«

/
THE SCIENCE OF

WRESTLING
AND

THE ART OF

JIU-JITSU
BY

EARLE LIEDERMAN /

PUBLISHED BY

EARLE LIEDERMAN
NEW YORK
 GrVlH5
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1923,
COPYRIGHT,

EARLE LIEDERMAN
BY
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OCT 28 23 J
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 PREFACE
It has been said that every worth-while man is possessed with
some hobby. He may not admit it. In fact, he may not know it,
but he has one just the same. If such be true, I should be
doubly proud of myself, for I have two hobbies. One is
Wrestling and the other is Boxing.

There was a time when the viewpoint of some people was so

narrow they disapproved of both these amusements, but I am
pleased to note that today such people are by far in the minority.
The French would say “cest la guerre ” for the war has had
a lot to do with it. Never before were the advantages of these
two sciences so clearly demonstrated. Every American boy
was encouraged to participate in at least one of these manly
arts.

For a number of years I have been directing and guiding thou¬

sands of boys and young men in the care of their bodies. It
is just as natural for a strong, healthy boy to box and wrestle
as it is to eat. I have tried to teach, however, that there is a
time and place for everything. I would be indeed disap¬
pointed to learn that any of my followers had acquired the
strength and skill to wrestle and then assume the part of a
bully. For a bully is at heart a coward.

In the writing of this book my purpose is the same. I desire

to build up an army of courageous, clean-minded men who
will be prepared to protect the weak rather than to oppress
them—men who will dare to do right and insist on others
doing the same.
n/Mjisa.'w.co.

Wrestling, then, is threefold in its benefits. It will help you

in the upbuilding of a strong, robust body; it will fortify
you against attacks by ruffians and bullies, and it will build
up a determined spirit within you which will help you in the
everyday walks of life.

Starting from the beginning of this world, right up to the

present day, in every epoch you will read of men, strong in
character, who were noted for their physical prowess and were
not slow to use these powers.

All of us cannot hope for world-wide success, hut we do know

that wrestling will give us a strong, healthy body, which is
essential for the highest attainments of the mind. We also
know that wrestling will build up the will power and per¬
severance of man when all other methods may fail.

Therefore, as you study this book, practicing and acquiring

the many advantages which it offers you over your fellow-
man, do it with the purpose of preparing yourself for the
enjoyment of a manly pastime, to protect yourself and others
against assault, and to make of yourself a strong, virile man
with a clean body and an active mind fit for the accomplish¬
ment of the bigger things in life.
 Earle Liederman
The physical development of the author
 CONTENTS
PAGE
Photo of Author (Earle Liederman). 1
Preface . 5
Picture of Earle Liederman, Showing Muscular Development. ... 7
Contents . 9-13
The Science of Wrestling and the Art of Jiu-Jitsu.15-36
Amateur Wrestling Rules. 37-43
Martin Ludecke, Middleweight Champion of Central America.... 44
The Science of Wrestling. 45
Shaking Hands. 46
Referee’s Hold. 47
Straight Reverse Arm Lock.48-49
Fall from Straight Reverse Arm Lock and Body Scissors. 50
Starting a Reverse Slip Lock.51-52
Fall from Reverse Slip Lock. 53
Wrist and Further Ankle Lock.54-55-56
Fall from Wrist and Further Ankle Lock. 57
Waist and Hammer Lock Standing. 58
Flying Mare .59-60
Fall from the Flying Mare. 51
Counter Hold for the Flying Mare. 52
Complete Counter for Flying Mare. 53
Standing Side Head Lock or Side Chancery. 64
Fall from Standing Side Head Lock or Side Chancery. 65
Counter for Side Head Lock or Side Chancery. 66
Start of Back Heel and Waist Lock. 67
Continuation of Back Heel and Waist Lock. 68
Fall from Back Heel and Waist Lock. 69
Back Heel and Leg Hold.70-71
Counter for Back Heel and Leg Hold. 72
Inside Leg and Arm Drop.73-74
Fall from Inside Leg and Arm Drop. 75
Double Leg Dive. 76
[9]
 PAGE
Counter for Double Leg Dive. 77
Guard for Leg Dive. 78
Standing Crotch and Half Nelson. 79
Fall from Standing Crotch and Half Nelson. 80
Roll with Wrist Lock and Leg Grapevine. 81
Fall from Roll with Wrist Lock and Leg Grapevine. 82
Standing Head Lock or Chancery and Bar.83-84
Counter for Standing Head Lock or Chancery and Bar. 85
Start of Waist Lock from Behind. 86
Waist Lock from Behind, Continued. 87
Putting Opponent to the Mat from Waist Lock Behind. 88
Double Wrist Lock, Standing. 89
Fall from Double Wrist Lock with Head Scissors. 90
Standing Double Wrist Lock with Back Heel.91-92
Fall from Standing Double Wrist Lock with Back Heel. 93
Counter for Standing Double Wrist Lock. 94
Countering a Counter for a Standing Double Wrist Lock. 95
Double Wrist Lock with Side Roll.96-97
Fall from Double Wrist Lock with Side Roll. 98
Double Wrist Lock on the Mat. 99
Fall from Double Wrist Lock on the Mat. 100
Double Wrist Lock with Bridge. 101
Cross-Buttock and Waist Lock. 102
Hip Lock . 103
Starting a Quarter Nelson. 104
Quarter Nelson . 105
Counter for Quarter Nelson. 106
Continuation of Quarter Nelson . 107
Fall from Quarter Nelson with Combination Cradle Hold. 108
Another Counter for Quarter Nelson. 109
Reversed Bar . 110
Half Nelson . Ill
Escape from Half Nelson. 112-113
Escape and Counter for Half Nelson. 114
Side Roll Counter for Half Nelson. 115
Half Nelson and Leg Roll. 116
Fall from Half Nelson and Leg Lift. 117
Further Half Nelson with Arm Scissors. 118-119
[10]
 PAGE
Fall from Further Nelson with Arm Scissors. 120
Combined Head and Leg Lock. ]21
Fall from Combined Head and Leg Lock. 122
Inside Grapevine . 123
Inside Grapevine with Toe Hold. 124
Fall from Inside Grapevine. 125
Start of Step-Over Toe Hold. 126
Step-Over Toe Hold Continued. 127
Step-Over Toe Hold to the Inside. 128
Start of Hammer Lock. 129
Hammer Lock and Crotch Hold.. 130
Hammer Lock and Half Nelson. 131
Front Bar . 132
Fall from Leg and Ankle Lock. 133
Side Bar Hold . . . .. 134
Leg and Arm Lock. 135
Start of Leg and Ankle Lock with Half Nelson. 136
Leg and Ankle Lock from Half Nelson. 137
Start of Arm Scissors. 138
Continuation of Arm Scissors. 139
Fall from Arm Scissors. 140
Front Head Lock. 141
Block for Leg Dive with Standing Quarter Nelson. 142
Near Leg Lift. 143
Fall from Further Crotch. 144
Start of Body Scissors. 145
Fall from Scissors . 146
Wrong Way of Securing Body Scissors. 147
Leg Lock on Arm. 148-149
Fall from Leg Lock on Arm. 150
Waist Hold and Wrist Grip. 151
Sitting Up from Waist Hold and Wrist Grip. 152
Fall from Sitting Up Waist Hold and Wrist Grip. 153
Standing Arm Lock and Leg Block. 154
Fall from Standing Arm Lock and Leg Block. 155
Breaking a Bridge..156-157
Half Nelson and Top Scissors. 158

