The Origins of Catch Wrestling: The Roots of Submission Arts Wrestling

Introduction

Catch Wrestling, also known as catch-as-catch-can wrestling, is a classical hybrid grappling style that has played a pivotal role in shaping modern submission grappling and mixed martial arts. Its influence can be seen in various combat sports, from professional wrestling to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA.

In this comprehensive exploration, we’ll delve into the origins, evolution, and lasting impact of catch wrestling on the martial arts world.

Ancient Roots of Wrestling

To truly understand catch wrestling, we must first look at the ancient origins of wrestling itself.

Prehistoric Grappling

Wrestling is one of the oldest forms of combat, with evidence of wrestling techniques depicted in cave paintings dating back to 15,000 BCE. These early forms of grappling were likely used for both self-defense and as a way to establish dominance within tribal hierarchies.

Ancient Civilizations

1. Sumer: The Epic of Gilgamesh, dating back to around 2100 BCE, describes wrestling matches, indicating the sport’s importance in ancient Mesopotamian culture.
2. Egypt: Tomb paintings from as early as 2400 BCE depict wrestling techniques, showing the sport’s significance in ancient Egyptian society.
3. Greece: Wrestling was a cornerstone of ancient Greek athletics, featured prominently in the Olympic Games from 708 BCE. The Greeks developed a sophisticated wrestling style called Pale, which influenced many later forms of wrestling.
4. Rome: The Romans adopted Greek wrestling and developed their own style, expanding it with more violent techniques suitable for military training and gladiatorial combat.

The Birth of Catch Wrestling

Catch wrestling as we know it today began to take shape in the mid-19th century, primarily in England.

Lancashire Catch-as-Catch-Can

The term “catch-as-catch-can” originated in Lancashire, England, where a folk wrestling style developed among the working class. This style allowed holds below the waist, which was different from other prominent styles of the time like Greco-Roman wrestling.

Key aspects of Lancashire catch-as-catch-can:

• Emphasis on submission holds
• Incorporation of painful joint locks
• Utilization of both standing and ground techniques

Influence of Traveling Carnivals

Traveling carnivals played a crucial role in the development and spread of catch wrestling. Carnival wrestlers would challenge locals to matches, often with cash prizes for anyone who could defeat them. This led to the development of highly effective techniques designed to quickly submit opponents of unknown skill levels.

Key Figures in Early Catch Wrestling

Several notable figures helped shape catch wrestling into a formidable martial art:

1. Billy Riley: Founder of the infamous “Snake Pit” gym in Wigan, England. Riley’s gym produced many of the greatest catch wrestlers of the early 20th century.
2. Karl Gotch: Known as the “God of Wrestling” in Japan, Gotch was instrumental in bringing catch wrestling techniques to Japanese professional wrestling and mixed martial arts.
3. Billy Robinson: A student of Billy Riley, Robinson became one of the most respected catch wrestlers and trainers, influencing modern MMA through his teaching of Kazushi Sakuraba and others.
4. Ad Santel: Credited with bringing catch wrestling to the United States, Santel famously challenged and defeated many Japanese Judo practitioners, helping to establish catch wrestling’s effectiveness.

Catch Wrestling Techniques

Catch wrestling is known for its brutal efficiency and diverse array of techniques. Some key aspects include:

1. Submissions: Unlike many other wrestling styles, catch wrestling places a heavy emphasis on submission holds, including joint locks and chokes.
2. Rides and Controls: Catch wrestlers develop sophisticated methods of controlling opponents on the ground, often setting up submissions or wearing down the opponent.
3. Standing Techniques: While known for ground fighting, catch wrestling also includes a variety of standing techniques, including takedowns, throws, and clinch fighting.
4. Pain Compliance: Catch wrestling often utilizes painful holds to force submissions, a trait that distinguishes it from some other grappling styles.
5. Pins: In addition to submissions, achieving a pin is also considered a valid way to win in many catch wrestling rule sets.

The Golden Age of Catch Wrestling

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw catch wrestling rise to prominence in both legitimate sporting contests and the emerging world of professional wrestling.

