Top Wrestling

No one has perfect technique, but you can imagine a hypothetical situation where two wrestlers (robots) with perfect technique compete against one another on the mat (one top, the other bottom). There are only 4 possible outcomes:

1) The top wrestler is able to secure a pin

2) The top wrestler scores points but is unable to pin

3) The bottom wrestler scores points by reversal or escape

4) The top wrestler is always able to ride his opponent, but unable to score points.

To truly be successful in wrestling, you must learn to TURN your opponent from the top, DO NOT BE CONTENT WITH RIDING!

Strategic ideas from top:

When learning wrestling we are taught to first break our opponent flat, and then attempt to turn/pin, however this proves unrealistic against more advanced opponents.

It is advantageous to ride your opponent flat, but you must also be able to ride and turn them from when they are in their base (on all fours). Leg-riding, crab-riding, ankle-lace attacks and tilts will be our primary weapons on top, for they attack the bottom man while he is in base position.

Below are some introductory videos to get your started:

Near Chop Tilt:

Half-Moon Cradle:

Leg Turk:

Reverse Leg: