Greco-Roman wrestling (or classic wrestling) is the oldest form of amateur wrestling sports practiced throughout the world. A Greco-Roman wrestler works only against an opponent's upper body using an established set of techniques by means of arms.
Greco-Roman wrestling and freestyle wrestling are quite similar. The main difference is that Greco-Roman rules forbid attacks below the waist or active using legs in contests. Like in freestyle wrestling, the main goal is to take an opponent down and to "pin" him/her to the mat (it’s considered as an upright victory.)
As a result, a wrestler cannot accomplish a throw, takedown or pin by simply cutting-down, hooking, grabbing or twisting opponent's legs. An importance of the upper body and arms is much higher in Greco-Roman wrestling than in freestyle. These circumstances slow down women’s involvement in this wrestling form, even though young girls successfully compete in Greco-Roman wrestling.
Popularly referred to simply as 'Greco,' this sport is one of three wrestling styles contested in the Olympic games (the other three being freestyle wrestling and Judo). Unlike the latter sports, only men participate in the Olympic competitions in Greco-Roman wrestling (the most famous one is Russian Alexander Karelin). Unfortunately, these circumstances depreciate the role of this ancient combative sport and voices are getting louder to remove the sport from the Olympics. This is a quirk of fate – this sports is one of the very first Olympic sports included in the all Ancient Greek Games.
The name of the sport is self-explanatory: it tells about its ancient descent. Ritual (non-martial) wrestling formed the basis of Greco-Roman wrestling. That's why in this competition a conventional position (pin) rather than submission is the indication of the victory. Russian linguist Dal gave the following clear definition of wrestling: "Single combat without weapon, beating and blows". Like in freestyle wrestling, there are two main positions of wrestlers during a contest: standing and "par terre" (from French - "on the ground").
Certainly, the contemporary form of Greco-Roman wrestling (recently called “classic”) is quite different from that competed in the Ancient Greek Olympics. This form of wrestling was believed to have adapted from the Ancient Greek style of wrestling and to have been practiced mostly by Roman soldiers throughout the empire. In fact, it is also accumulated a 19th Century French form of wrestling popular for its theatricality and high throws.
As it was said, unlike freestyle wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling hasn't been spread among women. The main reason is that it supposes strong upper body - shoulders and belly muscles as well as high strength of arms.
The main difference between Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling (wrestlers call it just "Greco") is the following. In Greco wrestlers are constrained and able to accomplish techniques using just the strength of upper body and arms because they may not touch an opponent below the waist or use legs. Women's strengths are in their hips and legs, that is why so many girls are able to compete with boys in folkstyle and freestyle using the strength of legs and hips as well as a good balance. In freestyle hips are used as a leverage to turn an opponent, which is more suited for the female wrestlers. It is hard for boys to turn girls if they use just their upper body to get the turns. That is why some girls are able to beat some stronger guys. In Greco a girl doesn't stand a chance. Yet a few girls do Greco, successfully using hip-tosses and headlocks but it becomes much harder when a female wrestler gets older. So, just very young girls can try themselves in this wrestling form. Until 2002 the AAU (American Athletics Union) held wrestling tournaments "La Femme nationals" for girls with competitions in greco, freesyle and folkstyle wrestling; It was run in different parts of the States but last year it was discontinued because of low turnout. In fact, female wrestlers have made their choice - they flock into freestyle wrestling. According to the young American female wrestler, Joey Miller, trying to do a sport just because it's a guy's sport is not a women's way; female wrestlers have been given a style that is suited to them and which is in the Olympics. Women get behind freestyle and support it.
Unfortunately, Greco-Roman wrestling is being gone not just due to women not participating - in the most of countries where sports is subsidized on the government or college levels all funds are allocated only for freestyle wrestling.
A lot of thanks to Joey Miller and her father Jerry for the help in creating this material and finding the photographs.
|
 |
Greco-Roman wrestling matches
Match between Martinenko and Englich
(from the site "Female wrestling news")
Kids' matches in 2001 with Joey Miller, 13
|
