Catch Wrestling vs Freestyle
- May 3, 2022
- TFG Team
- Wrestling
In this blog post, we’re going to focus on Catch wrestling and Freestyle wrestling, how they differ, which is more effective for self-defense, and much more. Let’s start.
Table of Contents
What Is Catch Wrestling in a Nutshell?
Catch wrestling is a grappling style that allows the use of pinning an opponent to the ground, joint-locks, chokeholds, and other grappling maneuvers. It was developed in England and later brought to the United States by British immigrants.
What Is Freestyle Wrestling in a Nutshell?
Freestyle wrestling is a style of amateur wrestling that is practiced around the world. It is one of the three styles of wrestling contested in the Olympic games. The other two are Greco-Roman and women’s wrestling.
Which Is Older?
Catch wrestling is the older style of the two, with its origins tracing back to the late 19th century. Freestyle wrestling, on the other hand, was developed in the early 20th century as a sport for amateurs. However, both styles have evolved considerably over the years and are now practiced all over the world.
The Differences Between Catch and Freestyle Wrestling
While both catch wrestling and freestyle wrestling have their origins in the same sport of folk wrestling, they have diverged significantly in both style and technique. Catch wrestling, also known as catch-as-catch-can wrestling, is a grappling style that emphasizes joint locks and submission holds.
In contrast, freestyle wrestling is a form of competitive grappling that focuses on taking an opponent down to the mat and scoring points. Both styles can be highly effective in unarmed combat situations, but each has its own strengths and weaknesses.
The main difference between catch wrestling and freestyle wrestling is the ruleset. Catch wrestling has a more liberal ruleset that allows for a greater variety of techniques, while freestyle wrestling has a stricter ruleset that focuses on takedowns and points.
Also, Freestyle is contested in the Olympic games while catch wrestling is not.
Which Is More Effective for Self-defense?
Catch wrestling is generally considered to be more effective than freestyle wrestling in terms of submissions and ground fighting. This is due to the fact that catch wrestlers are more likely to train in submissions and focus on finishing fights quickly.
Additionally, catch wrestlers often utilize a wider range of techniques than freestyle wrestlers, giving them a greater toolkit to work within a match.
However, catch wrestling is not without its drawbacks; the lack of an organized governing body means that there are no standardized rules, making it difficult to find matchups between practitioners of different styles.
Which Is More Popular?
It depends on who you ask. Catch wrestling has a strong following among mixed martial artists, who appreciate its emphasis on submissions and ground fighting.
Freestyle wrestling, on the other hand, is the style contested in the Olympics, which gives it a higher profile among casual fans. As a result, it really depends on your personal preferences as to which style is more popular.
Which Is Harder to Learn?
There is no easy answer to the question of whether catch wrestling or freestyle wrestling is harder to learn. Both styles of wrestling require a great deal of skill and technique, and they are differentiated by many factors, such as stances, movements, and rules.
For example, freestyle wrestling focuses on utilizing throws, locks, and pinning holds to score points while avoiding being pinned, whereas catch wrestling emphasizes submission holds that result in an opponent either tapping out or sustaining serious damage to their joints.
Ultimately, which style of wrestling is harder to learn may depend more on individual factors than any inherent quality of the sport itself.
For example, some people may find it easier to pick up one type of wrestling over the other based on their natural athletic ability or prior experience with certain moves.
Still, others may prefer one style over the other due to personal preferences or cultural influences. In the end, though, both catch wrestling and freestyle wrestling are incredibly challenging and rewarding disciplines that take years to fully master.
So whether you’re choosing between them for competition or for leisurely enjoyment, rest assured that whichever you choose will be well worth your time and effort.
Which Is More Effective for MMA?
Catch wrestling and freestyle wrestling are both effective for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Catch wrestling is a submission-based style with an emphasis on ground fighting. It has been used effectively by MMA fighters such as Brock Lesnar, Josh Barnett, and Dan Henderson.
Freestyle wrestling combines techniques from different styles of wrestling. It is more focused on takedowns and throws, making it ideal for taking down an opponent in an MMA fight.
UFC fighters who use freestyle wrestling include Daniel Cormier, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Henry Cejudo. While both catch wrestling and freestyle wrestling are effective for MMA, each fighter will have their own preference based on their fighting style.
Equipment Differences
In catch wrestling, the only equipment worn by participants is a pair of shorts. In contrast, freestyle wrestlers must wear a singlet, which is a one-piece garment that covers the body from the shoulders to the thighs.
Both styles of wrestling require the use of a mat but catch wrestling mats are typically softer than those used for freestyle wrestling. This difference is due to the fact that catch wrestling often involves submissions and pins, which are less likely to occur on a softer surface.
In addition, catch wrestlers are not allowed to wear shoes, while freestyle wrestlers must wear shoes with special soles that grip the mat. The use of different equipment in these two styles of wrestling reflects the differing tactics and techniques employed in each one.
Which Style Is Better for Fitness?
There is no clear answer to the question of which style of wrestling is better for fitness, as both catch wrestling and freestyle wrestling have their own unique benefits. On the one hand, catch wrestling requires strength and endurance, making it an excellent choice for building physical fitness.
In addition, many of the holds used in catch wrestling follow a pattern of struggling and then yielding – a method that engages different muscle groups and provides an intense full-body workout.
On the other hand, freestyle wrestling also has its own set of fitness benefits. This style focuses more on speed and technique, requiring athletes to be light on their feet and nimble in their movements.
This can help increase cardiovascular health and promote weight loss through more efficient calorie burning. Both styles also involve high-intensity periods of cardio training interspersed with bursts of muscle engagement, making them ideal for developing overall fitness levels.
Ultimately, both styles are effective for building physical fitness – it just comes down to what you prefer as an athlete or fitness enthusiast.
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