Flying Mare / Teddy bag heave
Description
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 Teddy-bag heave is named after throwing a heavy sack of potatoes. In Gouren, this technique is known as ‘Taol Samm Miliner’ means ‘the miller’s load throw’ and comes from the move of the miller when swinging a sack on his back.
Instructions
Starting position
Mr White and Mr Black step back to face each other, having just shaken hands. They stand in the front position. This is the starting position before getting the hitch.
The hitch
Mr Black grips with his left hand at the lower sleeve/cuff and with his right hand on the collar/upper sleeve of Mr White’s right side. Meanwhile, Mr Black turns in by turning away from Mr White.
Execute the move
Mr Black lifts and pulls with the arm upwards to unbalance him and steps forward with his right leg opposite Mr White’s right leg. He pulls with left arm (elbow raised), the right elbow comes under the armpit.
Execute the move (continued)
While bending, Mr Black steps backwards. By straightening his legs and rocking his body with his left foot at the same level as his right one, forward, Mr Black throws his opponent down, and puts his hip slightly to the right side (weight on the arms follow the movement, both legs). His right arm, set in the armpit, pushes upwards and forward.
The back
Mr Black presses down with both arms to control so Mr White lands with all 4 pins on the ground.
Key points
- Continue to pull with the arms, otherwise the opponent can get back on his heels.
- Maintain good contact at the back-shoulder level.
Counter actions
- Mr White can block the set-up with a step forward with his right foot, pulls the Mr Black backwards by his left shoulder.
- Knock Back by exchanging the weight from the leg and catching Mr Black behind the ankles.
Be sure when you take it that you bring your arm past the bent of your arm, under his armpit, and let your arm be bent upwards towards your head, and ‘twill keep him from flipping from you. (Parkyns, 1716)
References
Hooper, W Tregoning: The Mullion and other champion wrestlers, Cornishman, 5 October 1921, pp.3.
Jaouen, G & Nichols, M B (2007). Celtic Wrestling The Jacket Styles: History Of An Old Sport & Techniques Of Cornu-Breton Wrestling, winners 1928-2006. pp.130-131.
Kendall, B; Chapman, B; Gregory, H; Cundy, T J; Anderson, A; Hooper, J B. (1990), Art of Cornish Wrestling, Reprinted by the Federation of Old Cornwall Societies, pp. 14.
Parkyns, T (1727). Progymnasmata —The Inn-Play; or, Cornish Hugg Wrestler. London. pp. 18.
Longhurst, P. (1917). Wrestling. Methuen. pp.26.
[1] According to one reference, The Flying Mare is thought to have been invented by Philip “Phep” Hancock, World Cornish Wrestling Champion 1884 (Hooper 1921, 3). This account, however, seems unlikely, given the earliest reference to the Flying Mare is documented in Parkyns (1727, 18). Percy Longhurst, the early 20th Century Wrestling author claimed that the Flying Mare had been adopted in Catch Wrestling, having taken this throw from the Cornish. (1917, 26).