Alistair Overeem and Badr Hari closed the book on their rivalry that spanned more than a decade on Saturday. The two heavyweights stepped inside the ring for their highly-anticipated trilogy bout as the main event of GLORY: Collision 4. The two behemoths met for the first time in 2008 with Overeem scoring a first-round knockout […]
Alistair Overeem and Badr Hari closed the book on their rivalry that spanned more than a decade on Saturday. The two heavyweights stepped inside the ring for their highly-anticipated trilogy bout as the main event of GLORY: Collision 4.
The two behemoths met for the first time in 2008 with Overeem scoring a first-round knockout upset. A year later the two would meet again in the K-1 World Grand Prix semi-finals. On that night, Hari evened the score with a TKO over the former Strikeforce heavyweight. champion. In their third meeting on Saturday night, Hari stepped into the ring as the general consensus favorite over his 42-year-old rival.
Alistair Overeem immediately comes out swinging big but eats a big counter right from Hari that sends him backward. Overeem moves in again with a big 1-2. Overeem is dropping his head as he looks for the big knockout shot early, but Hari is dodging and countering. Overeem continues the aggression, throwing unorthodox strikes reminiscent of a barroom brawler. Hari lands a nasty inside leg kick on Overeem. Then another. The round comes to an end with Hari landing another solid leg kick.
Overeem comes out equally aggressive in the second, but a low blow to Hari briefly pauses the action. Overeem lumbers forward and eats another nasty leg kick. Overeem appears to be losing steam as he moves forward but is unable to let the hands go as Hari picks him apart. Overeem throws a leg kick of his own but eats a right for his trouble. The two clinch up bringing a close to the second.
Hari opens the third with a low kick. Overeem moves in quickly with a jab but is immediately clinched by Hari. Overeem lands a 1-2 followed by a knee to the body. Hari returns fire with a big body shot. Overeem begins to swarm Hari, throwing heavy shots, and drops Hari with a right hand. Hari answers the count and Overeem swarms in, putting Hari on the canvas once again with a flurry of strikes. Hari again answers the count but is unable to muster a comeback as the round comes to a close.
Official Result: Alistair Overeem defeats Badr Hari via unanimous decision (29-26, 28-27, 28-27, 28-27, 28-27) to win the highly-entertaining trilogy bout at GLORY: Collision 4.
Check Out Highlights From Alistair Overeem and Badr Hari Below:
The most popular and most practiced form of wrestling in the world by far is freestyle wrestling. Along with Greco Roman wrestling, it is the only other form of wrestling that is an Olympic sport. Let’s dive into the history of freestyle wrestling and see how it became the world’s most practiced style of wrestling. […]
The most popular and most practiced form of wrestling in the world by far is freestyle wrestling. Along with Greco Roman wrestling, it is the only other form of wrestling that is an Olympic sport.
Let’s dive into the history of freestyle wrestling and see how it became the world’s most practiced style of wrestling. Going over how it grew after becoming an Olympic sport and an overview of the style.
The history of freestyle wrestling
Freestyle wrestling’s development in the late 1800s
Freestyle wrestling is only a little over a century old. It was developed off of numerous styles of wrestling that were practiced in Europe.
Some of the most influential styles of wrestling that helped form freestyle were catch wrestling, Lancashire wrestling, and Irish collar wrestling.
Many practitioners of these styles would travel to the US and practice against one another. When the US Civil War ended was when freestyle wrestling really started to form.
It took many of the techniques from catch wrestling, as well as Lancashire wrestling. The all fours or turtle position would be adopted from Irish collar wrestling.
During the 1880s, many US cities started to hold wrestling tournaments. Freestyle wrestling would be one of the main forms of wrestling done at these competitions.
The style paled in comparison to Greco Roman wrestling during this time, but would slowly start to gain traction.
Freestyle wrestling becomes an Olympic sport
In 1896, Greco Roman style wrestling would be the first style of wrestling included into the Olympic Games. When the Olympic Games were to be held in 1904, the committee wanted to add another wrestling style.
They were initially going to add catch wrestling, but would omit the style at the last minute. Mainly because submissions were included in catch wrestling and the Olympics didn’t want them used.
