Catch Wrestling vs BJJ – they share a common ground: A grappling based martial art that uses takedowns, pinns, and submission to dominate an opponent.
So in a fight between a Catch Wrestler and a BJJ practitioner, who do you think would win?
Both catch wrestling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu are great grappling martial arts that are very effective for self defense.
Catch Wrestling vs BJJ – Key Takeaways
- Catch Wrestling (Catch) and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) both focus on grappling techniques but have different approaches and philosophies.
- Catch Wrestling is more brutal and aggressive, using pain and force to attain submissions, while BJJ focuses on technique and position.
- Both martial arts have proven to be effective in self-defense scenarios and mixed martial arts (MMA).
- In terms of who would win between catch wrestling vs bjj, catch may have the upper hand since a catch wrestler would be familiar with all the bjj techniques (but the bjj practitioner wouldn’t know all catch techniques)
- Catch is not nearly as accessible/available as bjj, and furthermore, it may be very difficult to get quality catch wrestling instruction (whereas top bjj instruction is way more available/accessible)
Below is a nice breakdown between bjj and catch with two of its most famous practitioners:
Main Differences Between Catch (Wrestling) and Jiu Jitsu
The primary differences between Catch Wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) lie in their objectives, techniques, and training focus.
Next, a table comparing the main differences between Catch Wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu:
| Aspect | Catch Wrestling | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) |
|---|---|---|
| Objective | Force opponent to submit through aggressive techniques and pain-inducing moves | Control and submit opponent using leverage, technique, and fluid movement |
| Submission Goal | often catch wrestling involves diving for submission over dominant position | Bjj teaches position over submission |
| Common Submissions | Toeholds, neck cranks, and twisting armlocks (no chokes) | Joint locks, strangles |
| Pinning | Valid method for victory | No points awarded for pinning* |
| Takedowns | Takedowns are a key part in catch | Takedowns may be lacking in bjj |
| Gear and Clothing | Different colored bands for differentiation | Belt ranking system with different color gis for each competitor |
| Gripping of Gis | Not applicable, as Catch Wrestling does not use gis (usually a wrestling singlet is worn) | Many submissions and techniques rely on gripping gis |
| Expansion and Accessibility | Fragmented competitive scene, fewer gyms and competitions | Well-developed competitive scene, widely accessible with gyms and tournaments |
| Techniques | Emphasis on takedowns and pins as viable ways to win | Focus on securing positions before executing submissions |
| Chokes | Not allowed | Allowed, depending on the rules and competition |
| Match Length | No scheduled time, winner decided in a best-of-three series | Varies depending on belt level, typically 5-10 minutes |
| Competitive Scene | Less organized with no single organization handling competitions | Well-established organizations and tournaments for various skill levels |
| Accessibility | Requires physical strength and endurance, less accessible for physically weaker individuals | Widely accessible to people of all body types and ages, including children and older adults |
Catch Wrestling is a more aggressive and pain-inducing style of grappling, often utilizing techniques that cause discomfort to force an opponent into submission.
On the other hand, BJJ is known as “The Gentle Art” for its emphasis on fluid movement, technique, and leverage to control and submit an opponent.
BJJ focuses on achieving a dominant position and submission, with no points awarded for pinning an opponent.
Catch Wrestling also has a broader arsenal of leg attacks and submissions compared to traditional BJJ, which is largely due to Catch Wrestling’s emphasis on inflicting pain and forcing opponents to submit from any position.
Although Catch Wrestling and BJJ are both grappling sports, there is a vast difference between the two.
Catch Wrestling features superior throws and takedowns. Hence, it is named a brutal art and is more on attacks because its only goal is to make an opponent submit. On the other hand, BJJ has a point system that can be a basis for a winner.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) uses a belt ranking system regarding gear and clothing. Each competitor in a match wears a different color gi than their opponent. In contrast, the catch wrestlers differentiate themselves from one another by wearing various colored bands.
Many submissions and techniques rely on the gripping of gis, which you can’t apply in Catch Wrestling.
In addition, more competitions, events, schools, and visual and reading guides and aids are available in BJJ. It implies that the sport expands at a far faster pace than the other.
What is Catch Wrestling
History
Catch Wrestling has unknown roots. However, it is said to be a way for British miners and dock workers to take a breather after a long day at work. It also serves as a source of entertainment for them.