HU
 PAGE

Fall from Top Scissors and Half Nelson. 159

Start of Leg Split. 160
Continuation of Leg Split. 161
Fall from Leg Split. 162
Leg Split and Head Lock. 163
Start of Further Arm and Bar. 164
Further Arm and Bar Hold Continued. 165
Fall from Further Arm and Bar. 166
The Art of Jiu-Jitsu... .167-169
Should You Be Attacked in the Street. 170
Should Anyone Attack You and Grab Hold of Your Coat Lapels. . 171
Force Your Left Arm Up and Around Your Opponent’s Right Arm 172
Bring Your Both Hands Upward. 173
Should a Person Reach Toward His Hip Pocket for a Gun. 174
Quickly Bring in Your Right Hand, Grasping Opponent’s Elbow 175
While Retaining Hold on His Elbow, You Can Punish Your
Opponent. 176
Another Way of Defending Yourself if a Person Reached for His
Pocket to Get a Weapon. 177
Straighten Out Your Opponent’s Locked Arm. 178
When Held Up with a Gun. 179
Follow Up with Your Right Hand, Turn the Pointed Gun Into
Your Opponent’s Face. 180
Should a Person Make a Move to Strike You with His Left Fist. . 181
Pull His Arm Toward You. 182
Another Method, if Attacked as Shown in Plate No. 133. 183
Another Method to Meet an Attack. 184
Should a Person Attack You and Endeavor to Punch You. 185
Another Way to Overcome an Attack as Shown in Plate No. 133. . 186
If a Person Strikes You or Endeavors to Hit You a Blow in the
Face. 187
Then, from Position Shown on Plate No. 139, Throw Yourself
Backwards. 188
Should a Person Endeavor to Strike You as Shown in Plate
No. 133. 189
Keep Forcing Up with Your Left Hand. 190
Should a Man Rush to Attack You. 191
Next, with a Quick Move, Pull His Coat Collar Over His Shoulders 192
[12]
 ^ <v - PAGE
There is Another Counter When an Opponent Rushes at You. . . . 193
Should Anyone Grab You by the Throat. 194
Simply Reach Upward with Your Hand and Grasp One or More
of His Fingers. 195
Next Endeavor to Place Your Arm Under Your Opponent’s. .. . 196
Shold Your Opponent Attack You with a Strangle Hold. 197
Another Way of Making a Man Helpless from an Attack as Shown 193
Still Another Way for Defending Yourself from a Strangle Hold 199
When a Person Makes an Attempt to Strike a Blow with His Right
Hand . 200
From Preceding Position Force Your Opponent’s Right Arm Over
His Right Shoulder. 201
When a Man Makes an Attack Swinging with His Right Fist. . . . 202
Then Pull Your Opponent’s Arm Towards Your Left Shoulder. . 203
Another Method of Preventing an Attack as Shown in Plate
No. 154 . 201
A Simple Method to Overcome an Attack... 205
The Finish from the Preceding Position. 206
Another Bone-Breaking Hold. 207
Twist Opponent’s Left Arm Outward and Upward. 208
Turn Completely Around Until You Are Facing Your Opponent
Again. 209
To Render Your Adversary Helpless in Another Way. 210
Having Brought Your Opponent to the Floor, Pull His Left Arm
Across Your Left Leg. 211
When an Opponent Endeavors to Strike You with His Right Hand 212
This Will Complete the Hold as Shown Above. 213
Demonstrating a Strangle Hold from the Front. 214
Demonstrating a Strangle Hold from the Front, Continued. 215
Showing a Way to Overpower a Man When You Are in Back of
Him . 216
Then Secure a Strangle Hold from the Back. 217
Another Way of Taking the Strangle Hold from the Back. 218
Demonstrating a Leg Trip from the Ground. 219
Another Simple Method of Flooring Your Adversary. 220
When Attacked from Behind and Opponent Pins Both of Your
Arms Against Your Body. 221
Throw Both Your Arms Upward and Outward. 222
You Will Then Be in a Position to Reach Quickly Through Your
Legs for Your Opponent’s Foot. 223
[13]
THE SCIENCE of WRESTLING AND
THE ART of JIU-JITSU
I T is not my intention to weary the reader with a de¬
tailed description of the history of wrestling, nor any
minor information that any one can find in various
wrestling books which now flood the market, but my en¬
deavor in publishing this book is to reveal modern holds
and styles used by champions both in Catch-as-Catch-Can
wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu, some of which have never been
imparted to the public.

I find it necessary, however, to mention the fact that

wrestling dates back to the early days of man. Consid¬
erable credit can be given to the Greeks, Chinese and
Japanese for discovering and perfecting the numerous
holds, counters and escapes. Wrestling today naturally
has progressed with the progress of the world, though
old-time wrestlers use many of the same holds that are
now scientifically applied by our present-day champions.
Catch-as-Catch-Can is the more modern form of wres¬
tling. This means that any hold can be taken on any
part of the body. This differs from the Graeco-Roman
style, which forbids obtaining holds below the waist.

With a thorough knowledge of wrestling, the weakest

man will find it exceedingly easy to overpower a man of
twice his size and strength, providing, of course, he is
clever and well versed in the various tricks which will be
found within the pages of this book.

There is a lot more to wrestling than the mere struggling

of two contestants on the mats. A determination to suc¬
ceed as a wrestler is most important. Next comes ever¬
lasting persistency. An unforgetful knowledge of all the
[15]
The Science of Wrestling and the Art of Jiu-Jitsu

holds, tricks, blocks, and counters, as well as escapes,

is also of paramount importance.
In modern wrestling bouts the strangle hold is usually
barred, owing to the danger of it. This also applies to
a great number of the Jiu-Jitsu holds, for considerable
damage would be done if some of these holds were per¬
mitted. There is hardly a wrestler who does not have
some knowledge of Jiu-Jitsu, and the reader will find
it advantageous to combine Jiu-Jitsu in wrestling, even
though the former may not be used completely, for there
may come occasions where such combined knowledge will
help you out of considerable difficulty.
As a protection in self-defense, Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling
combined is the most perfect combination that anyone
could adopt. The writer has demonstrated that he can
better any fighter by using the combined knowledge of
Catch-as-Catch-Can wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu, and make the
fighter disabled in an exceedingly short period of time.
Having had considerable experience both in boxing and
wrestling, I have no doubts as to which is the quicker
method of disabling anyone. Most wrestlers are fairly
good boxers, whereas most boxers are very poor wrestlers.
The Jiu-Jitsu attacks and defenses in this, book may some
day save the life of the reader, and I urge careful study
and observation of each and every attack and counter,
so as to become thoroughly familiar with every detail.

An expert in the art of Jiu-Jitsu possesses considerable

self-confidence, and would not hesitate for the moment
to apply his knowledge on any thug or hold-up man
should they come within his reach. Nearly every hold
is practically a bone-breaker, and I advise no one to
practice them on any friend or wrestling partner without
telling his opponent just what he intends to do, and
[16]
The Science of Wrestling and the Art of Jiu-Jitsu

at the same time opening and executing the attack with

the greatest caution—otherwise serious results will arise
owing to the dangers of the hold.

Wrestling is one of the best means to obtain a powerful

physique, and you will rarely see a wrestler who does
not possess unusual strength and a splendid muscular
development. Every muscle in the body is brought into
play in Catch-as-Catch-Can wrestling, and all the inter¬
nal organs really benefit as well by the vigorous work
performed during a bout.

A wrestler has practically unlimited vitality, for this

strenuous sport does not burn up your energy as boxing
or fighting does. Wrestlers who lead clean lives are at
their best between 35 and 40 years of age, whereas most
fighters are through at the age of 30 owing to the con¬
tinual strain of the road work which burns up their vital¬
ity and tissues.

Wrestling is not merely a muscle developing pastime or

a sport that increases your strength alone, but it will
give you endurance and perseverance and change your
outlook on the physical world completely. It will give
you self-confidence, and that alone is an asset that every¬
one should have.

If the reader will practice with an opponent each and every

one of the attacks and counters shown in this book, not
only will he become a proficient exponent on the mat, but
he will never again have any physical fear in him—no
matter how heavy or tough his adversary may be. You
will also find that wrestling will, without a doubt, change
your whole physical appearance, especially the neck and
back, for a great stress is put on these parts of your body
by the constant mat work.
[17]
The Science of Wrestling and the Art of Jiu-Jitsu

Wrestling is no sport for the tenderfoot, and any one who

fears scratched elbows or knees should never consider
wrestling seriously. It is a real man’s sport, and it must
be tackled with a real he-man’s sporting blood. Never¬
theless, the one who is timid and frail and who lacks
courage should not shrink from the thought of a little
rough pastime. No matter how delicate a person may
be, if he will wrestle for a few months he will soon
toughen up and notice a vast difference both in his
strength and physical appearance.

It has been said that wrestlers are muscle-bound and

slow. Of course, I will admit there are a few—a very
few, but then you will find slow athletes in every line
of sport. If any one should take wrestling seriously
enough to work with speed in every movement, he need
have no fear of becoming what is known as muscle-bound,
a term which is often mistaken, fot slowness. Much
depends upon how you train. If you are exercising,
whether it be with an apparatus or without one, and
the movements are performed slowly, you can never ex¬
pect to be as speedy as the chap who works with lots of
pep and enthusiasm. The same thing applies to scientific
wrestling. If you wrestle with the idea of seeing how
long you can last, naturally you are not going to work
with as much speed as you would if you wrestle with
determination and with the intention of becoming as fast
as possible.

As an exercise and an aid in developing the muscles of

the body, wrestling is superior to any other athletic sport
known. As I have said, every muscle is brought into
play, some while on the offensive and others while de¬
fending. A considerable gain in weight will also be
noticed, unless, of course, your body contains superfluous
fat.
The Science of Wrestling and the Art of Jiu-Jitsu

Better digestion of the food and functioning of the in¬

ternal organs will be noticed after a few months’ train¬
ing. The wind will be improved, the mind will become
more active and the eye quicker. A healthy, active and
strong body is one of the first requisites toward physical
perfection which wrestling will bring.

When training for wrestling, you should engage in ex¬

ercises that deal with development of speed, endurance,
and most important of all, strength. A clever wrestler
with a fair knowledge of holds combined with good stay¬
ing powers and strength, stands an excellent chance of
making a name for himself in the wrestling game.
A great deal of importance should be attached to the
nature of the exercises indulged in when training. Avoid
exercises that develop slow muscles. Running and rope
skipping are very good for building up endurance. Run¬
ning is a natural exercise for expanding and developing
the lungs, while rope skipping will make you light and
quick on your feet. Of course, care should be taken
not to overdo either of these, for when an exercise is
carried to the point of exhaustion more harm can result
than good. However, running is a natural means of lung
expansion, and you will find that your staying powers
depend greatly upon a good lung development with easy
and regular breathing.
I advise you to do your running in the cool of the morn¬
ing, for then the air is pure. A two- or three-mile trot
early each morning on the open roads breathing the pure
fresh air, will produce a beneficial effect on your system
and build up your nerves, and eventually bring you the
endurance necessary to become a successful wrestler.
You will find after you take up the mat game seriously
that the wind is of extreme importance. That is why 1
[19]
The Science of Wrestling and the Art of Jiu-Jitsu

emphasize the importance of road work. After running

1 advise you to take a shower, preferably a cold one, so
that you will remove the perspiration from the body.

