About Wrestling

A martial art based on grappling, wrestling builds strength, anaerobic endurance and agility. It provides a full body workout that will push you to your limits. Our classes teach you the physical techniques used in Greco-Roman wrestling including clinching, holding, locking, leverage and takedowns. These techniques are then practiced during sparring matches. Not only will you improve your wrestling prowess but you will get to test your skills against real opponents.

Benefits of Wrestling

Improve physical fitness
Wrestling helps to build strength, stamina and agility. It involves all muscle groups encouraging unilateral muscle development and a balance of athletic skill. Wrestling can also improve your performance in other sports.

Builds discipline and confidence
Wrestling requires dedication and hard work. The training is gruelling and you’re on your own in the ring but this gives you the confidence to deal with the challenges that life throws at you. As a result wrestling can increase your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Increase mental agility
Wrestling effectively depends on tactics and technique. By teaching you to think strategically in the ring, it can help to improve your mental agility.

Wrestling Skills and Techniques

Wrestling classes in Oxford at OMAA teach Greco-roman wrestling. Some of the techniques you will learn and practice are listed below. Our expert instructors will demonstrate and breakdown new techniques each class and you will then be given the opportunity to practice them in controlled sparring matches.

Two on One (Russian Tie)
This technique aims to break down your opponent’s offensive ability by controlling his wrists and upper arms.

Parterre Offence
Learn to take your opponent down to the mat and keep him there.

Front Headlock
A useful move for turning a defensive position into an offensive one, by controlling your opponent’s head and taking him down to the mat.

Straight Lift
An advanced move which limits the movements of your opponent by securing his hips. It requires high levels of strength and flexibility.

History of Wrestling

The earliest evidence of wrestling comes from 15, 000 year old cave paintings found in France. It was practiced in ancient Egypt, Babylonia and Greece in much the same way as it is today. In Ancient Greece wrestling occupied a prominent place in literature and in legend. It was the most popular and venerated sport in the Olympic Games. Wrestling remained popular through out the Roman period and the Middle Ages when it enjoyed the patronage of many royal families. There were many variations and each locality developed their own style. The French developed the modern Greco-Roman style which was formalised in the 19th century. Freestyle wrestling, the other main discipline, grew out of the catch-as-catch-can style started in Lincolnshire. Amateur wrestling remained popular, particularly as a form of entertainment at fairs, festivals and holiday celebrations. With the rise of athletic clubs and gymnasiums, formal competitions and tournaments became widespread and the fighting techniques became more sophisticated. When the Olympic Games were resurrected in 1896, Greco-Roman wrestling was included as one of the sports. In 1904 freestyle wrestling was also made part of the Games. Amateur wrestling has been regulated by the International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles since 1921.