Catch Wrestling derives from the phrase “catch-as-catch-can,” which means “catch as much as you can.” and was formerly used to call the sport.
British sailors who sailed the world between the 15th and 19th centuries brought a wide range of grappling techniques from around the world. Thus, they added new tactics into the overall style of Catch Wrestling every time they came home.
When the British settled in America, they also brought the said sport to the people.
In this modern day, the practice of Catch Wrestling was developed and introduced to the world by John Graham Chambers in the 1800s.
Rules
Catch Wrestling, like any other combat sport, is guided by a specific set of rules.
Each fight’s objective is to force the opponent to tap out using different submission techniques.
With no time limit, you engage in a grappling match with your competitor. And once you get a hold of them, you continue to apply force or the allowed techniques until you can make them submit, or you can pin your opponents to the ground.
There have to be no chokes or strangling allowed, nor striking, gripping (or taking hold of one’s clothes), and the well-known technique in Wrestling, the Full Nelson.
The tapping on the ground/floor or shouting “enough!” indicates submission, and a full pin will automatically win.
Common Techniques
Catch Wrestling is a mixed wrestling and grappling style, incorporating skills from various disciplines.
The following are some of the standard techniques that are permitted to use when participating in the sport:
- Ankle lock
- Leg Locks
- Hand and Wrist lock
- Neck cranks
- Elbow lock
- Knee lock
- Hip lock
- Spine lock
- Shoulder lock
- Throws
Catch Wrestling Submissions?
Catch wrestlers emphasize submissions rather than pins to develop their skills. They often resort to more painful methods to force their opponents to submit and stay in control.
The most popular submission techniques used in Catch Wrestling are the neck cranks and leg locks, though more body locks are to be used, as mentioned above.
Here is a video of Chris, a black belt professor, and catch wrestler, performing Catch Wrestling submissions to learn more about it.
How to Learn Catch Wrestling?
If you plan to learn Catch Wrestling, expect it to be a bit more brutal than other grappling styles, so you need to be more capable or at least ready to get hurt. And so, being founded on grappling and wrestling techniques would help.
Catch Wrestling can be learned and taught with the help of Catch wrestlers and coaches.
In learning the sport, you can always start by knowing its fundamentals and disciplines through books and available videos.
Some schools and academies focus on teaching Catch Wrestling and offer courses both online and in gyms.
Pros/Cons
Every sport has its advantages and disadvantages. It is crucial to know this information before starting a sport.
Here are the pros and cons of Catch Wrestling:
| PROS | CONS |
| Grappling sport (no striking) | Painful submission techniques |
| Do not allow chokes | Fewer schools/academies offer Catch Wrestling courses and training |
| Does not require much and expensive gear | No breaks during the competition |
| Good for self-defense | The risk of injuries |
What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
History
The Jiu-Jitsu Origin may have started with monks in Northern India about 4000 years ago. Still, it was developed in Japan for the Japanese Samurais for defense during wars.
Kano Jigoro, a Japanese athlete and instructor, is credited with introducing Jiu-Jitsu, which gained popularity afterward.
In the early 1900s, Mitsuyo Maeda—who had studied Jiu-Jitsu under Jigoro Kano in Japan, brought the martial art to South America.
His teachings reached the members of the Gracie family in Brazil in the early 1900s. It was then that Carlos, Oswaldo, Gaston Jr., George, and Helio Gracie went on to further in the 1920s and created the martial art today known as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Rules
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can either be gi or no gi– it simply means with and without traditional clothing. Both types have a different set of rules. Also, various federations and teams have their regulations for their competition.
Here, we’ll base the rules on the IBJJF or the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation.
Note: some of the rules may differ from other organizations.
BJJ has scoring systems in IBJJF. That will be two points for takedowns, sweeping, and knee-on-belly. Three points to someone who can pass the guard. And four points will be for mounts and rear mounts. However, some positions or techniques are performed before acquiring these points and should remain in them for three seconds.
Conversely, imposed penalties and negative points are for significant fouls.
Refrain from placing four fingers on your opponent’s pants and shirt sleeves at all costs and from doing stalling tactics.
Related Article: Full Guide to the BJJ Point System
While minding the scoring system, you should also remember that your goal is to make your opponent submit. Regardless of the points, it will be an immediate win if you achieve a submission.
