If one of them loses focus, he or she can be instantaneously brought down on the mat. There are amateur matches for both males and females. Many Middle Schools have amateur wrestling in which both boys and girls can sign up. The techniques used in amateur wrestling, are much different from professional wrestling. They are more like "hand-to-hand combat used in the military or those that are used in self defenses. These techniques involve clinging, holding, locking, and leverage and do not involve serious injuries.
Wrestling goes by weight. Each weight group plays against a contestant in a match, from that specific group. The weight for contestants from both sides in the match, are divided as follows:
46lbs, 50lbs, 66lbs, 70lbs, 86lbs, 90lbs, 96lbs, 105lbs, 110lbs, 120lbs and160lbs.
These boys and girls are between the ages of - and 14. They are either in Elementary or Middle School.
The action begins from the time that the contestants quickly shake hands in the middle of the ring. When the referee blows the whistle, the contestants begin the combat. Each contestant then tries to distract the other. They use quick, teasing motions, such as stamping or trying to touch the head then, immediately grab for the opponent's feet. For example, as one contestant tries to protect his head, his feet are then quickly grabbed, or he may be suddenly tripped over on the mat.
The beauty of the game is seen when both contestants are on the "ground". When the contestants move around on the mat, it is amazing how fast their feet can go. Your eyes can hardly keep up with their movements. The younger the contestants are, the swifter they move. It is usually amazing to see these young ones "flip" from under their opponents, stand right up and keep on maneuvering about.
They wear skin-fitted uniforms made out of the "spandex" material which does not get into the way of the "fight" at all, because the garment fits the body snugly. I used to think, that wrestling depended on the weight that the contestants have. At least in amateur wrestling, fighting is mostly skills in how to maneuver and techniques in using the arms and legs effectively, that is a sort of fast "dancing" style, hand twisting and foot works.
When they are on the mat, another set of skills and techniques are used. When a contestant clings on to, and firmly grabs the neck and feet of his opponent, he is said to have "pinned" him or her . On the ground , any one of the opponents, can spring out of a "pin", by flipping over the one that is on top. It is hilarious to see one of the get up with the other one still holding on to his neck or waist. winning is very unpredictable. Wrestlers have gotten up from under a "crushing pin'" on the mat, and stood up to continue fighting, while the referee was still counting!
Amateur fighting is enjoyable, especially when watching the little ones. The follow exactly what the coaches tell them to do. This game of amature wrestling, has been around for a long time. It has been on the Olympics for over 100 years. Companies and manufacturers have been creating audio tapes and videos for both coaches and students alike. Armature wrestling will definitely be around for a long, long time!