A rub-down after the shower will be found very help¬

ful. You might use a solution of three quarters witch
hazel and one quarter alcohol for this rub. A massage
is also important in training. If you are not able to have
someone massage you, the exercise you get by doing it
yourself will help you considerably. Roll and knead
the muscles and push them from one side to the other.
The rubbing is not of vital importance, but the rolling
and kneading is. The alcohol and witch hazel used while
massaging invigorates the nerves.

Skipping the rope will build up endurance in your leg

muscles and also add to your wind. When skipping, l
suggest you go through the performance as quickly as
possible, for doing it in this manner will quicken the leg
muscles. Speed is absolutely essential in wrestling, and
I want to impress upon your minds that unless you are
quick you will stand but little chance in the wrestling
world.

Your arms, legs, eyes, and in fact every part of your

body must be ready to co-ordinate with your thoughts.
Being clever enough to notice an opening is one thing,
but taking advantage of an opening at the right time
is another. You should develop speed in your arm mus¬
cles as well as your legs. You will find punching the
bag especially beneficial in producing results in that par¬
ticular line, and will also be helpful in quickening the
eye.

I advise you to refrain from any form of muscle binding

exercises. When in training try to strengthen all the
[20]
The Science of Wrestling and the Art of Jiu-Jitsu

muscles in general. An apparatus that offers you a

lively yet strong resistance is best, and fifteen or twenty
minutes a day will be sufficient time to spend in home
training. A beginner, of course, should take it exceed¬
ingly easy at the start and gradually increase the length
of time as he becomes accustomed to the strain that is
placed upon the muscles while exercising.

When wrestling and when exercising always work vigor¬

ously and with plenty of speed and snap. Stick to it
until you are tired, which should be after 15 or 20 min¬
utes, and a light perspiration is coming from your body
•—then the shower and rub-down.
I also suggest that you wrestle 10 or 15 minutes each
day, moderately at first, and as you become stronger and
develop endurance, you may gradually lengthen the time.
Practice deep breathing morning and evening. You will
find the natural way of deep breathing superior to all
the fancy methods. Never force yourself into any particu¬
lar style of breathing, but breathe slowly and deeply and
let your chest rise and fall in its own natural way. Take
care not to breathe through your mouth. Of course, there
are times when you will have to execute mouth breathing,
especially when you are wrestling and find yourself short
of wind. The reader will find these pointers and sugges¬
tions of a great benefit if he will adhere to them.
If you can spare the time a few nights a week, I suggest
you take a short walk in the open before retiring. This
will make you sleep more soundly, and sleep is another
subject of vital importance. Sleep is nature’s way of
renewing the worn tissues and building up the muscles
throughout the body. Try to be regular and sleep at
least eight hours each night. Keep your windows open
wide so as to get all the fresh air possible, for you can-
[21]
The Science of Wrestling and the Art of Jiu-Jitsu

not get too much fresh air. In the warm weather you
might try sleeping out and, in fact, spending as much
of your time out of doors as possible.

Do not expect to become a champion after a few months

practice. No one ever obtained success by his own efforts
over night. It may require a couple of years of practice
before you are accustomed to all the holds and counters;
but be satisfied even though the progress be slow, for you
will find this a much quicker and assured way to advance.

Exercising too strenuously and being impatient with the

slow but sure progress will prove disastrous to you. Start
slowly, wrestling in moderation until your muscles are
able to stand the strain of a vigorous contest. As you
increase in strength, add to your program in wrestling.

Do not work your body until you are completely ex¬

hausted, for experience will tell you when you have had
enough. You may find that your muscles will become
sore once in a while, but do not let this hinder you from
exercising. This soreness is only a natural condition and
can easily be worked out by a massage and light training.

Stick to your daily exercising and let nothing stop you,

regardless of circumstances, unless a serious injury should
happen to you, for once you neglect your training you
will find it more difficult to start over again. Remember,
a tool always in use never becomes rusty. Do not be
satisfied with one form of exercising. Vary the move¬
ments and change your program occasionally, so as to
prevent it from becoming monotonous. Pay particular
attention to your diet, and eat only plain, wholesome
food. Eat plenty of vegetables in the summer and avoid
meat and too much sugar as much as possible.

It is exceedingly hard to outline a diet, for every one’s

[22]
The Science of Wrestling and the Art of Jiu-Jitsu

appetite is as different as is the condition of their diges¬

tion. I suggest, however, a cereal food for breakfast, a
light lunch and a good nourishing dinner consisting of
plenty of vegetables. Thorough mastication and slow
eating is essential. Do not wash your food down with
liquids, but masticate it well before swallowing. Avoid
alcoholic beverages in any form, for this will only tend to
poison your system. Sweets, such as pies, pastries, can¬
dies and also highly seasoned dishes should be entirely
dispensed with in the wrestler’s menu. Eat all the ripe
fruit you want with your meals, and should you become
hungry between meals I advise you to eat nothing but a
little fruit. Drink plenty of water throughout the day,
as this will keep your kidneys in good order. Avoid
iced water, especially when overheated, and when you
drink swallow it slowly.

When your intentions of taking up wrestling become se¬

rious, your thoughts should turn to the development of
speed. Never allow yourself to work slowly. Great
care should be taken when applying holds to perform
your movements as quickly as possible, so as to prevent
a possible counter or escape by your opponent. Make up
your mind as to what you intend to do—then do it quickly
before your opponent catches on to your intentions and
changes his position. Make all your movements with a
confident feeling that you are going to defeat your adver¬
sary. Don’t lose courage. It is only natural that you will
feel a little shaky in your first few encounters. This feel¬
ing will disappear with a little experience, and you will
soon acquire a self-confident attitude.

Never show your opponent that you are the least bit
worried when he attacks you, but adopt that “don’t care”
attitude—though at the same time you should keep your
[23]
The Science of Wrestling and the Art of Jiu-Jitsu

eyes open and always be on the watch for a trick. Push,

shove and treat him just as roughly as he treats you, even
adding interest to it if necessary. When wrestling place
your hand on his neck, take and push his head from side
to side roughly and let him see how rough you are, and
in the most cases your opponent will feel as though you
are superior to him in strength.

Show him you are strong. If you block his every move
and try to discourage him, you have the battle half won.
Use your eyes, arms, legs, and most important of all,
your brain. Keep your muscles loose and ready for an
attack or defense, for your muscles will rebel against
speedy action if held rigid or tensed. So don’t tense them
—leave them loose. If you tense your muscles you un¬
consciously burn up a lot of energy that you might be
able to use elsewhere to better advantage. Learn to save
your strength as much as possible. Rest as much as you
can, especially by placing your weight on your opponent.
In this way you will save your strength. However, be
prepared to use it to good advantage when the opportu¬
nity arises.

When you are working with your opponent on the mat,

always bear heavily on him at all times. Lean your
weight on his neck and tire him that way. The idea is to
try and reserve your strength until the proper time comes
to use it to good advantage. By this rest I don’t mean
that you should be lazy. Make things appear as though
you are taking it easy, but at the same time be prepared
to accept or give a surprise. Never allow your opponent
to discourage you. When you have secured a hold and
your efforts seem useless, put that last and almost dying
effort into your exertions and you will find your opponent
weakening. Remember that your opponent may be just
[24]
The Science of Wrestling and the Art of Jiu-Jitsu

as tired as you are, but he may be playing his part, en¬

deavoring to fool you just as I am telling you to fool him.

You will find in most cases when your opponent is resist¬

ing you that he is tired but is trying to appear fresh,
thinking to discourage you. Do not believe in appear¬
ances, but try him out. See how much strength he really
has left, and at the same time observe his breathing.
When he breathes hard it is the first step to fatigue.
When once you have him exceedingly tired, you can al¬
most roll him over on his back without much effort.

Never waste your strength by forcing your opponent if

you are met with too strong a resistance—but try and
change your point of attack. Time your exertions, watch
for an opening to change your hold, and then suddenly
force him to the mat with the help of his own resistance.
You will find that speed and strength are essential in
completing a fall after you have secured a hold.

You must also remember that it is possible for your oppo¬

nent to have a serious hold on you, and you may think
that all your resistance and efforts to free yourself are
useless. Do not give up, for sometimes a sudden jerk,
pull or shove will do more than all the resistance you
can offer while on the defensive.

Then, again, when your opponent has you in a bad fix

and is forcing your shoulders down, a sudden kick with
both feet, combined with a vigorous twist of the body, will
set you free. After you have freed yourself, use your
head and watch for an opening on your opponent and be
prepared to take advantage of the first one that presents
itself. Keep cool at all times, even though you feel you
are near defeat. Sometimes an opportunity or escape
[25]
The Science of Wrestling and the Art of Jiu-Jitsu

arises at the last moment, just when you are about to give
up hope.

