Is Wrestling the Toughest Sport In The World?


Is wrestling the toughest sport?

There are a ton of tough sports to choose from if you enjoy a challenge. But of all the sports out there many people would argue that the hardest sport is wrestling. But is this true? Is wrestling really the toughest sport in the world? 

Wrestling is one of the toughest sports in the world. It requires a combination of mental and physical determination, speed, and tactfulness. The best wrestlers train for hours on end with weights or at the gymnasiums until they are physically and mentally prepared for competition.

Personally, I would say that wrestling is in fact the toughest sport. Of course, there is no real way to prove this. But what I can do is give you the reasons that I think wrestling is the toughest sport in the world. 

Read on for more information on what makes wrestling challenging and tips on getting started in this sport.

Why Wrestling Is The Toughest Sport 

Some people might say that wrestling is not really a “sport,” but rather an event or form of martial arts. However, many would argue to the contrary and claim that wrestling requires more mental determination than any other physical activity.

For instance, wrestlers have to train their minds as well as their bodies to be successful. This is one of the many reasons I think wrestlers also do very well in MMA.

That being said, here are the key factors that make wrestling one of the most challenging sports:

Wrestling Requires Strength and Endurance

Wrestling requires a lot of physical strength and endurance: wrestlers have to carry their opponents throughout a match and keep them from pinning them down. For wrestlers to win and maintain bragging rights with other competitors afterward, they must endure multiple rounds against different people.

Many sports require you to have strength, and many sports require endurance. But to be a great wrestler you need to have both incredible strength and power as well as a well-conditioned cardiovascular system. 

Besides, wrestling is the only sport that does not allow substitutions on the fly.

Wrestling Requires Mental Strength and Determination

Wrestling requires mental strength and determination to succeed. For instance, wrestlers have to maintain their composure during intense matches in which they might feel dominated or frustrated.

Additionally, they must keep their concentration levels and focus in check to make strategic decisions that will ultimately lead to victory.

You Take a Beating From Opponents

Wrestlers have to take punishment from their opponents: they might be thrown to the ground and made to take a pinning position. They also have to endure being in holds that are meant to immobilize and cause pain and discomfort. In some cases, these can cause serious injuries.

The other factor is wrestlers don’t have any substitutes on the bench: they can only wrestle one match at a time until it’s over.

Many Wrestlers Cut Weight 

Some wrestlers are required to cut weight before matches to meet the requirements for their weight class.

In some cases, this is done through dehydration and in others by consuming a low-calorie diet. This can be dangerous to wrestlers’ health when done in an improper way. This is especially true when wrestlers cut weight through dehydration. Which of course, I do not recommend. 

That said, wrestling is full of many tough guys and girls that are willing to go to extreme measures to get an edge on their opponent. 

Wrestling Has A Tough Culture

Simply put wrestling comes from a culture of tough guys. The two most common styles of wrestling practiced in the United States are Folkstyle and Freestyle wrestling. Both of these styles were heavily influenced by English catch wrestling

Catch wrestling was a brutal style of submission wrestling practiced originally by English blue-collar workers. These wrestlers were as tough as they came with some matches resulting in serious injuries. Of course, these newer styles are not as extreme but the tough guy nature is still part of the culture. 

That said, in wrestling, just as in life: The winner is not always the one who has the most skill or talent. Instead, it’s usually determined by who can endure more and keep going despite obstacles like fatigue and injury.

How To Get Started in Wrestling

Despite its demanding nature, wrestling is one of the greatest sports to take up to develop character, discipline, and the confidence to take on the biggest challenges in life.

If you want to get started in this sport, here are the key steps to follow:

  1. Find a wrestling club near you. If there is one, the coach will have more information about getting started in this sport and what gear you need for it.
  2. Talk to the coach and find out about their requirements for starting. Once you find the club, it is essential to talk to them about their requirements for starting. There may be a certain level of wrestling that they will want new members to start at first, or there might not be any open spots for wrestlers. If this is the case, then look into getting in touch with another team nearby or join as a free member.
  3. Join a wrestling team or start your own. You may want to join a wrestling team or form your own if you can’t find one in your area. We recommend that you look for at least five interested people with the same skill level as you for this option.
  4. Start Learning. Once you’ve joined a team or have your own, learn the basics of wrestling. Learn from a coach and spend extra time at home learning online or through wrestling instructionals
  5. Practice with your teammates until you feel comfortable enough to wrestle in front of other people. This is an excellent way for beginners to get the experience they need before they compete in their first tournament.
  6. Get involved with the community by participating in matches and tournaments hosted by local organizations. This is a great way to meet people who share an interest in wrestling and a way to improve your skills. Notably, you might make friends with more experienced wrestlers and coaches who may mentor you in the sport, helping you build your skills.

Pro Tips

It would help to follow these guidelines throughout the steps above:

  • Know your limits. Wrestling is a demanding sport and knowing what you can handle is important
  • Be persistent. It takes time to get the hang of things, so be patient with yourself

How To Avoid Common Injuries in Wrestling

Do you want to avoid common injuries in wrestling? Follow these easy guidelines:

  • Get plenty of sleep each night, not just to avoid injuries but also for your overall health and wellness. Resting helps the body to recover after a workout or match.
  • Protect yourself from concussions by wearing headgear during practice sessions and games. This helps to lessen the impact of contact with another wrestler or practice partner. In this case, we recommend Cliff Keen Fusion headgear. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and lets you adjust its size for a great fit.
  • Warm up before working out by doing some light cardio, stretching, and rolling your neck. This will help you avoid burnout or overuse injuries that are common in wrestling. Take good care of yourself!

Tip: Also, eat healthy foods that provide adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Avoid processed or fast food for the most part; it’s typically high in fat content and not as nutritious as other options. Drink plenty of water.

Bottom Line

Wrestling is a tough sport, but anyone can become the best with the right training and mental discipline. In most cases, elite wrestlers train for hours on end with weights or at the gymnasiums until they are physically and mentally prepared for competition.

The emphasis on physicality in wrestling means that it takes time to build muscle mass or lose weight. But if you’re willing to put in hard work, nothing will stop you from reaching your ultimate goal. 

Joshua Paul

Joshua Paul is a BJJ purple belt who lives in Austin, Texas. Joshua loves all forms of grappling and when he is off the mats he is likely spending time with his wife and son.

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