Greco-Roman wrestling
Greco-Roman wrestling is one of the two Olympic wrestling styles. Its defining rule is that all holds are above the waist: you may not grab your opponent's legs or use your own legs to trip, hook or lift. Instead it is a battle for upper-body control that ends in powerful throws. The name looks back to ancient Greece and Rome, but the sport took shape in Europe in the nineteenth century.
What it is for
Section titled “What it is for”- Great strength in the upper body, back and grip.
- Endurance and explosive power for short, intense bouts.
- Balance, posture and hip power: throws come from getting under your opponent’s centre.
- Discipline, toughness and team spirit.
- Control in the clinch that carries over into judo, sambo and MMA.
Equipment
Section titled “Equipment”- For training: a T-shirt and shorts without zips or pockets.
- Wrestling shoes: light, high-topped, with a thin sole. Beginners can usually start in clean indoor trainers if the coach agrees; street shoes never go on the mat.
- In competition: a singlet, red or blue. Ear guards and a mouthguard are optional.
- Mats and throwing dummies are at the club.
How training goes
Section titled “How training goes”- Often 90 minutes or longer, with a warm-up of running, tumbling and bridges that prepare the neck and back for throws.
- Hand fighting and the clinch: underhooks, overhooks, arm drags and body locks to win position.
- Throws, first on a dummy or a cooperating partner: arm throws, hip throws, headlock throws and, for advanced wrestlers, back-arching throws (suplexes).
- Groundwork (par terre): the lifts and turns that score from the ground.
- Live wrestling in short rounds, then strength and conditioning. There are no belts: progress shows in your skill and results.
Who it suits best
Section titled “Who it suits best”- People who enjoy power and close contact. At the Olympics, Greco-Roman is contested by men only; women’s Olympic wrestling is freestyle.
- Teenagers who want a strong athletic foundation.
- Wrestlers who prefer upper-body throws to leg attacks — for leg attacks, see Freestyle wrestling.
- Judo players and MMA fighters who want better clinch work.
- It is less suited to anybody with back, neck or shoulder problems: big throws and bridges load them heavily. Ask a doctor and tell the coach.