Difference between Male Wrestling and Female Wrestling
Wrestling is a time-honored sport that is found in most cultures all over the world. The sport uses various grappling techniques in order to subdue the opponent and matches are often fiercely contested until it results in victory for one contender. While wrestling has traditionally always been a man’s sport, more and more women are taking it up as well, and often to favorable results. It seems that women are just as able to handle the rigors of the sport as men are and the numerous high-profile female wrestling events around today are proof of that. Let's take a look at the various factors that go into each discipline.
Roots
It is unclear where exactly male wrestling started and many counties lay claim to being the originator of this proud tradition. What is known is that the sport was practiced in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt where the most common form was belt wrestling. Ancient China was also a hotbed of male wrestling, with Shuai Jiao being one of the earliest of all martial arts. Male wrestling was also mentioned in the Iliad as being practiced during the Trojan War, which took place in the 13th or 12th century BC. Female wrestling is quite a bit younger in comparison, with its roots being traceable to France. The country was home to numerous wrestling clubs that catered exclusively to females, and it was the setting for the first national championship in 1973. The French Wrestling Federation adopted the sport in 1977 and with its establishment in the international governing body FILA in 1982, female wrestling finally came into its own as a legitimate sporting event.
Championships
Male wrestling has been practiced in every single Summer Olympic Games since 1896, with the exception of the 1900 Summer Olympics. Freestyle wrestling and weight classes wrestling were introduced in the 1904 Olympics. As for female wrestling, the first world championship was held in 1987, with the French team being judged the champion. Interestingly enough, the United States waited until 1990 to hold a national female wrestling championship, although it did field a team for the first championship held in France.
Physical Concerns
11 years of age is a particularly crucial period in any girl’s life, since this is when she inches away from boys in height and weight. Boys on the other hand experience their growth spurt at age 13 years, and female wrestlers therefore have the edge that they wouldn't normally have, particularly in terms of body mass, muscle and height.
Similarities and Differences
Male Wrestling
- Early examples existed in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and China
- Written references are seen in early works such as the Iliad
- Has been played in the Summer Olympic Games since 1896
- Freestyle wrestling and weight classes were first introduced in 1904
Female Wrestling
- Originated in France
- First started out in exclusively female wrestling clubs
- First national championship was held in 1973
- Adopted by the French Wrestling Federation in 1977
- First world championship was held in 1987
- Introduced as an Olympic event in 2004
