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Suffice it to say that without catch wrestling there would be no mixed martial arts. Catch wrestling's influence in the American amateur circuit and its profound effect on the Japanese pro wrestling scene have helped shape the development of MMA into what it is today. And while catch wrestling may have become something of a niche style today, it's still going strong thanks to the likes of Scientific Wrestling's Jake Shannon, and in 2014 has had one of its more noteworthy years of late. In a conversation with MMAWeekly.com, Shannon discussed the influence he sees catch wrestling having in MMA, the year the sport has had and the future of the Scientific Wrestling community. ... keep reading

From brutal side-bets in English coal mines to shaping the foundations of modern MMA, catch-as-catch-can wrestling has a history as fierce as the sport itself. Discover the legendary figures, controversial rules, and lasting impact of this forgotten combat style! ... keep reading

Gong Magazine recently asked me to write an article for the Japanese MMA scene about the recent Scientific Wrestling clinic featuring UWF coach Mr. Billy Robinson. As readers of this blog will recognize, I merely elaborated upon the blog entry made here earlier. ... keep reading

While many in the mainstream media aim to make steroids the scapegoat, many reporters seem to be overlooking the most obvious medical reason for this type of evil behavior. In a recent New York Times article, former WWE wrestler and Harvard graduate Christopher Nowinski became one of the few voices suggesting that repeated concussions may be the reason for this monstrous behaviour. ... keep reading

Ditch the dumbbells—grab a friend! Buddy Lifts bring a whole new challenge to strength training, engaging stabilizer muscles like never before. From fireman carries to squad push-ups, discover how to turn your workout partner into the ultimate piece of gym equipment! ... keep reading

Step into the world of authentic Catch Wrestling—a brutal, old-school grappling art where victory is earned by pin or painful submission. Join me on my journey training under Tommy Heyes, learning lost techniques, and discovering the tough-as-nails history of England’s true combat sport! ... keep reading

I was first introduced to the traditional Indian gada (mace) by my friend Karl Gotch a few years ago. As gracefully as Karl swung it, I was equally clumsy. I nearly knocked myself unconscious with it the first time I swung it. It was the toughest and most awkward exercise implement I had ever held. It was then and there that I challenged to master this bad boy. ... keep reading

I was pleasantly surprised (mostly) to read this week's Wrestling Observer and read the following: "Jake Shannon of Submission Wrestling has licensed TV rights for all the UWFI footage from the 90s. He plans to air it on the internet (they are airing new one hour shows on his site) and is trying to broker a TV deal. Most of the footage, which at times was popular in other countries and includes some incredible matches with people like Takada, Vader, and Kiyoshi Tamura, has never aired in the U.S. except briefly on a cable station in New York. I could see one of the "B" level sports networks being interested..." ... keep reading

He holds wins over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Mark Hunt, Randy Couture, Dan Severn and Yuki Kondo, now Josh Barnett talks in-depth with Scientific Wrestling ... keep reading

Masakatsu Funaki was a master of catch wrestling, a pioneer of Pancrase, and a fighter who dazzled with skill yet struggled when history needed a hero. His story is one of brilliance, heartbreak, and an unshakable legacy in the evolution of MMA. ... keep reading

Want to train like the toughest wrestlers, fighters, and athletes in the world? Dive into this collection of firsthand training insights from warriors of all ages, sharing their secrets on strength, endurance, and conditioning for combat sports! ... keep reading

What a Big Weekend in Vegas!! The 41st Annual Cauliflower Alley Club Reunion in Las Vegas was a celebration of wrestling history and tradition, but for Catch Wrestling fans, it was a reaffirmation of the sport’s enduring legacy. From legendary "shooters" being honored to powerful calls for a return to real competition, the event was filled with moments that showcased the heart and grit of Catch Wrestling. ... keep reading

Struggling to hit 500 Hindu squats and 250 Hindu push-ups? This simple yet powerful "Climbing Down the Mountain" method, inspired by calculus principles, will have you reaching your goal in no time—just be ready for the soreness! ... keep reading

