Wrestling

In our club we practice Freestyle Wrestling under the aegis of the British Wrestling Association, the UK governing body for the Olympic sport of wrestling.

Wrestling represents one of the oldest forms of combat. In its modern version it is a highly competitive sport involving grappling based techniques with an emphasis on takedowns, throws, pins, and fast scrambles. While some wrestling styles include submissions, Olympic freestyle wrestling (the style we teach) does not. Freestyle wrestling is practised by both male and female athletes, and is also a good base for a number of other wrestling and grappling styles, including Graeco-Roman wrestling.

Wrestling is arguably the most accessible and democratic sport around, as it does not need its practitioners to invest money in expensive equipment or fancy attires. A pair of shorts and a t-shirt aside, all you need to practice and learn wrestling safely is a good mat and a good teacher (and we have both!).

Wrestling however expects of its practitioners a modicum of patience, commitment, determination, and grit. But its regular practice also instils all of these virtues as well as self-confidence, athleticism, strength, and respect for what is simple yet effective in life. Wrestling is not an ‘easy’ sport, but as wrestling legend Dan Gable put it, ‘Once you’ve wrestled everything else in life is easy’.

Equipment – for kids a pair of shorts and a t-shirt will do. If they prefer, a tracksuit or rashguard/spats are also fine. Adults should wear a rashguard and spats under their shorts or tracksuits. Wrestling boots and ear-guards are not required for either kids or adults. If you decide to wear them we will ask you to show them to our coach as boots need to be clean and with a soft sole, and ear-guards must be of the soft type (no exceptions). If you are buying a new pair of boots, please opt for a white/clear sole model as black/blue soles mark our mats. Also, no zips or buttons, as they can injure both yourself and your training partners.