There are 2 positions used to begin wrestling. Although there are many variations and styles used, these are the fundamental versions you’ll see.
The 4 orientations are the relational positions in which wrestlers orbit eachother attempting to execute a technique.
Taking hold of the jacket to throw is called a ‘hitch’. There are four most common hitches based upon grabbing the collar, label, elbow, cuff or waist. They are categorised by being even or uneven hitches.
Also known in Cornwall as the ‘Scat ‘n Back’. This technique is the Westcountry equivalent to ‘ashi-waza’ (foot throws) in Judo.
The technique of applying the toe to back of the ankle of the opponent on the same side. This technique is the Westcountry equivalent to the ‘barai’ throws in Judo
The Flying Mare is named after ‘Pegasus’. The Flying Mare is performed using the ropes, and the Teddy Bag heave is using the sleeve[1], but is the same throw.
The hitch is taken on the sleeve, much like when performing the Teddy Bag heave. The point of leverage is over the heel, after stretching the leg out as far as possible to the outside of leg of the opponent. The action is very similar to the ‘guruma’ throws in Judo.
A lift of the opponent from underneath. Because it relies upon the opponent having their head low across the belly, it’s often used as a defence against a hip.
This is a strong person’s throw because it involves picking up your opponent. This technique is the Westcountry equivalent to the ‘Ura nage’ or ‘Ushiro-goshi’ throws in Judo.
This is a strong person’s throw because it involves picking up your opponent. Unlike the hip, the heave is a sudden lift that takes the opponent’s feet clean off the ground, using the hip or knee to facilitate.
The Back Crook is a staple method of the Devonshire style, and usually one of the first to be taught. In Devon, it is primarily known as the Back Inside-lock.
One of the basic techniques to learn. In the Devon, this movement was known as the Inside-lock. In Cornish Wrestling, this move is known as the ‘Crook’ because of the way the foot is wound round and crooked around the opponent’s leg – reminiscent of the Shepherd who uses a Crook to control the flock. The crooks are the equivalent to the ‘gari’ throws in Judo.
A variant of the Fore hip. The important difference between the Fore hip and the Cross hip is the orientation.
A variant of the Fore hip, where the arm is placed over the opponent’s nearest shoulder instead of crossing around their back. Because the control is so small, and leverage is narrow, this throw requires greater strength than the Fore hip.
The Fore hip is one of the most basic techniques to learn. It is a staple method of the Cornish style, and usually one of the first to be taught. This technique is the Westcountry equivalent to the ‘goshi’ throws in Judo.