Akshay Kumar in Greco

GRECO ROMAN WRESTLING

Greco-Roman wrestling is the art and ancient form of wrestling having originated from the lands to the east of the Mediterranean Sea. The Greeks considered wrestling as an exercise more than a martial art for developing grace.

According to ancient Greek text, wrestling was considered a sacred art or sport practiced by gods and kings for ridding earth of evil and wining over ignorance and brutality. Most mythical heroes of Greece have been described as skilled wrestlers and many works or art display them in the act of wrestling.

Greco-Roman wrestling became a sport in the Olympic games in 704 B.C. However, it had already enjoyed much success in the pentathalon. Wrestling was also the major sport during the festival times in ancient Greece even in Olympic games.

The ancient Greeks considered that wrestling should not only be a part of soldier's training alone but for every young person. In Greece, men trained physically, which included wrestling, just as importantly as they pursued typical studies like grammar and math.

This style of wrestling forbids attacks below the waist. Emphasis is placed more on dramatic throws. While allowed in freestyle wrestling, a Greco-Roman wrestler cannot use trips to take an opponent to the ground or avoid throws by hooking or grabbing an opponent's leg. Arm drags, bear hugs, and headlocks have greater prominence in Greco-Roman wrestling. Throws, especially the suplex, are common techniques as well as the bodylock and the gut-wrench.

Many styles of wrestling and grappling can trace their origins to Greco-Roman wrestling. Today, Greco-Roman wrestling is practiced worldwide including in the Olympic games. The art additionally enjoys renewed interest due to its heavy influences on mixed martial arts competitions.