Is There Submissions in Wrestling?
No, traditional wresting such as Freestyle, Folksytle or Greco Roman wrestling does not include any submissions like those found in other grappling martial arts like Judo or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. However, catch wrestling does involve some submissions.
Wrestling is a tough sport and very effective as martial art. You need a high level of athleticism, conditioning, and knowledge of wrestling techniques in order to do well in the sport.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu and wrestling are directly opposite to each other in many respects. The fundamental concepts of these two sports conflict. And the ideas that work well in one sport may not work well in the other.
For example, when a wrestler is about to be pinned on their back, they will lay on their belly on the mat and stretch their limbs wide. This makes it difficult for an opponent to pin you.
However, doing so is the worst thing you could do in jiu-jitsu. Why? Because it invites back takes and chokes—all of which are forbidden in wrestling. Yes, it’s against the rules to “submit” an opponent in wrestling. You can’t choke your opponent or have their joints bent in any way to cause damage.
However, there are some wrestling techniques that employ submission-like movements. In turn, causing pain or discomfort to your opponent to achieve a dominant position or pin.
For example, the hammerlock/chicken wing is a very painful technique which is actually quite similar to a kimura in Brazilian jiu jitsu (expect you are not allowed to lift their arm off their back).
Are There Submissions in Folkstyle Wrestling?
Wondering if folkstyle wrestling has submissions? The short answer is no, but there are several techniques and positions which can be used to inflict a large amount of discomfort on your opponent in order to work toward gaining points or a pin.
Are There Submissions in Freestyle Wrestling?
No, there are no submissions in freestyle wrestling, but again, that doesn’t mean that positions or techniques can be extremely uncomfortable.
Are There Submissions in Greco-Roman Wrestling?
The answer is no.
There are no submissions allowed in Greco-Romain Wrestling. Additionally, there are no foot sweeps or throws allows in Greco-Roman wrestling either.
Greco-Roman wrestling prioritizes top positional dominance and doesn’t allow foot trips like those seen in Judo. It is also known as Napoleonic wrestling and has little to do with Greek or Roman cultures since it was used during the Napoleonic era of France to train the solders in grappling.
Greco Roman Wrestling also restricts:
- All leg attacks
- All lower body grasping
- All holding of clothing
- All submission holds
Greco Roman Wrestling allows the below (which is illegal in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu)
- throws where opponent lands on their head
Common Greco Roman techniques are:
- head and arm throw
- polish throw
- other upper body based throws
Catch Wrestling Explained
Catch wrestling is a form of wrestling that focuses on grappling and ground fighting. It is a combat sport that emerged from the British Isles in the 19th century. >>Jump to our full post on Catch Wrestling vs BJJ
Catch wrestlers also use submission holds. But what sets them apart is their reliance on pinning and control techniques.
This approach encourages a slower, more controlled style of wrestling. The wrestler attempting to gain a victory must have complete control over their opponent.
By way of comparison, amateur wrestling focuses solely on take downs and pins. While professional wrestling features showy aerial maneuvers and theatrics.
Moreover, catch wrestling stands out from other styles of wrestling due to its emphasis on submissions and joint locks. These submissions are what makes it so dangerous.
Furthermore, submissions have the possibility to inflict serious injury if done incorrectly. Therefore, you can use them as effective weapons against an opponent. As such, many mixed martial arts fighters also utilize Catch Wrestling when training for competition or sparring.
Combat Sambo Explained
Combat Sambo is a form of martial art and combat sport that originated in the Soviet Union in the 1920s. It is based on grappling and striking techniques derived from multiple disciplines, including Judo, Wrestling, Muay Thai, Boxing and Kickboxing.
Also, it combines stand-up strikes with throws and submissions. Its objective is to control or defeat an opponent quickly and effectively by submissions such as joint locks or chokes.
However, unlike other forms of martial arts, Combat Sambo has both competition elements and self-defense components. Both are applicable to any situation where one needs to protect themselves.
