Wrestling is an ancient form of combat which dates back to several civilizations of the past. Wrestling as a form of combat, has been mentioned in the Greek epic The Iliad, written by Homer. The Iliad is about the historic Trojan War. Today, organized wrestling has numerous forms. Freestyle wrestling and Greco Roman wrestling are the most popular forms.
Wrestling forms a very integral part of mixed martial arts. Wrestling is an ancient sport. It can be dated back to the ancient Roman Empire, the kingdom of Babylon, the Egyptians etc. Even our ancestors in India practised wrestling. Wrestling, back then, was not a combat sport like it is today. It was a method of warfare. This sport has the power to take lives.
As wrestling became an organized sport, the Greco-roman style of wrestling and free style wrestling evolved to become two of the most popular wrestling styles. The Greco Roman style of wrestling does not permit the fighter to hit below the waist while free style wrestling is more of a whole body combat.
Wrestling is done in the ring, on sand or on the grass. Wrestling is not only popular in India, but it has the capacity of drawing huge number of fans, the world over.
Not sure what happens to wrestlers in countries like India where not many MMA (Mixed martial arts) organisations exist. We feel MMA explosion in India could give a follow up career to these accomplished athletes.
To all budding wrestlers, don’t lose heart… MMA (mixed martial arts) is coming to a city near you.