What is catch wrestling?

Catch wrestling is a style of wrestling that originated in the United Kingdom in the 19th century. It is a form of grappling that focuses on joint locks, pins, and submissions to control and defeat an opponent. Catch wrestling is known for its emphasis on the use of technical skill and strategy to gain an advantage over an opponent, rather than relying solely on brute strength.

One of the key aspects of catch wrestling is its incorporation of techniques from various other grappling styles, such as judo, jiu-jitsu, and freestyle wrestling. This makes catch wrestling a versatile and dynamic form of wrestling that allows practitioners to adapt to different situations and opponents.

Catch wrestling has a long history in professional wrestling, with many professional wrestlers in the early 20th century coming from a catch wrestling background. In recent years, catch wrestling has experienced a resurgence in popularity among grappling enthusiasts and mixed martial artists looking to improve their skills in submissions and ground fighting.

Some of the key principles of catch wrestling include controlling the opponent's body positions, applying pressure to weaken their defenses, and using leverage to manipulate joints and achieve submissions. Practitioners of catch wrestling often focus on developing a strong base of technical skills and understanding of grappling principles to be successful in competition and self-defense scenarios.