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The Art of the Hold

Exploring the Roots and Reach of a Foundational Grappling Style.

Overview 👇 History

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Overview

Definition

Catch wrestling, also known as catch-as-catch-can, is a British wrestling style characterized by its objective: to win by pinning or submitting the opponent using any legal holds or techniques. It emphasizes adaptability and the strategic exploitation of opportunities, allowing for a broader range of techniques compared to other wrestling disciplines. Notably, it permits leg holds and submissions, with no mandatory grips, fostering a dynamic and often unpredictable contest.

Dissemination

This style was historically propagated by wrestlers associated with travelling funfairs. These practitioners developed specialized submission holds, referred to as "hooks" and "stretches," to enhance their effectiveness. Through migration and cultural exchange, catch wrestling spread across Europe and the Anglosphere, embedding itself in various combat sport traditions.

Core Principles

The fundamental principle of "catch as catch can" implies the freedom to apply any hold that can be secured on an opponent. This contrasts with more restrictive styles by allowing leg attacks and submission maneuvers. While pins are a primary victory condition, submissions are equally valid, making the strategic application of holds crucial for success.

History

Origins and Evolution

Catch wrestling's roots are deeply embedded in various British wrestling traditions, primarily the Lancashire style, but also incorporating elements from Cumberland, Westmorland, Cornish, and Devonshire wrestling. Its evolution was significantly influenced by international styles, including Irish collar-and-elbow and Indian pehlwani wrestling, particularly through the interactions of British wrestlers with practitioners from the Indian subcontinent.

Olympic Recognition and Transformation

Catch-as-catch-can wrestling was featured in the Olympic Games from 1904 through 1936. However, subsequent rule changes, driven by the desire to standardize amateur wrestling and distance the sport from the perceived "dangerous" professional iterations, led to the banning of most submission holds. This evolution ultimately resulted in the style being codified as modern freestyle wrestling.

The phrase "catch as catch can" itself signifies the improvisational nature of the style, where wrestlers would employ any available technique to secure a victory, often through submission or a decisive pin. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this style gained immense popularity in the United States, particularly within carnival circuits, where wrestlers challenged locals, offering rewards for defeating their "strongman" exponents.

The term "catch" is still used synonymously with professional wrestling in some European countries like France and Germany, reflecting its historical connection to the entertainment spectacle that wrestling evolved into. The transition from legitimate combat sport to a performance art involved the introduction of predetermined matches, "gimmicks" (in-ring personas), and dramatic storylines, fundamentally altering the industry.

Revival and Modern Competitions

Following a period of decline, competitive catch wrestling experienced a revival starting in the 1980s. This resurgence has led to the establishment of significant competitions, such as The Snake Pit's Catch Wrestling World Championships and the ACWA US Open, reaffirming the style's enduring appeal and technical depth.

Styles and Influences

British Roots

Catch wrestling in the United Kingdom is a synthesis of several regional styles. Primarily rooted in the Lancashire style, it also draws from Cumberland, Westmorland, Cornish, and Devonshire wrestling. These regional variations contributed unique techniques and approaches to the overarching catch wrestling framework.

International Connections

The development of catch wrestling was significantly shaped by international influences. Notably, Indian pehlwani wrestling played a role, with champions like The Great Gama and Imam Baksh Pahalwan competing and influencing British wrestlers. Similarly, Irish collar-and-elbow wrestling contributed to the stylistic blend.

Descendant Arts

Catch wrestling serves as a foundational discipline for numerous modern combat sports and martial arts. Its techniques and principles have directly influenced or are incorporated into:

  • Freestyle wrestling
  • Professional wrestling
  • Shoot wrestling
  • Brazilian jiu-jitsu
  • Folkstyle wrestling
  • Luta Livre
  • Sambo
  • Mixed martial arts (MMA)

This broad lineage underscores its pervasive impact on the landscape of grappling arts.

Techniques and Rules

The "Catch" Principle

The essence of catch wrestling lies in its open-ended nature, encapsulated by the phrase "catch anywhere you can." This philosophy permits wrestlers to utilize a wide array of grappling techniques, including those targeting the legs and joints, which are often restricted in other styles. Victory is achieved through either a pinfall or a submission.

Match Structure

Matches were traditionally contested as the best two out of three falls, with a maximum duration often set at one hour. While pins were historically the predominant method of victory, submission holds were integral for control and to force opponents into vulnerable positions. Certain holds, like chokeholds, were often barred, and fouls such as fish-hooking and eye-gouging were universally forbidden.

Submission Holds ("Hooks")

Submission holds, colloquially known as "hooks," were developed to apply pressure and control, often forcing an opponent to concede or move into a pinning position. Techniques like the toehold, while potentially painful, were often used to manipulate an opponent's position, forcing them to roll onto their back for a pin. The term "hooker" became synonymous with a skilled catch wrestler.

Catch wrestling encompasses a vast repertoire of grappling techniques, including but not limited to:

  • Armbars (various forms: straight, Japanese, seated)
  • Wristlocks
  • Double Wristlocks (Kimura)
  • Omoplata (Coil Lock)
  • Head Scissors
  • Body Scissors
  • Chest Locks
  • Abdominal Stretches
  • Leg Locks (Ankle Locks, Knee Bars, Heel Hooks, Toe Holds)
  • Half Nelson and Full Nelson

Influence on Combat Sports

MMA and Shoot Wrestling

Catch wrestling has profoundly influenced the development of modern mixed martial arts (MMA) and shoot wrestling. Figures like Karl Gotch, a student of Billy Riley's Snake Pit, were instrumental in teaching catch wrestling techniques to Japanese professional wrestlers in the 1960s. This instruction laid the groundwork for the Japanese shoot wrestling boom and the subsequent rise of MMA.

Japanese MMA Pioneers

Pioneers like Antonio Inoki, Tatsumi Fujinami, and Akira Maeda integrated catch wrestling into their martial arts bouts, showcasing techniques such as the sleeper hold, cross armbreaker, and various leg locks. This emphasis on legitimate grappling contributed significantly to the "clash of styles" matches that captivated audiences in Japan and paved the way for organizations like Pancrase and Shooto.

"No Holds Barred" Legacy

The term "no holds barred" (NHB), often associated with the early days of MMA and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), directly originates from the open-rules format of late 19th-century catch wrestling tournaments. This historical connection highlights catch wrestling's role in legitimizing submission-based combat sports.

Notable Practitioners

Masters of the Hold

Catch wrestling has been practiced and refined by numerous influential figures throughout its history. These individuals not only excelled in competition but also contributed significantly to the art's development and dissemination.

  • Martin "Farmer" Burns
  • Frank Gotch
  • George Hackenschmidt
  • Karl Gotch
  • Lou Thesz
  • Ad Santel
  • Billy Riley
  • Billy Robinson
  • Danny Hodge
  • Stu Hart
  • Josh Barnett
  • Shayna Baszler
  • Shinya Aoki
  • Randy Couture
  • Demetrious Johnson

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References

References

  1.  Bob Backlund, Robert H. Miller, Backlund: From All-American Boy to Professional Wrestling's World Champion
A full list of references for this article are available at the Catch wrestling Wikipedia page

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Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice

This document has been generated by an AI, synthesizing information from publicly available data sources, including Wikipedia. It is intended for academic and informational purposes only. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, the content may not be exhaustive or entirely up-to-date.

This is not professional sports or combat strategy advice. The information provided herein should not substitute consultation with qualified coaches, trainers, or sports historians. Always refer to primary sources and expert guidance for practical application or in-depth study.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided.