bunch of blogs: Sports

High school wrestling follows the collegiate or ‘folk’ style. Its object is simple — to take control of the opponent and pin him to the ground, making sure that both his shoulder blades touch the mat. By keeping both of his opponent’s shoulders to the mat for two seconds, a wrestler wins the match.
A wrestler is in control when he is on top of his opponent. This position is referred to as the offensive position. The wrestler at the bottom is in the defensive position.
A wrestling match has three periods with each period lasting two minutes. If neither wrestler successfully pins his opponent to the mat within those periods, a winner is determined by scoring points. The wrestler with the most points wins.
Scoring
Points are earned in five ways:
1. The takedown – from the standing or neutral position, a wrestler grapples his opponent, pins him to the mat and controls him; worth 2 points. There are several types of takedowns: the single-leg drop, the double-leg, the snapdown, the arm drag and the fireman’s carry are some examples.
2. The escape – from a defensive position, a wrestler gets away and gets himself in the neutral position; worth 1 point.
3. The reversal – a defensive wrestler gains control of his opponent by placing himself on top. He can gain the offensive position whether he and his opponent are down on the mat or up on their feet; worth 2 points.
4. The near fall – as the name suggests, this is where the offensive wrestler almost gets or pins his opponent’s shoulders to the mat. There are four ways to earn the near fall:
a) the offensive wrestler holds down both his opponent’s shoulders 4” from the mat for 2 seconds; b) he pins one of his opponent’s shoulders down while the other shoulder maintains a 45 degree angle; c) he causes the defensive wrestler spring to a high bridge and d) the defensive wrestler leans back on his elbows.
A near fall that lasts two seconds earns 2 points while a 5-second near fall earns 3 points.
5. Through penalty points – a wrestler earns 1 or 2 points if his opponent commits certain violations like committing an illegal hold, grabbing clothing and headgear, stepping off the mat, exhibits flagrant misconduct, unnecessary roughness and the like.
For the first two penalties his opponent receives, a wrestler will be awarded with one point. The third penalty will get him two points. A wrestler wins the match if his opponent is penalized for the fourth time and gets penalized.

Escape is one of the ways for you to score a point, although it’s essentially better if you avoid having the need to do so in the first place. Judges award points to a wrestler when he’s able to escape – thus the name of the move – the hold of his opponent and back on his feet immediately.
Escapes are easier to do than reversals since your only aim is to win back your freedom; escapes however are slightly more difficult to accomplish than takedowns because an escape is basically a defensive move – which means you’re put in a position where you’re not in control – while a takedown is an offensive move.
Although you may find different rules detailing how to make an effective escape in wrestling, experience in the sport will later on make you realize that there are truly no rules in making escapes. The most important thing you have to remember when you need to make an escape is to keep your head at all times.
Tips Related to Wrestling Escapes
Although we’ve advised you to avoid allowing your opponent to get a controlling hold on you in the first place, that doesn’t mean you should stay far from your opponent all the time. If you don’t get close, you’ll never be able to make a score.
And even if you do get caught, you shouldn’t be afraid because that’s what escapes are for. After all, just because you’re temporarily caught by your opponent doesn’t automatically mean you’re the loser in the match.
Protect your head at all costs. This is the primary target zone in most offensive strategies. Move your head constantly, and make sure that it’s not within reach by your opponent. Keeping your head out of reach will prevent you from having the need to escape your opponent. After all, if your opponent doesn’t get a hold of your head, there’s nothing for you to escape from!
Always remember to force your opponent to wrestle in your style rather than the other way around. If both of you are wrestling against each other in your style, this will provide you with more openings to go to the offensive instead of having to perpetually rely on defensive stances like escapes.
Technique is always more important than strength alone. Don’t be worried about not making an escape if your opponent is heavier than you. When there’s a will, there’s a way. At the same time, for every offensive strategy, there’s always a counter or defensive strategy you can use.
When fighting and attempting to escape the hold of a heavier man, you need to find a way that will enable you to use his strength against him. And of course, remember to be light-footed!
When you do manage to free yourself from the hold of your opponent, don’t forget to get up immediately or else no points will be awarded to you.
Examples of Wrestling Escapes
The Matrix – This is best used when your opponent has a hold on you using offensive maneuvers such as the clothesline. To execute the matrix, you need to bridge your whole body in a reverse position. Secondly, you need to keep your hands down on the mat. This will help you prevent an attack or make an escape. It will also allow you to get back on your feet immediately.
The name is borrowed from a scene of a popular movie which showed actors bending back in extremely flexible motions. This move is also used in gymnastics and acrobatics, although it’s referred to in another term.
Bell Clap – This is an escape that’s easier to accomplish than the Matrix and is commonly scene in exhibition matches in leagues like those of World Wrestling Entertainment. To execute a bell clap, all you have to do is put a simultaneous slap on both ears of your enemy. Your movement will cause your opponent to lose their balance. When they do, that’s the time you should make an escape!
The bell clap is often used to escape from offensive moves such as the bear hug hold.
Although these tips seem easy to do on paper, participating in a real wrestling match will soon show you the error of your thoughts. Keep in mind however that practice makes perfect. Good luck on escaping to victory!

In the world of professional wrestling, the word turn is slang that can mean the plots or gimmicks resorted to by wrestlers to reignite the fans’ interest in them. One example is Hulk Hogan suddenly turning against long time partner Randy Savage in 1996. Also, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was a member of the much hated The Nation Of Domination before turning into the well loved “The Rock”.
In mainstream wrestling, the word turn means the blow or the attack maneuver used by the wrestler to gain control of the opponent and ultimately win the match. The wrestling matches we see today are mostly freestyle wrestling. In freestyle wrestling, all sorts of holds and throws are allowed.
That is why in freestyle wrestling, the wrestlers’ entire body is used for the competition. This permits a greater variety of movements and techniques. And yes, wrestling freestyle turns are adequately and colorfully named, unlike in other fighting sports that all they have are a jab, a punch and a hook.
Wrestling freestyle turns add flavor and charm to the sport. Freestyle turns has helped wrestling become a giant entertainment genre on its own. And sometimes, people are watching the moves rather than the wrestler himself.
Wrestling freestyle turns involve an assortment of martial arts maneuvers. Wrestling freestyle turns are performed on the mat or sometimes even while the wrestler is up in the air as in the case of the luchadores of Mexico. Take a look at some of wrestling freestyle turns.
Spinning Headlock Elbow Drop
Any elbow drop which is done after executing a headlock is referred to as the spinning headlock elbow drop. Sometimes a wrestler puts his opponent into a reverse face lock before turning 180°, and then knocking the opponent’s chest with his elbow driving the opponent down to the mat. Another derivation of this maneuver is made by the wrestler by making use of his whole arm rather than just his elbow.
Back Flip Kick
The wrestler stands with his opponent at his back. The wrestler then makes a back flip while standing and strikes the opponent’s head with one or both legs, with the wrestler landing on his hand or feet.
The Airplane Spin
Basically, the wrestler lifts and spins the opponent up in the air. The spinning around will make the opponent dizzy before the wrestler slams him on the mat. This move is a conventional finishing attack for many wrestlers.
Rolling Wheel Kick
The wrestler rolls on the mat headed for the opponent. The wrestler extends a leg on the last roll. The leg will hit the opponent. It is effective when it connects to the opponent’s back, chest or even face.
Flying Mare Take Down
This move is also referred to as the Flying Head Scissors. The wrestler stands near the opponent; the wrestler soon leaps into the air, catching the opponent’s head between the wrestler’s shins. The wrestler crosses his ankles to lock as he falls down pulling the opponent to the mat head first.
The Stun Gun
The wrestler faces the opponent while they are near the ropes. Wrestler then grabs the opponent’s waist, lifts and releases the opponent up in the air so that the opponent’s neck or chest lands badly on the ropes.
The Senton
The senton basically is a turn where the wrestler will jump over the opponent while falling backwards, thereby landing on the opponent back first. A slight adaptation of the senton technique is seen when the wrestler makes a somersault in the air to land on the opponent back first.
The Suplex
The suplex is one of the most famous moves in wrestling matches. Here the wrestler stands facing the opponent while grabbing the latter’s midsection with both arms. In a flowing motion, the wrestler brings the opponent up into the air while revolving to one side and going down the mat. The opponent should thump down underneath the wrestler.
Another suplex approach is performed when the wrestler places his opponent in a front face lock and in one swift movement, throws the opponent’s arm behind his neck. The wrestler then takes one of the opponent’s legs by the knee; and flexes backwards to throw the opponent over and behind him in a continuous vertical curve, resulting in the opponent hitting the mat back first.
These are just a few examples of wrestling freestyle turns. While people see them being performed during matches, it is a good thing to remember that these moves should never be done at home especially by kids.

