Why 83% of UFC Champions Have Wrestling Backgrounds — And Why Catch Wrestling is the Missing Link
Are you looking for the most effective martial art base for mixed martial arts competition? Struggling to find a grappling system that works equally well for submission grappling, MMA, and professional wrestling? Wrestling dominates MMA with an unprecedented 58 out of 69 UFC champions coming from wrestling backgrounds — most fighters are missing the crucial element that separates good wrestlers from legends: Catch-as-Catch-Can Wrestling.
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Catch Wrestling: Who Cares?
If you know anything about wrestling history, you know that Folktyle Wrestling and Olympic Freestyle originally had a different name: Amateur Catch-As-Catch-Can Wrestling. Known as "Catch Wrestling" for short, it was also the original modern submission grappling system, even pre-dating Judo. Catch Wrestling combines the takedown mastery of folkstyle and freestyle wrestling with the devastating finishing ability of more than a century and a half of submission wrestling - but with one critical difference: it was designed for winning prize-fights, not participation trophies.
Unlike modern wrestling styles that focus only on takedowns and pins, or BJJ that emphasizes guard play, Catch Wrestling teaches you to:
- Control where the fight takes place (standing or ground)
- Dominate from top position with crushing pressure and control
- Finish fights with painful submission holds that force immediate taps
- Transition seamlessly between wrestling and submissions
The statistics speak for themselves: Catch Wrestling provides the perfect fusion of wrestling's 83% success rate in producing UFC champions with top-game submission finishing ability that ends fights definitively
The Legendary Lineage:Why Scientific Wrestling Stands Above All Others
Scientific Wrestling is the world's only catch wrestling organization with curricula and a ruleset co-developed and endorsed by the three greatest legends in combat sports history.
Karl “The God of Wrestling” Gotch
(1924-2007)
- 1948 Olympic competitor representing Belgium in both freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling
- Trained at the legendary Wigan Snake Pit under Billy Riley and Billy Joyce
- Known as "The God of Wrestling" in Japan alongside Billy Robinson and Lou Thesz
- Founded modern MMA through his students: Satoru Sayama (Shooto), Masakatsu Funaki and Minoru Suzuki (Pancrase), and Pride Fighting Championships
Billy Robinson
(1938-2014)
- Direct student of legendary Billy Riley at the Wigan Snake Pit
- Trained alongside Karl Gotch in the most respected catch wrestling gym in history
- Shaped modern professional wrestling and strong style in Japan
- Master of authentic catch-as-catch-can techniques who separated real wrestlers from pretenders
Wade Schalles
- Most successful competitive wrestler in history with over 800 wins
- Developed innovative wrestling techniques still used by NCAA champions today
- Bridge between traditional wrestling and modern MMA application
- Endorsed Scientific Wrestling as the global gold standard
For 25 years, Scientific Wrestling is the ONLY organization globally recognized as the Gold Standard in Catch Wrestling, endorsed by thousands of athletes worldwide, including champions in MMA, grappling, and professional wrestling.
The Science Behind Catch Wrestling's MMA Dominance
Research proves catch wrestling is the ultimate MMA base because it addresses the three critical areas modern fighters need:
1
Takedown Mastery with Submission Intent
Unlike pure wrestling that focuses on pins, catch wrestling teaches takedowns with the specific intent to set up submissions. This creates dual-threat fighters who can finish from any position.
2
Top Control Dominance
Catch wrestling emphasizes crushing top pressure pinning and control, making it superior to guard-heavy systems like BJJ for MMA where being on bottom is disadvantageous. As our Founder noted: "The strategic high-ground and making your opponent carry your weight are crucial when fighting on a planet with gravity".
3
Pain-Based Submissions That Work Under Pressure
While BJJ focuses on bottom control positions to set up chokes and joint locks, catch wrestling includes painful submission holds designed to force immediate compliance. These techniques are specifically designed for live combat situations where adrenaline and toughness can overcome traditional submissions.
Why Most Wrestlers Fail in MMA (And How Catch Wrestling Fixes This)
The #1 problem with modern wrestling for MMA: Wrestlers learn to avoid their back and escape bottom position, but they never learn to finish fights when they're winning. They dominate position but can't capitalize with submissions.
Catch Wrestling solves this by teaching:
- Submission chains from dominant wrestling positions
- How to transition from control to finish
- Painful holds that work even on tough, experienced fighters
- Both pins and submissions as viable finishing options
As one MMA analyst explained: "If you take someone who wrestled in high school and college, then teach them submissions via BJJ, how different from catch is that anyway?" The difference is catch wrestling has honed these skills into an integrated system since the 1870s, not as separate disciplines you try to combine, wasting years of time "re-inventing the wheel".
Scientific Wrestling: Your Gateway to Elite Catch Wrestling Training
Founded in 2003, Scientific Wrestling has done more than any organization to preserve and teach authentic catch wrestling. Here's what makes their program uniquely effective:
Proven Training System
- 20+ years of curriculum development with legendary coaches
- Hundreds of hours of rare historical footage from the greatest catch wrestlers
- Top-shelf coaching and certification programs for serious students
- Online instructional content that works for all skill levels
Shoot Pro Wrestling Revolution: Where Real Competition Meets Professional Wrestling Presentation
Tired of scripted entertainment? Craving authentic athletic competition?
Shoot Pro Wrestling delivers what fans have been demanding for decades: legitimate competitive wrestling with professional wrestling rules and presentation. This isn't theatrical combat entertainment - this is real competition with real stakes, real champions, and real prize money.
What Makes Shoot Pro Wrestling Unique
- Legitimate competition with unpredictable outcomes
- Elite roster of champions from MMA, BJJ, and collegiate wrestling
- Traditional pro wrestling presentation with authentic athletic competition!
- The perfect fusion of UFC intensity and WWE spectacle
Leadership Team of Combat Sports Legends
- Pat Miletich (President): UFC Hall of Famer and most decorated coach in UFC history
- Frank Shamrock (Chairman): Former UFC World Champion and legendary broadcaster
- Gerald Brisco (Commissioner): WWE Hall of Famer ensuring competition integrity
- Jake Shannon (Creator/CEO): Founder of Scientific Wrestling and visionary creator
Competition Rules Designed for Real Athletes
Shoot Pro Wrestling uses authentic catch-as-catch-can competition rules:
- Victory by pinfall, submission, knockout, count-out, or disqualification
- Best of 3 falls format for maximum competitive integrity
- All submissions allowed except dangerous techniques
- Professional weight classes from lightweight to heavyweight
- Tag team and specialty match formats
How to Get Started: Your Path to Catch Wrestling Mastery
Step 1: Access World-Class Instruction
Sign up for Scientific Wrestling's comprehensive online training system featuring:
- Video instructionals from Karl Gotch, Billy Robinson, and Wade Schalles
- Historical footage and rare techniques not available anywhere else
- Progressive curriculum suitable for beginners to advanced competitors
- 24/7 access to the world's largest catch wrestling knowledge base
Step 2: Train with Certified Instructors
Attend Scientific Wrestling seminars and coaching camps to:
- Learn directly from certified catch wrestling instructors
- Practice techniques with proper supervision and feedback
- Network with serious catch wrestling practitioners
- Experience authentic training methods from the legends
Step 3: Compete and Test Your Skills
Apply your training in real competition through:
- Shoot Pro Wrestling events for the ultimate test
- Local grappling competitions using your new skill set
- MMA training and competition with your enhanced ground game
- Coaching and teaching others to deepen your own understanding
The Business Case: Why Sponsors and Partners Choose Scientific Wrestling
For gyms, instructors, and martial arts businesses, partnering with Scientific Wrestling provides:
Proven Market Demand
- Combat sports audience actively seeking authentic wrestling instruction
- 18-45 demographic with high disposable income and brand loyalty
- Growing viewership across digital platforms
- Engagement rates exceeding industry standards
Complete Business Support
- Certification programs for instructors
- Marketing materials and branded content
- Established curriculum and training protocols
- Ongoing support and education for affiliates
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, catch wrestling can be highly effective for strikers. Its emphasis on takedowns and ground control complements striking skills, allowing fighters to dictate where the fight takes place and capitalize on opportunities to showcase their striking abilities.
While both are submission-based, catch wrestling has a more aggressive and control-oriented approach. Catch wrestling focuses on maintaining control and applying pressure, while BJJ emphasizes positional dominance and technical submissions.
Catch wrestling can be suitable for beginners, but it requires dedication and consistent training. Beginners should start with fundamental takedowns, position control, and basic submissions before progressing to advanced techniques.
The main reason is accessibility - good catch wrestling gyms are extremely rare. However, as more fighters discover its effectiveness, and with organizations like Scientific Wrestling making it more accessible, catch wrestling is experiencing a major resurgence.
Take Action: Join the Catch Wrestling Revolution Today
Don't wait to discover the grappling system that's producing champions across every combat sport. Whether you're a complete beginner looking for the most effective martial art base, an experienced grappler wanting to add devastating new techniques, or a coach seeking to give your students a competitive advantage, Scientific Wrestling provides the authentic catch wrestling education you need.
Join ScientificWrestling.com today to:
- Access exclusive training content from legendary instructors
- Find certified instructors and training camps in your area
- Learn more about coaching certification and business opportunities
- Watch Shoot Pro Wrestling events and see catch wrestling in action
The legends preserved the knowledge. Scientific Wrestling makes it accessible. The question is: are you ready to learn the art that created champions?
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