Common Techniques
There are a lot of different locks, sweeps, chokes, escapes, guard passes, and pins in BJJ.
Some of the standard techniques are the following:
- Arm locks
- Wrist locks
- Joint locks
- Leg locks
- Shoulder Locks
- Chokes (arm-triangle choke, cross collar)
- Headlocks
- Takedowns
- Rolls
- Escapes
These techniques in BJJ are sometimes combined when performed to take control of the opponent of escape from their submissions.
An example is a cross-collar choke from the guard performed in the video below.
How to Learn BJJ?
You can learn BJJ at any age as long as you are capable and aware enough to do the sport. You can choose between the Gi and No Gi, whatever your desire to learn or start on.
Because it is a well-known sport, many gyms and schools/academies offer classes in BJJ where you can enroll. Some even offer online courses.
Instructionals such as step-by-step videos and books are also there to teach and help you, demonstrated and written by the world’s best grapplers and BJJ practitioners.
Pros/Cons
| PROS | CONS |
| Grappling sport (no striking) | The risk of getting injuries |
| Belt ranking system | Can’t deal with many attackers |
| Point system | Lack of stand-up fights |
| Lets you win regardless of your size and strength | Will take a lot of time to get the black belt |
| Good for self-defense |
Catch Wrestling vs BJJ – Which One Is Better for Self-Defense?
There is no doubt that both Catch Wrestling and BJJ are applicable and suitable for self-defense—the two use grappling techniques to make an attacker submit.
But because of the more intense application of techniques in Catch Wrestling, it may inflict more pain on someone than BJJ.
When evaluating Catch Wrestling and BJJ for self-defense purposes, it is important to recognize their unique strengths and weaknesses.
Catch Wrestling’s aggressive approach and focus on takedowns and pins can be particularly effective in controlling or neutralizing an opponent in a real-life scenario. This style teaches students to apply intense pressure and pain, disorienting and wearing down adversaries.
In contrast, BJJ emphasizes ground control and positional dominance, focusing on submissions from various positions.
While this approach may take a longer time to subdue an opponent, it is often considered safer and more controlled. BJJ’s emphasis on fluid and flexible movement may offer a more comprehensive and adaptable skill set for self-defense situations, particularly against larger or stronger opponents.
It’s crucial to remember that self-defense is not solely about physical techniques but also the ability to stay calm and composed under pressure.
Both Catch Wrestling and BJJ can provide invaluable insights and training in mental fortitude and problem-solving.
Is Catch Wrestling in UFC/MMA?
Yes, Catch Wrestling has a place in both MMA and UFC. Catch Wrestling has produced several notable athletes in mixed martial arts, including UFC champions and other MMA stars.
Former UFC champions Kazushi Sakuraba, often known as the Gracie Hunter, and Frank Shamrock are among the best fighters in the sport that helped it to be known.
As mixed martial arts (MMA) and competitive grappling gain popularity, more individuals are also beginning to take an interest in Catch Wrestling.
Several grapplers also consider taking up catch wrestling to enhance their no-gi skills.
Who Would Win Between Catch Wrestling and BJJ?
Both styles of martial arts teach comparable techniques. Still, a lot of their fundamentals and approaches to instruction also differ from one another.
The guard is an essential part of BJJ, and students learn how to execute techniques from it. Catch Wrestling is where all moves in the top position, with the guard position utilized very little.
Both martial arts styles instruct very similar skills, but their underlying ideologies and the ways they teach are pretty different.
Guard is an integral part of BJJ, and students learn how to attack while in this position. All the moves in Catch Wrestling come from the top, with the guard position seeing minimal action.
The objective of Catch Wrestling is to finish as promptly as possible and to have rapid submissions. In Catch Wrestling, the position doesn’t matter that much. In contrast to BJJ, which uses a point system, this gives enough time for you to put your opponent in submission, making it more dependable.
Is Catch Wrestling Better Than BJJ?
Determining if catch wrestling is better than BJJ relies on several factors, including one’s personal preferences and goals.
Catch wrestling, again, is an aggressive and physically demanding sport that utilizes pain and pressure-based techniques to secure submissions.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu emphasizes a systematic approach, focusing on position and control before attempting submissions. Both martial arts have their unique strengths and weaknesses, making it difficult to declare one as superior to the other.
