Subconscious Adaptations

Chain wrestling, however, is more than just learning a bunch of new moves. Chain wrestlers also must string their moves together without thinking.

If you’re caught trying to figure out your next move in the heat of a match, you might as well have already lost. Rather than having to determine your next attack, your body should automatically do it.

Chain wrestling isn’t a thought process; it’s an instinct.

What Is an Example of a Chain Wrestling Sequence?

Now that you’ve learned the concept of chain wrestling let’s look at chain wrestling in action. One of the innovators of chain wrestling is two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and five-time NCAA Championship Coach John Smith. Keep reading as I discuss his chain wrestling.

In this sequence, John Smith begins with the intent to land a high crotch takedown. However, as he gets down-blocked, Smith changes his approach to a drag takedown to counter his opponent’s defense. Then, he highlights the various techniques he could use now that his opponent is on the ground.

Let’s break down this sequence in more detail. 

John Smith Chain Wrestling Formula

This sequence is a written version of this clip from John Smith’s Chain Wrestling Formula (available on Amazon.com):

Attempting a High Crotch Takedown

Smith’s initial intent for this sequence is to score through a high crotch takedown. 

He begins by putting himself in his best position to land a high crotch. This approach is up to personal preference, whether you want to grab or pass your opponent’s elbow. Either way, Smith is in position.

Cross-Down Block and Switch to Drag Takedown

As Smith goes for the takedown, his opponent moves his legs back and counters Smith with a cross-down block. The high crotch takedown is officially out of reach. 

Immediately, Smith starts to pull his opponent’s elbow, changes his knees, takes an outside step up, and scores a point as he lands the drag takedown.

He has successfully switched his approach on the fly and scores a point despite missing his initial move. 

Options To Finish the Match

From here, Smith highlights a few more moves he could chain now that he landed a drag takedown. Potential approaches include:

• A breakdown
• A wrist grab 
• A bar 

Regardless of the next move, Smith emphasizes that chain wrestling is never-ending until your opponent is on his back pinned. The possibilities of chain wrestling extend as far as your knowledge of the sport. 

What Are Good Chain Wrestling Drills?

Building proficiency in chain wrestling does not happen overnight. To gain competency in chain wrestling, a wrestler must first become fluent in the other aspects of wrestling technique.

If you’re a beginner at chain wrestling, try to get started with basic wrestling drills. Then, begin to chain those moves together to work on your chain wrestling technique.

Let’s look at a set of drills by Olympian Kyle Dake, which I will discuss shortly.

Excellent Tips for Chain Wrestling From Kyle Dake

To watch the full video referenced, watch the video below:

The purpose of these drills is to get used to being on your back without getting pinned and scoring your points. To do this, Dake takes us through 3 different holds, starting with the two on one tilt. 

Two on One Tilt Drill

Dake takes his two on one tilt and exposes his opponent’s back. His bottom knee is pointed at the ceiling while his back knee controls his opponent’s bottom leg. 

From here, Dake pulls and rotates his opponent’s head over the top of his face, elevating him with his bottom leg. His bottom leg becomes his plant foot as he turns, while his back leg becomes his elevator. 

He proceeds to interchange this positioning back and forth. Additionally, he pops his hips to move his opponent from side to side. 

Dake finishes the drill atop his opponent.

Half Nelson/Claw Variations

Dake continues to do similar floor drills, first from a half nelson, then from a claw position. Each of these drills has the same set-up as the former, being:

1. Grab your opponent.
2. Take your opponent to the ground.
3. Interchange your place using your hips and legs.
4. End up on top.

Putting It All Together

Now that you’ve practiced three separate moves, it’s time to put them all together. 

Dake begins with his half nelson sequence. Once he finishes on top, he shifts into his claw sequence and ends up back on top.

Dake emphasizes that a chain wrestler should never be satisfied with just a few sequences. To be great, you must work similar drills to chain together as many moves as possible. 

For more from Kyle Dake, check out Signature Moves: Kyle Dake’s Claw Series on Amazon.com.

Chain wrestling is an essential skill to develop if you wish to succeed as a wrestler. Through hard work and consistent drills, you, too, can chain wrestle like legends such as John Smith and Kyle Dake.