This left an opening, which freestyle wrestling filled, which was exactly what the Olympic committee was looking for. Freestyle wrestling would make its debut in 1904.
The only competitors were 40 American wrestlers, but the rest of the world would catch on to freestyle wrestling.
The UWW creates official freestyle wrestling rules
After an impressive debut at the Olympics, the number of athletes participating in freestyle wrestling would grow dramatically. This would lead the United World Wrestling committee(UWW) to create an official rule set for freestyle wrestling.
They created and drafted their rules in 1921, which the Amateur Athletic Union(AAU) would also adopt.
A freestyle wrestling point system was created
Twenty years after the adoption of the freestyle wrestling formats, a point system would be created. The person responsible for coming up with the point system was Oklahoma State wrestling coach Art Griffith.
Coach Griffith introduced his point system to the UWW and AAU, which were accepted. All freestyle wrestling tournaments both national and international would go by Griffith’s point system.
The first freestyle wrestling world championship
Almost fifty years after freestyle wrestling made its Olympic debut in 1904, the first freestyle wrestling championship would be held. United World Wrestling held the first freestyle world championship tournament in Helsinki, Finland in 1951.
That year, Turkey would win the first world team championship.
Freestyle wrestling took over
Over time, freestyle wrestling surpassed Greco Roman wrestling as the practiced and popular form of wrestling. Today, all young wrestlers dream of winning world titles in freestyle wrestling.
The rules of freestyle wrestling
No striking
Takedowns from the head to toes are permitted
Permitted techniques: single legs, double legs, throws, suplexes, and trips
The goal of a match is to pin your opponent or win by points
The format of a freestyle wrestling match
3 periods
Each rounds is 2 minutes long
30 second rest between each round
Two wrestlers start the match from standing and later go into riding positions.
Ways to win in freestyle wrestling match
Pin
Technical Fall
Points
Default
Disqualification
The freestyle wrestling point system
Takedowns: (2-5 points) Five points being a perfect takedown to a near pin position. Four position is a perfect takedown, but not to a near pin position. Three points is a takedown at a shorter amplitude to a near pin position. Two points is a short amplitude takedown, where an opponent does not land in a near fall position.
Reversals: 1 point
Exposure: (2-3 points) Three points is awarded when an opponent’s back is on the mat for several seconds and two for a shorter time.
Penalty: (1-2 points) Depending on the penalty and if it’s a first or second offense.
Out of bounds: 1 point
Passivity: 1 point
The format of weigh-ins in freestyle wrestling
All weigh-ins are done on the same day of competitions like with any other style of wrestling. In Olympic freestyle wrestling, competitors must weigh in two hours before their match
Henry Cejudo: Henry Cejudo is one of the most successful combat sports athletes of all time. Winning Olympic gold in freestyle wrestling and two UFC championships in two different weight classes.
Daniel Cormier: Cormier was a six time US national freestyle champion before winning multiple UFC titles in MMA.
Sara McMann: Sara McMaan was the first US woman to medal at the Olympics before having a successful MMA career.
Kevin Jackson: Kevin Jackson was one of the first Olympic gold medalists to fight in the UFC. He won the UFC 14 light heavyweight tournament and retired with a record of 4-2.
Mark Schultz: The Olympic gold medalist fought in the UFC one time in 1996. Beating Gary Goodridge by TKO.
Yoel Romero: Yoel Romero won numerous championships in freestyle wrestling and an Olympic silver medal before transitioning to MMA.
The two most practiced forms of wrestling in the world are freestyle wrestling and Greco Roman wrestling. Two styles of wrestling that are currently the only ones that are officially an Olympic sport. They both get compared to the other a lot and while they do have some similarities, they are very different. Here is […]
The two most practiced forms of wrestling in the world are freestyle wrestling and Greco Roman wrestling. Two styles of wrestling that are currently the only ones that are officially an Olympic sport.
They both get compared to the other a lot and while they do have some similarities, they are very different. Here is everything you need to know about freestyle wrestling vs Greco Roman wrestling.