Catch wrestling requires a higher level of athleticism and brute force, which can be a disadvantage for beginners or smaller individuals. Conversely, BJJ can be practiced by individuals of various body types and fitness levels due to its emphasis on technique and leverage. In terms of applicability in self-defense situations, both martial arts offer effective tools.
Is Catch Wrestling the same as submission wrestling?
Ultimately, submission grappling or submission wrestling is sometimes used interchangeably with no gi Brazilian jiu jitsu. However, by definition catch wrestling is submission wrestling (wrestling with submissions).
Catch wrestling, as discussed earlier, is a hybrid martial art with origins in 19th century England. It combines traditional folkstyle wrestling with various submission holds, focusing on causing pain and discomfort to prompt an opponent to “tap out” or give up.
One defining aspect of catch wrestling is the absence of a points system, with matches determined solely by pins or submissions. This element fosters a more ruthless and aggressive approach to grappling when compared to other combat sports. Whereas submission grappling or submission wrestling is more often used to refer to No Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Which Grappling Martial Art Should You Learn?
When choosing a grappling martial art to pursue, one must be aware of the distinctions between the various grappling sports. Conduct research on the advantages and disadvantages of the approaches, the benefits, the level of difficulty involved in putting the techniques into practice, and their scope.
Learning a sport will always go down to a student’s preference. But, of course, make sure that the sport you are going to learn is something that you are interested in and willing to engage in, and it is best if it could be a good workout for you as well.
Getting advice from a coach or trainer with experience in grappling sports might be of great aid, particularly if you are starting in the grappling area of martial arts.
Catch Wrestling vs Wrestling
When discussing catch wrestling vs wrestling, it’s essential to understand the distinction between them. Catch wrestling emerged as a brutally aggressive and versatile form of grappling, focusing on applying pain through submissions and forcing an opponent to give up. Meanwhile, wrestling refers to various grappling-oriented martial arts, encompassing styles like freestyle, folkstyle, and Greco-Roman wrestling.
In catch wrestling, competitors can win by pin or submission, and matches follow no time limit, sometimes progressing through best-of-three rounds. Wrestling, by contrast, often features a point system and a time limit, with victory achieved based on points earned throughout the match. Catch wrestling emphasizes aggressive approaches to attain rapid submission, whereas other wrestling styles focus more on controlling and dominating an opponent.
One advantage of catch wrestling over traditional wrestling styles is its inclusion of submissions, which adds versatility and power in MMA and self-defense situations. Nevertheless, wrestling styles like folkstyle and freestyle are an integral part of many MMA fighters’ foundations, thanks to their effectiveness in takedowns and positional control.
Catch Wrestling vs Greco-Roman
Catch wrestling and Greco-Roman wrestling are distinct forms of grappling, with each yielding its own unique approach to attaining victory. Greco-Roman wrestling is an Olympic sport that solely targets the upper body, prohibiting techniques that involve the legs as targets or for leverage. The focus on upper body grappling means that catch wrestling and Greco-Roman wrestling can be quite different in their approach to takedowns and positioning.
One major divergence between catch wrestling and Greco-Roman wrestling is the use of submissions in the former. While Greco-Roman wrestling rewards points for takedowns, throws, and pins, it doesn’t allow submissions, making it more of a positional and strategic style of grappling. On the other hand, catch wrestling seeks to dominate, control, and force an opponent’s surrender through painful techniques.
In terms of applicability in MMA, catch wrestling’s comprehensive arsenal of techniques facilitates adaptability and success against various opponents. However, Greco-Roman wrestlers have also found success in MMA, leveraging their upper body control and strength to dominate in the clinch, emphasizing throws and forcing opponents to the ground. Though their techniques differ, both catch wrestling and Greco-Roman wrestling contribute valuable skills for competition and self-defense.
Catch Wrestling vs Judo
Catch wrestling and Judo are two distinct grappling arts that share similarities but also have their unique characteristics. Catch wrestling is known for its aggressive and fast-paced style, focusing on pins and submissions to secure victory. It incorporates leg locks, arm locks, neck cranks, and various other painful techniques to control and submit opponents.