If you are perplexed, don’t allow your opponent to detect

it. However, if he does, it means the finish of you. You
must think fast and avoid becoming rattled, for when you
are rattled it simply means clumsy actions, slow move¬
ments and a number of other things that will place you
at a disadvantage.

Care should be taken as to the position of your feet. A

firm, strong position is absolutely necessary at all times.
Never keep your feet too close together, for if they are it
will give your opponent a good chance to trip you; and
by holding them too far apart you will be prevented from
moving quickly. Holding the feet sprawled out to the
sides affords a good chance for your adversary to knock
you off your balance.

Don’t allow yourself to be caught in an awkward position,

whether you are on your feet or down on the mat. Of
course, the distance you place your feet apart depends a
great deal on your height. A tall wrestler will naturally
have a greater span than a smaller man. The usual
distance is about 20 inches, and one foot should be
slightly in advance of the other.

Strengthen your position by experimenting with the dif¬

ferent postures customary for wrestlers to assume. In
this way you will find one particular style that will suit
you. Watch every angle of your adversary’s body. If you
find him weak on his feet, give him no rest whatsoever.
There are numerous holds you can apply to the legs that
will soon tire him out, and once you have your opponent
leg-weary it will be an easy victory for you. As I said
before, do not think that your opponent is weary because
[26]
The Science of Wrestling and the Art of Jiu-Jitsu

he appears so. Sometimes he will be simply fooling you

in order to lead you into a cleverly arranged trap.

Some wrestlers have a habit of telegraphing their inten¬

tions, but always try your best to conceal your motive
until you are prepared for the attack. Keep your oppo¬
nent guessing at all times. You must attack by surprise,
escape from his attacks as quickly as possible, and keep
him wondering as to where your next move will be. Keep
on the alert; and again I say, be prepared.

Remember that your opponent is studying you perhaps

even more closely than you are studying him. He is
watching every move you make, looking for openings
and weak spots, the same as you are. It will do you good
to find your own weak points and strengthen them, for
a weak defense simply means that your opponent will
keep plugging away until he wearies you into defeat.

Again, you must not allow yourself to be discouraged.

Be game and ready to fight back. Say to yourself it is
impossible for you to be thrown, and keep on believing
that until both your shoulders are actually pinned to the
mat. When caught in a bad place study your opponent’s
position and also your own; yet do not waste one second.
Use every trick you have learned, exert every ounce of
strength you have left in order to escape and never give
up. Do not wince when hurt, for this will only show a
little yellow streak. Just laugh, and let your opponent
see that you are game. Once he begins to feel that you
are the stronger and gamer man, he will feel discouraged,
and a victory for you won’t be very far away.

Many holds of great importance can be secured while

blocking your opponent’s attacks. An aggressive wrestler
leaves many openings, and it is only after several months
The Science of Wrestling and the Art of Jiu-Jitsu

of practice that you will be able to discover them at the

right time. You will find after a few encounters just
where you lack training and what holds you are weakest
on. You must practice breaking holds as well as securing
them. When a wrestler refuses to try any holds on you
and is simply blocking your every move, be very careful
as to the extent of your attacks. When your opponent
is working on you, he places himself in a more dangerous
position than if he were on the defensive.

It often happens that a wrestler tries for a hold and is

met with a clever defense. This leaves the aggressive
wrestler in a weak position, for after being checked or
blocked he is generally off balance. Always keep in
mind the position you hold, whether on the mat or stand¬
ing up. Picture yourself in your opponent’s place and
see if you have left an opening of any kind. Watching
for openings is of less importance than taking advantage
of them at the right time. If you develop speed both in
applying various holds and escaping your opponent’s ad¬
vances, he will have but little chance of defeating you,
providing, of course, you are a little quicker than he is.

There is an escape or block to almost every hold known.

Practice all the holds you see or hear of, and let your
training partner apply them to you and see if you can
escape. You should practice slipping from one hold to
another. Study your opponent and try to anticipate his
intentions. Leave an opening purposely and see how
quick he is to detect it, and by doing so you will learn
if your opponent is fast or not.

When you are in a dangerous position, keep your eyes

open for a counter or some possible means of escape with¬
out leaving yourself in a worse position than you held
before. Most wrestlers are very careless and fail to no-
The Science of Wrestling and the Art of Jiu-Jitsu

tice a possible means of escape when they almost have

their opponent’s shoulders to the mat.

It is cleverness that helps a wrestler escape, but it is a

combination of cleverness, speed and headwork to escape
without leaving any possible opening that your opponent
might take advantage of. Do not try for one particular
hold all the time—neither should you have any favorite
holds. Practice every hold so that you will be able to
apply any one of them when a suitable opening presents
itself.
If you master every hold you know of, you will be sur¬
prised with the many openings that will arise in a wres¬
tling match that will give you an opportunity to apply
one of them. It is useless to exert yourself in trying for
a certain hold unless a good opening presents itself.
Never be too hasty in avoiding your opponent’s attacks.
In most cases he may be laboring to surprise you, and is
just trying to lead you into a trap. Beware of combina¬
tion holds that your opponent might try on you, for they
are very difficult to break, and you will find if you are not
quick enough they will more than once prove disastrous
to you.
You must also take extreme care that your opponent is
not misleading you, for he may pretend his strongest part
is his weakest. Size him up and judge for yourself where
his weakest point of attack really is. If he succeeds in
misleading you, he will have the advantage and will be
prepared to spring a surprise on you. You can fool him
also by hiding your strongest point of attack until you
see an opening that would be suitable for you to con¬
centrate on.
Play for his neck, body, feet, and in fact every part of
him until you find the part where he offers the weakest
[29]
The Science of Wrestling and the Art of Jiu-Jitsu

defense. Then prepare to attack. Feint him into the

position you want him and watch for an opening. Feint
a hold that will leave him open to just the position where
his defense will be weakest. Try and secure a more com¬
plicated hold or a combination of holds that you have
perfected.

There is more importance to feinting than the average

wrestler realizes. I will try and give you a few examples
and a clearer idea as to just how it should be done. Seize
your opponent in some particular hold opposite to the
one in which you intend to throw him. Make him believe
you really intend to throw him with that particular hold.
As soon as he conceives your intentions and offers to
resist your efforts, be prepared to catch him in a more
serious combination of holds. Another example—when
on the mat with your opponent working over you, extend
one arm a little further out to the side than usual. This
will leave a possible opening for one of the Nelson holds
where one of his arms will slip under your armpit and
in back of your neck. As soon as he applies such a hold
be prepared to counter with a side roll.

You should exercise a great deal of caution as to whether

your opponent is feigning or not. It happens very
often that an adversary feigns defeat, and of course it is
only natural to allow your thoughts to dwell on an easy
victory. Do not fall into this trap, for you may be in
serious danger of defeat. Just when you are congratulat¬
ing yourself, thinking you are on the high road to victory
and success, always remember one of you will win and
the other will lose. Make up your mind before you start
that you will defeat him regardless of how many defenses
he offers.
[30]
The Science of Wrestling and the Art of Jiu-Jitsu

When working on the mat pay particular attention as to

how you hold your hands and feet. Never leave your
fingers sticking out, for if you do your opponent may
grasp them and you are liable to suffer a broken finger.
Keep your fingers under the palms of your hands in a
sort of half clenched position. The position of your feet
is also important while down on the mat. You should
be in a sort of half sitting posture—that is, your hips
should almost be touching your heels. This will prevent
your opponent from securing a toe hold on you. Keep
your toes turned half way in when resting flat on the mat,
and never allow them to stick out to the sides. Keep your
elbows close to your body and slightly bent. Don’t keep
your head too far up—neither should you keep it too low,
as this will afford an opportunity for your opponent to
secure a Nelson hold on you. When on the mat with your
adversary working over you, you stand more chance of
securing a hold on him than he does on you. Watch his
every move, and if he tries for a Nelson hold be prepared
to counter with a side roll.

When standing, look out for trips. If you find that you
are encountering a wrestler who is faster on his feet than
you are, try to get him on the mat. Avoid his feet above
everything else and, again I repeat, when attacked, not
only block your opponent’s advance but watch for open¬
ings so that you may be able to bring a successful com¬
bination of holds into the operation.

Before attempting to practice any of the holds described

in this book, I would advise you to study all the illustra¬
tions first until you are thoroughly accustomed to all of
them. This will make it much easier and quicker to mas¬
ter them. Practice all the holds and escapes that are
used when in a standing position, also the ones applied
[31]
The Science of Wrestling and the Art of Jiu-Jitsu

while on the mat. Pay special attention to the blocks,

counters and escapes that are described and make sure
that you understand their true meaning.

You must find a partner to train with. I suggest you get

one who is clever and who is strong enough to give you
a vigorous workout. After you have become accustomed
to the various holds, etc., I would advise you to visit a
few gymnasiums where you will meet wrestlers of all
weights and classes. Pay particular attention to the
clever ones and watch their every move. Remember, you
can learn a lot from men who do things, and if you will
carefully observe someone who knows more about wres¬
tling than you do it would help you greatly in making the
most of your ambitions.