We’ll detail the history of each wrestling style and see how they compare between rules, point systems, and ways to win.
The history of freestyle wrestling vs Greco Roman wrestling
Both freestyle and Greco roman wrestling seem like they’re older than they are, but each style is around the same age. They just had different paths to being developed.
The history of Greco Roman Wrestling
Greco Roman wrestling was developed during the late 18th century in Europe. The person credited with developing this style of wrestler was a French soldier named Jean Exbrayat.
After serving in the French army, Exbrayat would wrestle in fairs and traveling carnivals throughout France. Laying down open challenges to anyone that wanted to test his wrestling skills.
He began developing his own style of wrestling that he called French wrestling or open hand wrestling Exbrayat would begin altering the rules for his style of wrestling to set it apart from other styles.
In his style, you could only do takedowns above the waist and no submissions were allowed. His style of wrestling became quite popular in Europe.
A Greek wrestler named Basilio Bartoletti coined the term Greco Roman wrestling. Although modern Greco Roman wrestling is nothing like ancient Greek wrestling.
Either way, the name stuck and this style of wrestling became widely popular in Europe. This would lead Greco Roman wrestling to become one of the first Olympic sports in 1896.
The history of freestyle wrestling
Freestyle wrestling started to be developed a little after Greco Roman wrestling was being created. It was mainly based off of catch as catch can wrestling and other types of wrestling like Irish Collar wrestling.
The rules of freestyle would be a bit different than catch as submissions were deemed illegal. An all fours or turtle position was established whereas it wasn’t used in catch wrestling.
This style of wrestling would grow slowly, but pale in comparison to the growth of Greco Roman wrestling.
Freestyle wrestling would grow in popularity thanks to becoming an Olympic sport in 1904. Catch wrestling was actually supposed to become an Olympic sport, but was excluded due to submissions.
The rules were altered to exclude submissions and that’s how freestyle wrestling became an Olympic sport. Freestyle wrestling would ride this wave of momentum and become incredibly popular.
In the last century it has surpassed Greco Roman as the most popular and practiced form of wrestling in the world. Almost every country in the world practices freestyle wrestling and aims to win gold at every Olympic and world championship.
The match formats of freestyle wrestling vs Greco Roman wrestling
Freestyle and Greco Roman wrestling actually have the same match format.
3 periods
2 minutes a piece
30 second break between rounds
Win by pins, technical fall, or points
The point systems of freestyle wrestling vs Greco Roman wrestling
Freestyle wrestling point system
Takedown with no back exposure: 1 point
Takedown below the waist with back exposure: 3 points
A throw from the feet to the floor with back exposure: 3-5 points
Nearfalls: 1 point
Turning opponent’s shoulders to the mat: 1/2 point
Pushouts or stepping out of bounds: 1 point
Greco Roman wrestling point system
Takedown with no back exposure: 1 point
Takedowns below the waist: Illegal
Takedowns from the feet to the back: 3-5 points
Nearfall: 1 point
Turning opponent’s shoulders to the mat: 1/2 point
Escape: 1 point
Pushout or step out of bounds: 1 point
Ways to win in freestyle wrestling vs Greco Roman Wrestling
Ways to win in freestyle wrestling
Pin
Technical Fall
Points
Default
Disqualification
Ways to win in Greco Roman Wrestling
Pin
Technical Fall
Points
Default
Disqualification
The similarities between freestyle wrestling and Greco Roman wrestling
While freestyle and Greco Roman wrestling do seem very different, the two styles do have some similarities between each other. Here are some of the most notable similarities that the two styles of wrestling share.
Same match formats
Both freestyle and Greco Roman wrestling have the same match formats. Two periods of three minutes with a thirty second break in between.
They start in a neutral position and then each wrestler starts in a dominant riding position in the second round.
Same ways to win
The methods of victory are the same in both styles of wrestling. Pin technical fall, points, default, or disqualification.
Rules for locking hands
You can lock your hands together on an opponent at any point during either type of match. This is different than in folkstyle wrestling, where you can only lock your hands during pin attempts.
Technical Superiority
You can win in both styles of wrestling by gaining a six point lead on your opponent at any point of a match.
