Catch & Folk Wrestling

Whilst our wrestling classes are mostly focused on catch-as-catch-can they also delve into other folk wrestling systems from around the world when time allows.

There is little in the way of written records regarding catch wrestling until the mid 19th century, although there are references to catch wrestling matches taking place dating back to the early 1700’s. Catch was largely associated with the working classes with bouts occurring outside of coal pits and collieries. This may be one of the reasons why written evidence of the sport is scarce, it is only when it gained more notoriety in the late 1800’s and gradually evolved into fixed outcome professional wrestling performances that it captured the public imagination.

Folk wrestling (not to be confused with US folkstyle wrestling) is simply a way of describing any traditional style of wrestling, usually one which has not been formalised or codified as a major sporting activity. This class studies a variety of different folk wrestling systems, and whilst we primarily focus on those systems native to the British Isles, we often venture further afield exploring systems from Europe and elsewhere.

There are dozens of folk wrestling traditions that are kept alive at village fetes and summer fairs, and hundreds of folk wrestling styles around the world, many of which receive little-to-no attention. The British Isles alone boasts Scottish backhold, Cumberland and Westmorland, Cornish, Devon, Collar & Elbow, Glíma, Gouren, Schwingen, and much much more.

We aim to make wrestling accessible to everyone, so if you fancy giving it a go why not get in touch and pop along for a free trial session? We don’t allow big egos or macho bravado in the class, and whilst some members of the YSD compete in open grappling tournaments we generally do what we do for the joy of the art.