"Pops" wanted to share this special message with the Scientific Wrestling Online family—don't miss out on his wisdom and insight! ... keep reading

Takanori Gomi's journey from a rebellious high school dropout to a Shooto World Champion and PRIDE legend is filled with triumph, controversy, and unforgettable battles. From brutal knockouts to historic rivalries, his rise to the top of MMA is a story of resilience, raw talent, and relentless determination. ... keep reading

From the streets of the South Bronx to the legendary PRIDE ring, Kazushi Sakuraba's journey from pro wrestling to MMA icon is a tale of heart, skill, and the ultimate clash with the Gracie dynasty. Discover how "The Gracie Hunter" changed the fight game forever. ... keep reading

The rise and fall of the original Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF) changed professional wrestling forever, blending real martial arts with the spectacle of the ring. But behind the scenes, rivalries and power struggles led to its shocking demise—discover how this forgotten chapter in wrestling history set the stage for modern MMA. ... keep reading

From judo champion to MMA legend, Hayato "Mach" Sakurai's journey is one of resilience, skill, and reinvention. As he battles through triumphs and setbacks, his story leads to an unforgettable showdown against his own protégé—Takanori Gomi—on New Year's Eve. ... keep reading

In 1915, rising wrestling star George Walker thought he could easily defeat a nearly 60-year-old retired barber—but what happened in the ring left him humiliated and desperate for redemption. This is the forgotten tale of George Garrett, the wily veteran who taught a young champion a hard lesson in respect. ... keep reading

Real Pro Wrestling had the potential to revolutionize televised wrestling, blending Greco-Roman and Freestyle into a fast-paced, competitive format—but with dwindling ratings and questionable rule sets, can it survive? Here’s a deep dive into what went wrong and how it could turn things around. ... keep reading

Flight delays, a night in the airport, and a brutal case of jet lag couldn’t keep me from an unforgettable weekend at Team Quest. Training with legends like Randy Couture and Matt Lindland, learning cutting-edge techniques, and even getting a surprise nickname reunion—it was all worth it. Here’s what went down in those three intense days. ... keep reading

From grueling sparring sessions with MMA legends to balancing three jobs while chasing his UFC dream, Mike Ciesnolevicz is proving that the road to the top is anything but easy. In this exclusive interview, he shares his training secrets, fight prep, and advice for up-and-coming fighters looking to break into the big leagues. Read on to see what it takes to fight like a pro! ... keep reading

The ancient training secrets of Indian wrestlers and bare-knuckle fighters are more than just exercises—they're a window into a vanishing world of discipline, strength, and tradition. From Hindu squats to Jori swinging, The Physical Body project takes you deep inside the akharas, capturing rare footage and firsthand accounts of these timeless regimens. Get an exclusive look into a culture where physical mastery is built over a lifetime—one rep at a time. ... keep reading

Want to start your own Catch Wrestling group? It’s easier than you think! The Toe-Hold Club lays out a step-by-step guide to building a legit wrestling club, from securing a training space to drilling the fundamentals that make Catch Wrestling so effective. No points, no stalling—just pins, submissions, and real grappling. Whether you're training for MMA, self-defense, or pure love of the sport, this is where you begin. Ready to bring back the lost art of Catch Wrestling? Let’s get started! ... keep reading

Legendary grappler Yoshiaki Fujiwara traveled to Los Angeles for a submission wrestling seminar—but what he discovered was a surprising resurgence of Karl Gotch’s old-school style in the land of WWE. Could the tides of wrestling be shifting once again? ... keep reading

Step into the world of old-school hook wrestling with Billy Wicks, a true carny grappler and law enforcement veteran. In this candid interview, Wicks shares hard-earned wisdom on the art of submission, the secrets of wrist locks, and why the toughest lessons come from the mat—not the gym. ... keep reading

What’s it like to train with a legend? Spending Christmas with Karl Gotch meant cigars, steak, brutal workouts, and a masterclass in catch wrestling history. From neck-building drills to the infamous "Gotch Bible," this was no holiday break—it was an education in toughness. ... keep reading