Both are Olympic sports
Both freestyle and Greco Roman wrestling are both official Olympic sports. They are the only styles of wrestling to have this honor.
The difference between freestyle wrestling and Greco Roman wrestling
Freestyle and Greco Roman wrestling have one big difference and that is the rules of their competition. In freestyle wrestling, you can take your opponent down by attacking their upper or lower body.
Greco Roman’s rules state that wrestlers can only do techniques from the waist up. Making sprawls non-existent within Greco Roman wrestling.
How has freestyle and Greco Roman wrestling affected MMA
Wrestling as a whole, which includes freestyle and Greco Roman changed the landscape of MMA. They showed the importance of knowing how to land takedowns, defend them, and control an opponent on the ground.
Statistically, there have been more wrestlers to win championships than any other fighting discipline. A fighter with a background in either freestyle or Greco Roman wrestling will have an advantage over their competition.
When you watch an MMA event, you’ll often hear that a fighter has a background in folkstyle wrestling. Some newer fans know what wrestling is, but not exactly what folkstyle wrestling is. That is why we made this write up going over the sport of folkstyle (collegiate) wrestling. Going over how this style of wrestling […]
When you watch an MMA event, you’ll often hear that a fighter has a background in folkstyle wrestling. Some newer fans know what wrestling is, but not exactly what folkstyle wrestling is.
That is why we made this write up going over the sport of folkstyle (collegiate) wrestling. Going over how this style of wrestling was developed and the rules of the sport.
What is folkstyle wrestling?
Folkstyle wrestling or collegiate wrestling is the style of wrestling that is primarily practiced in the US. It is the style of wrestling used with college, high school, and youth wrestling.
Every top American MMA fighter with a background in wrestling has participated in this form of wrestling in their lives.
The history of folkstyle wrestling
The development of folkstyle (collegiate wrestling) began 300 years before the style was developed in American universities. European settlers that practiced various types of wrestling settled in North America. Even native Americans practiced their own style of wrestling.
These groups of people would routinely have contests within their settlements.
Wrestling becomes a spectator sport
By the 18th century, many of the best wrestlers from these different styles would begin competing against each other. Creating competitions and agreeing upon different rule sets.
Wrestling was becoming a spectator sport that was among the most popular sports to watch during this time. Even many of the US presidents were accomplished grapplers that practiced early folkstyle and catch wrestling.
The first folkstyle wrestling meet
By the 1900s, wrestling had become a sport that was quickly growing in cities throughout the US. Especially in the midwest and northeast regions, where they were the most competitive.
In 1903, the first dual meet between Yale and Columbia University was held under an early set of folkstyle rules. After this event, the first college wrestling tournament was held in 1905 by the Eastern Collegiate Wrestling Association.
Soon universities from all over the country began adding wrestling teams at their schools. Then in 1930, there were enough college wrestling teams for the NCAA to hold the first national championship wrestling tournament.
It would become the most popular form of wrestling in the country. High schools and youth wrestling would also adopt the same rulesets that were used in college.
Today, folk style (collegiate wrestling) is still the most popular form of wrestling in the country. Thousands of spectators flock to see the biggest tournaments of the year during wrestling season.
Folkstyle wrestling format
The format of a folkstyle wrestling match is broken into three periods. The first period is three minutes long, while the last period is two minutes long.
First Period: Wrestlers start from a neutral position, where both competitors start from standing. They will try to take the other down and score as many points before time expires.
Second Period: In the second period, each wrestler is given their choice of where they want to start the match. If there is no pin, technical fall, or DQ, the match will continue into the third period.
Third Period: Same format as the second period. The only difference is the other wrestler gets to choose the starting position.
Folkstyle wrestling rules
To pin an opponent you must hold their shoulders to the mat for two seconds.
You can only lock your hands together when trying to go for a pin, but not while riding.
Another way to end your match early other than pin or technical fall is technical superiority. Gaining a 15 point lead on your opponent.
You can lose a point by stalling or fleeing the mat after a ref’s warning.