In addition to its physical benefits, Combat Sambo also provides numerous psychological advantages. Examples are training discipline, respect for opponents, and focus.
Moreover, you can use Combat Sambo in a variety of self-defense situations. In particular, as street fighting, facing multiple attackers and defeating armed opponents.
Due to its combat efficiency and effectiveness, it’s an ideal martial art for anyone. Especially those who are looking to stay safe or gain an edge in any physical altercation.
What is Submission Wrestling or Submission Grappling?
Submission Wrestling or Submission Grappling is a form of martial art that involves grappling and submission holds in order to defeat an opponent.
Others call it as “no-gi” or “submission only” style. Why? Because it does not require the use of a Gi uniform like traditional Jujitsu or Judo. Rather, practitioners wear shorts, rashguards and compression shirts.
Additionally, its goal is to force your opponent into submission. How? By applying strangles and joint locks until they either tap out or rendered unconscious.
Practitioners make it with or without striking techniques. Though it is ultimately up to the competitors’ preference on how they wish to fight. As such, many people find Submission Wrestling to be a great way to learn effective self defense techniques. While also having fun and staying fit.
Yes, Submission Wrestling is a great martial art for people of all ages and skill levels. That’s because it promotes the idea that anyone can win – regardless of size or strength.
It’s also an excellent way for practitioners to hone their skills in competition. Most tournaments are divided into weight classes so that competitors face opponents with similar body types and abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are Submissions Allowed in High School Wrestling?
No, there are no submissions allowed in high school wrestling.
Can You Submit in Wrestling?
No in olympic wrestling styles like Freestyle, Folkstyle, or Greco Roman you cannot use submissions.
What Submissions Are Allowed in Wrestling?
No submissions are allowed in wrestling. However, there are some pins or techniques that can cause discomfort.
What’s the Difference Between Submission Wrestling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Submission wrestling is more like No Gi jiu jitsu and often the terms are used interchangeably. It involves take downs found in traditional wrestling. However, in Brazilian jiu jitsu gi training, a practitioner can grab the fabric of their opponent’s gi. Thus, obtaining dominant grips and use take downs that are often found in judo.
Also, BJJ is a non-striking martial art and concentrates on submission techniques on the ground. On the other hand, submission wrestling emphasizes take downs, submissions, clinching, and striking. In submission wrestling, twisting leg locks are acceptable, but not in BJJ.
Do Wrestlers Do Well in Jiu Jitsu?
Yes, wrestlers pick up jiu jitsu techniques very well, and advance in the sport very quickly. Wrestlers have great fundamental strength, balance, and coordination that make them well-suited for Jiu Jitsu.
They also excel in the clinch (gripping opponents) which is a key part of Jiu Jitsu. Additionally, wrestlers are used to the grind – long hours on mats and a lot of hard work to master techniques. Thanks to their prior knowledge and experience, they can quickly pick up moves and adapt their style accordingly.
Furthermore, the mental aspect is also critical as it helps wrestlers stay composed under pressure during matches or maintain focus over long periods of time.
Can You Use Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Techniques in Wrestling?
The answer is yes. These two martial arts are very different in terms of technique and application. However, it is possible to combine elements from both BJJ and wrestling into one hybrid style of grappling.
In fact, many grapplers are doing just that by incorporating various throws and take downs from wrestling into their BJJ training regimen. This can be beneficial as it adds dimensions to one’s ground-fighting skill set and increases the range of techniques available.
Additionally, wrestlers can benefit from studying BJJ moves such as sweeps, guard passes, and submissions. In turn, it helps them gain an edge in their competitive matches. So if you’re looking to take your grappling game to the next level, consider adding elements of both BJJ and wrestling into your training regimen!
Zack is an avid jiu jitsu practitioner and martial arts nerd. He currently holds a brown belt in BJJ. When not on the mats or in the gym, he can be found going for walks with his wife, attempting (and often failing) to train his dog, and frequently obsessing over a specific hobby only to forget about it a week later.
