Rules of catch wrestling Just like any other type of martial art, catch wrestling has specific rules. Here are some of the basic rules:
1) No biting or eye-gouging.
If you bite or gouge someone's eyes out, you're disqualified. You don't need to worry about getting hurt while practicing catch wrestling, though. When you fall off balance, you'll land on your feet most of the time. If you fall face first, you won't break anything. Just make sure not to hit your head on the mat. This rule is fundamental because if you accidentally injure yourself, you might end up losing the fight.
2) No kicking or kneeing.
Kicking and kneeling are illegal in catch wrestling competitions. If you kick or knee someone, you lose. Period. It would be best never to kick or kneel when you practice catch wrestling at home. However, you may use kicks and knees to gain an advantage in sparring matches. Something interesting about this rule is that it doesn't apply to women. Women can kick and knee men without losing points. This is because women aren't allowed to compete in male-only events.
3) No groin strikes.
Groin strikes are illegal in catch wrestling. If you hit someone in the groin, you lose. If you get caught doing this, you will be disqualified immediately. Groin strikes are dangerous because they can cause serious injury. For example, if you punch someone in the stomach, you might knock the wind out of them. Or maybe you'll bruise the area. Either way, you've lost.
4) No grabbing.
Grabbing is also illegal in catch wrestling. When you grab someone, you have to let go right away. If you don't, you lose. For example, if someone grabs your wrist, you can tap them on the shoulder to release you. However, if you try to pull free, you'll see both fall over. Then you'll have to start all over again.
5) No hair pulling.
Hair pulling is illegal in catch wrestling. It's considered cheating. If you pull someone's hair, you lose. If a referee sees you doing this, they will stop the match and disqualify you. Usually, it would be best if you didn't even attempt to pull someone's hair during a catch wrestling match. If you want to pull someone's hair, ask them nicely first. If they refuse, forget about it. There's nothing wrong with tugging on someone's shirt here and there. However, if you start pulling their hair, you're going to lose.
6) No pinning.
Pinning is another form of cheating in catch wrestling. Pinning means holding someone down until the referee stops the match. If you pin someone, you lose. Pinning isn't always bad, though. Sometimes, it's necessary to hold someone down. For example, if one wrestler wants to throw the other onto the floor, but the other wrestler refuses to let go, the first wrestler needs to pin the second wrestler down. In this case, the first wrestler wins.
7) No choking.
Choking is also illegal in catch-wrestling. Choking means putting pressure on someone's throat so that they can't breathe. If you choke someone, you lose. If the person you're blocking starts coughing, you win. Choking usually happens when two wrestlers grapple around each other's necks. The idea behind this move is to restrict the opponent's air supply.
8) No biting.
Biting is another type of foul in catch wrestling. Grinding means using your teeth to inflict damage on your opponent. If you do this, you lose. If your opponent bites you back, you win. You should only bite your opponent if you intend to draw blood. Otherwise, you could seriously hurt yourself.
9) No eye-gouging.
Eye gouging is also illegal in catch wrestling. Eye gouging means poking someone in the eyes with your fingers or fingernails. If you do this while grappling, you lose. If an opponent tries to gouge your eyes, you win.
Bottom line
When you watch a professional catch wrestling match, you won't see any of these things. Professional wrestlers know how to control themselves and act within the sport's rules. They also know how to avoid injuring themselves. But even if you aren't watching a professional wrestling match, you still need to learn how to fight safely. To do this, you need to follow the basic principles of self-defense.