Folkstyle wrestling point system
Takedowns(All Takedowns): 2 Points
Near Fall: 2 points for a hold at 2-4 seconds and 3 points for a hold of 5 seconds. All holds must be held at a 45 degree angle.
Escapes: 1 Point
Reversal: Points
Technical Superiority: 15 Points
Ways to win in Folkstyle wrestling
Pinfall
Technical Fall
Technical Superiority(15 points)
Points
Judge’s Decision
Disqualification
Default
Folkstyle wrestling weight classes
Men’s weight classes:
125 lb (56.9 kg)
133 lb (60.3 kg)
141 lb (63.9 kg)
149 lb (67.58 kg)
157 lb (71.2 kg)
165 lb (74.84 kg)
174 lb (78.9 kg)
184 lb (83.4 kg)
197 lb (89.3 kg)
285 lb (129.2 kg)
Women’s weight classes:
105 lb (47.6 kg)
112 lb (50.8 kg)
121 lb (54.8 kg)
130 lb (58.9 kg)
139 lb (63 kg)
148 lb (67 kg)
159 lb (72 kg)
200 lb (90.7 kg)
The difference between folkstyle and international wrestling styles
There are some big differences between collegiate (folkstyle) wrestling and international wrestling styles like freestyle and Greco Roman. Here are some of the biggest differences between these styles of wrestling.
Exposure points
To be awarded exposure points in folk wrestling, the rules are different from freestyle wrestling. One shoulder must be on the mat, while the other is forced to the mat at an angle of 45 degrees. This position must be held for 2-5 seconds to be awarded points.
De-emphasis on throws
In folkstyle, wrestlers are de-emphasized from doing throws or any type of maneuver where their opponent is lifted off their feet. What is more emphasized is the control and dominance on the mat.
Points for takedowns
All takedowns in folkstyle no matter how perfect are all 2 points. In Greco or freestyle wrestling, a wrestler could earn 2-5 points depending on how good their takedown was.
Pins
To win by pin in folkstyle wrestling, a competitor must hold their opponent’s shoulders to the mat for 2 seconds. In freestyle and Greco Roman wrestling, you only have to hold a pin for one second.
Is folkstyle(collegiate) wrestling effective in MMA
MMA fighters with folkstyle(collegiate) style wrestlers are among the most successful fighters in MMA. They prove that you must have wrestling abilities in order to be successful in the sport.
There have been more collegiate wrestlers that have been MMA champions than fighters of any other background.
Notable MMA fighters with folkstyle wrestling backgrounds
The list could go on and on if we list every high level MMA fighter with a background in folkstyle wrestling. So, we’ll just list some of the most notable fighters that have folkstyle wrestling backgrounds.
Ben Askren: Ben Askren was one of the most highly touted folkstyle wrestlers before entering MMA. He won two major MMA championships before retiring due to hip issues.
Daniel Cormier: Daniel Cormier was a six time US national champion before transitioning into MMA. Using his wrestling ability to become one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time.
Phil Davis: Phil Davis was a national college wrestling champion in folkstyle before going into MMA. He fought in the UFC and is the former Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion.
Kamaru Usman: Kamaru Usman was a national champion wrestler before becoming the reigning and defending UFC Welterweight Champion.
Matt Hughes: Matt Hughes is considered one of the greatest welterweight fighters of all time. Showing the importance of knowing wrestling in MMA as he won multiple welterweight titles.
Chris Weidman: Before Chris Weidman became the UFC Middleweight Champion, he placed second at the NCAA Championship in 2010.
Greco Roman wrestling is one of the most practiced styles of wrestling in the world. Along with freestyle wrestling, Greco Roman wrestling is the only other style of wrestling that’s an Olympic sport. Here is everything that you need to know about Greco Roman wrestling. We’ll go over how it was developed and go over […]
Greco Roman wrestling is one of the most practiced styles of wrestling in the world. Along with freestyle wrestling, Greco Roman wrestling is the only other style of wrestling that’s an Olympic sport.
Here is everything that you need to know about Greco Roman wrestling. We’ll go over how it was developed and go over the rule set of the sport.
We also listed some of the most notable MMA fighters that were also accomplished Greco Roman wrestlers.