Legitimate Contests

Catch wrestlers often competed in no-holds-barred matches that pitted different styles against each other. These contests helped prove the effectiveness of catch wrestling techniques against other martial arts.

Professional Wrestling

As professional wrestling evolved into a more choreographed entertainment form, many of the techniques and training methods of catch wrestling were preserved within it. Early pro wrestlers were often highly skilled catch wrestlers who could legitimately grapple if needed.

Global Spread and Influence

Catch wrestling’s influence spread far beyond its Lancashire origins:

1. United States: Catch wrestling became popular in the U.S., influencing the development of collegiate and freestyle wrestling.
2. Japan: Catch wrestling had a significant impact on Japanese professional wrestling (puroresu) and played a role in the development of shoot wrestling and eventually mixed martial arts.
3. Brazil: There’s evidence that catch wrestling influenced the development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, with some techniques possibly being incorporated by the Gracie family.

Decline and Revival

The Decline

Several factors contributed to the decline of catch wrestling in the mid-20th century:

1. The rise of amateur wrestling styles in international competition
2. The evolution of professional wrestling into a more entertainment-focused industry
3. The lack of a unified governing body for catch wrestling

The Revival

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in catch wrestling:

1. MMA Influence: The effectiveness of catch wrestling techniques in mixed martial arts has sparked renewed interest in the style.
2. Submission Grappling: Many catch wrestling techniques have found their way into modern submission grappling competitions.
3. Historical Preservation: Efforts by organizations and individuals to preserve and teach traditional catch wrestling have helped keep the art alive.

Catch Wrestling’s Impact on Modern Martial Arts

The influence of catch wrestling can be seen in various modern martial arts and combat sports:

1. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA): Many MMA fighters have incorporated catch wrestling techniques into their arsenal, particularly in the realms of takedowns and submissions.
2. Submission Grappling: Catch wrestling has influenced modern submission grappling, with many techniques finding their way into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and No-Gi grappling.
3. Shootfighting: This Japanese combat sport, which later influenced the development of MMA, has strong roots in catch wrestling.
4. Professional Wrestling: Despite its scripted nature, many pro wrestling moves and training methods still retain elements of catch wrestling.

Catch Wrestling vs. Other Grappling Arts

It’s interesting to compare catch wrestling with other grappling arts:

1. vs. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: While both focus on submissions, catch wrestling traditionally places more emphasis on top position and pain compliance.
2. vs. Judo: Catch wrestling includes a wider variety of ground submissions and doesn’t rely as heavily on throws from a standing position.
3. vs. Freestyle Wrestling: Catch wrestling includes submissions and a broader range of ground techniques, while freestyle focuses more on takedowns and pins.

Training in Catch Wrestling Today

For those interested in learning catch wrestling:

1. Finding Instruction: While not as widespread as some other martial arts, there are still schools and seminars dedicated to teaching catch wrestling.
2. Cross-Training: Many MMA and submission grappling gyms incorporate catch wrestling techniques into their curriculum.
3. Learning from Resources: Books, instructional videos, and online resources can supplement hands-on training.

Conclusion

Catch wrestling stands as a testament to the evolution of martial arts, bridging ancient grappling techniques with modern combat sports. Its emphasis on efficiency, adaptability, and brutal effectiveness has ensured its techniques live on, even as the art itself went through periods of decline.

For martial artists and combat sports enthusiasts, understanding the history and techniques of catch wrestling provides valuable insights into the development of modern grappling and mixed martial arts. Whether you’re a fan of MMA, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, or simply interested in martial arts history, the story of catch wrestling offers a fascinating glimpse into the roots of submission grappling.

At our gym in Austin, while we may not specifically teach catch wrestling, we recognize its immense contribution to the martial arts we practice. Many of the techniques you’ll learn in our MMA and grappling classes have their roots in this venerable art. Understanding these historical connections can deepen your appreciation for the techniques you’re learning and provide inspiration for your own martial arts journey.

As we continue to evolve as martial artists, it’s crucial to remember and respect the arts that paved the way. Catch wrestling, with its rich history and enduring influence, certainly deserves its place in the pantheon of martial arts that have shaped the modern combat sports landscape.