Catch Wrestling
Long before there was professional wrestling or mixed martial arts competitions there was catch wrestling. It was simple, and it was brutal and it separated the men from the boys as fighters squared off in a ring with few rules and restriction to stop them. It was developed in early colonial America and grew as the nation did. In carnivals and circuses body builders and wrestlers would take on locals in hard fought matches for bragging rights and prizes. If you wanted to prove you were the strongest many in the county you had your chance. Catch wrestling went on all over the United States among civilians and in the military. Those who participated in the sport include American Presidents and renowned martial artists. The sport would also help foster the creation of mixed martial arts, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and even professional wrestling.
It is hard to believe that so much was done by one sport by it is all true. Catch wrestling is freer with the rules then Greco-Roman wrestling, and if you could hold on you could make the hold. Only thing really now allowed was striking, but depending on where you fought that rule was flexible too. Because wrestlers at these carnivals and circuses had no idea who they were dealing with it was in their best interests to take down their opponent as quickly as possible. You could win by either pinning your opponent or getting them in a submission hold and getting them to “tap out.” These fights were as tough as a combat sport could get and styles from all over the world were used.
Though many see George Washington as the kind hearted honest father figurer, he was also an avid barbecuer and enjoy catch wrestling. President Lincoln earned a great deal of popularity as wrestler in his local area which helped earn his first public office. Teddy Roosevelt enjoyed the sport and also was enjoyed boxing and Judo and trained while in the White House. The Gracie family would watch a Brazilian version of catch wrestling and see a skilled Judo practitioner beat boxers and wrestlers easily in the ring. This would inspire them to develop what would become Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It was also Gracie family who saw the potential for mixed martial arts tournaments, and would bring it to TV. Professional wrestling would grow out of these no holds barred matches, though they would focus more on flash than substance.
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
