Tag: Combat

Austin Desanto is a lifelong wrestler, who started getting attention in high school. While attending Exeter High School in Pennsylvania, Desanto quickly got noticed as one of the state’s best wrestlers.

Birth Name:	Austin Desanto
Date of Birth:	October 10, 1998
Hometown:	Exeter, Pennsylvania
Height:	5’5″ (165.1 cm)
Weight:	133 lbs

Austin Desanto’s High School Career 

As a sophomore, Desanto finished fifth at state before getting runner-up his junior year. In his senior year, Austin decided to go up a weight class in an attempt to meet 3x state champion Spencer Lee.

His run to the state finals was something out of the movie Vision Quest. Desanto met Lee in the finals and beat him with a last minute takedown. 

Ironically the two wrestlers would later become teammates at Iowa University.

Austin Desanto’s College Freshman Year

After finishing high school, Austin would enroll as a true freshman at Drexel University. As a college freshman, Austin Desanto quickly established himself as one of the nation’s top 133 lb wrestlers.

In Austin’s freshman year, he earned an overall record of 29-7 and was the nation’s fourth best 133 lb wrestler. Out of those wins, Austin was 12-1 in dual meets and his fastest fall was 1:16.

Desanto Transfers To Iowa

Austin had a successful freshman year at Drexel, but decided to transfer to the powerhouse Iowa University. The University of Iowa is known for being one of the best wrestling schools in the country.

Desanto knew that by going to join Iowa, he would take his wrestling game to a whole other level

As a sophomore at Iowa, Desanto was the fifth best 133 pounder in the nation and fourth in the Big 10. He earned an overall record of 23-6, while going 12-5 against ranked opponents and won Big 10 duals.

For his junior year, Desanto at one point was the top wrestler in the nation before going down to sixth seed. Despite placing sixth, Austin was once again an All-American with a 17-4 record.

During his junior year, Desanto would also earn a feather in his cap by knocking off the one seed Seth Gross.

Coming into his junior year, Austin finished the season with a 12-2 record and was the Big 10 runner up champion. In his senior year, Desanto led the team in technical falls(6) and was high as the 3 seed in the nation. 

The Menace

Throughout his collegiate career, Austin Desanto has caused quite a bit of controversy. He earned the nickname “The Menace” for good reason as he doesn’t shy away from starting conflicts or starting them.

Many times throughout his college career, Desanto has gone overboard at times with his antics. Some wrestling fans even think he’s a dirty athlete with no respect for the antics he’s pulled in matches.

Everything from showboating, driving opponent’s heads into the mat, and even causing melees. One particular low-light of the Menace came at a match against rival school Iowa State.

He and his opponent from Iowa State were chippy throughout their whole match. At one point, Desanto pushed his opponent out of bounds and into the announcer’s table. 

Austin’s opponent reacted by elbowing him in the side of the head. Desanto would win the chippy match, but at the end of the matches, both sides would get into a brawl. 

Of course, Desanto was in the middle of it and was served one of his multiple suspensions for his actions. For Austin, this was just another competition and felt like he did nothing wrong.

Austin Desanto’s Collegiate Stats

While Austin’s collegiate career had some controversial moments, he was one of the nation’s top wrestlers. Here’s Austin Desanto’s collegiate stats from 2017 to 2022.

• 4x All American
• 102-23 Collegiate Record
• 40-16 vs. Ranked Opponents(At Iowa)
• Scored 20+ Points In 28 Matches
• 41 Dual Starts
• 18-3 At Home Duals
• 2021 National Team Champion

2023 US National Championship

After finishing his college career, Austin looked to make a name for himself on the next level. His first big challenge was the 2023 US National Championship

Austin competed in the 61 kg division and had a great run in the tournament up until the finals. In the finals, he faced the top ranked Vito Arujau.

Unfortunately for Austin, Vito was able to hit a great arm drag to a takedown and scored 10 points. Shutting out Desanto in a little over a minute to win the national title.

Austin Desanto’s Trademark Techniques

Austin is known for his great hand fighting skills, tenacity, and speed. When you see Desanto wrestler, he is rarely out of position and never rushes his setups.

If Austin is able to get the jump on his opponent by winning the hand and head fight, he usually wins. Desanto is no-doubt one of the top American wrestlers, who is always in the mix to win major tournaments.

2023 Senior Nationals

In late 2023, Austin Desanto took part in the 2023 Senior Nationals in the 65 kg division. The winner of this national tournament would earn a spot on the US men’s Olympic team.

Austin easily won his first bout with Ian Parker, who he shut out 4-0 in two periods. 

He then battled Alec Pantaleo in a grudge match. At first, it seemed like Alec would cruise to a win by going up 7 points in the first period.

Desanto  nearly won going up 9-0, but suffered a knee injury, but wanted to continue. Desanto was clearly injured and gave up 6 points, but was able to hold on to win the bout.

In the next round, Desanto faced NCAA national champion Andrew Alirez beat him on points 10-0.

What’s Next For Austin Desanto?

Austin Desanto is no doubt one of the best American amateur wrestlers that compete at 65 kg and below. Despite his antics that some fans don’t appreciate, you can’t deny that Austin is a skilled wrestler. 

