Medieval wrestling was a widely practiced sport in Europe, especially among the warrior class, as it helped prepare individuals for hand-to-hand combat.

Wrestling in the medieval period can be traced back to earlier traditions, with ancient Greek and Roman influence on Europe.

Different regions had their own styles, with catch-as-catch-can being a popular method in England, where wrestlers aimed to throw their opponent to the ground using various grips, sweeps, and joint locks.

Wrestling was commonly featured at feasts and tournaments, where knights, nobles, and even peasants competed to display their strength and agility.

It wasn’t just a form of entertainment…it also served as a training ground for battle and a way to settle disputes between rivals or factions.

The matches were intense, often involving holds, strikes, and the effort to gain control of the opponent through superior technique.

As the Middle Ages progressed, wrestling remained a significant part of life in rural communities.

However, as more structured combat arts like fencing became favoured by the elite, wrestling began to lose some of its prominence in noble circles.

Despite this, it continued to thrive in folk culture and would go on to influence the development of modern wrestling styles and mixed martial arts (MMA).

Today, the legacy of medieval wrestling can still be seen in modern combat sports.

Altogether now… easy, easy, easy!