The history of Greco Roman wrestling
While some might believe that Greco Roman wrestling is an ancient form of wrestling from the name, it isn’t. This style of wrestling was actually developed in France during the late 1800s.
The wrestler credited with coming up with Greco Roman Wrestler was Jean Exbrayat. A French soldier that was one of the most accomplished wrestlers within the French army.
After serving in the French army, Exbrayat would wrestle in French carnivals and fairs throughout the country. Displaying his excellent wrestling skills and taking on anyone that wished to test his skills.
As Exbrayat did this, he would begin developing his own style of wrestling. One that he would call “Flat Hand Wrestling” or “French Wrestling.”
Exbrayat also established rules for his style to differentiate it from other styles of folk wrestling. You could only perform takedowns above your opponent’s waist and submissions were not allowed.
Greco Roman wrestling is shared throughout Europe
Since Exbrayat was a traveler, he was able to share his style of wrestling to numerous people. Many wrestlers across Europe began practicing this style of wrestling and it became quite popular.
A Greek wrestler named Basilo Bartoletti would coin the term Greco Roman wrestling. Claiming that this style of wrestling was similar to ancient Greek wrestling, when in reality they were nothing alike.
That didn’t matter, because the name stuck and everyone began referring to this style as Greco Roman style wrestling.
Greco Roman wrestling becomes an Olympic sport
Thanks to the popularity of Greco Roman style wrestling across Europe, this led to it becoming an Olympic event. Greco Roman wrestling was added to the very first modern edition of the Olympic Games in 1896.
Then it was added to the Summer Olympics in 1904 and has been a part of the Olympics until this day. The only other form of wrestling that is an Olympic sport along with Greco Roman wrestling is freestyle wrestling.
The rules of Greco Roman wrestling
The rules of Greco Roman wrestling are very rigid and different from that of freestyle and folkstyle wrestling. Here are the rules of a Greco Roman style wrestling match taken directly from the Rules Of Sport website.
Only takedowns above the waist are permitted
No striking
No trips or striking the legs are permitted.
The format of a Greco Roman wrestling match
A Greco Roman wrestling match is three periods that are two minutes each.
Their broken down into a 60 second neutral position(on the feet) and two 30 second ride positions
The wrestler that scores the most points in the 60 seconds gets to be in the dominant ride position.
If neither wrestler scores in the neutral position, a coin will be flipped to decide positions.
Ways to win a Greco Roman wrestling match
There are five ways to win a Greco Roman wrestling match. Those methods of victory include:
Pin/Fall
Technical Fall/Pin
8 Point Lead
Judge’s Decision
Default(Injury or Forfeit)
Disqualification
Greco Roman wrestling point system
Takedowns: You can get between 2-5 points for a takedown. Five points being a perfect throw to a near fall position and the rest being based on style and technique.
Exposure Points: These are the amount of time a wrestler keeps their opponent’s back on the mat. Three points for perfect execution and two points for normal execution.
Reversal: All reversals are one point.
Out of Bounds: Going out of bounds for any reason awards a point to the opponent.
Penalty Points: Between 1-2 points can be given to a wrestler if their opponent commits illegal moves or an unforced timeout.)
Where is Greco Roman wrestling predominantly practiced?
Greco Roman wrestling is widely popular throughout Europe, Russia, and in the US. It has also become rather popular in middle eastern countries like Iran and Azerbaijan.
What are the biggest Greco Roman Wrestling events?
The biggest Greco Roman Wrestling events are the world championship and the Olympic Summer Games event. Every year, the Greco Roman world championship is held in a different country and the Olympics are held every four years.(Also in a different country each time.)
Does Greco Roman wrestling translate well to MMA?
Greco Roman style wrestling has translated very well into the sport of MMA. The upper body clinching techniques underhooks, and overhooks from Greco Roman style wrestling have been proven effective in MMA.
Notable Greco Roman wrestlers in MMA
There have been numerous MMA fighters with Greco Roman backgrounds that have been successful at the sport. Even some that have won world championships and became UFC hall of farmers.
