What is Greco-Roman Wrestling?

Greco-Roman wrestling is a style of wrestling that is one of the oldest forms of combat sports, with origins tracing back to ancient Greece and Rome. It is a discipline featured in the Olympic Games and is distinct from other wrestling styles, such as freestyle wrestling, due to its specific rules and techniques.

Key characteristics of Greco-Roman wrestling include:

Upper Body Focus: Unlike freestyle wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling forbids holds below the waist. This means that wrestlers cannot use their legs to trip, block, or hook an opponent, and they cannot grab the opponent's legs.

Throws and Lifts: The emphasis is on throws, locks, and clinching techniques that involve the upper body. Wrestlers aim to lift and throw their opponents to the mat, showcasing strength and technique.

Scoring: Points are awarded for various actions, such as throws, takedowns, reversals, and exposing the opponent's back to the mat. High-amplitude throws that result in an opponent landing on their back score the highest points.

Match Structure: Matches are typically divided into two or three periods, with each period lasting a few minutes. Wrestlers compete to accumulate points throughout the match, and the wrestler with the most points at the end wins. Alternatively, a wrestler can win by pinning their opponent's shoulders to the mat.

Physical and Mental Demands: Greco-Roman wrestling requires a high level of physical conditioning, strength, endurance, and technical skill. It also demands strategic thinking and mental toughness.

Greco-Roman wrestling is practiced worldwide and is governed by the United World Wrestling (UWW) organization, which sets the rules and standards for international competition. It is a sport that emphasizes tradition, discipline, and the mastery of grappling techniques.

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