Desanto had a solid college career and is now looking to win big on the national and international stage. He came close in 2023 and wrestling fans are eager to see what he can do in the 2024 season.

In the history of modern sumo wrestling, some legendary wrestlers have stepped into the dohyo. Diehard sumo fans often argue about who were the best sumo wrestlers of all time.

Let’s throw our opinion in the mix and list twelve of the best sumo wrestlers of all time. Check out the highlights and histories of the best sumo wrestlers in the sport below, and tell us your list.

Konshicki Yasokichi

Weight:	633 lbs(287 kg)
Birthplace:	Oahu, Hawaii
Career:	1982-1997
Wins:	733
Championships:	6 Titles

Konsicki Yaokichi is one of the most famous sumos to compete in the sport. The Hawaiian native was one of the best sumo wrestlers in the world during the 1980s and 1990s.

He is most known for the iconic photo he took facing off with a child, which millions have seen. Konsicki would have earned the rank of yokozuna if it were not for internal politics against foreign rikishis.

However, Saleva Fuauli has found even more success after his career as a public personality. Even though he wasn’t given the rank of yokozuna, Konsicki is still one of the most beloved sumos in history.

Musashimaru Koyo

Weight:	518 lbs(235 kg)
Birthplace:	American Samoa
Career:	1989-2003
Wins:	779
Championships:	15 Titles

Musashimaru is considered one of the best non-Japanese sumo in the history of the sport. The Samoan native came on to the scene in 1989 and had incredible rivalries with the sport’s best athletes.

He was a large and powerful sumo with incredible rivalries with Asashoryu, Takanahana, and Akebono. In 1999, Mushashimaru became the 2nd non-Japanese wrestler to earn the rank of yokozuna.

He would unfortunately retire just four years later due to injury, but the legend already made his mark. Musashimaru ended his illustrious career with 779 wins and 15 tournament championships.

Hiroshi Wajima

Weight:	287 lbs(135 kg)
Birthplace:	Ishikawa, Japan
Career:	1970 to 1981
Wins:	673
Championships:	16 Titles

Hiroshi Wajima made a lot of history during his illustrious career. During his 11-year career, the 54th yokozuna became one of the first college athletes to achieve this honor.

As an athlete, Wajima’s talent was unmatched. To earn the rank of yokozuna, Hiroshi went 15-0 at the 1973 May basho. He was known as “the sumo genius” for his knowledge and abilities in the sport.

Wajima was a trailblazer and earned his status as a sumo legend.

Harumafuji Kohel

Weight:	302 lbs(137 kg)
Birthplace:	Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Career:	2001 to 2017
Wins:	827
Championships:	12 Titles

Haraumafuji is another one of the most successful Mongolian sumo wrestlers during the modern era. Kohel earned his pro status in 2001 and quickly made a name for himself.

He routinely found success in competition and earned 827 wins during his career, with 12 championships. What many fans note about Harumafuji’s career was his tense rivalry with legend Hakunho Sho.

If Kohel was not in the same era as Sho, many might consider him the great Mongolian sumo of the era.

Taiho Koki

Weight:	337(152 kg)
Birthplace:	Karafuto, Japan
Career:	1956 to 1971
Wins:	872
Championships:	34 Titles

Taiho Koki was the 48th yokozuna, who was the most dominant sumo during the 1960s. Just three years after making his pro debut, Taiho earned the rank of yokozuna.

After earning the rank, Koki dominated the sport during the 1960s. During this time, Koki racked up 872 wins and won 34 tournament titles.

His most successful run during his career was between 1968 to 1969. He won an incredible 45 straight matches, which was the most in over 40 years by a rikishi.

Many fans and experts considered Taiho to be among the best sumo wrestlers of the post-war period.

Akebono Taro

Weight:	514 lbs(233 kg)
Birthplace:	Waimanalo, Hawaii
Career:	1988 to 2001
Wins:	654
Championships:	11 Titles

When you talk about the best sumo wrestlers of all time, Akebono is one of the most iconic figures in the sport’s history. The mammoth Hawaiian was one of the most feared athletes in the history of sumo.

In sumo, Akebono was one of the most feared rikishi during his era. He made history by becoming the first non-Japanese wrestler in history to earn the rank of yokozuna.

His era was also one of the most viewed in the sport’s history. Millions of fans watched his rivalries with fellow legends like Takanohana and Wakanohana. Akebono was the face of sumo, and deservedly so.

Chiyonofuji Mitsugu

Weight:	278 lbs(126 kg)
Birthplace:	Hokkaido, Japan
Career:	1970 to 1981
Wins:	1045
Championships:	32 Titles

Yokozuna legend Chiyonofuji is considered the best sumo wrestler of the 1970s. 

Mitsugu was a bit undersized but an incredible athlete with superior technique.

During his 11-year career, Chiyonfuji captured 32 tournament titles, winning 1045 matches. He is among the most successful sumo of the modern era and is revered as a legendary athlete.

Chiyonofuji is also a legendary coach who trained many champions at the Kokonoe stable until he died in 2016.