If possible, while training always wrestle with someone

who is a little heavier and faster than you are. In order
to keep up with him you will have to work fast and hard.
This is essential in order to succeed. The harder you
work while training, the more staying power you will
develop, and when put to a test in a real encounter you
will be successful.

There are a great many holds that are torturous, and you
are liable to break your partner’s bones or sprain his liga¬
ments severely unless you use great care in the manipu¬
lation. This especially applies to the toe hold and ham¬
mer-lock, for these two holds are dangerous, and it re¬
quires but very little effort on your part to cause a serious
injury.

The scissor hold is another that may cause internal in¬

jury unless you apply it with care. While you are train¬
ing and working as hard and as fast as you can, you
should be careful not to become enthusiastic to such an
extent that either you or your partner will be injured,
[32]
The Science of Wrestling and the Art of Jiu-Jitsu

for there is always a possible chance of hurting yourself

if you strenuously resist a hold when applied to you.

I suggest you study and master the simple holds first be¬
fore any attempt is made toward the more complicated
holds and combinations. Be satisfied to go along slowly.
Don’t be too hasty—remember haste makes waste—so
take your time at the start. Do not try to master all the
holds in one day, but advance gradually. Take one hold
at a time, study it and practice it for a week. Then take
another, and so on. At the end of each month review
the work you have previously mastered, and if you have
the time review the holds every week.

Do not expect to throw your partner with every hold you

take. The main thing you need is practice, such as push¬
ing and tugging, and you will find out for yourself that
practice is absolutely necessary. Practicing the holds
alone won’t get you very far, but you should apply them
with speed and accuracy. Have your partner apply the
holds to you and then you can put your cleverness and
resisting powers to the test.
Time yourself and see how long you can wrestle before
you are winded. Practice the wrestler’s bridge, and while
practicing this bridge see that your head touches the floor
nearer your forehead than the back of your neck. In
other words, do not simply raise it with your feet and
the back of your head, but endeavor to obtain a good arch
in your back, for this will give you a better leverage. This
will strengthen the neck and lower back muscles.
Ask your opponent continually to inform you whether
your position when wrestling is weak and whether your
defense is strong enough. It is these little things that
are important, and it would be a good thing for you to
pay attention to all of them. Your partner is better able
[33]
The Science of Wrestling and the Art of Jiu-Jitsu

to tell you whether you make mistakes or not; also

whether you are leaving any dangerous openings.

A good idea would be to allow your partner to secure a

hold on you. It really does not matter which hold he
chooses. Then try your speed and see if you are on time
in blocking his moves. This will give you good practice
and will make you very fast in reading your opponent’s
intentions. You must find out for yourself the different
little ways of blocking and employing the holds.

Do not be satisfied with blocking the holds alone, but let

your partner secure them and see how fast and strong you
are in breaking them. Study the different plans of at¬
tack. If you master more than one method of attack
and defense, you will have much more science and clever¬
ness with which to puzzle your opponent. It would be
impossible to illustrate every position in which a wrestler
finds himself, whether he is on the defensive or the ag¬
gressive. Many of the holds can be applied easier from
one angle than from another, and it is up to you to study
the different angles.

A great deal of importance lies in how you carry your

body, and how you use it in the leverage holds. For
instance—if you grasp your opponent’s knee you will
have less leverage to your advantage than if you took hold
of his ankle. The farther away from the main body you
apply your attack, the easier will be the efforts.

There seems to be a lot of difficulty in making the muscles

respond to the call of the brain. This requires consider¬
able practice before you can master it. If you practice
all the holds with speed, and try your escapes and watch
for openings and seize them at once, you will have co¬
ordination in your muscles that is more than ordinary.
[34]
The Science of Wrestling and the Art of Jiu-Jitsu

Speed is the main thing, and you will find out for your¬
self how many openings you let escape you. When you
are in a tight place there may be a fraction of a second
that your opponent’s thoughts are centered elsewhere,
and if your muscles are not fast enough to co-operate
with your brain, you stand but little chance in success¬
fully escaping.

Don’t let anyone tell you wrestling is easy. If you find

it so you are not really wrestling or using the same amount
of effort that is required. It is hard work and it will
develop you to a remarkable degree, even if you do not
indulge in any other form of exercise. However, if you
combine wrestling with scientific systematic training,
there is nothing that will keep you from becoming a
remarkable specimen of physical development.

Your training must be done with intelligence, and it must

be progressive, and if you do not understand the funda¬
mentals of systematic training, I advise you to consult
someone who is well versed on this subject. Whether
you train for development and strength with heavy
weights or some apparatus, you must progress. You
must work harder and harder each week, and I sincerely
advise you to secure the exercising paraphernalia that
will offer you strenuous resistance.

I do not claim that the student should devote his entire

time spent in physical training to wrestling exclusively,
but he should adopt some form of systematic exercising in
conjunction with his wrestling, for much more rapid re¬
sults will be accomplished when scientific training meth¬
ods are applied as far as muscular development is con¬
cerned.
Do not become “chesty” because you are a wrestler. Never
take advantage of the weak by your experience, unless you
[35]
The Science of Wrestling and the Art of Jiu-Jitsu

are forced to do so in self-defense. Do not experiment

with the Jiu-Jitsu or wrestling tricks shown in this book
on one who has never seen them, simply to show your
skill, unless you wish to break your friend’s bones, for
I have known instances like this where serious conse¬
quences have resulted. Always listen to advice from
those who know, and don’t take things for granted, but
find out first whether the advice is based on scientific
principles or not.
 OFFICIAL WRESTLING RULES of
THE AMATEUR ATHLETIC UNION
Catch-as-Catch-Can

Section 1. In all wrestling competitions the ring shall

not be less than 16 feet nor more than 24 feet square,
and shall be formed of posts and ropes, the latter extend¬
ing in triple lines, 2, 3 and 4 feet from the floor of the
ring. The floor of the ring shall extend beyond the lower
rope for a distance of not less than 2 feet. Posts must
be properly padded and padding on floor shall be not less
than one-half inch in thickness.

Sec. 2. Competitors must wrestle in regulation trunks

and may wear light slippers or rubbers without heels.
Sec. 3. Classes to be: 108 lbs. and under; 115 lbs.
and under; 125 lbs. and under; 135 lbs. and under;
145 lbs. and under; 158 lbs. and under; 175 lbs. and
under; and over 175 lbs.
Sec. 4. An athlete who fails to compete after entering
an event shall be required to furnish a satisfactory excuse
for such failure or render himself liable to censure or
suspension by the local Registration Committee. Any
athlete who weighs in and then fails to compete without
an excuse satisfactory to the Registration Committee shall
be suspended for a period of six months. Competitors
shall weigh in within three hours of a contest. Weigh¬
ing in shall cease in each class when the drawing for
bouts in that class commences. Competitors shall sign
their names to a weighing list upon weighing in and
whenever demanded by the Referee.
Sec. 5. The Wrestling Committee of each Association
of the Amateur Athletic Union shall prepare an official
[37]
 Official Wrestling Rules

list of competent wrestling officials to serve as Referees,

Weighers, Timers, Announcers, and Clerks of Wrestling.
All tournaments must be conducted by officials selected
from this official list.

Sec. 6. A fall shall terminate the bout and in no case

shall the duration of a preliminary bout exceed 10 min¬
utes. A fall shall terminate the final bout which in no
case shall exceed 15 minutes. If no fall has been ob¬
tained by either contestant at the termination of the bout,
the Referee must award the bout to the competitor who
shows the best qualities, or who has acted mostly upon the
aggressive.

Sec. 7. Both shoulders shall be pinned to the floor at

the same time to constitute a fall. Any hold, grip, lock
or trip allowed except the hammer-lock, strangle, full
Nelson and toe holds. Striking, kicking, gouging, hair
pulling, butting, strangling, or anything that endangers
life or limb will not be allowed.

Sec. 8. Immediately before the contest competitors

who have weighed in shall draw numbers to determine
the bouts they take part in. The drawing to be as follows:
Have the first preliminary bout to reduce the number
of competitors to 2, 4, 8, 16, and so on. (Thus, if there
are three competitors, have one preliminary bout to re¬
duce to two; if five, have one bout to reduce to four; if
six, have two bouts to reduce to four; if seven, have three
bouts to reduce to four; if nine, have one bout to reduce
to eight; if ten, have two bouts to reduce to eight; if
eleven, have three bouts to reduce to eight, and so on.)
Competitors drawing a bye on the first drawing on each
day shall receive the lowest numbers on the second draw¬
ing. Thus, if there be one bye drawn, such competitor
shall receive number 1; if two byes are drawn such com-
[38]
 Official Wrestling Rules

petitors shall receive numbers 1 and 2 for the second

drawing, and if there be three byes, such competitors
shall receive the numbers 1, 2 and 3 in the second draw¬
ing. In all drawings where numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, and so
on are drawn, number 1 competes with number 2, 3 with
4, and so. on. When the class is brought to a multiple
of 2, 4, 8 or 16, the contest proceeds regularly to the
final bout. Where the competition is not concluded in
one day, there shall be a new drawing for each subsequent
round of bouts started on a following day. The winner
of the final bout receives first prize and the loser receives
second prize.

