The Forgotten Martial Art: The Resurgence Of Catch Wrestling

A long time ago, before mixed martial arts became a sport, Catch Wrestling became one of the most popular combat sports. That’s why many of MMA’s pioneers, like Kazushi Sakuraba, came from Catch Wrestling backgrounds. 

While Catch Wrestling might sound like an offshoot of Professional Wrestling, it’s as legit as grappling styles like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and others. Some would even argue that catch wrestling is a more complete style since it allows pinning techniques.  

Catch Wrestling has a rich history and profound technical depth and has been making a comeback in recent years. This article will explore the story of this almost forgotten martial art and why all grapplers should consider cross-training in it. 

The Resurgence Of Catch Wrestling 

Catch Wrestling, also called catch-as-catch-can Wrestling, is a grappling style that allows the use of takedowns, pins, and submissions. Think of it as the scrappy cousin of traditional wrestling styles. It was developed in the 19th century as an amalgamation of different grappling techniques. 

What separates Catch Wrestling from styles like BJJ is the pin. Unlike the latter, which focuses on submitting opponents, Catch Wrestling allows the use of pins, making it a balanced blend of the finesse of submission styles like BJJ and the brute force of traditional wrestling styles. As a result, Catch Wrestling focuses more on takedowns and ground control than BJJ. 

The Beginning

Catch Wrestling has its roots in England, where laborers often sought rough-and-tumble style entertainment after spending long days at work. Over time, the gritty grappling style made its way to the U.S., where it evolved in traveling shows as catch wrestlers challenged locals for cash. 

The golden age of Catch Wrestling started early in the 20th century when icons like Karl Gotch used it as the foundation for professional Wrestling. That’s right, the WWE-style Wrestling you grew up watching is a derivative of Catch Wrestling. Unfortunately, Catch Wrestling’s competitive essence took a backseat as entertainment wrestling rose to prominence. 

Catch Wrestling’s decline wasn’t due to being ineffective. It worked as well as other grappling styles, but people interested in grappling favored styles like judo because of their well-established competitive structures. While Catch Wrestling techniques heavily influenced Pro Wrestling, the sport fell into obscurity. 

Why Catch Wrestling Is Making A Comeback

Fast forward to today, and Catch Wrestling is returning to the spotlight. One reason is the increasing popularity of MMA, which has reignited interest in grappling arts. Mixed martial arts legends like Kazushi Sakuraba, Josh Barnett, and the Shamrock brothers have demonstrated its effectiveness against other grappling styles. 

There’s also a nostalgia factor, given Catch Wrestling’s link to the early days of MMA. A growing number of martial artists are realizing they can take their grappling skills to a higher level by adding Catch Wrestling techniques to their game. 

Techniques That Make Catch Wrestling Unique

Let’s break down some of the signature moves that make Catch Wrestling so unique:

• The Double Wrist Lock: Also known as the Kimura, catch wrestlers have been using this effective shoulder lock long before it became a staple in BJJ. 
• The Neck Crank: Here’s a submission that requires precision and control. It targets your opponent’s posture and upper body, making it a powerful tool in your arsenal.
• Leg Locks Galore: Catch wrestling has a rich repertoire of leg locks that will make you think twice about the placement of your feet the next time you grapple. 
• Top Pressure: Fighters can win via pins in Catch Wrestling, which leads to more refined top pressure and control. 

Catch Wrestling Vs. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

If you’re wondering why you should bother with Catch Wrestling when you already train BJJ, it’s because both styles complement each other well. While BJJ prioritizes ground fighting and submissions, Catch Wrestling focuses on aggressive takedowns, pins, and explosive transitions. Adding Catch Wrestling to your training routine makes your ground game more unpredictable, versatile, and well-rounded. 

• Versatility: Catch Wrestling teaches grapplers to think outside the box. You’ll develop a more diverse skill base, making it easier to dominate opponents on the ground with pins. Adding unconventional leg locks to your skillset will give you more submissions to chain together. 
• Physicality: While BJJ prioritizes using technique, quick thinking, and leverage to dominate opponents, Catch Wrestling is all about imposing your will on opponents. It’s a strong contrast to laid-back styles like BJJ, where sparring sessions often start with both students on their knees. Catch Wrestling is an excellent choice for grapplers who want to increase their strength, mental toughness, and endurance. 
• Proven Effective In MMA: Catch Wrestling’s aggressive style is tailor-made for mixed martial arts. The style teaches you to pressure opponents, control them on the ground, and finish them. 

The Future Of Catch Wrestling

While Catch Wrestling might never reached the mainstream popularity of other wrestling styles like Freestyle or grappling arts like BJJ, it’s carving out a niche in the grappling world. 

There are countless online resources, seminars, and tournaments springing up worldwide, making the sport more accessible than it’s been in a long time. 

Catch Wrestling’s undeniable effectiveness gives it the potential to inspire a new generation of mixed martial artists as fighters look for every edge they can give themselves. Its link to professional Wrestling makes it even cooler since many martial artists grew up watching organizations like World Wrestling Entertainment. 

Level Up Your Grappling Game

Catch Wrestling has much to offer any grappler looking to improve, regardless of their current skill level. Its fun mix of raw aggression and technical finesse makes it an engaging fighting style to learn. There’s a reason why organizations like the WWE incorporated many of Catch Wrestling’s techniques into their products: there’s no shortage of fun techniques to learn. 

Catch Wrestling gives you a different perspective on grappling, and it might become your secret weapon on the mats someday. 

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