Takanohana Koji

Weight:	340 lbs(154 kg)
Birthplace:	Tokyo, Japan
Career:	1988 to 2003
Wins:	794
Championships:	24 Titles

Takanohana Koji is not only one of the best sumo wrestlers of all time but one of the most beloved. During Takanohana’s 15-year career, the yokozuna was adored by his fans.

Whenever Koji stepped into the ring, the fans were excitedly trembling. During his career, he earned 794 wins with 24 tournament titles as a pro.

After his athletic career ended, Takanohana opened his successful school called the Takohana stable. Today, he’s still part of the sport he loves and continues to produce high-level rikishi.

Futabayama Sadaji

Weight:	282 lbs(128 kg)
Birthplace:	Oita, Japan
Career:	1927 to 1945
Wins:	345
Championships:	12 Titles

Futabayama Sadaji was a legend long before many fans of sumo wrestling were born. From 1927 to 1945, Futabayama was the best rikishi in the sport of sumo.

At just 21 years of age, Sadaji earned the top rank of yokozuna. Making him one of the youngest athletes to receive this high honor. 

Some may argue that he wasn’t one of the best sumo wrestlers ever by his number. However, fans who say Futabayama competed said his talent was undeniable.

He would’ve become a legend in any generation of sumo before or after his time.

Kitanoumi Toshimitsu

Weight:	373 lbs(169 kg)
Birthplace:	Hokkaido, Japan
Career:	1967 to 1985
Wins:	951
Championships:	24 Titles

Along with Chiyonofui, Kitanoumi Toshimitsu is considered one of the best sumo wrestlers of the 1970s and 1980s. Many fans and experts feel that Kitanoumi had an edge over his rival with his longevity in the sport.

Kitanoumi was a top-ranked sumo for almost twenty years and earned an outstanding 951 wins. The legend also captured 24 tournament titles during his illustrious career.

Toshimitsu also became the head of the sumo federation and a respectable head coach after his career ended.

Asashoryu Akinori

Weight:	326 lbs(148 kg)
Birthplace:	Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Career:	1999 to 2010
Wins:	669
Championships:	28 Titles

Asashoryu Akinori is always a unanimous selection when debating the best sumo wrestlers of all time. Akinori had an eleven-year career, which was filled with legendary feet.

The Mongolian native won 28 tournaments during this time, which made him one of the most successful rikishi of the era. He is the only sumo of the modern era to win all six major tournament seasons.

This was a feat that hadn’t been accomplished in almost 50 years. Asashoryu Akinori had an incredible year and deserves to be on any all-time great sumo list.

Hakuho Sho 

Weight:	342 lbs(155 kg)
Birthplace:	Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Career:	2001 to 2021
Wins:	1187
Championships:	46 Titles

When you talk about the best sumo wrestlers of all time, the answer for the greatest is almost unanimous. Hakunho Sho is arguably the best sumo wrestler ever to live.

The Mongolian native is an undeniable talent whose success and longevity surpass all the legends. For twenty years, Sho proved that he was a legend.

Hakuho won an incredible 1187 matches and 46 tournament titles in his career. The greatness of this yokozuna is unmatched and Hakuho Sho will be forever known as a legend of sumo.

Sumo wrestling is a traditional Japanese sport engrained in Japan’s history and culture. It is one of the oldest running sports with a die-hard fan base who passionately follow this form of wrestling.

Here’s everything you need to know about the sport of sumo wrestling. Read below to learn the history of this exciting sport, its rules, and what it takes to become a sumo wrestler.

The History of Sumo Wrestling

Sumo wrestling dates back centuries to ancient Japan when the nation was formed. Originally, sumo was performed as a Shinto ritual.

This wrestling style would be performed at Japanese religious ceremonies and agricultural events.

Over time, Sumo gained popularity within Japan’s imperial court and warrior class. Participating in sumo matches was a way the strongest warriors showed their skills and strength.

This style of Japanese wrestling was also implemented within military training to enhance a soldier’s physical abilities.

During the Edo period(1603-1868), sumo wrestling began being formalized as an official sport. Tournaments began being organized, and competitors started earning a living through participating in events.

The first official “basho”(tournament) took place in 1684, with the emperor present for the historic event.

Through the next two centuries, sumo wrestling continued to grow and expand. During the Meiji era(1868-1912), sumo underwent further reforms and modernization.

The sport of sumo became more organized with the establishment of governing bodies and the implementation of standard rules.

Years after this modernization, sumo wrestling has become an internationally watched sport. Millions of fans tune in every year to watch the biggest annual tournaments.

The Rules of Sumo Wrestling

Sumo wrestling rules are very strict on what a wrestler can and can’t do during a match. The rules are simple and must be followed, or an athlete will be DQ’d from the tournament or face further punishments.

Basic Guidelines

• Push Opponent Out Of The Ring
• Put Opponent On The Ground
• No Time-Limit

Permitted Techniques

• Yorikuri(Force Out)
• Oshidashi(Push Out)
• Tsukikoshi(Thrust Down)

Many Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, and wrestling techniques are also used to win a sumo match. This is why many sumo wrestlers also have prior training in these martial arts.

Forbidden Techniques

• Hair Pulling
• Closed Fists
• Kicks
• Eye Gouging
• Headbutts
• Strikes/Pushes After Match

Sumo is a very traditional sport and does not tolerate blatant disregard for the rules. Rikishi(wrestlers) who don’t respect these rules will be severely punished with either suspensions, fines, or removed from rankings.

The Rankings of Sumo

The rankings of sumo wrestling are a hierarchical system that separates the pros and amateurs. It consists of 10 different ranks, which start at amateur and then goes to pro ranks.

Amateur Sumo Ranks

• Jonokuchi
• Jonidan
• Sandanme
• Makushita

Sekitor(Professional) Sumo Ranks

• Juryo
• Maegashira
• Komusubi
• Sekiwake
• Ozeki
• Yokozuna

From the ranks of maegashira to yokozuna pro rikishi enter the “makunouchi” level of sumo athlete. 

Amateur Sumo Ranks

The jonokuchi to makushita ranks are the amateur ranks of sumo. Wrestlers at these ranks are basically apprentices who are vying for the opportunity to become pro-sumos.

The only way that these sumo wrestlers can rise in rank is by winning matches and tournaments.

Juryo

If amateurs can succeed in amateur tournaments, they can reach the level of juryo. The juryo rank is the beginning of the “sekitori” or professional sumo ranks.

This rank is where many wrestlers’ careers really begin or end. Juryo is a pro level, but it’s the entry pro level, which is not paid a high wage or permitted sponsors.

Makunouchi

Makunouchi are the five ranks that make up professional sumo wrestling. Wrestlers in these ranks can begin earning money and potentially make a career out of the sport.

They will earn higher salaries if they can continue winning a high percentage of their matches and tournaments. Only 42 wrestlers make up these pro ranks at any given time.

This makes the stakes even higher for these athletes to win and continue their pro careers. Many get injured and quit within a few years of going pro.

However, the small percentage of wrestlers who can win and stay healthy earn high wages and enjoy celebrity status.

Yokozuna

The yokozuna is the highest rank in the sport of sumo wrestling. In the centuries-long history of sumo, there have only been a handful of athletes awarded the rank of yokozuna.

Since the ranks were first given in 1790, only 73 athletes were awarded this honor. Any wrestler with the ability to earn the yokozuna rank is honored as a legend forever.

The Ring & Rituals of Sumo

The sumo ring is referred to as the “dohyo.” The dohyo ring measures around 4.55 meters across and is 66 centimeters above the ground.

This ring is a concrete block with sand and dirt on top. In the middle of the ring is a large rope circle, which the wrestlers try to knock each other out of.

In sumo, the dohyo ring is a sacred area that must be respected. Before each event and match, ceremonial dances and the scattering of salt are performed.

The ritual of throwing salt is a way to purify the ring and ward off evil spirits before the match.

The Sumo Costume/Uniform

The uniform that sumo wrestlers wear is called a “mawashi.” A mawashi is a 30 ft long piece of fabric that is tied around the wrestler’s lower abdomen and buttocks.

In a sumo wrestling match, athletes can hold and pull the mawashi of their opponent to attempt throws and takedowns.

Sumo Wrestler Training 

Sumo wrestling training is some of the most brutal training of any form of wrestling. Sumo training usually consists of a morning and afternoon training session.

Morning Training 

The morning training for sumo starts at sunrise and lasts 3-4 hours. Before the training sessions begin, the apprentice sumos clean the school’s training area and make breakfast for the team.

Morning training generally consists of hours of drilling, conditioning, and stretching. Athletes will do a mixture of this type of training for hours until lunchtime.

Afternoon Training

After lunch and a nap, the sumos will commence their second training session of the day in the late afternoon. The wrestlers will continue drilling techniques while going through live sparring and conditioning.

Between the two training sessions, a sumo can easily lose between 5 to 10,000 calories.

Sumo Wrestler Training Etiquette

Sumo dojos have a strict code of conduct for their wrestlers and a hierarchical pecking order. The amateur wrestlers are essentially servants to the higher-ranked wrestlers.

Low-ranked sumo must respect their higher-ranked teammates, while all must respect the coach’s rules. The word of the head of the sumo dojo is law, and every wrestler in his stable must do as he says.

The Sumo Wrestler Diet 

Sumo wrestlers are known for eating well over 10,000 calories or more daily to increase size and muscle. The staple dish of a sumo wrestler is called “chanko-nabe.”

It’s a traditional Japanese dish that is high calorie and filled with protein and nutrients. Chanko-nabe is a high-calorie soup filled with vegetables, noodles, meat, chicken, or fish.

A sumo wrestler will eat tons of chanko-nabe along with other traditional Japanese dishes.

The Sumo Dojos Physical Exams

Not just anyone can become a sumo wrestler. The top sumo dojos/schools all have physical requirements before being allowed to train.

All potential students must stand at minimum be at least 67 kg and 167 cm tall.  They will not accept any new student under this weight and height.

Many dojos also have more demands for their potential students. Many will only accept students who have a prior background in Judo or Jiu-Jitsu.

How Much Does a Sumo Wrestler Weigh? 

In sumo, there is no weight limit. A competitor could be anywhere from 200 lbs(90.7 kg) to 600 lbs(272 kg). 

Normally, the goal for wrestlers is to put on weight to be bigger and stronger for their competitions.

Are There Weight Classes In Sumo Wrestling?

The sport of sumo is an open-class competition. This means there are no weight classes in sumo wrestling. 

It is not uncommon to see a smaller wrestler go against a giant. Smaller sumos with incredible technique, like Enho “The Giant Slayer,” are beloved by fans.

Anytime a smaller sumo, like Enho, beats a larger opponent, the crowd comes to their feet in support.

Who is the Greatest Sumo Wrestler of All Time? 

Who is the Biggest Sumo Wrestler Ever?

The sport of sumo is centuries long, and some incredibly large rikishi have competed. Here is the current list of the five biggest modern sumo wrestlers who have entered a sumo ring.

• Orora: 646 lbs(292.6 kg)
• Konishiki: 633 lbs(287 kg)
• Yamamotoyama: 611 lbs(277 kg)
• Dewanojo: 569 lbs(258 kg)
• Kenho: 550 lbs(250 kg)

In sumo legend, an alleged wrestler was said to be the biggest sumo in history. A sumo named Akashi Shigansuke from the Kan’ei era allegedly weighed in at 750 lbs(340 kg). Since Akashi lived 400 years ago, these reports were probably highly exaggerated.

Do Non Japanese Compete In Sumo?

The sport of sumo wrestling is not only practiced by Japanese wrestlers, but many international wrestlers. Wrestlers worldwide routinely travel to the land of the rising suns to train and become top rikishi.

Some of the top foreign sumos include Akebono(USA), Asashoryu(Mongolia), Musashimaru(America Samoa), and Harumafuji(Mongolia).

Is There a Women’s Division in Sumo?

Professional sumo in Japan has traditionally banned women from competing in tournaments. Women’s sumo does exist, but it’s more at the amateur level outside of Japan.

How Much Does a Sumo Wrestler Make?

A sumo wrestler’s earning depends on their rank and if they’re successful in competition. They can earn anywhere from nothing to a high six-figure income from the sport.

The “sekitori” or professional sumos are paid monthly based on rank. On average, successful athletes earn around $120,000 annually.

If they can win the big bashos(tournament), they can earn around $75k from the competition. Popular sekitori can also make more money from endorsements and advertising. 

Many of the top sumo often start in Japanese commercials and have bit parts in movies,  TV shows, and game shows.

What’s the Future of Sumo Wrestling

The sport of sumo wrestling may be under-appreciated outside of Japan, but it’s beloved in the land of the rising sun. It’s a sport with a die-hard fan base that religiously follows the wrestlers.

It’s a sport engrained in the culture and history of Japan. Sumo will always have its hardcore fan base and it will continue to grow and be watched by millions of fans.

Arguably, one of the strongest techniques in wrestling is the cradle. It is one of the best techniques to control and pin an opponent.

For new grapplers out there, here is an intro guide for cradle wrestling. Check out the sections below to learn all of the basics and important tips for using the cradle.

What is the Cradle Wrestling Technique? 

The cradle wrestling technique is a pinning combination used in wrestling to control and pin an opponent. You trap an opponent’s head and leg with your arms to control their body to secure a pin.

It’s an effective technique that has been around since the beginning of wrestling. Since the creation of cradle wrestling, different variations and setups have been developed.

Within Jiu-Jitsu and MMA, grapplers have adopted the cradle into their arsenals. The effectiveness and simplicity of the cradle wrestle technique proves it’s an effective move that you should consider learning.

Basic Wrestling Cradles

Cradle wrestling has numerous variations and setups, but you must know the two basic versions. Those are the inside and outside cradles.

The Inside Cradle

The first of the basic cradle wrestling techniques you need to know is the inside cradle. This cradle is when you hook the opponent’s head and inside leg.

You can get into an inside cradle setup from anything from a snap-down to a sprawl. To get into the inside cradle, hook the opponent’s head and inside leg.

When you’re hooking the leg, make your this arm drives in to connect your hands and not your other arm. If you drive in your hand controlling the head, it turns you and makes it easy to be put on your back.

After connecting your hands, drive your head/chest into your opponent and put their side on the mat. From here, you can hop/walk to either side to finish your pin.

If you practice MMA or BJJ, you can use the inside cradle to transition to dominant positions or various chokes.

The Outside Cradle(Far-Side Cradle)

The outside/far-side cradle is held the opposite from the inside cradle. In this variation, you hook the outside leg of your opponent, along with their head.

Just like with the inside cradle, the far-side cradle can be setup from the same scenarios. When you’re in top position, control the head as your other arm shoots between your opponent’s leg.

The arm between their legs drives in and connects with your other arm at the opponent’s chest. There are different ways to get your opponent into a pinning position, but we’ll give you two common entries.

The safest way is to step around from behind your opponent, sit on your side, and pull them other. Your other choice is to forward roll to get them into a pinning position.

If you’re a BJJ or MMA practitioner, you can also use the far-side counter to enter dominant positions and submissions.

Cradle Wrestling Variations

There are a wide variety of cradle wrestling variations that you can learn. Here are three of the most effective variations you should consider learning.

