Amateur wrestling facts for kids

Amateur wrestling is a popular sport where two people try to gain control over each other using different holds and techniques. It's a very widespread type of wrestling that you can find all over the world. This sport is about strength, skill, and strategy, but it doesn't involve hitting or kicking. Instead, wrestlers focus on throws, takedowns, and pins to win.

What is Amateur Wrestling?

Amateur wrestling is a sport where athletes compete to show their strength, agility, and technique. Unlike professional wrestling, which is often for entertainment, amateur wrestling is a true athletic competition. It's played by people of all ages, from young kids to adults, and is a big part of sports in schools and colleges.

Main Styles of Wrestling

There are several different styles of amateur wrestling, each with its own rules. The two most famous styles are part of the Olympic Games. These are regulated by a group called the International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (FILA).

Freestyle Wrestling

Freestyle wrestling is one of the most exciting and popular styles. In freestyle, wrestlers can use their entire body to attack their opponent. This means they can grab legs, trip, and use a wide range of moves to take their opponent down to the mat. It's known for its fast pace and dynamic throws. Some people think freestyle wrestling might have come from an old English wrestling style called Lancashire.

Greco-Roman Wrestling

Greco-Roman wrestling is another Olympic style, but it has a special rule: wrestlers can only use their arms and upper body to attack. They are not allowed to grab their opponent's legs or use their own legs to trip. This makes Greco-Roman wrestling focus more on powerful throws and lifts from the upper body. It's a very strategic style that requires a lot of upper body strength.

Collegiate Wrestling

In the United States, there's a style of wrestling called collegiate wrestling. It's also known as scholastic or folkstyle wrestling. This style is very popular in schools, from middle school all the way up to universities. Collegiate wrestling has rules that are a bit different from freestyle or Greco-Roman. For example, it has different ways to score points and different rules for how wrestlers can escape holds. It's a great way for young athletes to learn the sport and develop their skills.

Why is Amateur Wrestling Popular?

Amateur wrestling is popular for many reasons. It teaches important life skills like discipline, hard work, and respect. Wrestlers learn to set goals and work towards them, which can help them in other areas of their lives too. It's also a fantastic way to stay fit and strong, as it uses almost every muscle in the body. Many young people enjoy the challenge and the chance to compete individually while also being part of a team.

Images for kids

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  Women's wrestling

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  An example of medals that are usually awarded to the winner of a tournament

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  Andrell Durden (top) and Edward Harris grapple for position during the All-Marine Wrestle Offs.

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  Two college wrestlers with headgear competing in collegiate (scholastic or folkstyle) wrestling