AmateurWrestlingPhotos.com: Greco 101, Part 2

Think you know Greco?
Greco-Roman 101, Part 2

Article by Mark Palmer
Photos by Danielle Hobeika and Al

Steve Woods throws Darnell Lollis for 5 points in the 66 kg third place bout at the Dave Schultz International

A brief history lesson. Wrestling is called the oldest sport; one can imagine cavemen wrestling each other for food or the best cave to call home. Over time, many styles of wrestling developed in different parts of the world, each with its own set of rules and strategies. And, although wrestling was a favorite sport of both the ancient Greeks and Romans, neither used the term “Greco-Roman” to describe their brand of wrestling. The term actually originated in France centuries later, where soldiers in Napoleon’s army perfected the style as part of their training.

Greco-Roman wrestling has been a part of the modern Olympic Games from the outset in 1896. By contrast, freestyle wrestling did not make its first Olympic appearance until the 1904 Games… then was dropped temporarily for the 1912 Olympics.

The 1912 Stockholm Games are notable for having two of the longest recorded amateur wrestling matches in history -- and both were Greco-Roman bouts. Imagine wrestling for nine hours to a tie… or worse, grappling for 11 hours, 40 minutes only to get pinned!

Up until the 1950s, Sweden dominated Greco-Roman wrestling. Since then, Eastern European grapplers have been the big winners… though the U.S. has enjoyed some considerable successes in Greco since the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

Greco-Roman rules! Both Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling share the same ultimate goal -- to pin your shoulders to the mat. And the rules are basically the same, with one very important distinction: In Greco, a wrestler may not attack his opponent’s legs… nor may he use his own legs to trip or lift or attempt any other moves.

In addition, there are distinctions in style and strategy that make Greco-Roman wrestling unique. Greco fans thrill to the spectacular throws that are a hallmark of this wrestling style. (Russia’s Alexander Karelin’s amazing reverse body lift is a prime example.) Another fundamental of Greco is hand-fighting – the ability to control and manipulate the opponent’s hands and arms. Yet another is pummeling, the fight to gain advantage during upper-body contract.

How can Greco-Roman skills make better wrestlers? What is the biggest threat to the sport? For answers, read Part 3!