Cross-face Cradle

The cross-face cradle wrestling is one of the most brutal cradle variations out there. This setup starts when you have your opponent flattened out on their stomach and set up a pin.

While on top, aggressively take a cross-face on your opponent and cup their far arm. This cross-face gives you complete control of your opponent’s head.

After grabbing your opponent’s arm, aggressively force their head to their knee. Once in position, lock in a near-side cradle and put your opponent on their back for the pin.

Roll-Through Cradle

When you grab a cradle, a common reaction by your opponent is to try and sit up. If they do this, it gives you a setup into a roll-through cradle.

The mistake many make when in this position is to try and force your opponent down, but they can’t do it. Instead, just put your head on the mat, roll to the side, and put your opponent on their back. 

This roll puts you on top for a pin or in side control if you’re doing BJJ or MMA.

SuicideCradle

The last variation of cradle wrestling we’ll review is the suicide cradle. This cradle variation breaks the rule of never going to your back, but in certain scenarios, it works. 

Your opening for this variation opens when your opponent isn’t opening up for you to grab a far-side cradle. To get your grips, you hop over your opponent’s back to get the grips, while simultaneously putting them on their back. 

Once your grip is secured, continue rolling as your opponent rolls on top of you and onto their back. You come up with a cradle in a top pinning position.

Cradle Entries

What makes using different cradle wrestling combinations is that there are numerous entries. You can grab a cradle off of both offensive and defensive entries.

• Snapdowns 
• Double Leg Defense
• Single Leg Defense
• Sit-Outs
• Arm Drags
• Fake Shots
• Trips
• Top Position 

How to Defend Against Cradle Wrestling

Cradle wrestling techniques are tough to deal with, but there are tactics for defending against them. Here is how you can defend against cradle wrestling techniques.

Block/Break Grips

When your opponent attempts to put you in a cradle, you have to block or break the grips. You can’t let them connect their hands or you’re going to have a difficult time escaping.

Hands In

In order to keep out of the cradle, you need to keep your hands in to defend. With your hands in, you can block your opponent’s grips, hips, and escape.

Block Opponent’s Hips

If you get put in a cradle, the first defense you must do is block your opponent’s hips. You need to create space in order to take the pressure off and make room to escape 

Kick Leg Out 

When your opponent hooks your leg, you need to quickly kick out to avoid them gaining control.

Belly Down

To escape a cradle attempt, go belly down and elongate your body. Doing this will keep your opponent from crunching you inward, while giving space to escape.

Important Tips to Remember When Doing Cradle Wrestling

Cradle wrestling is a great way to control your opponent, but you must remember the details. Here are some important tips to remember when using cradle wrestling.

• Choose Your Cradle: Know the difference between inside and far-side cradles. Each type has different entries and grips.
• Grips: You can hold the cradle with anything from an S-grip, Gable grip, Butterfly Grips, and 
• Bring Knee To Head: When you connect your cradle grips, aim to bring your opponent’s knee to their head. Your opponent’s level of discomfort depends on how hard you’re holding and squeezing them.
• Head/Chest Positioning: Keep either your head or chest against or on top of your opponent’s body. They can make space to get out if you’re too low or high on their body.
• Leg Arm Drives In: When connecting your grips, your arm between your opponent’s legs drives in. Making this motion with your arm around your opponent’s head can put you on your back.

Karl Gotch is a legendary figure in amateur and pro wrestling. His work and development of training routines helped these forms of wrestling grow to incredible heights.

Here is a short history of the life of legendary wrestler Karl Gotch. Check out his story below and learn how Gotch survived a concentration camp and became a wrestling icon.

Birth Name:	Charles Istaz
Date of Birth:	August 3, 1924
Place of Birth:	Antwerp, Belgium
Died:	July 28, 2007 (aged 82) Tampa, Florida, U.S.
Ring Name:	Karl Gotch, Karl Krauser
Billed height:	6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Billed weight:	245 lb (111 kg)
Billed from:	Hamburg, Germany
Trainer:	Billy Riley
Debut:	1950
Retired:	January 1, 1982

Who is Karl Gotch?

Karl Gotch, originally named Charles Istaz, was a Belgium-born professional wrestler and catch wrestling practitioner and trainer. He played a significant role in the development of modern pro wrestling and the popularization of catch wrestling.

The Early Life of Karl Gotch 

Charles “Karl” Istaz was born in Antwerp, Belgium, to a Hungarian father and a German mother. He grew up in a modest home and became passionate about sports and athletics.

Istaz originally began practicing Greco-Roman-style wrestling. Within Belgium, Charles gained notoriety for his wrestling and sportsman abilities.

Karl regularly competed at the famous Hippodrome, where Belgium’s biggest boxing and wrestling events were held.

Surviving The Holocaust 

During World War 2, Istaz and members of his family were captured and imprisoned by the Nazis. They were sent to the REIMAHG(Lager E Camp) located in Kala, Germany.

Istaz and his family weren’t Jews, but the Nazis accused his father of being a thief. In later interviews, Karl Gotch refuted these reports.

Gotch said the real reason for his family being sent to REIMAHG was because his father was an atheist. Particularly because he was part of the Atheist group called “The Order of the Buffalo.”