Sec. 9. Each competitor shall be entitled to the assist¬

ance of two seconds only, and no advice or coaching
shall be given to any competitor by either of his seconds
or by any other person during the progress of any bout.
For a violation of this section the Referee may disqualify
the competitor who is so advised or coached.

Sec. 10. If a competitor refuses to break any hold

when so ordered by the Referee, he may be disqualified
by the Referee.

Sec. 11. The Referee shall have full control of the

competition and his decision shall be final and without
appeal.

Sec. 12. No bandages of any kind shall be used on

hands, arms or head.

Sec. 13. Any athlete who competes in a wrestling con¬

test of longer duration than provided for in these rules
shall be suspended for such period as the Registration
Committee shall decide.

Sec. 14. In the event of any question arising not pro-

139]
 Official Wrestling Rules

vided for in these rules, the Referee shall have full power
to decide such question and also interpret these rules.

Sec. 15. If one shoulder of either contestant goes off

the mat in a wrestling bout, the Referee shall be em¬
powered to order the men to break their holds and go
back to the center of the mat, with the man who was on
top when the contestants left the mat assuming the upper
position again. In the event of the Referee being unable
to determine which man had the upper position when
they both left the mat, he shall be empowered to order
them to assume the standing attitude in the center of the
mat.
WRESTLING RULES
Catch-as-Catch-Can (or Lancashire Style)

The Catch-as-Catch-Can style of wrestling is now the most

popular branch of the pastime.

Opponents may grasp any part of each other’s body.

No form of strangling is permitted, unless especially

agreed to by the principals. Before each match the an¬
nouncement is usually made, “strangle hold barred.”

Neither contestant is allowed to rub any oil or grease on

his body.

Seconds must not touch their man during a bout. Neither

shall they give him advice until a resting period is
reached.

The stakes go with the referee’s decision in every event.

Contestants shall be allowed 10 minutes between each

bout.

A fall is scored against a man when both shoulders touch

the floor at the same time.
 Official Wrestling Rules

A single arm may be pressed against an opponent’s throat,

but the free arm or hand must not touch any part of the
opponent’s head or neck.

The referee shall slap on back or shoulders the wrestler

securing a fall, so that the under man will not be strained
by being held too long in a possibly painful position.

When a wrestler refuses to continue a contest at the ref¬

eree’s command, the decision and stakes shall be awarded
to his antagonist.

When wrestlers roll off a mat, under the ropes, or foul

the boundary lines in any way, they shall be ordered to
the middle of the mat by the referee and to resume the
holds they had obtained when moved. (In some bouts
the men are allowed to stand and begin anew in this
emergency.)

Biting and scratching are fouls.

The timers shall announce when limited time bouts are

within three minutes of the end and then shall call off
every minute. He may divide the last minute into halves
or quarters if he so desires.

Rolling falls do not count.

The referee shall decide all questions that are not covered
by these regulations.

Groeco-Roman (French Style)

The Graeco-Roman style of wrestling is very similar to the

Catch-as-Catch-Can or Lancashire method.

Catching hold of the legs (holds below the waist) is

barred.

Tripping constitutes a foul.

[41]
 Official Wrestling Rules

The rules of the catch-as-catch-can style that do not con¬

flict with the foregoing regulations may be followed for
further guidance.

Collar and Elbow Rules

Contestants must wear shirt, short jacket with a strong

collar, sleeves well sewed in.

Contestants shall grasp each other’s collar with right

hand, opposite left ear.

Contestants must not change position of hands on collars

until a fall is scored.

Changing the grip on collar or moving the hand is a foul

and loses a fall.

Two shoulders and one hip or two hips and one shoulder
must touch the floor at the same time to constitute a fall.

Kicking is foul.

Butting is foul.

Contestants shall not be allowed to rest during bout un¬

less special circumstances arise, when agreement by sec¬
onds of both men is necessary to make the pause rulable.

Rubber-soled shoes, or shoes of some other light material

should be worn.

Side Hold Wrestling

Contestants must wear a set of strong leather harness

reaching from neck to elbow and from shoulder to waist.

Choice of holds shall be decided by toss. The “right and

over” or “left and under” are at the disposal of the
winner.

“Right and over” means to grasp an adversary’s harness

[42]
 Official Wrestling Rules

back of right shoulder with right hand, seizing opponent’s

right hand with the left.
“Left and under” means to seize an opponent’s harness
at the left side of the waist with the left hand and his
left hand with the right.
Kicking is foul, forfeiting the match if serious enough.
Contestants shall stand side by side.
The original grips must be held. To break or change
a hold means the loss of a fall.
A fall occurs when a man’s two shoulders strike the
floor at the same time.
From fifteen to twenty minutes may be allowed between
falls. No rest is permitted before a fall results.

Cumberland and Westmoreland Wrestling

Contestants take hold and stand chest to chest.

Each man rests his chin on his opponent’s shoulder.
Each grasps the other around the body. The left arm
of each is placed above his opponent’s right.
Kicking is barred.
Each man must retain the original hold throughout.
Loosening the hold loses the fall, provided the other man
retains hold.
When a man touches the floor with any part of his body
(except his feet, of course) he loses the fall.
When both men fall to the floor, the first one to strike
it loses the fall.
“Dog falls” (when both men fall at the same time, so
that the referee cannot decide which touches first) are
to be wrestled over again.
 Martin Ludecke
Middleweight Champion of Central America and former Metropolitan Champion of New York.
(The author is indebted to Mr. Ludecke for his part in posing
for the photographs in this book.)

[44]
THE SCIENCE OF

WRESTLING
 Shaking Hands
This is one of the rules in which the wrestling bout begins. The referee usually
gives the order of shaking hands; the men step back after that, and then start to
wrestle.

[46]
 PLATE 6
Starting a Reverse Slip Lock
Reach for opponent’s left wrist. Pull his hand away from the side of your neck where
he placed it in the referee’s hold, shown in Plate No. 2, at the same time use your right
hand in pushing his face sideways, and away from you.

[51]
 Continued From Plate No. 6
Turn your body clear around in front of your opponent and bring your right arm from
the back over his left arm, lock it tightly and lift him from the floor, as shown above.

[52]
r 53 ]
 Wrist and Further Ankle Loek
This is started from referee’s hold shown in Plate No. 2, by reaching for your opponent’s
left wrist with your right hand. Pull it downward, at the same time throwing your
left elbow over and inside of his left arm-pit.

[54]
 ri-M ic. iu

Wrist and Further Ankle Lock (Continued)

Dive in under opponent’s left arm as shown above. Lock it tightly, and at the same
time reach for his right ankle with your left hand.

[55]
 Wrist and Further Ankle Lock (Continued)
This is the third position shown retaining the same holds on your opponent. Start to
sit back, throwing your right leg out and falling into a sitting position, as shown above.

[56]
[57]
 Waist and Hammer Lock Standing
Take hold of opponent’s right wrist with your right hand. Raise his arm upwards, step
in under his arm and in back of him. Twist his wrist upward. Secure a waist lock
with your left arm and bring your man to the ground.

[58]
 PLATE 14
Flying Mare
From a standing position, raise your opponent’s arm and duck in under his arm.
Place your back securely against his hips.

[59]
 PLATE 15
Flying Mare (Continued)
This position shows your opponent while in the air, and just a little forward bending
will bring him to the ground with a very hard fall. Keep his arm straight.
[61]
 Counter Hold for the Flying Mare
Should your opponent secure the arm hold for a Flying Mare—holding your right arm
over his right shoulder, move quickly to his left side, at the same time locking your
right arm around his head. Sink your arm-pit into the back of his neck.

[62]
 PLATE 18 •
Complete Counter for Flying Mare (Continued)
By stepping quickly to the left around your opponent, you can easily secure a head
lock and counter your adversary’s Flying Mare as shown above. From this position,
you may bring him down for a fall.

[63]
 Standing Side Head Lock or Side Chancery
The opportunity to secure this hold may be afforded from the referee’s hold, shown
on Plate No. 2, by slipping your left arm around your opponent’s neck, stepping side¬
ways at the same time and locking both of your hands.

[64]
[65]
 Counter for Side Head Lock or Side Chancery
When opponent has secured side head lock, reach down in back of his left leg with
your left arm and raise it upwards. At the same time keep his waist locked with
your other arm, and you can easily secure a fall from this, position by throwing your¬
self down on your right side, and bringing his shoulders to the mat.
[66]
 Start of Back Heel and Waist Lock
Raise opponent’s right or left arm, whichever you have the opportunity to take, and
dive under with your head as shown above.

[67]
 Back Heel and Waist Lock (Continued)
By dropping forward and tripping opponent as shown above, you can easily bring him
to the mat.

[68]
[69]
 Back Heel and Leg Hold
This position is acquired from the referee’s hold, as shown in Plate No. 2. Bring your
left arm over opponent’s head and in back of his left arm and reach downward for
his leg, and pull same upward.

[70]
 Back Heel and Leg Hold (Continued)
You now have 'wur opponent’s left leg raised upwards and by holding the heel of his
' lith your left leg, it will be easy now to bring him to the ground
\ by flooring him backwards.
 PLATE 27
Counter for Back Heel and Leg Hold
If your adversary starts to make a move, as shown in Plate No. 25, he is open for the
same hold. You can counter with it by a quick move and so get in - «hown
in Plate No. 26. In this case both of you will have practically the \
can, in this event, follow it up with a fall as shown in Plate,'

[72]
[73]
 Inside Leg and Arm Drop (Continued)
This position shows that by pulling further downward on your opponent’s left arm and
raising his left leg, you have him almost thrown. It is important that you shift the
position of your legs by dropping on your right knee and bring up your left. This
will give you a better balance and makes the lifting of your opponent much easier.

