In competitive martial arts parlance, "ground wrestling" usually refers to the kind of sport wrestling you see at high school and college competitions -- a sport also called "collegiate" or "folkstyle" wrestling. "Grappling" refers to more combative ground-fighting, the sort you see in mixed martial arts competition. It includes elements of judo, pankration and Brazilian jujutsu. Although training in one can improve your skills at the other, the rules of ground wrestling make only some of the moves from grappling appropriate in the ring.
General Tactics and Technique
Because grappling and ground wrestling are used in similar environments and with similar goals, the basic body mechanics for both remain virtually identical. Body awareness, strong base stances and a combative understanding of human physiology are important in both sports. For this reason, cross-training in both fighting styles will help athletes who compete in either sport, despite the confusion caused by different rules.
Throwing
A ground wrestler can use any of the hip throws, arm throws and tackles taught in grappling practice. However, in ground wrestling, the person who performs the throw must go to the mat with the person who is being thrown. If you don't do this, your throw is called a "body slam." This is illegal, and will cost you anywhere from a penalty point to disqualification from the match.
Joint Locks
Joint locks are illegal in wrestling. Some locks, for example a straight arm bar, are permitted to force your opponent to move, but not for the purpose of pain or submission. Most large joint locks won't result in a penalty point. Instead, the referee will stop the match for "potentially dangerous position" and reset you in referee's position. You won't lose points, but you will lose any positional advantage you had gained from the lock. Finger and toe locks are illegal, and will result in penalty points.
Choking
You cannot choke your opponent in wrestling. This is one of the biggest differences between ground wrestling and grappling. In grappling competition, choking your opponent into unconsciousness is one of the ways to win a match instantly. In ground wrestling, it's a way to get instantly disqualified.
References
- NCAA Wrestling Rules
- "US Judo Association Basic Judo Manual"; Philip Porter; 1994
- Andy Brick; Wrestling Coach; Hillsboro, Oregon
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