His father had the group’s 3-dot tattoo, which the Nazi officers noticed before arresting them. The catch wrestler nearly died of starvation before being rescued by the Soviet army.

The Olympics & Gotch’s Wrestling Training

Three years after being liberated from a concentration camp, Charles qualified to compete at the 1948 Olympics. Gotch competed in the heavyweight freestyle and Greco-Roman divisions but medaled in neither.

Karl learned catch wrestling from famous catch wrestling trainer Billy Riley while as a young athlete. The Belgian wrestler became proficient in this form of submission wrestling, 

He competed in legitimate catch wrestling matches before getting into pro wrestling in the 1950s.  

Gotch was also a practitioner of Pehlwani, a South Asian form of wrestling predominantly practiced within India.

Through his training in Pehlwani, Gotch learned various calisthenic and bodyweight conditioning routines. These same training routines the Gotch later became famous for doing.

Gotch’s Pro Wrestling Career 

After training in Billy Riley’s famous Snake Pit, Istaz began working as a pro wrestler. He originally went by the ring name “Karl Krauser” before switching to the more universally known “Karl Gotch.”

Karl developed a “shoot style” from his catch wrestling background, meaning he did legitimate moves, but in a worked style. Gotch began his pro wrestling career, working throughout Europe before he got his break in North America. 

While wrestling in North America, Gotch wrestling NWA-affiliated wrestling promotions across the US. 

In 1961, Gotch won the AWA Heavyweight title and had a long feud with wrestling great Lou Thesz. Eventually, losing the title to Thesz before moving on to another wrestling territory.

Gotch’s time working in North America was cut short in 1962 after an incident with NWA champion Buddy Rogers. This incident led to Karl basically being blackballed from working in the US.

This led Gotch to begin working in Japan, where he became an icon. The Japanese wrestling fans loved the more realistic style that the Belgian wrestler used.

Gotch wrestled in the first New Japan Pro Wrestling event on March 6th, 1972. His pro wrestling career continued until 1982 when Gotch had his last match—pinning Yoshiaki Fujiwara with his patented German suplex. 

Karl Gotch: Legendary Pro Wrestling Trainer

As well as being a legendary pro wrestler, Gotch was also known for his work as a pro wrestling trainer. He was a trainer of numerous legendary Japanese pro wrestlers, who used what would be called “strong style.”

Some of the notable wrestlers that Gotch trained included:

• Antonio Inoki: Creator of NJPW, who was one of Gotch’s most gifted students.
• Billy Robinson: A highly-touted English wrestler who worked worldwide and later became a famous catch-wrestling trainer.
• Satoro Sayama: The original Tiger Mask, who wrestled for decades and went on to found the MMA promotion Shooto.
• Yoshiaki Fujiwara: One of the original stars of NJPW, who is famous for the Fujiwara armbar.
• Kazuo Yamasaki: A famous Japanese wrestler of the 1970s and 1980s who later competed in early MMA events.

Gotch put these wrestlers and dozens more through grueling workouts. Not only forcing them to do thousands of reps of bodyweight conditioning but also brutal wrestling training. 

The pro wrestling trainer’s sessions were sometimes more like torture than training. He legitimately beat up his students in a working sense. Training for hours a day and putting his students in various painful wrestling holds.

Even though Gotch trained many legendary wrestlers, he didn’t train just anyone. Before he would even consider taking on a student, they had to complete his warm-up.

This included around a thousand reps of bodyweight exercises that had to be completed before a certain time limit.

Karl’s style of wrestling training laid the foundation for how future wrestling academies trained their wrestlers.

Karl Gotch’s Infamous Training Routines

What Karl Gotch is more known for is the brutality of his training routines. Throughout his life as an athlete, Gotch adapted various styles of physical training, which he practiced daily.

Everything from:

• Squats
• Deadlifts
• Chin-ups
• Push-ups
• Carries (such as farmer’s carries and sandbag carries)
• Mace swings
• Kettlebell swings, snatches, cleans, and presses
• Indian club circles and swings
• Bench presses
• Overhead presses

Gotch’s Infamous Card Workout

One of Gotch’s most infamous workout routines included a deck of cards. Each type of card and number indicated a different exercise with different rep counts.

• Spads: Hindu Push-Ups
• Clubs: Jump Squats
• Diamonds: Hindu Puh-Ups
• Hearts: Half-Moon Push-Ups
• Joker 1: 40 Hindu Push-Ups
• Joker 2: 20 Half-Moon Push-Ups
• Red Cards: Normal Reps
• Black Cards: Double The Reps

Gotch would continue drawing cards and doing reps until he was satisfied with the quantity of reps.

The Death of Karl Gotch

After Karl Gotch retired from pro wrestling, he moved back to the US and lived in Tampa, Florida. He, on occasion, continued training pro wrestlers and taught catch wrestling.

In 2007, Charles “Karl Gotch” Istaz passed away at the age of 82. Before and after his death, Gotch was honored by numerous organizations and was inducted into multiple pro wrestling HoFs.

The Legacy of Karl Gotch

Karl Gotch was a legendary figure who influenced everything from catch-wrestling, pro wrestling, and even strength and conditioning. Gotch did everything from expanding the teaching of catch wrestling to influencing decades of pro wrestlers and strength athletes. 

