In wrestling, if you encounter an opponent who is stronger than you or particularly aggressive, you will need to aggressively brawl back to wear him down. Brawling means being as physical as possible with your opponent when you are both standing on your feet facing each other, otherwise known as the neutral position. By pushing and pulling your opponent as hard as possible through brawling, you will tire him and open opportunities for a takedown or throw that can turn the match in your favor. Dominating your opponent physically can give you a mental advantage in the match.
Step 1
Explode out of the neutral position and lock up with your opponent immediately by clamping one hand around the back of his neck and the other on the triceps. Push as much of your weight onto your opponent's neck as possible while still remaining balanced. Drive forward into your opponent at a steady and controlled pace.
Step 2
Push your forearm hard on your opponent's collarbone to lift him upright and make him step back. Snap your hand down onto your opponent's neck when he is stepping backward. At the same time that your opponent's momentum shifts forward from the snap-down, pull the triceps muscle you are holding toward you and sidestep in the same direction you are pulling. This will leave your opponent completely off-balance.
Step 3
Hook one of your elbows under the armpit of your opponent as he is coming toward you off-balance. Raise your elbow to lift him up and come chest to chest with him. Stay in close to his body and continue driving forward to keep him off center. Watch the out of bounds line carefully so you do not drive him off the mat and stop the match. Reposition him by pushing or pulling, if necessary.
Step 4
Plant your free hand on your opponent's head or neck if it is exposed to you. Use your planted hand and elbow to push and pull him some more to wear down his endurance. Snap his head down or up in sharp, jerking motions. Begin to look for openings where you can grab his leg or perform an upper-body throwing maneuver for a takedown.
Step 5
Shove your opponent's upper body away from you as hard as you can and attack for your takedown. If you are wrestling freestyle, grab his legs and drive through him while keeping your head buried in his torso or chest and lifting the legs. If you are attempting to throw your opponent, as you would in Greco-Roman wrestling, do so in the direction of his momentum or trip him as he steps to keep him off-balance and the match within your control.
Tips and Warnings
- Do not give your opponent a moment to rest as you are brawling. If you relax, he may see it as a chance to counterattack.
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