Styles of Wrestling in Canada

In Canada there are three basic styles of wrestling practiced: Freestyle, Greco-Roman and Grappling.  Other traditional forms of wrestling, such as Inuit Style, are also practiced in Canada. These styles are not considered to be part of the Canadian Amateur Wrestling Association program.  The rules for wrestling events are basically modified versions of the rules as dictated by the FILA (Fédération Internationale des Luttes Associées) which is the international body that oversees wrestling.  In Canada the rules have been slightly modified for the safety of our younger athletes.  These modifications eliminate all of the high-amplitude/high-risk techniques for the Cadet and under age categories.

1: Freestyle

Freestyle is, by far, the predominant form of wrestling in Canada.  Freestyle is practiced by both men and women in a series of weight classes.  Freestyle allows all parts of the body to be used to execute techniques such as throws or takedowns.  Here are a couple techniques, courtesy of Youtube, that exemplify Freestyle wrestling.

2009 World Cup: Justine Bouchard (Can) vs. L. Meng (Chn) - 63Kg

2008 Canada Cup: (Can) Khetag Pliev 96Kg

2: Greco-Roman

More popular in Europe, Greco-Roman wrestling permits techniques to be performed only on the upper-body above the waist.  Practiced only by men, Greco-Roman is the more spectacular of the two styles resulting in a variety of exciting throws and lifts.  The following video's feature Greco-Roman wrestling.

2004 Olympics: Karam Gaber (Egy) - 96Kg

Greco-Roman Highlight Video

3: Grappling

Grappling has recently been adopted by the Canadian Amateur Wrestling Association and the Alberta Amateur Wrestling Association.  Grappling is a form of submission wrestling with a specific set of score rules.  Throws and take downs are scored much like in a freestyle wrestling match, but with the addition of joint-locks, submissions and chokes.

2009 World Grappling Championships - Shiela Bird (Can) Vs. Molly Helsel (USA) - 63Kg