Interested in Wrestling? Check Out My Recommendations

Looking For Gear To Use When You Train?
If you are interested in training Wrestling, here is some of the gear I recommend: Best Ear Guards(Headgear) Best Mouth Guard Best Wrestling Shoes Best Groin Protection
Want To Learn To Fight, But Don’t Want To Go In Person?
CoachTube has online training videos for Wrestling, Boxing, MMA and more. And best part is you can do it all from your home allowing you to go at your own pace. Check them out here.
Interested In Training Other MMA Fighters?
Click here to check out the MMA Conditioning Association and see what you need to become an MMA conditioning coach and begin training fighters.

Sources

• Quora: What is chain wrestling? When is it used? 
• YouTube: Championship Productions: John Smith: Chain Wrestling Formula
• YouTube: Championship Productions: Excellent Tips for Chain Wrestling from Kyle Dake! – Wrestling 2015 #3

When most people think about wrestling, they likely think of the more modern version of the sport, with wrestling mats, roped-in rings, and an indoor audience.

Although this is the most common version of wrestling practiced today, another form of wrestling has been taking hold over the past 20 years—one that takes place on the beach. 

What Is Beach Wrestling?

Beach wrestling is a popular point-based form of wrestling that takes place on the beach without mats, in the sand. Contestants must follow a set of authorized moves to score three points against their opponent, all while remaining in a standing position. 

In this article, I will discuss beach wrestling rules, where beach wrestling is popular, and ways that you can participate. 

What Are the Rules of Beach Wrestling?

For beach wrestling tournaments sanctioned by United World Wrestling (UWW), each contestant must follow a set of rules before participating in a tournament. 

The rules of beach wrestling are that matches must not exceed three minutes, wrestlers have to remain standing, and a player must score three points to win. There are also age and weight divisions, clothing requirements, and a set of rules in the case of a tie. 

Let’s examine these more closely.

Age and Weight Divisions

There are three age and weight divisions for men and women: cadets, juniors, and seniors. 

• Cadets: Ages 16-17, in which men must weigh 60-70+ kg (132-154 lbs), and women must weigh 50+ kg (110 lbs). 
• Juniors: Ages 18-20, in which men must weigh 60-80+ kg (132-176 lbs), and women must weigh 50-60 kg (110-123 lbs). 
• Seniors: Ages 20 and older, in which men must weigh between 70-90+ kg (154-198 lbs), and women must weigh between 60-70+ kg (132-154 lbs). 

Clothing Requirements

Contestants participating in a UWW-sanctioned event must wear a competition uniform that includes country abbreviations. Sponsor names may be included in the uniform as long as they don’t block out country details. 

Shoes are also not allowed at beach wrestling tournaments. The sport includes one’s ability to remain standing on sand. 

Before the Match Begins

At the start of every match, wrestlers go to a corner that matches their assigned color. At that point, they wait for a referee to call them over to their side, in which they must go through a uniform and body inspection. This inspection ensures that they are not covered in perspiration or any other greasy substances that could interfere with the match. 

Wrestlers then greet each other and shake hands while waiting for the referee to blow their whistle. Once the whistle blows, the match has begun. 

During the Match: Illegal Moves

During a beach wrestling match, there are specific rules surrounding the point system. There are also illegal moves that will disqualify a contestant. If a wrestler uses an illegal move to obtain a point, they will be immediately disqualified from a match. Here is a list of moves that disqualifies wrestlers from a match: 

• Limb dislocations
• Neck cranks
• Biting, punching, or kicking
• Making intentionally malicious faces at an opponent
• Head butts
• Gouging of the eyes, ears, or nose
• “Fish hooking,” or using fingers to yank on the orifice of an opponent’s body
• Pulling an opponent’s hair, nose, or ears
• Attacking an opponent’s groin
• Standing throws on an opponent’s head or neck
• Putting greasy or sticky substances on your skin
• Leaving the designated match area for any reason
• Faking injuries

The Point System

To win, wrestlers must score three points against their opponents. To do so, they have to follow specific guidelines. 

To score one point, wrestlers must bring any part of the opponent’s body, except for the hands, to the ground. They can also bring any body part out of the competition area. If a wrestler’s opponent has acted illegally, that player will also automatically score a point. 

