Scottish Wrestling

Scottish wrestling is a form of folk wrestling that is popular in Scotland. There are two main types of Scottish wrestling: Backhold and Catch-as-catch-can.

Backhold wrestling is the older of the two forms, and it is believed to have originated in the Hebrides Islands, Scotland. Catch-as-catch-can wrestling developed later, and it is more commonly practiced today. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at Scottish wrestling.

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What Is Scottish Wrestling?

Scottish wrestling is a form of folk wrestling that developed in Scotland. It is similar to other forms of Celtic wrestling and is one of the foundations of modern-day amateur wrestling.

Scottish wrestling has been a part of the country’s heritage for centuries and was traditionally used as a way to settle disputes or resolve differences.

The sport declined in popularity in the early 20th century but has undergone a revival in recent years. Scottish wrestling is now practiced by people of all ages and abilities and is recognized as a key part of Scottish culture.

What Is Backhold Wrestling?

Backhold wrestling originated in the Hebrides Islands, Scotland, and is one of the oldest forms of wrestling. The aim of Backhold wrestling is to take your opponent down to the ground and hold them there for a period of time. Backhold wrestling is often compared to Judo, as the two sports share some similarities.

In Backhold wrestling, contestants start by grasping each other’s waists from behind. They then try to force their opponent to the ground using a variety of techniques, such as throws and leg sweeps.

Backhold wrestling is often contested in folkstyle competitions, which are governed by different rules than other types of wrestling.

For example, in folkstyle competitions, wrestlers are not allowed to grab their opponents’ legs. As a result, Backhold wrestlers must be skilled in takedowns and throws in order to be successful. Backhold wrestling is a challenging and exciting sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Scottish Backhold Wrestling Techniques

In Backhold wrestling, contestants start by grasping each other’s waists from behind.

The following are the common techniques in Backhold wrestling:

Takedowns: There are a number of ways to take your opponent down in Backhold wrestling. Common takedowns include leg sweeps and throws.

Throws: Throwing your opponent is a key part of Backhold wrestling. There are a variety of throws that can be used, such as hip throws and shoulder throws.

Leg Sweeps: Leg sweeps are another common technique in Backhold wrestling. They can be used to take your opponent down or to off-balance them.

Is Scottish Wrestling Popular?

Scottish wrestling, also known as Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, is a form of amateur grappling that has been popular in the border regions of England and Scotland for centuries.

Today, it is recognized as the official national sport of Scotland. Although it is not as widely known as other forms of wrestling, Scottish wrestling has a growing following both in Scotland and elsewhere.

In recent years, there have been Scottish Wrestling Championships held in England, Australia, and the United States. Many consider Scottish wrestling as Collar and elbow but these two are different.

Is Scottish Wrestling Effective for Self-defense?

While Scottish wrestling may not be as widely known as other forms of wrestling, it can be just as effective for self-defense. Scottish wrestlers train to quickly take down an opponent while minimizing the risk of injury.

This makes it ideal for self-defense situations, where the goal is to disable an attacker without causing serious harm. Scottish wrestlers also learn to control an opponent’s limbs, which can be useful for preventing strokes or absorbing impact.

In addition, the grappling and ground fighting techniques used in Scottish wrestling can give you an advantage if you are attacked by someone who is larger and stronger than you. With its emphasis on speed and control, Scottish wrestling can be a useful tool for self-defense.

Is Scottish Wrestling Similar to Irish Wrestling?

Scottish wrestling is similar to Irish wrestling in that it is done without the use of striking, and focuses on takedowns and throws. However, there are some key differences between the two styles.

Scottish wrestling uses different grips, allowing for a greater range of throws and takedowns. In addition, Scottish wrestlers wear different attire, typically consisting of a kilt and thick gloves.

As a result of these differences, Scottish wrestling has developed into its own distinct sport. While it shares some similarities with Irish wrestling, it is ultimately its own unique form of grappling.

Scottish Wrestling Wear

Scottish wrestling is a unique form of sport that has its own distinct style of dress. The most common type of clothing worn by Scottish wrestlers is a kilt, which is a traditional garment that is worn by men in Scotland.

In addition to kilts, many wrestlers also wear shirts and grappler shorts. The shirt is usually a white or light-colored collared shirt with the wrestler’s name and number on the front.

The shorts are generally black or dark-colored and are designed to provide support and coverage while grappling. Scottish wrestlers often wear socks and shoes that match their kilts, and they may also wear protective gear such as gloves and headgear.

If you’re interested in trying Scottish wrestling, there are a number of clubs and organizations that offer training and competitions. Scottish wrestling is a great way to stay fit and have fun while competing against opponents of all ages and abilities.