Does your ideal job involve facing off against the likes of The Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin? Has it always been your ambition to beat people up while wearing a crazy costume? If you’re dreaming of becoming a pro wrestler, here are some tips on making it in the ring.
• Go to a wrestling school. A number of former and current pro wrestlers, such as Shawn Michaels, operate wrestling schools where you will learn all the tricks of the trade. Some wrestling schools can help you find work as a pro wrestler, not only in the United States but in other countries as well. Countries such as Japan often ask around at wrestling schools when they need wrestlers.
• Do your homework before choosing a wrestling school. Look for a wrestling school with facilities of reasonable quality and training programs that cover various aspects of the wrestling industry. A good wrestling school will teach you everything you need to know to be a successful pro wrestler. Remember, wrestling isn’t about fighting alone. It’s a form of entertainment. You have to learn to be a good entertainer.
• Follow the advice of your wrestling coaches. They can teach you not only about moves but also about how to build your muscles through correct nutrition and weight training. A good wrestling school will also teach you how to avoid injury.
• Take care of your overall health. Wrestling takes a heavy toll on your body, not only on your muscles but also on your bones and joints. Get regular physical checkups and make sure that you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals as well as enough rest. Avoid smoking and excessive drinking. While wrestlers do their best to avoid causing injury to themselves and their opponents, accidents do happen. If you’re not healthy, you might develop complications from an injury, or your injuries might not heal as quickly and as thoroughly as they should. The healthier your habits, the less likely you are to develop a permanently disabling condition.
• Keep it in the ring. Don’t go out and challenge people to brawls, whether in jest or in seriousness. You might injure yourself for nothing.
• Be prepared for the pain. Even though the outcome of each match has been determined beforehand, the pain that wrestlers experience is genuine. Many pro wrestlers never get used to the pain they suffer during and after matches. If you really want to be a pro wrestler, you’d better be ready for some hurting.

Wrestling is among the few sports that hold no bias against the size of men competing in it. Any man of any height and weight can compete in wrestling. Wrestling demands stamina, concentration, nimbleness and sheer wit in order for an individual to excellently compete in it.
However, wrestlers have the perception that they do battle more advantageously if their body weight levels are low. Prohibited weight loss techniques abound in wrestling circuits such as crash dieting, use of laxatives, and consumption of diuretic agents. These methods often result in poor performance, dehydration, heart illness and even death.
Reconciling the need for low body weight and the necessity of peak performance isn’t an easy task. Wrestlers often use food supplements that proliferate in health shops and markets. The problem is many of these supplements aren’t proven to deliver the results promised. So how can wrestlers control their weight to a minimum and still sustain top performance?
Wrestlers should know that there are only two scientifically accurate means of achieving the best physical condition. The first is dedicated practice. The second, and the more important one, is implementing the right nutritional plan.
A wrestler should determine the number of calories his body requires; this number will be the basis of the amount of food to be eaten. It is imperative that the caloric intake should be balanced between three sources namely: proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
These three nutrient sources play a pivotal role in putting the wrestler in his peak performance level. Many would focus only on the proteins and carbohydrates. They fail to realize that fats are a great source of energy as well; totally discarding fat in one’s diet can seriously damage performance level and other physical functions.
A wrestler’s nutrition program should include a lot of carbohydrates to sustain energy. Carbohydrates can be found in foods that have starch as well as fruits and vegetables. A controlled amount of protein is needed to build muscles; it is abundant in meats, soybeans, and dairy products. A moderate amount of fat helps coordinate body functions and carry nutrients to the tissues.
To top these nutrient sources, a wrestler should drink plenty of fluids. Keeping the body well hydrated is essential in repairing damaged muscles and preventing muscular injuries. Fresh fruit juices are great for holding off dehydration and sports drinks are excellent sources of electrolytes. Electrolytes are responsible for carrying electrical charges to the tissue cells; hence, keeping a wrestler alert.