To score two points, a wrestler must expose their opponent’s back to the ground after performing a takedown. 

If There Is a Tie

In the case of a tie, a set of criteria will determine the ultimate winner. If both wrestlers have already scored three points, here is how the referees can determine the winner of the match: 

• If the wrestler has the highest value of holds against their opponent, they can win the match. 
• If the wrestler scored the last point in the match, they can win the match. 
• If the wrestler weighs the least, they can win the match. 
• If the wrestler has the lowest number pulled during the weigh-in draw, they can win that way. 

Where Is Beach Wrestling Popular?

Beach wrestling is an internationally popular sport, with guidelines to make it easier for different countries to come together and wrestle. 

Although it’s steadily gaining international popularity, beach wrestling is especially well liked in Ukraine, which has its own All-Ukrainian Beach Wrestling Federation. 

Beach Wrestling in Ukraine

Ukrainian interest in beach wrestling took hold in 2013 when the first tournament was held in Luzanovka—one attended by over 500 people. 

Now, Ukrainian beach wrestlers are competitive and frequently participate in international competitions. 

In fact, students of the Ukrainian Beach Wrestling Team participated in the 2017 World Cup held in Turkey. They got multiple 1st and 2nd place categories. 

Ukrainian athletes also won other 2nd place medals while participating in the 2018 World Championships. 

As beach wrestling became more and more prominent in Ukraine, it was evident that there was a need to create a federation, which is known as the All-Ukrainian Beach Wrestling Federation. 

How to Sign Up for Beach Wrestling Tournaments

As beach wrestling is mainly known internationally, trying to get involved can seem pretty daunting. However, anybody can get involved in beach wrestling; you just have to follow a set of steps.

To get involved in beach wrestling tournaments, you can look online for events happening near you. Once you find a tournament you are eligible to participate in, use that website’s registration form and begin training.

Signing Up in the United States

To register for events in the United States, visit this link at usawrestlingevents.com and use their registration form to access events near you. 

With their search tool, you can easily access local, state, and national events where you’ll receive instructions on registration. 

Signing Up Internationally

If you live outside of the United States, United World Wrestling is a great resource to find events to participate in, as it is the standard for international beach wrestling. Using their website, you can find events near you with instructions on registration. 

Additionally, you can easily access all upcoming events through their event page to see upcoming tournaments and plan for your participation. 

Although beach wrestling is a relatively new sport, it is quickly growing in popularity. While it may seem like there are lots of rules that wrestlers have to follow to compete, those guidelines make it easier for countries to compete against each other. 

Beach wrestling is a popular sport in Ukraine, but it is played across the world. If you are interested in getting involved in beach wrestling tournaments, sign up for events on the UWW or USA Wrestling website and begin training. 

Interested in Wrestling? Check Out My Recommendations

Looking For Gear To Use When You Train?
If you are interested in training Wrestling, here is some of the gear I recommend: Best Ear Guards(Headgear) Best Mouth Guard Best Wrestling Shoes Best Groin Protection
Want To Learn To Fight, But Don’t Want To Go In Person?
CoachTube has online training videos for Wrestling, Boxing, MMA and more. And best part is you can do it all from your home allowing you to go at your own pace. Check them out here.
Interested In Training Other MMA Fighters?
Click here to check out the MMA Conditioning Association and see what you need to become an MMA conditioning coach and begin training fighters.

Sources

• Team USA: Try Beach Wrestling This Year
• United World Wrestling: International Beach Wrestling Regulations
• Beach Wrestling Ukraine: History of Beach wrestling in Ukraine
• United World Wrestling: Events
• USA Wrestling: Events

Learning something new can be difficult, especially something as intricate as wrestling. Not only is it expensive to get lessons, but sometimes scheduling conflicts can keep you out of the dojo. That leaves many people to wonder if someone could learn wrestling alone.

Can You Learn Wrestling by Yourself?

You can learn wrestling by yourself. There are plenty of online resources available to help get you started, and you can practice most moves alone on a mat in your home. To learn wrestling effectively, you also need to be patient and persistent.