[74]
[75]
Fall From Inside Leg and Arm Drop
Your opponent is now brought to the mat from position shown in Plate No. 29. Let go of his left leg, bring up his further or right
 Double Leg Dive
When possible, make a quick dive for your opponent’s legs as shown above. This is a
simple manner of bringing him to the mat, for as soon as you secure a grip of his
legs, you immediately heave him and at the same time trip him.

[76]
 PLATE 32
Counter for Double Leg Dive
When your opponent takes hold of both your legs, push his head down with your right
hand and bring your left hand in under his right arm, thereby securing a Standing
Quarter Nelson, from which position you can easily force him to the mat.
 PLATE 33
Guard for Leg Dive
When opponent makes a move to dive for your legs, reach with either hand for oppo¬
nent’s opposite shoulder, with the front part of your elbow underneath his chin. This
will raise his face upwards and prevent him diving for your legs. To strengthen this
hold grasp his other arm near the shoulder.

[78]
 PLATE 34
Standing Crotch and Half Nelson
This hold can be secured from the referee’s hold shown on Plate No. 2, by throw¬
ing your opponent’s left arm over your head, and shifting your left hand into a Half
Nelson; at the same time reach with your right arm between his crotch around his
outside Jeg, bringing your right shoulder well under his body. Then lift him up and
bring him to the mat.
[80]
181]
[82]
 Standing Head Lock or Chancery and Bar
Starting from referee’s hold (Plate No. 2) pull your opponent’s head in under your
right arm, bring his right arm up with your left, pull your right leg away back and
drop on the knee, forcing his shoulder backward with your left arm.

[83]
[84]
 PLATE 40

Counter for Standing Head Lock or Chancery and Bar

When your opponent has secured the above hold, reach down quickly for his right
leg with your left arm, pull strongly upward, thereby forcing him to break his hold.

[85]
 Start of Waist Lock From Behind
This hold can be secured from referee’s hold, as shown in Plate No. 2, by reaching
over opponent’s head with your left arm. Next bring it down over his left arm and
quickly swing yourself in back of him and secure a waist lock. Push his left arm
downward and to the left with your right arm so that you may pass him more easily.

[86]
 PLATE 42
Waist Lock From Behind (Continued)
By swinging quickly around your opponent as explained on previous page (Plate No.
41), you easily secure the waist lock from behind. Lift your opponent clear from
the mat and bring him down forcibly.

[87]
[88]
 PLATE 46

Standing Double Wrist Lock With Back Heel

This hold can be secured from referee’s hold by taking hold of your opponent’s left
wrist with your right hand. Bring your left arm over his head and in back of his left
arm and grasp your right wrist. At the same time, step in back of your opponent’s
left knee with your left leg and force him backwards to the mat.

[91]
[92]
[93]
 Counter for Standing Double Wrist Lock
When your opponent starts a double wrist lock, as shown in Plate No. 44, before he
is able to push your arm upwards too far, take hold of your left hand with your right
and break his hold. Retain your hold and pull his arm further up into a reverse bar
hold and thereby put him to the mat.

[94]
 PLATE 50

Countering a Counter for a Standing |^pul)le Wrist Lock

As shown in Plate 49, where your hold has been counter'll by your opponent, you can
grapevine your left leg around his right leg, thereby giving you greater leverage. This
will block his counter and afford you the chance of bringing him to the mat.

[95]
[96]
m

[97]
[98]
[99]
[100]
[101]
 PLATE 57
Cross-Buttock and Waist Lock
This hold can be secured from positions as shown in Plate No. 2. Hold your opponent’s
left arm with your right hand just above the elbow, and slip your left in under his
right arm and around the waist. Pull his left arm toward you and shift your left
hip quickly in back of him, heave him upwards and drop him to the mat.
[102]
 Hip Lock
This hold can be secured from positions shown on Plate No. 2. Shift your right hand
to opponent’s left wrist and bring your left arm around his neck. Shift the back of
your left hip against the right side of your opponent and bring him sideways to the mat.
 Starting a Quarter Nelson
Push your opponent’s head down as you would when taking any kind of a Nelson hold.
To get better leverage it is well for you to put your outside foot on the mat so as
to be well braced.

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[120]
[121]
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[124]
[ 125 ]
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[1271
[128 1
[129]
[130]
[131]
[132]
[ 133 ]
 PLATE 89
Side Bar Hold
Secure a Bar Hold from the side with your left arm under opponent’s left arm. Pull
him over on his right side while retaining your Bar Hold.

[134]
[135]
[136]
[149]
[ ISO ]
[151]
[152]
[153]
 Standing Arm Lock and Leg Block
This hold can be secured from the hold shown on Plate No. 2. Bring your right
arm over opponent’s left, reach with your left in under opponent’s right arm-pit with
your right foot blocking opponent’s left foot and fall backwards. As soon as your
opponent hits the mat, turn him over quickly.

[154]
[161]
1162]
[163]
[164]
[165]
[166]
THE ART OF

JIU-JITSU
 THE ART of JIU-JITSU
Jiu-Jitsu is the Japanese art of self-defense, and is the
most dangerous style of wrestling. If you are accustomed
to this particular style, you will find it exceedingly easy
to overpower a much stronger man than yourself, espe¬
cially if you are forced to use it in self-defense. There
are certain holds in Jiu-Jitsu that resemble the Catch-
as-Catch-Can style. If you wish to develop speed of the
highest degree, I suggest you take up this style of wres¬
tling. You will find you will have to be about twice as
fast in escaping from your opponent’s attacks in this
method. Be very careful when practicing any of the bone¬
breaking holds, for if you are the least bit careless a seri¬
ous injury is liable to be the result.

This form of wrestling is a great test for your temper.

When you are in a dangerous position and lose your head,
you stand little chance of escaping and you are in great
danger of becoming seriously injured. Therefore, be
game at all times, and remember Jiu-Jitsu is not to be
fooled with.

Be exceedingly careful when you practice these holds

with your opponent. Always tell him just what you are
going to do before you do it. Keep this knowledge of
Jiu-Jitsu in your head to be used only in the case of
emergency when you may be attacked by a rough-neck,
and then bear in mind that there is no necessity of break¬
ing your opponent’s limbs if you can overpower him
otherwise. There is always a limit to the amount of re¬
sistance a person can offer, and it is not for you to judge
as to what extent it is safe for you to enforce.

You should not become discouraged if you find it difficult

to perform these Jiu-Jitsu holds, for it takes a lot of
patience and practice to get the right knack, leverage and
balance.
[1691
 PLATE 122

Should you be attacked in the street and grabbed around the waist bv your opponent
and held tightly in a clinch, reach up with either hand to his face and force two of
your fingers into his eyes. With this pressure your opponent will soon release his hold.

[170]
 PLATE 123

hould anyone attack you and grab hold of your coat lapels with both hands,^ defend
>urself by throwing both of your hands upward and inside of your opponent’s arms,
forcing them outward as shown in Plate No. 123.

[171]
 PLATE 124

From this position you can easily force your left arm up and around your opponent’s
right arm as shown in Photo No. 124. This will cause him intense pain, which will
cause him to surrender.

[172]
 PLATE 125

Bring your hands upwards as shown in Plate No. 125, throw your left arm around
your opponent’s right arm, and reach for his further coat lapel, putting pressure on it and
place your right hand on opponent’s right side of face, forcing face sideways. You
will then have him completely at your mercy.

[173]
 PLATE 126

Should a person reach towards his hip pocket for a gun or any weapon with his
right hand, stop him quickly and prevent him from raising his hand as shown above.
Secure a firm grip on his wrist.

[174]
 -

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PLATE 127

Next, quickly bring in, your right hand, grasping opponent’s elbow, hold same by forcing
his wrist up with your left hand as shown above.

[175]
 PLATE 128

While still retaining hold on his elbow, you now can punish your opponent as shown
in above photo. Slide your left hand upwards in back of his right arm and force him
down. His wrist will then lie in the crotch of your left elbow. Keep your body close
to him and if he still resists, just force his wrist away and upward from his body.
This will cause him severe pain and make him helpless.

[176]
 PLATE 129

Another way of defending yourself, if a person reaches for his pocket to get a weapon,
is shown above. Grasp your opponent’s right wrist with your left hand, reach with
your right arm over in back of his right arm, take hold of your own wrist and force
his arm backwards as above.

[177]
 PLATE 130

Then straighten out your opponent’s locked arm, forcing your arm upwards against his
elbow joint as shown above. This will cause your adversary enough pain to make
him give up quickly.

[ 178]
 PLATE 131

When held up with a gun, step quickly towards the left side, and at the same time take
hold of the attacker’s right wrist with the left hand, as shown above, shoving it side¬
ways so that you are out of the way of fire.

