Grappling vs. Wrestle: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss & Janet White || Updated on May 24, 2024
Grappling involves techniques for gaining control and submission without strikes, while wrestling focuses on takedowns and pinning the opponent. Both are combat sports emphasizing physical control.
Key Differences
Grappling refers to techniques and maneuvers aimed at gaining physical control over an opponent, often leading to submissions. It includes various disciplines like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo, where the emphasis is on holds, locks, and leverage. Wrestling, on the other hand, focuses on taking the opponent down to the ground and achieving a dominant position or pin.
Grappling often involves a wide range of submission techniques, such as joint locks and chokeholds, aiming to force an opponent to concede defeat. In contrast, wrestling primarily aims at controlling the opponent through techniques like throws, takedowns, and pins, where submissions are not the goal.
Grappling is a component of many martial arts and combat sports, playing a significant role in mixed martial arts (MMA). Wrestle, as a term, typically refers to the sport of wrestling, including styles like freestyle, Greco-Roman, and folkstyle, each with specific rules and objectives.
In grappling, the focus is on controlling and manipulating the opponent's body to achieve a superior position or submission. Whereas in wrestling, the main objective is to use strength, technique, and strategy to pin the opponent's shoulders to the mat or accumulate points through various moves.
Grappling often requires a balance of technique, flexibility, and strategic thinking to outmaneuver the opponent. Wrestling, on the other hand, emphasizes physical strength, conditioning, and explosive power to dominate and pin the opponent.
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Comparison Chart
Focus
Control and submission through holds and locks
Takedowns and pinning the opponent
Techniques
Joint locks, chokeholds, leverage maneuvers
Throws, takedowns, pins
Common Styles
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo
Freestyle, Greco-Roman, Folkstyle
Role in MMA
Integral component
Commonly used for takedowns and control
Objective
Force opponent to submit
Pin opponent or score points through moves
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Grappling and Wrestle Definitions
Grappling
Physical confrontation aiming for control without strikes.
The fighters engaged in grappling on the mat, each seeking an advantage.
Wrestle
Combat sport focusing on takedowns and pinning opponents.
He excelled in wrestle competitions during high school.
Grappling
Techniques used in martial arts for controlling opponents.
Learning grappling helps improve overall self-defense skills.
Wrestle
Engaging in a sport involving throws and pins.
Wrestle events often draw large crowds and enthusiastic fans.
Grappling
Engaging in close combat involving holds and locks.
In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, grappling skills are essential for controlling an opponent.
Wrestle
Using strength and techniques to dominate an opponent on the mat.
The athlete trained daily to improve his wrestle skills.
Grappling
A method of combat focusing on submissions and control.
Grappling in Judo often leads to throws and pins.
Wrestle
A physical contest with specific rules for pinning or scoring.
The wrestler’s goal is to pin his opponent for a win.
Grappling
See grapple.
Wrestle
To try to throw or immobilize another person, especially by gripping with the hands.
Grappling
Using leverage and techniques to dominate an opponent.
Grappling techniques are crucial in mixed martial arts competitions.
Wrestle
To engage in the sport of wrestling.
Grappling
(Nautical) See grapnel.
Wrestle
To struggle to move or control something with the hands
Wrestled with the truck's steering wheel.
Grappling
(gerund of grapple) An act in which something is grappled or grappled with.
Wrestle
To struggle in trying to manage, control, or deal with something
Wrestling with budget cuts.
Wrestle with one's conscience.
Grappling
A grappling hook or grappling iron.
Wrestle
To try to throw or immoblize (someone); wrestle with
Wrestled the fugitive to the ground.
Grappling
A small anchor; a grapnel.
Wrestle
To take part in a wrestling match with (someone).
Grappling
Present participle of grapple
Wrestle
To take part in (a wrestling match).
Grappling
A laying fast ho1d of; also, that by which anything is seized and held, a grapnel.
Wrestle
To move or lift with great effort and force
Wrestled the piano up the stairs.
Grappling
A grapple; a struggle. A match for yards in fight, in grappling for the bear.
Wrestle
To taken (something) away from another by gripping and pulling
Wrestled the gun out of the robber's hands.
Grappling
The act of engaging in close hand-to-hand combat;
They had a fierce wrestle
We watched his grappling and wrestling with the bully
Wrestle
To throw (a calf or other animal) for branding.
Grappling
Taking the bull by the horns
Wrestle
The act or a bout of wrestling.
Grappling
The sport of hand-to-hand struggle between unarmed contestants who try to throw each other down
Wrestle
A struggle
A wrestle with a problem.
Wrestle
A wrestling bout.
Wrestle
A struggle.
Wrestle
(intransitive) To contend, with an opponent, by grappling and attempting to throw, immobilize or otherwise defeat him, depending on the specific rules of the contest
Wrestle
(intransitive) To struggle or strive
Wrestle
(transitive) To take part in a wrestling match with someone
Wrestle
(transitive) To move or lift something with difficulty
Wrestle
(transitive) To throw a calf etc in order to brand it
Wrestle
(transitive) To fight.
Wrestle
To contend, by grappling with, and striving to trip or throw down, an opponent; as, they wrestled skillfully.
To-morrow, sir, I wrestle for my credit, and he that escapes me without some broken limb shall acquit him well.
Another, by a fall in wrestling, started the end of the clavicle from the sternum.
Wrestle
Hence, to struggle; to strive earnestly; to contend.
Come, wrestle with thy affections.
We wrestle not against flesh and blood.
Difficulties with which he had himself wrestled.
Wrestle
To wrestle with; to seek to throw down as in wrestling.
Wrestle
A struggle between two persons to see which will throw the other down; a bout at wrestling; a wrestling match; a struggle.
Whom in a wrestle the giant catching aloft, with a terrible hug broke three of his ribs.
Wrestle
The act of engaging in close hand-to-hand combat;
They had a fierce wrestle
We watched his grappling and wrestling with the bully
Wrestle
Combat to overcome an opposing tendency or force;
He wrestled all his life with his feeling of inferiority
Wrestle
Engage in deep thought, consideration, or debate;
I wrestled with this decision for years
Wrestle
To move in a twisting or contorted motion, (especially when struggling);
The prisoner writhed in discomfort
The child tried to wriggle free from his aunt's embrace
Wrestle
Engage in a wrestling match;
The children wrestled in the garden
Wrestle
Physical struggle aiming to pin or control the opponent.
They began to wrestle, each trying to gain the upper hand.
FAQs
How does wrestling differ from grappling?
Wrestling focuses on takedowns and pinning the opponent, while grappling emphasizes control and submissions.
What sports are considered grappling sports?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and Sambo are examples of grappling sports.
Is grappling part of mixed martial arts (MMA)?
Yes, grappling is a crucial component of MMA for controlling and submitting opponents.
What is the goal in a wrestling match?
The goal in a wrestling match is to pin the opponent or accumulate points through various techniques.
Which sport emphasizes joint locks and chokeholds?
Grappling emphasizes joint locks and chokeholds.
Do both grappling and wrestling require physical strength?
Yes, both require physical strength, but grappling also emphasizes technique and leverage.
Can grappling be part of self-defense training?
Yes, grappling is often included in self-defense training for its control techniques.
What is the main objective of grappling?
The main objective of grappling is to control and submit the opponent through various holds and locks.
Are submissions a part of wrestling?
No, wrestling typically does not include submissions; the aim is to pin the opponent or score points.
What styles are included in wrestling?
Freestyle, Greco-Roman, and Folkstyle are the main styles of wrestling.
Is wrestling an Olympic sport?
Yes, wrestling is an Olympic sport with freestyle and Greco-Roman styles.
What is a common grappling position?
The guard is a common grappling position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Is flexibility important in grappling?
Yes, flexibility is important in grappling to execute and escape holds.
Which sport involves more ground fighting, grappling or wrestling?
Grappling involves more ground fighting, focusing on control and submissions.
Can wrestling techniques be used in MMA?
Yes, wrestling techniques are commonly used in MMA for takedowns and control.
Is wrestling suitable for children to learn?
Yes, wrestling is a popular and suitable sport for children to learn discipline and physical fitness.
Do grapplers use strikes during matches?
No, grappling does not involve strikes; it focuses on holds and submissions.
Are grappling competitions held internationally?
Yes, there are many international grappling competitions.
Which sport has a point-based scoring system?
Wrestling has a point-based scoring system based on various techniques.
What type of attire is worn in wrestling competitions?
Wrestlers wear singlets, specialized shoes, and sometimes headgear.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Co-written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