Let’s go into more detail about learning wrestling by yourself and how you can make it work. 

How To Learn Wrestling by Yourself at Home?

You can learn wrestling by yourself at home with a mat, a knowledge source, patience, and persistence. Each of these things will help you get your body in shape and teach you the skills you need to be successful at wrestling. 

Here’s what you need to do to learn wrestling by yourself and at home:

Ensure You Use a Mat for Safety

Training by yourself is possible with the right tools and motivation. A mat is one of the most important things for learning wrestling on your own.

The mat will ensure that your body is protected while you learn new moves. Your knees will take a beating during training, so a mat ensures that you don’t injure them during practice.

It’s not that you can’t possibly injure yourself on the mat. However, a mat can reduce the pain from you getting used to the different moves. Even though the mat isn’t thick, the cushion will help absorb impact.

With your body dealing with falls better, you can train longer without your body getting too sore. So, if you want to train safely and effectively, get a mat. 

Find Your Knowledge Source

Years ago, finding a knowledge source was not an easy feat. Thankfully, there is plenty of content available to you now.

Some people choose to find a trusted friend who has actual wrestling experience to give them tips and tricks, but this is not always possible for everyone. 

If this isn’t possible for you, that’s okay. There is another option to get that same level of knowledge on-demand, and that’s online. Look online for many different sources on training for wrestling by yourself. 

Learning wrestling moves and exercise techniques online can be a valid training method even if you can’t practice with anyone else. So, use the internet to your advantage when learning wrestling. YouTube is one of the best online platforms for learning wrestling on your own.

Be Patient and Persistent

One of the biggest struggles of at-home wrestling training is to keep going. Persistence is the key to success, especially in a discipline that focuses heavily on being in shape.

Conditioning your body for wrestling is very difficult as wrestling is a demanding sport. So, make sure you stick with training once you are sure that your body is getting stronger. 

It’s not going to be easy when you first start. With time and patience, you will progress and get better.

How To Learn Wrestling Without a Mat?

Without a mat, there are plenty of moves you can still do to ensure you are wrestling ready.

You can learn wrestling without a mat by focusing on stretching and exercises that involve standing up; lifting weights is great. Also, you can work on your stance and footwork. These routines will get you ready for more intense moves down the road.

Trying to learn wrestling without a mat can be hard on your body, especially when learning to fall and execute moves properly. As discussed above, the impact of your body hitting the ground needs to be at least absorbed to prevent injuries.

Repeatedly landing on your knees or back will hurt, especially when you’re not used to it. Your body needs time to adjust to the falls and hits that it will take. 

Taking care of your body is an important part of wrestling, and if a mat isn’t an option for you, you will need to seek out other ways to ensure your body stays healthy.

This means not taking falls on a hard surface like an ordinary floor. Sure, mats are available just about anywhere, but in the meantime, there are plenty of other areas to work on.

For example, strength training is a vital part of learning to wrestle. To build up your strength, you don’t need a mat. Instead, you can lift weights and focus on building up the strength you need to be a good competitor. 

Stretching and staying loose during training is vital for wrestlers. You can stretch safely with or without a mat. So, when you don’t have a mat available, try stretching and working on your flexibility. 

There are still plenty of ways to train without a mat, but you need to make sure you are protecting your body. Remember that as a wrestler, your body is your weapon. Keep it healthy by not landing on hard surfaces. 

How Long Does It Take To Learn Wrestling?

It can take anywhere from 1–3 years to learn wrestling. You’ll take a shorter time if you’re a quick learner. To be a good wrestler, you also need to condition your body. How long you condition your body will determine how long you’ll take to learn wrestling.

There is no set amount of time to train when you suddenly become good at wrestling. It changes depending on your skill level, how often you’re training, and how quickly you pick up on it.

Previous experience can also come into play. There are plenty of martial arts disciplines that can make wrestling training much easier for you. 

Going into wrestling with the idea that you only need to train for a certain amount of time to be good is a bad idea.

This mindset can make your training less successful because you will be counting down to a time rather than paying attention to your skill level. So, always train with the idea that you will learn your craft at your own pace. 

It is entirely possible to learn wrestling by yourself in your own home. If you want to try this, make sure you get your advice from a reliable source, online or in person.