[179]
 PLATE 132

Then follow up with your right hand, turn the pointed gun into your opponent’s face
as shown above. By continual twisting of his wrist, you will soon have him disarmed.
This movement requires speed, and much practice may be necessary before this hold is
perfected.

[180]
 PLATE 133

Should a person make a move to strike you with his left fist, grasp his right wrist
quickly and step forward, as shown above.

[181]
 PLATE 134

Pull his arm toward you, then quickly reach over his right arm with your left arm,
bring it underneath, reaching for your right wrist, tighten up on the hold and force
against your adversary’s elbow joint. This will render him powerless.

[182]
 PLATE 135

Another method, if attacked as shown in Plate No. 133: Instead of pulling your oppo¬
nent’s arm toward you, bring it upwards and reach in under his arm for his further
coat lapel. Bring the back of his elbow across your left arm, forcing his hand down¬
ward and twisting his wrist outward at the same time. This will make anybody give
up immediately.

[183]
 .

PLATE 136

Another method to meet an attack, as shown in Plate No. 136, is to bring your oppo¬
nent’s arm up high and reach in under his arm to the back of his neck. Then twist his
wrist so that the palm of his hand is turned upward. Have the back of his elbow
across your arm and force the elbow upwards and the wrist downwards. This is
another way to break an arm and easily subdue your opponent.

[184]
 PLATE 137

Should a person attack you and endeavor to punch you, as shown in Plate No. 133, grasp
his right wrist, push it upward, and duck underneath his right arm as shown above.
His arm will then rest on the back of your neck. Twist the arm so that the palm
points upward, then force down and reach with your right hand for opponent’s throat,
so as to overcome him speedily.

[185]
 PLATE 138

The above photo shows another way to overcome an attack as shown in Plate No. 133.
Raise opponent’s right arm and duck underneath, as shown in previous Plate No. 137.
Have his elbow again resting on the back of your neck with his palm turned upward.
Then reach with your free arm around his back, pinning his other arm to his body.
By forcing down on his arm which rests on the back of your neck, you will have
your opponent helpless on. his toes.

[186]
 PLATE 139

If a person strikes you or endeavors to hit you a blow in the face, throw
your face backwards as far as possible, but leave your left foot against the inside of
his left foot, as shown above.

[187]
■Hill
'

■•- ■ '

[188]
 PLATE 141

Should a person endeavor to strike you, as shown in Plate No. 133, side step to the left
and take hold of his left wrist with your left hand, throwing your right wrist into the
crotch of his left elbow, as shown above.

f 189]
 PLATE 142

Then keep forcing up with your left hand until your right hand can take hold of
your left wrist, thus securing practically a reverse double wrist-lock, which will cause
your adversary enough pain to make him quit.

[190]
Should a man rush to attack you, reach quickly with both hands f

[191]
 PLATE 144

Next, with a quick move, pull his coat collar over his shoulders and half-way down
on his arms. In this position you have him at such a disadvantage that he is unable
to do any further harm at the present time.

[192]
 PLATE 145

There is another counter when an opponent rushes at you as shown in Plate No. 133.
Instead of grasping both coat lapels, simply take hold of his left coat lapel with your
right hand, step around in back of him quickly and pull the coat over his left shoulder,
at the same time and as soon as you are able, reach his other coat lapel and pull the
coat over his other shoulder half-way down, as shown above. This will stop the attack.

[193]
 ” PLATE 146

Should anyone grab you by the throat as shown above (continued on Plate No. 147)

[194]
 PLATE 147

iply reach upward with your hand and grasp one or more of his fingers and pull
them away from your throat as quickly as possible.

[195]
 PLATE 148

Next endeavor to place your arm under your opponent’s without letting go of his fingers.
By pulling down strongly and forcing his arm upward with your own arm, you have
him at your mercy with one hand.

[196]
 PLATE 149

Should your opponent attack you with a strangle hold with his right arm, reach up
with your left, place your fingers on the inside of his palm and your thumb on the
back of his hand and pull his hand away sideways and outward. Then place your right
hand thumb tLj same as the left on the back of his hand so as to have him in your power.

[197]
 PLATE 150

Another way of making a man helpless from an attack as shown in Plate No. 150.
Grasp his fingers, pull them away from your throat with your right hand, then follow
by reaching with your left hand in back of his left elbow and grasp his hand and
twist inward so as to render him helpless.

[198]
Still another way for defending yourself from a strangle hold as shown above, is
if opponent has taken you by the throat with his right hand, reach with your right
hand, placing your fingers on the inside of palm and with your thumb on the back of
his hand, twist inward. Follow up by using your left in the same manner. Keep on
twisting his arm until he gives up.

[199]
 PLATE 152

When a person makes an attempt to strike a blow with his right hand, grasp his wrist
with your right hand and shove it upwards, as shown above.

[200]
 PLATE 153

From preceding position, force your opponent’s right arm over his right shoulder and
reach between his shoulder and forearm with your left hand, bend his arm and take
hold of your right wrist with your left hand, tighten up on your holds and you have him.

[201]
 PLATE 154

When a man makes an attack swinging with his right fist, reach quickly for his left arm
with your left hand and pull it towards you as shown above.

[202]
 PLATE 155

Then pull your opponent’s arm towards your left shoulder and twist his wrist so his
palm turns upward. Reach under with your right hand for his right coat lapel and
force his left wrist downward against your elbow, twisting his palm upwards.

[ 203 J
 PLATE 156

The above photo shows another method of preventing an attack, as shown in Plate No.
154. Grasp your opponent’s left wrist with your left hand and pulling it toward you
quickly and across your chest, reach up with your right arm, place your right elbow
on his left shoulder and force his chin backward with your wrist. Tighten up on his left
arm, while raising his chin and you have him in a bad position.

[204]
 PLATE 157

A simple method to overcome an attack is to grab your adversary’s both coat lapels,
as shown above, and place your left foot against his stomach, throwing yourself back¬
wards on the ground and send him flying through the air, still retaining your hold on
his coat lapels.

[205]
[206 j
 esc
pan
—

PLATE 159

Another bone-breaking bold is to grasp opponent’s left hand with your right, placing
the ends of) your fingers inside of his palm, with your thumb on top of his wrist.

[207]
 PLATE 160

Twist opponent s left arm outward and upward, at the same time raise your right arm
and step in under his raised arm, as shown above.

[208 ]
 PLATE 16!

Turn completely around until you are facing your opponent again, as shown above.
Then while retaining grip on his hand, keep twisting opponent’s left arm around as
in the above photo, until he is willing to give up. You can make this hold more
severe with additional assistance of other hand, thus doubling your force in twisting
his arm.

[209]
 PLATE 162

To render your adversary helpless in another way, take hold of his left elbow with
your right hand, reach up with your left for his right coat collar, step in back of him,
placing your hip against him, and in this way heave him clear off the ground and
throw him on his back.

[210]
[211]
 PLATE 164

When an opponent endeavors to strike you with his right hand, reach for his left hand
and grasp the back of his fingers in your right palm, twist inward toward your left arm,
and pull his left elbow toward you with your left hand, stepping alongside of him.

[212]
 PLATE I63

As you step close to him, put your right arm in back of his elbow, hold the fingers
of his left hand firmly with your right, twisting it into the crotch of your elbow. With
this position obtained, you can easily make him give up, when using much strength.

[213]
 PLATE 166

To obtain a Strangle Hold from the front, reach for each side of your opponent’s
coat collar with the backs of your hands against his throat, as shown above. Tighten
up with your grip and force against his windpipe until you have him at your mercy.

[214]
 PLATE 167

Another method-of obtaining a Strangle Hold from the front, pull your opponent’s head
down over your right forearm by placing your left hand on his right shoulder. Reach
across his throat with your right forearm and grasp your left wrist with your right hand to
make the hold secure. Tighten vour grip on his right shoulder and you have your
opponent in a dangerous way.

[215]
 PLATE 168

To overpower a man when you are in back of him, take hold of his coat on both
shoulders and pull him backwards. You can break his resistance by placing your left
knee into the small of his back.

[216]
 PLATE 169

Then secure a strangle hold from the back -with your left forearm coming across
your adversary’s throat and pull his head backwards. Grasp your left hand with
your right. Press down with your chin on top of his head and you will have him
powerless.

[217]
 PLATE 170

Another way of taking the strangle hold from the back when starting it as shown
in Plate No. 168 is reaching around your opponent’s throat with your left arm, taking
hold of your right forearm and placing your right hand on top of his head. Force
his head backwards.

[218]
[219]
 PLATE 172

Another simple method of flooring your adversary is to reach for his left hand with
your right. Step quickly against his left knee with your right foot. Pull sideways
and at the same time push him with your left hand on the side of his face, thus
bringing him easily to the ground.

[220]
 PLATE 173

When attacked from behind and opponent pins both of your arms against your body,
as shown in above photo;

[221]
 PLATE 174

Throw both your arms upwards and outwards, as shown above, also drop your body
downward a trifle and at the same time turn quickly and hit your opponent a blow
in the stomach with your right elbow.

[222 ]
 PLATE 175

You will then be in a position to reach quickly through your legs for your opponent’s
foot, pull it upwards between your crotch. Then sit down on his knee and twist
his foot around. The great pain from this hold will soon make him give up.

[223 ]
 *

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