Maccabi Lod Boxing Gym

As it was discussed previously there are 4 combat sports that are part of the Olympics: wrestling, judo, taekwondo and boxing.

I would like to give a brief overview for each individual sport.

 

1. Wrestling:

Wrestling is the oldest combat sport that was part of the Olympic Games in ancient Greece. When Olympic Games were renewed (in 1896), wrestling was included in the first modern Olympics that were held in Athens.

Today wrestling is divided into two styles. First is Greco Roman Wrestling also known as Classic Wrestling. Despite its name this style was developed in France in 19th century. The wrestling match is held on the special padded mat with circle marking the boundaries where the bout is confined.

Basic rules:

No kicking or punches of any kind are allowed. No grabbing of fingers, biting and scratching. Use of the legs either for attack or defense, chokes and bars are forbidden. The points are given for throws when standing or rolls and pins on the ground.

The second style is Freestyle Wrestling. This is more recent and is held on the same mat as the Classic Wrestling. The difference is that use of legs is allowed.

The comparison between two styles:

Both styles are similar in rules, weight classes, logistics except the use of legs which makes freestyle wrestling bout more dynamic and diverse in technique. Both styles are sanctioned by international wrestling federation called FILA. Important to notice that woman also compete in the Olympics since 2004.

2. Boxing:

Boxing is the second combat sport that was included in the Olympics in 1904.

Boxing is one of the oldest and more popular sports. The history of boxing begins in antiquity, but the classic boxing known today began in England in 1867 after adopting the series of rules called Queensberry rules. There are a lot of information about boxing on our site, such as explanations about: classic boxing, professional boxing, judging criteria etc. (check out the info tab).

The women's competition was introduced in 2012 Olympic Games.

3. Judo:

Judo is relatively modern combat sport that was developed in Japan in 19th century by Jigoro Cano who opened first Judo school in 1882. Judo was introduced to Olympics in 1964 and women began to participate in Olympics in 1992.

Judo derived its techniques from Jiu Jitsu after stripping more dangerous and harmful techniques and also adding techniques from other martial arts, enabling to create rules for competition and to become sport. The bout is held on padded mat similar to the one used in wrestling only its boundaries are marked by square. The Judokas wearing gi, which the opponent is allowed to grip and it enables them to perform variety of throws and techniques. The points are given for throws, bars, chokes and pins.

4. Taekwondo:

First entered Olympics in 2000, for both man and women.

Taekwondo is Korean martial art which is based on the Japanese martial arts that were brought during Japanese occupation of Korea. In 1955 Taekwondo was officially announced as national Korean martial art.

There are several Taekwondo federations with its own set of rules, but only one is associated with Olympic committee and this is WTF. The bout is contested by kicks to the upper body and head, no punches to the head are allowed. The score is given for precise kick that hits the opponent.

The competitors are wearing gi and special gear such as legs, body and head protection. The bout is held on the square mat that is more rigid than the one used in wrestling or judo.

The common for all Olympic combat sports is the rules are well defined and regulated, and the level of competition is highest among all combat sports.

In order to get overview of these sports you can watch videos below.

Wrestling:

Boxing:

Judo:

Taekwondo: