Submission Wrestling Variants

Today, we kick off with the first article of our Gay Wrestling Guide. This guide aims to share all the information about Gay Wrestling with you for both educational and informational purposes. The internet is filled with information and articles, and we plan to compile that for you. We start with perhaps the most important article: Submission Wrestling.

One of the most common forms of Gay Wrestling is Submission Wrestling. Fundamentally, Submission Wrestling is comparable to grappling. The goal of Submission Wrestling is to make the opponent submit through the use of a hold. Submission can occur by tapping out on the opponent or the mat, or by verbally giving up.

History

Grappling is a collective term for disciplines within combat sports that do not use strikes or kicks but focus on throwing, controlling, immobilizing, and forcing an opponent into submission through grips. The history of grappling dates back thousands of years and is deeply rooted in various cultures worldwide.

In ancient Greece, grappling was known under the name pankration, an Olympic discipline that was a combination of wrestling and other fighting techniques without the constraints of modern sports rules. This was one of the first organized forms of grappling known in the Western world.

In Asia, grappling also has a long history, particularly in the form of traditional wrestling and techniques integrated into martial arts. In Japan, jujutsu developed, which would later evolve into judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. These styles emphasize throwing the opponent and using ground techniques, such as holds and chokes.

In Mongolia, there is a rich tradition of wrestling that is a significant part of the Naadam festival. Mongolian wrestling, or bökh, is characterized by its special rules and attire and has no weight classes, which is unique in the world of competitive wrestling.

In the modern era, grappling has gained global reach through organizations such as the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation and events like the ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship. These competitions have contributed to the development and popularization of grappling as both a sport and a self-defense technique.

The history of grappling is both diverse and complex, with each culture contributing its unique style and traditions to what we know today as grappling in the world of combat sports.

Variations of Submission Wrestling

You can engage in Submission Wrestling in various ways. You can agree to compete or designate a winner beforehand. We have compiled a list of variants you might want to try on the mat:

Submission Based on Time

Both wrestlers agree on a time limit for a round/match. Each time the opponent submits, a point is awarded. The wrestler with the most points at the end of the time limit wins the match. To encourage specific types of submissions, different points can be assigned to various submissions (for example, armbars are worth 1 point, chokes 2 points).

Submission Based on Points

Both wrestlers agree on a point limit for a round/match. Each time the opponent submits, a point is awarded. The first to reach the point limit wins the match. To encourage specific types of submissions, different points can be assigned to various submissions (for example, armbars are worth 1 point, chokes 2 points).

Submission Domination

In Submission Domination, control is the most important aspect. Similar to regular Submission, the goal is to make the opponent submit in a hold. In Submission Domination, you do not release the hold when the opponent taps out; instead, you loosen the grip and maintain the position. There are roughly two variants to determine the winner in Submission Domination. The first variant is setting a time limit before the match. The wrestler who is in control when the time limit expires wins the match. The second variant ends when one of the two wrestlers verbally indicates they are exhausted and cannot continue.

Limited Submissions

You can agree with the opponent that only a specific number of submissions are allowed. For example, you might agree that only chokes are permitted, or only submissions involving legs.

Oil Submission

As the name suggests, it is similar to regular Submission Wrestling, but before each round begins, both wrestlers apply oil to themselves. This makes it more challenging to secure a submission during the match, which can make the contest more interesting.

Submission Escape Challenge

Before the match, you agree on a list of submissions that you will attempt during the match. Wrestler A starts by putting Wrestler B in a submission. Once Wrestler B is in the submission, a timer of 1 minute starts. If Wrestler B escapes the submission within 1 minute, Wrestler B earns 1 point. If Wrestler B fails to escape, Wrestler A gets 1 point. After 1 minute, the roles switch and Wrestler B puts Wrestler A in the submission, and they battle for 1 minute. They work through all the submissions on the list this way. At the end of all rounds, the wrestler with the most points wins.

King of the Ring

When more than two people enter the mat, King of the Ring is an excellent match setup. Before the match starts, a time limit is agreed upon. By drawing lots, it is decided which two wrestlers will start on the mat. The wrestler who submits loses the round and leaves the mat; the winner earns a point and remains. This continues until the time limit expires, and the wrestler with the most points wins. In the event of a tie, the two wrestlers with the most points compete in a final and decisive round.

Sky is the Limit

The forms mentioned above are just a few examples of what you can do. Don’t limit yourself to these options. Discover what works for you and what you enjoy. Combine forms, omit rules, or create your own custom rules. The list we’ve provided can always be used as a base!

Disclaimer

It’s important to note that when you step onto the mat, two things matter: enjoyment and safety. Both wrestlers should look back on the match with pleasure, regardless of the outcome. Although it’s a combat sport and injuries can occur, there is a difference between making your opponent submit in a controlled manner and causing injury. Everything you do on the mat should be sensible and controlled. Agree on clear boundaries before the match, and hold each other accountable if those boundaries are crossed. You’re engaging in a sport, so injuries are always a risk. Use the information on our website as a reference, but don’t rely solely on it. Embark on your own journey to discover what you find fun, comfortable, and enjoyable.

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Happy Wrestling!