Thinking of testing your skills at a mixed wrestling match? Read these tips first before you do.
Don’t come unprepared.
If you think getting grappled and taken down is fun, think again. Wrestling is a sport and even mixed wrestling is either semi-competitive or competitive. Don’t go in unless you are fully aware of what it involves. If you’re a man and thinking that you can beat up the ladies a bit, you’d be surprised. And if you’re a woman thinking the man will treat you like a china doll think again.
At least be fit.
Mixed wrestling will require your strength, so having some sort of fitness regimen before going in would be a good idea. Regardless of your gender, you will benefit greatly if you’re healthy and in shape to begin with.
Be clear about limitations.
Before a session, be straightforward about what you and your partner are willing to do. Your partner might not appreciate surprises and neither would you. Don’t be afraid to say no if a certain condition isn’t to your liking.
Mixed wrestling is exciting, but it doesn’t have anything to do with sex. Don’t expect your partner to engage in sexual conduct and don’t offer either. Mixed wrestling is still wrestling after all, and it is all about control, nothing else.
Type of session
There are three different types of mixed wrestling sessions: competitive, semi-competitive and fantasy. A competitive session requires both the man and woman to try to dominate each other through pins and submissions.
A semi-competitive session is where a man attempts limited resistance and allows the woman to take control while a fantasy session is where a man either does not resist or offers little resistance. This type of session is the easiest for most women.
What to expect
Expect to be knocked around a little bit. Mixed wrestling requires physical effort and will involve some pinning, holding, pushing, rolling and applying locks. There are, however, some no-nos like hair pulling, eye gouging or hitting private parts, etc.
Some sessions aren’t free and there is a standard set per hour, although amounts vary. Accomplished wrestlers may even charge more.
While mixed wrestlers attempt to dominate each other, don’t expect to be declared a winner. In mixed wrestling, it isn’t established.
Other sports that can help you improve your mixed wrestling skills are boxing, judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. All these sports except for boxing, will improve your grappling, holding and pinning techniques while boxing will help you get used to a mixed sport while increasing your fitness level.

Specific training for wrestling is needed because wrestling necessitates the whole body to work beyond its threshold. It is vital to train properly to have a lasting supply of energy in the body which is needed to achieve a peak performance during competition. It is recommended that training be continuous and in regular intervals to simulate the strength of the body. Proper training and trainees go hand in hand to achieve a good outcome.
Following are three suggested trainings for wrestling:
1. Training at a home school. This training will involve nutrition, wrestling moves, building muscles; generally, the whole wrestling business. Under this training are Anaerobic-aerobic exercises. One example is sprint jogging.
2. Ring training. Training inside the ring; can be done through engaging in a live wrestling match at regular intervals.
3. Show Training. This is conducted through watching live shows like WWE. Through this, the students get ideas and techniques from the real wrestling match.
There are several wrestling academy and training schools which offer sessions of work outs for all people who want to engage in this kind of sport. Listed below are some of the examples:
1. Elite Wrestling Academy or EWA. Enrollees will be signing insurance papers before they can get into the training. There are available trainees who can fit to whatever size, age and weight of a person. They are accepting anyone from 18 to 50 years of age. The level of training will increase per week depending on the person’s capability.
2. The Blake Wrestling Training Center, situated in Lambert Field house is another training center which caters not only to individuals but teams. They have new wrestling facilities and a more spacious arena and resources for team practices.
3. Wild Samoan Pro Wrestling Training Center. The center is located in Pennsylvania and has been operating for twenty years. The school offers courses for people who want to be professional wrestlers, managers, referees and valets for those round girls inside the ring. Trainings will last for six months at a minimum. The center also offers out of school trainings. A graduation certificate is given after the course; assistance for promotion in the internet and magazines is also incorporated in the training course.
These training centers are a few of the worldwide schools available for wrestling. There are those located in Atlanta, Denver, Massachusetts, etc.
When a person decides to get into any sports, it requires proper training and exercise. Being into wrestling requires double the effort to endure the hard and laborious training needed for muscle toning, energy increase and stamina. Being a professional wrestler therefore equates hard work and discipline in and out the ring.

WWE, in spite of its monicker change, continues to take the United States, and dozens of other countries, by storm. It was in World Wrestling Entertainments that wrestlers turned Hollywood superstars such as The Rock (Dwayne Johnson) and Steve Austin had their first taste of fame. Today, WWE continues to allow young stars to shine and have an opportunity to stand beside legends such as Hulk Hogan and Big Show.
WWE Goes Competitive on Monday Night Raw
Monday Night Raw was one of the most successful moves that Vince Macmahon Jr., head honcho of WWE, then known as World Wrestling Federation (WWF), implemented to counter the program strategies made by its #1 opponent in the wrestling industry, World Continental Wrestling (WCW), and which was owned by media mogul Ted Turner.
Unlike in other segments of WWE, Monday Night Raw allowed famous wrestling stars to go head to head rather than the usual star versus nonentity clash. Monday Night Raw, however, later had to share ratings with WCW because of Monday Nitro, which showcased the warmly received return of retired superstar Hulk Hogan.
One Shot for the Championship: WWE’s Royal Rumble
The Royal Rumble is one of the most anticipated events in the WWE. In this event, thirty wrestlers enter the ring one by one every one minute. The goal is to toss out other competitors from the ring. If a wrestler still manages to cling to the ring even by one finger, he’s still in. The last man to remain standing will be awarded with a bout with the present WWE champion for his title.
The Past, the Present, and the Future of WWE
Vince McMahon and Eric Bischoff are managers-turned-wrestlers with God-like roles in the WWE. Holk Hogan is still a favorite of all wrestling fans. Brett Hart is still a hero in everyone’s eyes. At present, the likes of The Rock, Batista, Triple H, and John Cena have strong followings. They won’t rest on their laurels however as there are other stars on the rise in WWE.
What makes WWE exciting is how anything’s simply possible. Alliances are formed and enemies are reunited in a blink of an eye. Young and old talents alike are given equal opportunities to shine. Better yet, WWE understands the need of both their organization and the fans to give credit where it’s due, hence the tribute to ring celebrities like Mick Foley (aka Mankind). The entry of WWE divas only makes the fights better.
The way things are going in the WWE, fans can’t afford to miss one second of the excitement!