On the other hand, Judo is an Olympic sport that emphasizes throws, takedowns, and ground fighting while focusing on precision, technique, and timing. Its trademark is the use of an opponent’s movement and body weight against them, coupled with immense grappling skill. One advantage of Judo is its emphasis on the principle of “maximum efficiency with minimum effort,” which allows practitioners to preserve energy and execute moves without excessive force.
While catch wrestling incorporates elements of wrestling, striking, and submissions, Judo has a more defined ruleset and techniques honed specifically for competition. Judo practitioners can employ their knowledge of leverage, momentum, and technique to mitigate the strength and aggression of catch wrestlers. In contrast, catch wrestlers can blend their knowledge of submissions and pressure-based grappling to challenge Judo players on the ground.
Where Can You Learn Catch Wrestling?
Catch wrestling, despite its rich history and effectiveness, has become more of an underground art, with way fewer practitioners and gyms compared to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
However, this does not mean that quality instruction is impossible to find. Several gyms, teams, and associations worldwide are dedicated to preserving and promoting catch wrestling, allowing enthusiasts to learn and hone their skills in this fascinating martial art.
You may often see Brazilian jiu jitsu gyms or other types of training facilities teach catch wrestling techniques or you may find instructors at these gyms with a catch wrestling back ground. Ulitmatley, its unforunately not very likely that you’ll find a pure catch wrestling gym.
You can start by researching local gyms and martial arts schools in your area to see if any of them offer catch wrestling classes or instruction from experienced practitioners. If there are no dedicated catch wrestling gyms nearby, consider joining an MMA gym or a grappling school that incorporates catch wrestling techniques and concepts into their curriculum.
Another option is to attend seminars or workshops led by catch wrestling specialists, where you may get an opportunity to learn from experts such as Josh Barnett, Neil Melanson, or Billy Robinson.
Is Catch Wrestling Popular in the US
Catch wrestling, though not as popular as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, does have a substantial following in the United States. The sport dates back to the late 1800s and has had a rollercoaster journey throughout its existence. Several high-profile fighters and coaches have advocated for catch wrestling in the United States, helping to grow the sport’s following across the country.
One of the major reasons catch wrestling is growing in popularity in the United States is the success of prominent fighters like Josh Barnett and Kazushi Sakuraba.
Their performances in grappling and MMA have showcased the effectiveness of catch wrestling in real competition scenarios. By incorporating catch wrestling techniques alongside their Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling background, these fighters have demonstrated how the art can lead to a more diverse and efficient grappling game. This success has generated more interest in the sport and has inspired people to add catch wrestling techniques to their own training.
Catch wrestling in the United States mainly attracts followers seeking to improve their overall grappling abilities, especially those involved in MMA and no-gi grappling.
There are also associations and clubs dedicated to keeping the tradition of catch wrestling alive by providing instruction and organizing competitions. Although the overall popularity of catch wrestling in the United States is difficult to gauge, the resurgence of interest from the grappling community and the continued success of fighters utilizing the style suggest that it is on the rise.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are wrestlers stronger than BJJ?
Wrestlers are not necessarily stronger than BJJ practitioners since both are grappling-based sports.
But it can argue that Wrestling requires more aggression, speed, and strength, and the submissions are considered more painful than in BJJ.
Is Catch Wrestling suitable for self-defense?
Yes, Catch Wrestling is suitable for self-defense.
What is harder, Wrestling or Jiu-Jitsu?
Both grappling sports can be highly challenging and competitive.
However, Wrestling is more competition-based. You will find more hobbyists in BJJ since it has to have commercial appeal to all. Whereas Wrestling draws more competitive athletes, the training and competition schedule for Wrestling can be considered harder than BJJ.
Catch Wrestling vs BJJ – Conclusion
So, what is the verdict? Catch Wrestling vs BJJ – which one should you learn for self-defense? The answer really depends on your personal preferences and goals.
If you want to be able to defend yourself in a street fight, then BJJ might be a better option because it relies more on ground fighting techniques that can subdue an opponent quickly.
However, if you are looking for a martial art that will give you the ability to take down an attacker regardless of where the fight takes place, Catch Wrestling is a great choice.
Ultimately, either martial art can provide you with the skills needed to defend yourself against an assailant, but it’s important to do your research and try out different classes before making a decision. Ready to get started? Contact us today for a free consultation!
Thanks for reading, and see you at the next one!
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