Whichever method of learning wrestling that you choose, make sure you put plenty of time and effort into it. Wrestling is like many other disciplines. The more you put in, the more you will get out of it. 

Interested in Wrestling? Check Out My Recommendations

Looking For Gear To Use When You Train?
If you are interested in training Wrestling, here is some of the gear I recommend: Best Ear Guards(Headgear) Best Mouth Guard Best Wrestling Shoes Best Groin Protection
Want To Learn To Fight, But Don’t Want To Go In Person?
CoachTube has online training videos for Wrestling, Boxing, MMA and more. And best part is you can do it all from your home allowing you to go at your own pace. Check them out here.
Interested In Training Other MMA Fighters?
Click here to check out the MMA Conditioning Association and see what you need to become an MMA conditioning coach and begin training fighters.

Sources

• Home MMA Gym: How To Learn Wrestling At Home
• Fanatic Wrestling: 6 Wrestling Drills You Can Do From Home Without A Mat Or Partner
• Grappling School: How Long Does It Take To Get Good At Wrestling

There are many rules in Olympic-style wrestling, but wrestling allows more moves than many other disciplines. In fact, wrestling often encourages combustible, innovative moves. This has then led to many people wondering if moves like choking, slamming, punching, or tripping are acceptable in wrestling. 

Can You Choke, Slam, Punch, or Trip in Wrestling?

You are not allowed to choke, slam, punch, or trip in Olympic and Academic wrestling, although some variations of these moves may be used. Only moves like takedowns, escapes, reversals, and holds are allowed in wrestling.

Let’s get into some more details about these moves, like what they are and when they are banned in wrestling. 

What Is a Choke?

A choke is a move that is meant to restrict air or blood from moving through the opponent’s neck. Lack of air and blood flow is meant to weaken the opponent, but it can also cause a person to fall unconscious and even die if held long enough. 

Chokes can be a useful method of incapacitating your opponent, but they can also be very dangerous. Because restricting blood flow and air can cause loss of consciousness and even death, it is not recommended for use in sports like wrestling.

The idea of wrestling is not to completely incapacitate your opponent or risk injury but rather to pin them to the mat. 

Chokes are more common in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu rather than other disciplines. That’s because Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu focuses on incapacitating an opponent however possible.

On the other hand, wrestling is more about pinning and using energy bursts to get the upper hand, although certain types of wrestling are more lenient about chokeholds, like catch wrestling. However, in academic and Olympic styles, chokes are strictly not allowed. 

What Is a Slam in Wrestling? 

In wrestling, a slam is defined as picking up your opponent and putting them back down on the mat with excessive force. What constitutes excessive force is up to the discretion of the referee. 

Slams are difficult to predict in wrestling because they rely heavily on the judgment of the referee. The fact that slams are often a judgment call means it can be difficult to hold your opponent accountable if the referee doesn’t agree. 

Picking up your opponent and placing them back down on the mat is not illegal in wrestling. In fact, it is often encouraged to get the upper hand. What sets slams apart from basic takedowns is excessive force. Referees are trained to spot excessive force, even amid many takedowns. 

What Constitutes a Punch in Wrestling?

In wrestling, a punch is a closed-fist contact with your opponent’s body. This is not allowed in Olympic-style and academic wrestling and will get you in a lot of trouble. 

Punching in Olympic and academic wrestling is not allowed and will often get you in a lot of trouble. Most wrestlers who throw a closed-fist punch end up heavily penalized and yelled at by their coach.

Most of the time, wrestlers who throw a punch are looking at an immediate ejection. Remember, the goal of wrestling is to pin your opponent, not to harm them physically.  

This can be confusing for professional wrestling fans, as you see punches in WWE all the time. 

However, Olympic wrestling is not like professional wrestling in any way. There are no scripted parts of a real wrestling match. So, professional wrestlers can “punch” each other while not hurting their opponents. Olympic and academic wrestling do not allow punches. 

How Is Tripping Defined in Wrestling?

In wrestling, tripping is when you cause your opponent to lose their balance and fall. Not all tripping is illegal, but some variations are not allowed in wrestling. 

