During much of the 20th century, wrestling was the premier grappling art in the United States. Some Asian grappling styles were available, but they were separate from mainstream culture. Since the first Ultimate Fighting Challenge in 1993, however, varied grappling arts have seen more popularity as mixed martial arts has gotten more exposure. Cross-training in some of these arts can help a wrestler succeed, but each can teach reflexes that can hurt in competition.
Other Wrestling Styles
The best cross-training for wrestling is to train in other forms of wrestling. Three basic styles are practiced in most parts of the world: collegiate, freestyle and Greco-Roman. The regular season for each style is at a different part of the year, giving high school and college wrestlers an opportunity for this kind of cross-training. All three kinds of wrestling use variations of the same moves.
Brazilian Jujutsu
Brazilian jujutsu is one of the most popular forms of grappling used in mixed martial arts. For wrestlers, it will build comfort on the mat, grappling strategy and simple endurance. It also teaches a degree of energy-conserving relaxation that's missing from regular wrestling training. However, Brazilian jujutsu teaches dangerous submission holds that are illegal in wrestling, and lacks the concept of a pin. You don't fight to stay off your back in Brazilian jujutsu.
Judo
Judo is so similar to wrestling that it was originally called "Japanese wrestling" when it came to the West. Judo practices throws and sweeps that are almost identical to stand-up wrestling takedowns, which can give a wrestler valuable practice. The biggest drawback to judo training is that the throws end with the thrower standing up and the throwee on the ground. Wrestlers must follow their opponent to the ground if they want to avoid fouling.
Pankration
Pankration is a traditional Greek martial art, and probably the one closest to wrestling as practiced in the original Olympic Games. It includes many of the takedowns, holds and controlling techniques wrestlers will apply on the mat. However, it also allows punching, kicking, choking and knee and elbow strikes. None of these moves are legal in wrestling.
References
- NCAA Wrestling Rules: 2010-2011 NCAA Wrestling Rules Book
- Phil Porter; US Olympic Judo Coach (ret); USJA; Sacramento, Cal
- Andy Brick; Wrestling Coach; Hillsboro, Oregon
- "GURPS: Martial Arts"; Peter Dell'Orto and Sean Punch; 2007
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