In our travels, we have come across a large handful of Fulbright Scholars: film makers, writers, dancers, and many teachers. However, we have yet to come across a sports-based Fulbrighter.
As the college school year is coming to a conclusion, it would be great to see student athletes, coaches, or other educators be a part of this State Department program.
For those of you who read our site, follow the Wrestling Roots’ twitter/tumblr/facebook page know, WRESTLING IS EVERYWHERE. It would be great …

O Ancient immortal Spirit, pure father
Of beauty, of greatness and of truth,
Descend, reveal yourself and flash like lightning here,
within the glory of your own earth and sky.

At running and at wrestling and at throwing,
Shine in the momentum of noble contests,
And crown with the unfading branch
And make the body worthy and ironlike. (twice)

Plains, mountains and seas glow with you
Like a white-and-purple great temple,
And hurries at the temple here, your pilgrim, (twice)
O Ancient immortal Spirit, every nation. (twice)

Women’s Senegalese Wrestling and the Real Victims of the IOC
T.R. Foley
For centuries female wrestlers in Senegal have competed in seasonal wrestling matches as a way to help create good fortune for the annual rice crop. However, with the expansion of Olympic opportunities for women in wrestling the nation’s most-talented female wrestlers have become accustomed to using the sport as a vessel for recognition on the international stage and fighting for equal rights at home. It’s an opportunity that gives Senegalese women hope for …

As the wrestling world comes to grips with the impact of the IOC’s decision, several media members around the world have started to tell the stories of wrestlers in their home countries whose lives will be adversely affected by the decision.
No country has more to lose than Iran. In the following documentary we get to watch first hand as their wrestlers strive to better the position and standing of their family through sport. The sport means something to the people, …

Olympic Wrestling Roundup
Mark Lovejoy
Now that the Olympics have concluded, we can now catch up on our sleep by having irregular naps to match the irregular wrestling coverage we just witnessed.  I tried to watch the Games from Africa, so don’t whine to me about television coverage of the Olympics.  When we were able to actually watch wrestling on TV, I knew the results ahead of time, but it was worth watching the matches if only to hear my wife say …

“Sumo in Japan dates back at least 1,500 years, possibly more.  Matches were held at Shinto shrines, at festivals with music, dancing, drama, and other performances.  As early as the 7th century, regular sumo competitions took place at the imperial court, as entertainment for royalty.”
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I’m happy to have Andrew F. Freund, Trustee, US Sumo Federation as a guest contributor. He does an excellent jon describing the culture of sumo and how the sport has grown in the United States. –Tim

SUMO – Japan’s …

Turkish Wrestling is probably the most misunderstood traditional style in the world. Bodies are covered in oil and the outfit is just a bare chest and leather pants. Add-in rules that necessitate a liberal definition of personal space and you can see how some prejudices arise.
Some help for those of you who want a little insight.
(The term) “kispet,” were first adopted by Muslim wrestlers for reasons of modesty. Weighing about 12 kilograms, they are leather, custom made for the athlete and have …

It’s been a while since I’ve posted on the site. Apologies! Hopefully as the world gears up for the Olympic Games and begins inspecting their origins in Greece and their home countries, more information on traditional styles will be uncovered.
The following piece is from Scott T. Carroll, Assistant History Professor at Gordon College, who spent years researching the origin of Nubain wrestling, something he claims reaches back to the earliest records of Ancient Egypt and some of whose physical traditions …

The title of this article could have also read “World’s Largest Traditional Wrestling League Holds National Tournament”
This week, the NCAA — the self-righteous governing body of amateur  collegiate sports in America — is hosting the 82nd Annual NCAA Wrestling Tournament in St. Louis Missouri. The tournament is being covered by all types of national media, including the worldwide leader in sports (ESPN) who will broadcast every round for the first time in tournament history.
Of course this is a significant traditional wrestling …

Wrestling Roots’ most intrepid traveler has once again logged a unique wrestling experience and shared his experience with our readers. Slideshow of photos are at the bottom of the post — don’t miss out and be sure to comment!
-Tim
Before I try to put my thoughts into words, I just wanted to say a huge thank you to Ansuia Prasad for putting up with me, bringing me all over town, and buying me a half-dozen chai teas that are keeping me …