Tripping is such a broad term that it is hard to say it is completely illegal in wrestling. You can trip your opponent as long as they have a way to protect themselves when they fall. 

If they aren’t able to protect their body or they land on their head or butt, then that trip is illegal. Tripping in the form of a takedown is legal, but there is a fine line between a takedown and leaving your opponent unable to protect themselves. 

Anytime your opponent lands on their head, that is illegal unless you didn’t cause it. Avoid taking down your opponent in a way that causes them to be defenseless while coming to the ground. Tripping is completely illegal in Greco-Roman wrestling because wrestlers cannot use their legs to kick or take down their opponent. 

What Moves Are Allowed in Wrestling?

Many moves are allowed in wrestling, such as takedowns, escapes, reversals, and holds. While there are other moves allowed in wrestling, these are the most common. 

Takedowns are very common in wrestling. They are a great way to subdue your opponent and get the upper hand. There are different types of takedowns that are more common depending on the wrestling style, but overall, takedown is one of the most important parts of being a wrestler. 

Just like takedowns, escapes are also very important. Your opponent will try to control your body and get a pin. It is your job to not let that happen by escaping any holds before they get your shoulders to the mat. 

Reversals are vital moves in wrestling because they allow you to shift the favor to your side rather than your opponent’s. While they can be difficult to pull off, reversals can get your points and the upper hand during a match. 

Holds are an important part of breaking down your opponent’s energy. Forcing your opponent to break out of a hold can take away their energy, forcing them to be less explosive throughout the match. As you wear your opponent down and control their body, you gain a lot of advantage and momentum in a match. 

Although choking, slamming, punching, and tripping are all banned in Olympic and academic wrestling, some variations of these moves are allowed. Remember that the referee doesn’t always see everything. So, just because something doesn’t get called illegal doesn’t make it okay to do it. 

Interested in Wrestling? Check Out My Recommendations

Looking For Gear To Use When You Train?
If you are interested in training Wrestling, here is some of the gear I recommend: Best Ear Guards(Headgear) Best Mouth Guard Best Wrestling Shoes Best Groin Protection
Want To Learn To Fight, But Don’t Want To Go In Person?
CoachTube has online training videos for Wrestling, Boxing, MMA and more. And best part is you can do it all from your home allowing you to go at your own pace. Check them out here.
Interested In Training Other MMA Fighters?
Click here to check out the MMA Conditioning Association and see what you need to become an MMA conditioning coach and begin training fighters.

Sources

• NBCOlympics.com: Wrestling 101: Rules
• Britannica: Freestyle Wrestling
• Wikipedia.com: Chokehold
• Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association: Wrestling Talk Forums

Wrestling headgear can get gross pretty fast. That’s because wrestling is a fast-paced sport, which also means you and your opponent will sweat quite a bit. This leads many wrestlers to wonder if they can wash wrestling headgear (ear guards).  

Can You Wash Wrestling Headgear (Ear Guards)?

You can wash wrestling headgear (ear guards). It’s vital to clean your headgear to prevent a bad smell and the spread of germs. So, wash your headgear frequently, preferably after every use. You may also want to invest in two pairs of headgear.

Let’s go into more detail about washing your wrestling headgear and find the best method for you. 

How To Wash Wrestling Headgear?

You can wash your wrestling headgear with these simple tips:

Soak Headgear in a Water and Detergent Mixture

Mix detergent and water in a decent size bowl and soak your headgear for an hour to two. The type of detergent doesn’t matter, and soap will also work fine for cleaning your headgear. 

Ensure that the whole thing is submerged, but if you have issues with submerging all of it, that’s okay. For any parts that weren’t submerged, take a washcloth, soak it in the mixture, and wipe down any missed parts.

Separate the Inner and Outer Liners

Most wrestling headgear can be separated into layers. If yours is capable of this, then you can get it even cleaner by separating them. The inner liner may be hidden in a flap, zipper, or velcro. So, check your headgear thoroughly for an opening to separate the layers. 

You may want to separate the liners because sweat can sometimes get through the outside layer. This will give your headgear a bad smell if it happens often. So, separate the layers to fully clean them and remove any lingering smells accumulated in the inner layer. 