Dan Henderson: Dan Henderson a Greco Roman World Cup silver medalist on two occasions before fighting in MMA full time. He won titles in every major MMA promotion before being inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.
Randy Couture: Randy Couture was one of the best Greco Roman wrestlers in the world before entering MMA. He would use this ability to win 6 UFC titles and become a hall of famer.
Dan Severn: Dan Severn was the first wrestler to win a UFC title. Before he was a champion MMA fighter, Severn won a world cup in Greco Roman wrestling
Matt Lindland: Matt Lindland was an accomplished Greco Roman wrestler along with being a seasoned UFC vet. He was one of the first Olympic medalists to compete in MMA.
Chael Sonnen: The Bad Guy was a two time silver medalist in the Pac-10 Championship before making the jump to MMA.
Jon Jones: Jon Jones excelled at Greco Roman and Folkstyle wrestling before becoming one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time.
Mark Madsen: An Olympic silver medalist in Greco Roman Wrestling that is currently in the UFC and undefeated as a pro fighter.
The art of Karate would not have become what it is today without the work of Gichin Funakoshi. His work in pushing Karate to the masses helped it become one of the most practiced martial arts in the world. Here is the story of the creator of Karate, Grandmaster Gichin Funakoshi. Going over how he […]
The art of Karate would not have become what it is today without the work of Gichin Funakoshi. His work in pushing Karate to the masses helped it become one of the most practiced martial arts in the world.
Here is the story of the creator of Karate, Grandmaster Gichin Funakoshi. Going over how he began practicing martial arts and how he developed Shotokan Karate.
Gichin Funakoshi’s early life
Before he became the father of modern Karate, Funakoshi grew up on the island of Okinawa. His family came from a lineage of samurai that were vassals of Ryukyu dynasty nobles.
Because of this, Funakoshi’s family had instilled the importance of honoring his family, respect, and education. Qualities that would help him develop his own martial arts style later on.
Gichin Funakoshi’s early martial arts training
From an early age, Funakoshi would begin learning various Japanese martial arts. In primary school, he befriended the son of a Ryukyuan Karate and Jigen-ryu master named Anko Asato.
Master Anko would become Funakoshi’s very first martial arts teacher when he was eleven. He proved to be an exceptional student and quickly developed skills that would rival the skills of his master.
While learning under Asato, Gichin would also learn Karate-jutsu under Itosu Anko. Funakoshi would be an exceptional student under Itosu Anko, as well.
Gichin Funakoshi’s education
While Funakoshi strived as a young martial artist, he was also one of the top students in his class. Earning high marks in every class and later passing an entrance exam into medical school.
Unfortunately, Funakoshi would not be allowed to attend due to the Meiji government’s ban on topknot hairstyles. A hairstyle that Funakoshi wore to honor his family and their samurai heritage.
Prejudice towards Okinawans by Japanese mainlanders also didn’t help Funakoshi’s case to enter medical school. He would decide to pursue learning Japanese and Chinese philosophy instead of going to medical school.
The development of Shotokan Karate
Funakoshi would go on to develop his own form of Karate that he would call “Shotokan Karate.” It was named after his pen name Shoto that means “waving pines” and Kan that means “training hall/house.”
This is how he came up with the name Shotokan, which translates to English as the “house of Shoto.”
The characteristics of Shotokan Karate
The characteristics of Shotokan Karate that Funakoshi created is divided into three parts. Those are: kihon(basics), kata(forms/pattern movements), and kumite(sparring).
In Shotokan Karate, you hold a deep and long stance that enables you to have stability and balance. From having a stable base, this allows you to perform powerful movements that include various punches and strikes.
Like Muay Thai or Taekwondo, Shotokan Karate is a dynamic martial art. In the training, you learn to throw fast and powerful techniques that are designed to incapacitate your opponent.
All while being able to move fluidly to make the techniques look as natural as possible.
Gichin Funakoshi time as a teacher
Funakoshi was able to spread his martial art thanks to his time as a teacher at the Okinawa’s Teacher School. He was also the head chairman of the Okinawan Martial Arts Society.
Having these positions allowed Funakoshi to have influence within schools on the island. Avidly pushing for his school to include a Karate club.
