Wrestling is an ancient martial art that uses grappling type techniques such as clinch fighting, throws and takedowns, joint locks, pins and other grappling holds. A wrestling bout is a physical competition, generally between two people, who attempt to gain and maintain a superior position. Wrestling is one of the oldest of martial arts with references to it as early as the Iliad that recounts the Trojan War in the 13th or 12th century BC. There are a wide range of styles with varying rules with both traditional historic and modern styles. Wrestling techniques have been incorporated into other martial arts as well as military hand-to-hand combat systems.

Female wrestling
Female wrestling, Olympic discipline since 2004, developed on the model of freestyle wrestling by allowing holds underneath the waist. The ultimate goal is to bring the opponent’s shoulders to the mat and win the match by fall For the past two years, the female team World Cup has been won by China that will organise the 2010 edition on its soil again.
Categories on the programme 48, 55, 63, 72 kg
Grappling
Grappling, also referred to as submission wrestling, is a self-defense discipline consisting in controlling the opponent thanks to immobilisation techniques and locks in order to make him or her abandon the fight without using striking. Grappling is equally practised by men and women and is divided into two different styles: with gi (kimono) and without gi (rashguard and shorts). The first World Grappling Championship was organised by FILA in 2008 with USA, France, and Canada as the three best teams.
Categories on the programme: Men 74, 84, 96 kg and Women 59 kg
Pankration
Pankration, a combination of the Greek words «pan» and «katos» meaning «the one who controls everything» was introduced on the programme of the ancient Olympic Games in 648 B.C. Today, pankration athlima allows all controlled kicking and punching techniques in standing position and all wrestling and submission techniques on the ground. It is equally practised by men and women who wear the traditional uniform called «endyma». FILA has already organised two World Championships for the discipline and the three top team in 2008 were Italy, Russia, and France.
Categories on the programme: Men 77, 83, 90 kg and Women 71 kg
Belt wrestling
Belt wrestling is one of the most widespread form of traditional wrestling. While holding each other’s belt, the wrestlers try to throw their opponent to the mat with the highest possible amplitude. The first competitor who scores 6 points wins the match. The rules adopted by FILA are purposely simple so that all national varieties of belt wrestling can express themselves within a generic form of the discipline.
Category on the programme: Men 90 kg