Wrestling is indeed making waves not only in the television industry but as well as in schools of martial arts. Men of different ages are being hooked on wrestling mania. So where can we possibly find cheap wrestling stores which offer a wide array of wrestling stuffs?
Try searching online for the best stores which offers not only inexpensive but good quality wrestling products. Wrestlingmall.com is one of the best online stores which offer almost everything the wrestler needs. They have bags, shoes, shirts, accessories, and even trophies. Isn’t that amazing?
You can also try searching for some wrestling stuff on eBay. You can get great bargains here since they’re lowered in price. The best thing about it is that there are some second hand items that you can purchase with the same quality for an even lower price.
The Ciao Shopping Intelligence is an online store which offers wrestling videos. The site provides reviews on different videos which can help viewers decide what to buy. It also has item comparison which makes the site one of the best online shops.
If you’re looking for action figures, try checking bizrate because they offer some of the best items from different stores on the market. They have wrestling rings and wrestler’s action figures such as Kane, Eddie Guerrero, Triple H, Chris Benoit and so much more.
Want to get good wrestling shoes but you’re on a tight budget? Try browsing on www.weplay.com which offers quality shoes for a low price. They have brands from Adidas and Asics that are discounted in price.
Good news for those people who dream of wearing a wrestling belt because replicas or imitations of title belts are now being sold. Try high spots’ online store and Amazon.com which offers some cool toy belts for kids who also want one.
For unique mats for wrestling, wrestlingone.com offers mat customization. You don’t need to be stuck with boring mats or mats that are being used by many. Now you can have a wrestling mat that will suit your style and taste.
Some wrestling stores also offer collectibles for the fanatics of wrestling. Some of these stores are naxcom.com and msn shopping. They offer autographs, magazines, limited action figures and as well as wrestling cards.
There are so many wrestling stores that are sprouting everywhere. Even the internet has been invaded by these businessmen. You just have to be patient in looking for these great stores which offers great deals and quality items. Enjoy hunting for one!

Wrestling is an intense sport. There are no weapons used in order to win the match just the power and strength of the body.
Accidents may happen in wrestling such as a broken noses, a bruise on the head or a fracture. This has prompted governing bodies to require athletes to use protective gear during practice and in the match.
1. One of the things to protect the mouth is called the mouth guard. This is also used in boxing and football to prevent the teeth or lips from being hit during the fight. These are affordable and costs less than $2 a piece when bought from a sporting goods store.
2. Another item to protect the scalp, chin and ears is the helmet. This is made of hard plastic and comes in different colors and models.
There is an adjustable strap at the bottom, which can fit the size of anyone’s head. The person can get one for $16 while there are others that will cost a little more.
3. Wrestlers usually wear a suit called a Singlet. These are usually made of polyester and Lycra so that it can stretch.
This is very similar to the outfit worn by swimmers and is breathable so you won’t get dehydrated while wearing it. The price for one of these on the market is from $28 to $38.
4. Aside from the helmet and mouth guard, there are also pads available for the elbows, knees, ankles and feet. These will cost less than $20 a piece, which will come in handy when wrestling on the mat.
5. Footwear is also important in a match so the player won’t slip during the match. There are various brands to choose from such as Asics and Matman, which are available in different sizes and colors.
The price for one of these is from $55 to almost a $100. It is best to test fit it to check if it will work in practice and during the competition. In both venues, athletes are required to wear socks with the shoes.
These items are all available at sporting goods stores but if the price is a bit expensive, perhaps it would be a good idea to buy online. Some of these online retailers might charge for shipping and delivery but this is a small price to pay for safety in the ring.