He was an iconic wrestler, whose influence is still felt til this day.

It’s hard to imagine the UFC without Dana White being the boss. Whenever that day may come, the company has been preparing a replacement, whose name is Hunter Campbell.

Here’s a quick bio of possible future UFC boss Hunter Campbell and what you need to know about him. Also, check out our breakdowns of recent UFC news involving Campbell.

Who is Hunter Campbell?

For those of you who don’t follow the business side of MMA, you may not know who Hunter Campbell is. Hunter is the current Chief Business Officer of the Ultimate Fighting Championship(UFC).

Campbell, being the CBO, actively participates in all UFC fighter negotiations. Hunter is the third most powerful figure in the UFC behind Dana White and Endeavor owner, Ari Emanuel.

Hunter Campbell’s Early Life

Hunter Campbell was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada and is highly educated. The current CBO of the UFC attended Washington University in St. Louis as an undergraduate.

After earning his Bachelor’s, Campbell returned home and went to the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV..

How Did Hunter Campbell Get Into The UFC?

Hunter Campbell started worked with the UFC in 2017. He came on as the company’s chief legal officer.

In a short time, Hunter was promoted to Chief Business Officer and later Vice President. Many within the company and MMA media see Campbell as Dana White’s right had man.

Notable UFC News Featuring The UFC Chief Business Officer

While Hunter Campbell isn’t one of the most vocal UFC bosses like Dana White, he has made headlines. Here are some of the most recent UFC headlines featuring the UFC CBO. 

Campbell’s Response To The USADA Partnership Ending The UFC

The most recent news the UFC CBO made was answering comments about the UFC and USADA’s partnership ending. In October 2023, Campbell and Jeff Novitzky held a press conference to announce the UFC’s new drug testing program.

During the press conference, Campbell addressed comments made by USADA regarding the handling of Conor McGregor. Specifically, comments made by USADA CEO Travis Tygart, which noticeably upset Campbell.

Tygart commented: “The relationship between USADA and UFC became untenable given the statements made by UFC leaders and others questioning USADA’s principled stance that McGregor not be allowed to fight without being in the testing pool for at least six months.”

Hunter directly responded to Tygart’s claims with this response from the press conference: 

“Disappointingly, they used Conor McGregor as a vehicle to sort of articulate and re-frame a complete misrepresentation of what occurred over the last several months,” Campbell told MMA Junkie and other reporters in attendance at the UFC Apex. “… What I can categorically tell you is, what USADA has put out in the last 48 hours could not be farther from the truth.

Campbell continued with his statement:

“At no point in time did Jeff, myself, or any other UFC representative, Dana – not a single person ever went to USADA and told them anything other than Conor McGregor would re-enter the program when he was healthy,” Campbell said. “In doing so, we would require him to be in the program for six months. There would be no exception to the rule. What I said to Travis on multiple occasions, including the call on Monday, was there would never be a situation where Conor would fight until he had been in the program for six months. And my words were, ‘I don’t give a sh*t if he has 37 clean tests.”

This is one of those cases where Conor was the most tested athlete in the UFC before he catastrophically shattered his leg.

The UFC CBO and Vice President went on to demand an apology from USADA and threatened legal action.

The UFC’s New Fighter Health Protocol

Fighter health protocol has been a subject that many in MMA media have been asking the UFC to address. Lawyer Erik Magraken released a Q&A he had with Hunter Campbell about many health topics.

One of the questions Magraken asked Campbell was the UFC’s stance on CTE and its effect on fighters. Campbell’s response can be read in the link below.

My exchange with the UFC’s Hunter Campbell telling him to be honest when it comes to CTE and combat sports.

“No question. No question” pic.twitter.com/jMlsBG8bdH

— Erik Magraken (@erikmagraken) August 8, 2023

The UFC’s Rules On Fighters Gambling On Fights

Last year, the UFC was rocked with a cheating scandal involving for UFC fighter and coach James Krause. The former fighter received a lifetime ban for betting on MMA fights and affecting the outcome of the fights.

UFC journalist Ariel Helwani shared an official letter the CBO wrote on Instagram. The letter about the incident with Krause was sent to all managers and fighters.

Campbell’s letter states that any fighter connected to Krause or his gym would also be banned from the UFC. A link to the official code of conduct on fighters betting on fights was also added to the letter.

Why Hunter Campbell?

For those wondering why Hunter Campbell’s name gets brought up as future president, it’s because he’s being prepped. Hunter is young and has worked his way up the ranks to become the CBO of the UFC.

Big companies like the UFC’s parent company, Endeavor, always prep potential successors for bigger positions. Campbell also has the approval of not only Dana but also the top boss of Endeavor, Ari Emanuel.

The current CBO has done all of the work and gained the confidence of the top bosses of the UFC and Endeavor.

Is Hunter Campbell The Next UFC Boss?

Many insiders within the UFC believe Hunter Campbell is the chosen one to replace Dana White. However, White has never said when or if he will ever step down as UFC president.

If that day ever comes, we should not be surprised to see Campbell get named the next president. It’s a little weird to think of the UFC without White, but Hunter could very well be his successor.