Is a Choke Hold Legal in Wrestling?

Is a Choke Hold Legal in Wrestling?

The question of whether or not a choke hold is legal in wrestling has been debated for years. There are a number of factors to consider when answering this question, including the type of choke hold, the age and experience level of the wrestlers involved, and the rules of the particular wrestling organization.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the legality of choke holds in wrestling. We will discuss the different types of choke holds, the arguments for and against their use, and the rules governing choke holds in various wrestling organizations. We will also provide some tips for wrestlers who are concerned about being choked during a match.

By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the legality of choke holds in wrestling and the factors that you should consider when making a decision about whether or not to use a choke hold in a wrestling match.

Sport	Choke Hold Legality	Source
Amateur wrestling	Legal	Wikipedia
Professional wrestling	Legal	Wikipedia

3. The history of choke holds in wrestling

Choke holds have been used in wrestling for centuries. The earliest recorded use of a choke hold is in the pankration, a Greek martial art that was popular in the ancient Olympic Games. In the pankration, choke holds were used to strangle opponents until they submitted.

Choke holds were also used in other ancient martial arts, such as sumo wrestling and jujutsu. In sumo wrestling, choke holds are used to force opponents out of the ring. In jujutsu, choke holds are used to immobilize opponents and to force them to submit.

Choke holds were also used in early modern wrestling. In the 18th and 19th centuries, choke holds were a common way to win wrestling matches. However, in the early 20th century, choke holds began to be banned from wrestling competitions.

The first major wrestling organization to ban choke holds was the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). In 1948, the NWA banned all choke holds from its championship matches. Other wrestling organizations soon followed suit, and by the 1960s, choke holds were banned from most major wrestling competitions.

Despite being banned from most major wrestling competitions, choke holds continue to be used in some forms of wrestling. For example, choke holds are still allowed in amateur wrestling and in some professional wrestling promotions.

4. The arguments for and against choke holds in wrestling

There are a number of arguments for and against choke holds in wrestling.

Arguments for choke holds

• Choke holds are effective. Choke holds are a very effective way to immobilize an opponent and to force them to submit. This makes them a valuable tool for wrestlers who want to win matches.
• Choke holds are safe. When applied correctly, choke holds are safe for both the wrestler applying the hold and the wrestler being held. Choke holds should never be applied to the neck, and they should only be applied for a short period of time.
• Choke holds add excitement to wrestling matches. Choke holds can add excitement to wrestling matches by creating a sense of danger and suspense. When a wrestler is being choked, the audience is on the edge of their seat, wondering if the wrestler will be able to escape the hold.

Arguments against choke holds

• Choke holds are dangerous. When applied incorrectly, choke holds can be dangerous. Choke holds can cause serious injuries, such as brain damage and death.
• Choke holds are unfair. Choke holds can give an unfair advantage to wrestlers who are bigger and stronger than their opponents. Smaller wrestlers may not be able to defend themselves against a choke hold from a larger wrestler.
• Choke holds are not in the spirit of wrestling. Wrestling is a sport that is based on skill and athleticism. Choke holds are not a test of skill or athleticism. They are simply a way to force an opponent to submit.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to allow choke holds in wrestling is a matter of personal opinion. There are valid arguments on both sides of the issue. However, it is important to remember that choke holds can be dangerous, and they should only be used by experienced wrestlers who know how to apply them safely.

Choke holds have been a part of wrestling for centuries. They are a controversial topic, with arguments for and against their use. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to allow choke holds in wrestling is a matter of personal opinion. However, it is important to remember that choke holds can be dangerous, and they should only be used by experienced wrestlers who know how to apply them safely.

Is a choke hold legal in wrestling?

No, choke holds are not legal in wrestling. The NCAA, the governing body for college wrestling, prohibits the use of choke holds in all wrestling competitions. The United World Wrestling (UWW), the international governing body for wrestling, also prohibits the use of choke holds in all international wrestling competitions.

What are the rules on choke holds in wrestling?

The NCAA and UWW rules on choke holds are as follows:

• A wrestler is not allowed to place their hand around the opponent’s neck and apply pressure to the throat.
• A wrestler is not allowed to grab the opponent’s throat with their hand or arm.
• A wrestler is not allowed to use their forearm to apply pressure to the opponent’s throat.

What are the consequences of using a choke hold in wrestling?

If a wrestler is caught using a choke hold, they will be penalized. The penalty for using a choke hold can range from a warning to a loss of the match. In some cases, a wrestler may even be disqualified from the tournament.

Are there any exceptions to the rules on choke holds in wrestling?

There are no exceptions to the rules on choke holds in wrestling. Choke holds are illegal in all wrestling competitions, regardless of the level of competition.

What are some other ways to control an opponent in wrestling without using a choke hold?

There are many other ways to control an opponent in wrestling without using a choke hold. Some common techniques include:

• Arm drags
• Headlocks
• Bodylocks
• Single-leg takedowns
• Double-leg takedowns
• Overhooks
• Underhooks
• Kimuras
• Americana

How can I learn more about the rules on choke holds in wrestling?

The NCAA and UWW websites have detailed information on the rules on choke holds in wrestling. You can also find information on the rules on choke holds in wrestling from your local wrestling coach or wrestling association.