Add Vinegar to the Mixture To Help With Any Smell

If you’ve noticed a smell in your headgear, then consider adding vinegar to the mixture to help get rid of that pesky smell. Smells are very common in headgear because your head holds a lot of heat.

So, you’ll sweat from your head often during a match. This sweat can leave quite a bad smell on your headgear, just like your wrestling shoes.

Spray Headgear Down With Alcohol and Water Mixture

Spraying your headgear down with alcohol and water can give you a quick clean in between washes to ensure they don’t smell too bad or get too germy. The mixture is very simple. Just add one part alcohol and one part water.

After spraying, wipe your headgear down with a clean, wet washcloth to ensure it’s clean, and the alcohol is gone. The alcohol mixture is a great way to ensure that you don’t spread the infection to your opponent through dirty gear. 

Soak the Headgear Separately in Baking Soda

After cleaning, some smells may persist. This is common with wrestling gear because it’s so often covered in sweat. So, the best way to ensure the smell is completely gone is to soak your headgear in baking soda.

While it doesn’t need to soak very long, it’s a good idea to let it soak as long as possible to give the baking soda time to strip the smell. 

How Often Should You Wash Wrestling Headgear?

Wrestling headgear should be washed after each use, but if this isn’t possible, then they should at least be cleaned in some way after every use. Germs can spread very easily in wrestling. So, headgear should be cleaned every time to promote cleanliness. 

One of the first rules of wrestling is to wrestle in clean gear. That’s why it’s common for wrestlers not to wear their shoes anywhere outside of the mat.

Wrestlers tend to consider it respectful to clean their gear before every use because their bodies are often exposed to the mat. Cleanliness is respectful, as is not spreading germs through dirty gear. 

So, out of respect, you should clean your headgear after every match. This doesn’t mean that you need to soak it every time. Simply wiping it down with alcohol will keep it clean before your next match.

However, it’s best to do a complete wash for your headgear once a week. This will help keep your gear germ-free and keep the stench to a minimum. 

Alternatively, you can always get two pairs of headgear so that you’ll always have a clean one when the other is in the washer. While this may not be the cheapest option, it’s worth considering during wrestling season due to the intense schedules. 

Can You Put Your Wrestling Headgear in the Washer? 

Wrestling headgear can be put in the washer on a gentle cycle. You may want to consider washing your headgear by hand, though, as this is the gentlest way to make your headgear last long.

While it’s safe to wash your headgear on a gentle cycle, washing over time can cause your headgear to wear out faster. All gear suffers wear and tear over time with use, but washing can accelerate that process. 

It’s best to wash your headgear by hand to prevent wear and tear from accelerating. Soak your headgear in a detergent mixture or simply scrub it with soap and a washcloth to get it clean without risking any damage.

Also, don’t be afraid to wipe your headgear down in between washes after every use. Use a mixture of your own or just a cleansing wipe to get the sweat and germs off your headgear after every match and wash as needed. 

Wrestling headgear can and should be washed frequently. You should clean your headgear in some way between every match. Then, you can wash it thoroughly once a week or so for a full cleanse. It’s best to wash it by hand, but putting it in the washer is safe, too.

Remember, it’s respectful in the sport of wrestling to keep your gear clean to prevent the spread of germs to your opponent. So, keep your headgear clean and wash it thoroughly to keep the smells out. 

Interested in Wrestling? Check Out My Recommendations

Looking For Gear To Use When You Train?
If you are interested in training Wrestling, here is some of the gear I recommend: Best Ear Guards(Headgear) Best Mouth Guard Best Wrestling Shoes Best Groin Protection
Want To Learn To Fight, But Don’t Want To Go In Person?
CoachTube has online training videos for Wrestling, Boxing, MMA and more. And best part is you can do it all from your home allowing you to go at your own pace. Check them out here.
Interested In Training Other MMA Fighters?
Click here to check out the MMA Conditioning Association and see what you need to become an MMA conditioning coach and begin training fighters.

Sources

• FindBestBoxingGloves.com: How to Wash / Clean Wrestling Shoes and Headgear?
• New Fairfield Wrestling: Best Way to Clean & Deodorize Wrestling Headgear
• Highlands Wrestling Club: Clean Your Headgear Too