His wish was granted and Gichin began growing a large group of students that learned under him. The success of this Karate club would lead other Okinawan schools to include their own clubs.
Gichin’s influence led to Karate becoming rather popular in Okinawa. He would then set his sights on his biggest challenge of getting mainland Japan to accept Karate.
The development of the Karate Gi
Gichin had grown a large following of students, but there was still work to be done. Getting mainlanders to accept Karate would be tough due to their prejudice towards Okinawans.
One thing that Funakoshi realized that Karate needed was its own official training uniform. His students would train in their normal class, which made Karate look disorganized and informal.
This would lead Gichin to first adopt a Judo Gi into Karate Gi. A sturdy robe that could be used repeatedly without the clothes tearing or wearing out.
Judo Gis would be used for a short time until Funakoshi helped develop Karate Gis. A more lightweight Gi made of cotton that was better designed for the movements of Karate.
The first public Karate demonstration in mainland Japan
In 1922, Funakoshi would get his first chance to show his martial art to mainland Japan. The Ministry of Education sponsored the first ever Physical Education Exhibition.
Gichin would get invited to show what he then called Karate-jutsu to the ministry for the first time. The demonstration went perfectly and helped Funakoshi become a known martial artist throughout Japan.
Gichin Funakoshi’s Karate demonstration at the Kodokan
After the success of the first Karate demonstration in mainland Japan, word got out about Funakoshi. One person that was intrigued by this martial art was the founder of Judo, Jigoro Kano.
Master Kano would invite Funakoshi along with his pupil Gima Shinkin to the Shodokan. The main Judo training headquarters, which is located in the heart of Tokyo, Japan.
This was the biggest opportunity of Funakoshi’s life and his big chance for Japan to accept Karate. Funakoshi would even wear a Judo Gi during his demonstration
The Kotokan was packed to see the display and it was a roaring success.
Master Kano approved of the demonstration, as well as the Japanese media. It would lead Funakoshi to be pressed to stay in Tokyo and teach Karate to mainlanders.
Gichin Funakoshi writes “Ryukyu Kempo Karate”
After being pressed to stay in Japan, Funakoshi took a teaching job in the city. He would teach Karate at the Meiseijuku, which was a dormitory for Okinawan students at the university.
While teaching, Funakoshi would begin writing his book “Ryukyu Kempo Karate.” A guideline to the teachings and philosophies of Karate that was published in 1922.
It was so eloquently written by Gichin that it created the first Karate boom across Japan. Everyone wanted to learn this new effective martial art.
Gichin Funakoshi created a Dan certification
To make Karate more legitimate to the masses, Gichin would create a Dan certification system. Dans being the levels of Karate black belt. He would lay out how to earn these ranks along with how long it takes to reach each one.
Gichin Funakoshi changes the Karate name
Originally, Karate was called “Karate-jutsu” and the characters signified the words Chinese and hand put together. To be able to sell the martial art to the rest of Japan, Gichin would need to make changes to the terms within it.
The term Kara+te would be changed to mean “empty hand” and Karate-jutsu changed to Karate-do. Changing the original meaning of “Chinese-hand martial art” to “the way of Karate” or “way of empty hand.”
He would also change the names of all of the katas to Japanese terms and wrote “The Twenty Precepts of Karate.”
The creation of the Shotokan Dojo
By 1939, Funakoshi had traveled all over Japan teaching his martial art. He now had a growing number of students, but did not have a place to teach them.
This would lead him to construct the first Shotokan Dojo in Tokyo. Funakoshi used his own funds to build this gigantic training center for him to teach at.
For anyone around Japan that wanted to learn from Master Funakoshi, they could go to the Shotokan Dojo.
The legacy of Gichin Funakoshi
Thanks to Gichin Funakoshi, the art of Karate has become part of every school and university in Japan. Karate had become synonymous with the country of Japan, which the people embraced.
Before his death, Funakoshi would not only realize his dream of spreading Karate throughout Japan, but to the world. There are an estimated 100 million Karate practitioners in the world with the martial art being practiced on every continent.
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