Ssireum - Korean Wrestling
- April 4, 2022
- TFG Team
- Wrestling
Ssireum is a traditional Korean wrestling sport that has been around for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the Silla Dynasty (57 BC – 935 AD). Ssireum is a popular spectator sport in Korea and is often compared to sumo wrestling in Japan.
In this blog post, we will discuss the history of Ssireum, the rules of the game, and some of the top players in the sport!
Table of Contents
What is Ssireum?
Ssireum is a traditional Korean form of wrestling that dates back centuries. Though the exact origins of the sport are unclear, it is thought to have originated among farmers as a way to settle disputes or pass the time during the long winter months.
In Ssireum, two opponents face each other in a circular ring and attempt to topple their opponent by grabbing and pulling them off their feet. The first wrestler to touch the ground with any part of their body other than their feet loses the match.
Today, Ssireum is more commonly seen as a spectator sport, with competitions held regularly across Korea. While it may not be as widely known as sports like taekwondo or judo, Ssireum is still an important part of Korean culture and history.
Rules of Ssireum
The basic rules of Ssireum are relatively simple. Two opponents face each other in a circular ring and attempt to topple their opponent by grabbing and pulling them off their feet. The first wrestler to touch the ground with any part of their body other than their feet loses the match.
There are, however, a few additional rules that are worth mentioning. Ssireum is a sport that is based largely on strength and technique, so matches can be won and lost through a variety of different moves. Here are a few of the most common:
– Ssireum Chagi (Wrestling Kick): A basic kick that is used to knock an opponent off balance or to set up other attacks.
– Ssireum Buk (Wrestling Throw): A move in which the wrestler grabs their opponent around the waist and throws them to the ground.
– Ssireum Dolmyeo (Wrestling Trip): A trip that is used to take an opponent off their feet.
Top Players in Ssireum
Like any other sport, Ssireum has its fair share of top players. Here are a few of the most successful and well-known competitors in the sport:
– Kim Sun-bae: A three-time Ssireum World Champion, Kim Sun-bae is considered by many to be the greatest Ssireum player of all time. He has dominated the sport for over two decades and is the only Ssireum player to have ever won three world championships.
– Park Jong-won: A two-time Ssireum World Champion, Park Jong-won is one of the most successful Ssireum players in history. He has won numerous national and international competitions and was the first Ssireum player to win a gold medal at the Asian Games.
– Choi Byung-Kuk: A two-time Ssireum World Champion, Choi Byung-Kuk is another of the most successful Ssireum players in history. He has won numerous national and international competitions and was the first Ssireum player to win an Olympic gold medal.
– Kang Min-ho: A two-time Ssireum National Champion, Kang Min-ho is one of the top Ssireum players in Korea. He has won several national and international competitions and is considered one of the most promising young players in the sport.
Is Ssireum Amateur or Pro Wrestling?
Unlike other forms of amateur wrestling, Ssireum does not involve the use of strikes. Instead, the objective is to take down your opponent by grabbing their clothing and bringing them to the ground.
Ssireum is often considered to be a cross between sumo and folk wrestling, and it shares some similarities with both sports. However, it is generally classified as an amateur sport, as there are no professional leagues or tournaments. Nevertheless, Ssireum remains popular in Korea, and it continues to be practiced by both amateurs and professionals.
To Which Wrestling Style Ssireum Is Similar?
Ssireum is similar in many ways to styles such as sumo and Mongolian wrestling. Like those other styles, it includes a lot of grappling and throws, with the goal being to force your opponent to touch the ground with any part of their body other than their feet.
Unlike sumo, there is no weight limit in Ssireum, meaning that smaller wrestlers can often prevail against larger opponents through skill and technique.
Mongolian wrestling also shares some similarities with Ssireum, including the fact that both styles place a strong emphasis on grip-fighting. However, Ssireum also includes a number of unique elements, such as the use of a cloth belt to help wrestlers gain a better grip on their opponent.
Is Ssireum Effective for Self-defense?
Though it is not as widely known as other forms of martial arts such as karate or judo, Ssireum is a highly effective form of self-defense. The techniques used in Ssireum are designed to take down an opponent quickly and efficiently, using a variety of throws and takedowns.
In addition, Ssireum training teaches students how to use an opponent’s strength against them, making it an ideal discipline for those looking for an effective way to defend themselves.
Is Ssireum Popular?
Ssireum is now played in countries all over the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. In recent years, Ssireum has seen a resurgence in popularity in Korea, as more people are interested in traditional sports. Ssireum is also gaining popularity in other parts of Asia, as well as in Europe and North America.
When Did Ssireum Become Popular?
The first modern competition was held at the Dansongsa Theater in Seoul in 1912 and since then its popularity has risen significantly.
What Gear Is Used in Korean wrestling?
When it comes to Korean wrestling, there is a specific type of gear that is worn. This gear helps to protect the wrestler and also allows for a better grip on the opponent.
The traditional Korean wrestling uniform consists of a pair of trousers and a jacket. The trousers are made from a sturdy fabric that can withstand a lot of wear and tear, and the jacket is usually padded for extra protection.
The Korean wrestling belt is also very important, and it is generally made from thick leather. This belt is used to help grip the opponent, and it also has a number of knots that can be used to trip up an opponent. Korean wrestlers also typically wear gloves and boots, which help to protect their hands and feet. All of this gear helps to
How Do You Say Ssireum?
The word “Ssireum” is actually the Korean word for “wrestling.” The word can be written in either Hangul or Roman letters. It’s pronounced “SHEE-rum”.
Here are the two versions of the word:
– Ssireum (한글): 씨름
– Ssireum (로마자): Ssireum
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