Wrestling was first practiced in ancient Greece, although modern Greco-Roman wrestling, now an integral style of wrestling, was developed in France in the early 19th century.

History and Philosophy

Wrestling originated during the times of ancient Greece and much like pankration, wrestling was a major sport in ancient Greek festivals.

Wrestling was also an integral part of the Pentathlon in ancient Greece, an athletic championship that featured running, jumping, and javelin and discus throwing. The Greeks recognised wrestling as an excellent way to develop physical and mental prowess and as such it became a major part of the Olympic Games in 704 BC. Wrestling matches were even mentioned and described in Greek literature, including Homer's Odyssey which dates back to 800 BC.

Modern Greco-Roman wrestling was developed in France in the early 19th century, when it was used by Napolean’s soldiers as part of their training. In its modern form, wrestling is more a sport than an actual martial art.

Not to be confused with freestyle wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling follows a strictly upper-body style in which a competitor can only use his upper body and attack an opponent above the waist. The objective is to pin both shoulders of an opponent to the mat.

Greco-Roman wrestling has been part of the modern Olympics since 1896, but wrestling – both freestyle and Greco-Roman – has seen a decline over recent years. Many schools and colleges have dropped the sport from their curriculum, and the discipline is also facing the threat of being dropped from the Olympic Games due to streamlining of the Games.

Greco-Roman Wrestling Moves

Greco-Roman wrestling is unique in style and strategy compared to other forms of wrestling. A hallmark of Greco-Roman wrestling is its spectacular throws. Hand fighting – the ability to control and manipulate the opponent’s hands and arms – as well as pummeling, or the fight to gain advantage during upper-body contract, are techniques employed by Greco-Roman wrestlers during a match.