When we think about the roots of mixed martial arts (MMA), names like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, amateur wrestling, and sambo often take center stage. These disciplines have undeniably shaped the modern landscape of combat sports. However, hidden beneath the glitz of contemporary cages and octagons lies an origin story that is increasingly overlooked—Catch Wrestling, MMA’s first true martial art. Today, it faces a troubling erasure from history, despite its profound influence on both the techniques and champions we see in the sport.
Catch Wrestling, sometimes called “Catch-as-Catch-Can,” originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Unlike traditional wrestling styles, it wasn’t bound to pins alone. Instead, it embraced submissions—joint locks, chokes, and various holds that could incapacitate or dominate an opponent. In this way, it was more versatile than amateur wrestling and predated the grappling focus we see in modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Catch wrestlers took their craft to carnivals and arenas, fighting with minimal rules and seeking victory by whatever means necessary, making it one of the earliest forms of “no-holds-barred” combat.
Catch Wrestling’s techniques and strategies became foundational pillars of modern MMA. For instance, key grappling moves like the double wrist lock (kimura) and toe holds emerged from its rich tradition. Today, these techniques are staples of grappling competitions and MMA bouts worldwide. Catch Wrestling’s legacy didn’t end in dusty arenas; it evolved and found its way into MMA’s biggest stages. Fighters like Josh Barnett, Kazushi Sakuraba—dubbed “The Gracie Hunter”—and even UFC’s Tom Aspinall, owe much of their grappling prowess to Catch Wrestling’s influence.
But why is this pioneering art fading into obscurity? Part of the challenge lies in branding and cultural visibility. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, with its Gracie lineage, expertly marketed itself as the “superior” martial art through events like the early UFC tournaments. In contrast, Catch Wrestling remained fragmented, lacking the cohesive structure of academies and the singular promotional drive of its peers. Furthermore, it never enjoyed the mainstream resurgence seen by disciplines like judo and sambo.
Efforts are being made to preserve Catch Wrestling’s heritage, but it faces an uphill battle against popular narratives and dwindling recognition. If MMA practitioners and fans want to truly honor the sport’s origins, they must pay homage to this art form that laid the groundwork for modern grappling dynamics. Relegating Catch Wrestling to the past would be a disservice not only to history but to the martial artists striving to keep its techniques alive.
As MMA continues to grow, it’s time to shed light on Catch Wrestling’s profound role in shaping what we see today—a time to celebrate the roots that birthed champions and created the hybrid combat sport we admire. Without it, MMA would not be what it is today—a beautiful mix of skill, strategy, and sheer willpower born out of centuries of martial evolution. If Catch Wrestling fades away completely, we risk losing a foundational piece of our fighting heritage. Let’s not let that happen.
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: you can be slow and unathletic and still kick butt in Jiu-Jitsu.
