Q&A for How to Wrestle

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  • Question
    How can I properly do a bear hug in wrestling?
    Derrek Hofrichter
    Self-Defense Specialist
    Derrek Hofrichter is a Self-Defense Specialist and the Founder of EVKM Self Defense & Fitness in Tempe, Arizona. Derrek specializes in Krav Maga, Personal Safety, and Boxing. Derrek is a Krav Maga Third Degree Black Belt, a Senior Certified Krav Maga Instructor, and a Krav Maga Alliance Executive Board, and Training Team Member. EVKM Self Defense & Fitness was named the 2014 Krav Maga Alliance School of the Year and the 2017 Best Gym/Workout Studio in Phoenix. Derrek was named as one of the top 30 Health and Fitness Leaders in Arizona under the age of 40 by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com in 2018. He also holds a BA in Government Public Policy from Patrick Henry College.
    Self-Defense Specialist
    Expert Answer
    To execute a bear hug in wrestling, start by wrapping your arms securely around your opponent's body, similar to giving a tight hug. However, it's crucial to remain cautious, as this maneuver leaves you vulnerable to punches. Avoid extending your arms or opening your hands wide to grab or hug your opponent, as this could expose you to strikes. Instead, maintain a protective stance and ensure you have the right angle to minimize the risk of getting punched. Be mindful of your head positioning relative to your opponent's punches to execute the bearhug safely and effectively.
  • Question
    What if I'm on the bottom?
    Ruby Duncan
    Community Answer
    You can try bridging, having your body look like an upside-down U. You could also keep driving if you shot on them. If you're in ref's position [bottom], you can try a sitout, a standup, or a switch. If you are flat on your stomach, defend the half, and get back to base. Once you do this, try the moves mentioned above.
  • Question
    Can I start training wrestling if I am 19 years old?
    Community Answer
    Yes. You can start at almost any age. You just have to find out how and where.
  • Question
    How do I become a better wrestler?
    Community Answer
    You should keep practicing, and asking older wrestlers for advice.
  • Question
    If I am a girl and scared to wrestle a boy, how do I keep calm?
    Community Answer
    Just don't think about his gender. It doesn't necessarily mean he is the better wrestler. If you are uncomfortable, though, you could join a women's wrestling club.
  • Question
    Are you still able to join a club even if you never tried wrestling before?
    Community Answer
    Yes, and clubs are a good place to learn, as there will be people with higher skill levels you can learn from.
  • Question
    How do I get my wrestling coach's attention so he can push us harder?
    Community Answer
    Tell him you feel that he isn't pushing you enough. Also, take matters into your own hand. Workout on your own and invite teammates to work out with you. At practice, push your teammates. When lifting weight, push them to add more weight, if you think they can do that much weight. But remember, don't be a bully. Encourage them. Use constructive criticism.
  • Question
    I had foot surgery. Can I join my wrestling team?
    Top Answerer
    You could, but make sure the surgery doesn't have long term effects (such as random throbs, soreness, etc.). If you're not experiencing such issues, then you can join. You may need a medical record to prove you are fit to join.
  • Question
    Can I start wrestling right now?
    Community Answer
    Sure! Find a local club, sign up, and learn. Wrestling takes a lot of practice to master, but it's very easy to start.
  • Question
    How do you wrestle a girl?
    Community Answer
    Just as you wrestle to win in every other match, this one is no different. Don't let your preconceived notions about gender scare yourself out of a match. It's not the 1800s where women were conceived of as dainty little flowers. Support gender equality and just wrestle!
  • Question
    How do I get out of a bundle?
    Community Answer
    Push your hips up (bridge) and roll backwards over your opponent if possible. If not, then pull your top arm out and push down on the mat to bring yourself up and then complete the above. This isn't the only way, but it's the most common.
  • Question
    Is it generally better to be on top of an opponent or underneath him?
    Community Answer
    You always want to be on top of your opponent. If you are underneath him, he will most likely pin you or "turn" you.
  • Question
    How can I beat someone at wrestling if they kick my legs?
    Community Answer
    The best thing you can do is try to use a pin on them. Practice a variety of pins and use those to take your opponent down. If possible, grab their leg when they try to kick you and use it to swing them onto the ground.
  • Question
    Do I have to finish school first?
    Community Answer
    You can start wrestling at any age, but will need to finish school before you can become a professional.
  • Question
    What's the best move to do in wrestling?
    Community Answer
    There really isn't one. It depends on your opponent's skill level as well as your own, and each wrestler has the one move that they prefer above all others. Find the move that works for you and it will be your best move before long with a little practice.
  • Question
    Is it harder to take down a bigger wrestler? Can I take them down?
    Community Answer
    It is possible to take down someone bigger than you. However, because of size, the wrestler is much harder to take down.
  • Question
    Can I wrestle using my legs?
    Community Answer
    There are two styles of wrestling, Greco-Roman and Freestyle. In Freestyle, the wrestlers use their legs.
  • Question
    What is the best way to get fit for wrestling?
    Community Answer
    Do a lot of cardio and if you are a beginner, start with light weight and body weight exercises to get stronger.
  • Question
    How can I do tryouts for wrestling if I know nothing about wrestling?
    Community Answer
    In wrestling there are no tryouts or cuts. Find a local club or wrestle with your school. Your coaches and/or instructors will help you learn the basics and then throughout the season they will most likely teach you more complicated moves.
  • Question
    How many hours do I need to train daily if I want to become a wrestler, and I am already a young adult?
    Community Answer
    There's no set amount of time. Work as hard as you can handle! Lift weights and do a lot of cardio exercises.
  • Question
    What is the perfect throw on the mat?
    Community Answer
    There is no perfect throw. Everything you learn is utile, and depends on individual situations.
  • Question
    At what age can I become a wrestler?
    Community Answer
    In high school, there are classes for Wrestling, so probably about ages 13-28. To do real professional wrestling, between the ages of 29 to 69.
  • Question
    Could I get into WWE without training?
    Community Answer
    No, you need at least 3-5 years of experience before you can apply to the NXT.
  • Question
    Is wrestling easy to learn or not?
    Community Answer
    It can be, if you are taught by the right coach, have the desire to learn and the dedication to stick with it.
  • Question
    What are the fees to join WWE?
    Community Answer
    There are no fees, but you have to be talented and lucky enough to make it.
  • Question
    I'm only 14, almost 15, and I'm in wrestling. How do I make sure I'm not nervous before a match?
    Community Answer
    When you're about to start in a match, make yourself feel loose. Relax your muscles or run around if you need to so you can feel ready for the match. I'm 15 and in my first match, I felt like I would lose all of my matches. Turns out, I won second place in my weight class. I did early warm-ups and drank lots of water so I wouldn't be tired during the match. All you need to do is believe in yourself and I promise you, you'll feel like a champion.
  • Question
    What can I do to reduce the feeling of awkwardness when wrestling someone of the opposite sex?
    Community Answer
    Just imagine that she is your sister, and she stole 4300 from you. There is no way for every person, but this might work for you. Focus on yourself, and try not to think about the other wrestler.
  • Question
    How do I beat someone stronger than me?
    Community Answer
    Observe your opponent's matches. Doing so can help pinpoint weaknesses. Then you can practice moves that the other wrestler has difficulty with.
  • Question
    How can I become a pro wrestler?
    Community Answer
    Follow the methods in Become a Pro Wrestler .
  • Question
    How do I not cry from the shock after the fight?
    Galasy4969
    Top Answerer
    1. Do not take your loss personally. Your opponent did not beat you just to make you feel bad. 2. Think about what you did well in the match. Did you try a new technique or maneuver? Did you avoid making an old mistake? 3. Reach out to a supportive individual, like your coach or parents.
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