Wrestling is the act of physical engagement between two competitors competing for a physical advantage. Physical techniques which embody the style of wrestling are clinching, holding, locking and leverage. Avoiding potentially lethal techniques, wrestling has aspects of ritual fighting, but its basic principles are closely related to those of military hand-to-hand combat or self-defence systems.
Wrestling's popularity has grown so much that market demands for staged wrestling have caused the development of professional wrestling.

History
The term wrestling is an Old English word that originated some time before 1100 A.D. It is perhaps the oldest word still in use in the English language to describe hand-to-hand combat.

Etymology
Today, wrestling disciplines are broken down into two categories; International wrestling disciplines and folk wrestling disciplines. According to the International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles, there are five current International wrestling disciplines acknowledged throughout the world. They are Greco-Roman Wrestling, freestyle wrestling, Sambo, Grappling, Beach Wrestling and Judo.

International disciplines (Non-Folk Styles)

Main article: Greco-Roman wrestling Greco-Roman

Main article: Freestyle wrestling Freestyle

Main articles: Submission Wrestling and Grappling Grappling
Apparently in a bid to give wrestling greater appeal to television audiences, FILA adopted beach wrestling as an official discipline during 2004-2005. Beach wrestling is standing wrestling done by wrestlers, male or female, inside a sand-filled circle measuring 6 meters in diameter. There are only two weight categories, heavy and light. The objective is to throw your opponent or take your opponent to his or her back. The wrestlers wear swimsuits rather than special wrestling uniforms. Wrestlers may also wear spandex or athletic shorts.

Beach wrestling

Main article: Judo Judo

Main article: folk wrestling As a martial art

Arm wrestling
Grappling
Judo
List of famous amateur wrestlers
List of professional wrestlers
Mixed martial arts
Pankration