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 …

High school and college wrestling seasons around the country are coming to an end over the next few weeks. To celebrate I’ve decided to share links to some of the best photographers in amateur wrestling. Enjoy the photos and be sure to leave a comment for any of the photographers you think did a particularly nice job.
Sorry for the lack of posts, I’ve been busy putting together a big announcement, so be sure to check back this week for more …

An excellent look inside what it takes for traditional wrestlers in America to transition their talents to Freestyle and Greco for the 2012 Olympics in London. Good luck to all the wrestlers getting ready for the Trials and their fulfillment of their life’s goals.

Ithaka Teaser from Zach Smart on Vimeo.

Here is a link to the InterMat Wrestling story recapping my experience wrestling at Midlands.
http://intermatwrestle.com/articles/9490

Mark L. recently entered a traditional Ethiopian wrestling tournament in Addis Ababa. The following recounts his adventure and thoughts on the style and what it means to the culture. Mark is the associate director of the Wrestling Roots Foundation.
Enjoy! — Tim
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In the West, when you greet someone, you shake hands.  In the Far East, the custom is to give a bow when greeting.  Living at the in-between point of the East and the West, Ethiopia, the greeting is sort of …

 
Midlands is only a few days away. The weight is good, the conditioning is the best it’ll be and I’m happy with my timing and technique while drilling. My family will be visiting and one of my brothers will be looking to stream and videotape the matches. Should it work, log on to the Facebook Page for Wrestling Roots and there should be a link. If not, the matches will be posted sometime Thursday evening.
I’m excited to feel what it’s …

I’m eating. I’m boozing. I’m weighing less than 184 lbs.
Christmas is only 11 days away and with no interest in conversations about self-imposed dietary restrictions with family and friends, I’m sticking to my intention to wrestle 184 at the Midlands tournament December 29th and 30th. Despite wanting to maintain my natural body weight, my numbers are dropping as I type, a symptom I’ve attributed to pre-tournament stress.
I have a lighthearted approach to this two-day tussle with the best wrestlers in …