So, you’re fascinated by the world of professional wrestling, huh? You’ve seen the high-flying maneuvers, the dramatic storytelling, and, of course, the bone-jarring submissions. Those holds that make even the toughest wrestlers tap out. I’m here to tell you, learning the art of submissions is a rewarding journey, whether you’re a budding wrestler or just a fan eager to understand the craft.
This guide is your comprehensive starting point. We’ll break down the fundamentals, from the basic principles to the more complex techniques. We’ll explore the different types of submissions, the key components of a successful hold, and the importance of safety. We’ll also touch on the psychology behind submissions and how they add to the drama of a match. Get ready to learn how to do pro wrestling submissions!
This isn’t just about moves; it’s about understanding the nuances of the ring, the psychology of a match, and the respect for your opponent. Let’s get started!
Understanding the Basics of Pro Wrestling Submissions
Before we get into the specific techniques, let’s lay down some foundational knowledge. Submissions in pro wrestling are designed to make your opponent submit, either by causing pain or by strategically applying pressure to a specific joint or area of the body. The goal is to force the wrestler to verbally admit defeat by saying “I give up” or tapping out on the mat or on their opponent’s body. These moves are a key part of the storytelling and add a layer of realism to the spectacle.
Key Components of a Submission Hold
Several elements contribute to a successful submission. Understanding these will help you comprehend the ‘why’ behind each move.
- Leverage: This is the most important component. Submissions work by using your body to create leverage against your opponent’s joint or body part. Think of it like a seesaw; a small amount of force applied at the right point can create a significant effect.
- Pressure Points: Targeting specific pressure points can amplify the pain and increase the likelihood of a submission. This might be a nerve cluster, a muscle, or a joint.
- Angle of Application: The angle at which you apply the hold is crucial. It affects the amount of pressure and the effectiveness of the submission. Slight adjustments can make a big difference.
- Body Positioning: Your body position relative to your opponent’s is critical. It determines your control, leverage, and the effectiveness of the hold.
- Control: Maintaining control of your opponent’s body is essential to prevent them from escaping. This involves using your legs, arms, and torso to keep them in the desired position.
The Importance of Safety
Safety is paramount in pro wrestling, especially when it comes to submissions. While the goal is to make the move look convincing, the health of the wrestlers is the top priority. Here’s why:
- Communication: Clear communication between the wrestlers is key. The wrestler applying the hold needs to know when to release the move if the opponent is in genuine distress. The wrestler receiving the hold needs to communicate their level of pain and when they’re ready to tap.
- Selling: “Selling” the submission is an art. It’s the act of making the hold look painful and believable without actually causing serious injury. This involves facial expressions, body language, and verbal cues.
- Training: Proper training is essential. Wrestlers need to learn how to apply submissions safely and how to react to them correctly. This includes knowing their limits and the limits of their opponent.
- Releasing the Hold: The wrestler applying the submission must be ready to release the hold quickly if the opponent taps out or if they feel they’ve held it for long enough.
Common Types of Pro Wrestling Submissions
Now, let’s explore some of the most common types of submissions you’ll see in the ring. I’ll break down the mechanics of each and how they’re applied.
Joint Locks
Joint locks are designed to put pressure on a specific joint, causing pain and potentially forcing a submission. These are some of the most frequently used submissions. (See Also: Is Carmella Coming Back To Wrestling )
- Armbar: This classic submission targets the elbow. The wrestler traps their opponent’s arm and applies pressure by extending the arm. The key is to control the opponent’s arm and body positioning to maximize leverage. The armbar is a fundamental hold, and you’ll see it used in almost every match.
- Kimura Lock: This hold targets the shoulder. The wrestler grabs their opponent’s arm and twists it, forcing the shoulder joint to rotate unnaturally. This is a very effective and often painful submission. The Kimura is known for its versatility, as it can be applied from various positions.
- Crossface Chickenwing: This hold targets the shoulder and neck. One arm is used to apply pressure to the face while the other arm is used to apply pressure to the shoulder.
- Ankle Lock: This targets the ankle. The wrestler grabs the opponent’s foot and applies pressure by bending the ankle. This can be very painful if applied correctly.
- Kneebar: This targets the knee joint. The wrestler traps the opponent’s leg and applies pressure by bending the knee backward.
Chokeholds and Neck Cranks
These submissions target the neck, either by restricting blood flow or by applying pressure to the neck muscles. They are designed to cause discomfort and force a submission.
- Rear Naked Choke (RNC): This is a very common submission. The wrestler wraps their arm around the opponent’s neck, applying pressure to the carotid arteries and restricting blood flow to the brain. This can lead to the opponent passing out if they don’t submit.
- Guillotine Choke: This choke involves wrapping your arm around the opponent’s neck and applying pressure. It’s often applied from a standing position.
- Headscissors Submission: This submission uses the wrestler’s legs to apply pressure to the opponent’s head, often also incorporating a choke.
- Neck Crank: This involves applying pressure to the neck muscles, which can be very painful.
Body Locks
Body locks involve applying pressure to the torso, often designed to restrict breathing or cause pain. While less common, they can be effective.
- Boston Crab: The wrestler gets behind the opponent, grabs their legs, and arches their back, putting pressure on the lower back.
- Sharpshooter: The wrestler gets behind their opponent, grabs their legs, and twists the legs, putting pressure on the lower back and ankles.
How to Apply a Submission (step-by-Step)
Let’s take a closer look at how to execute a few specific submissions. Remember, this is a simplified explanation. Proper training is essential before attempting these moves.
Armbar – Step-by-Step
- Control the Arm: Grab your opponent’s arm with both hands. Secure a grip near their wrist and elbow.
- Positioning: Position your body so you are at an angle to your opponent. This will give you the proper leverage.
- Secure the Arm: Bring your legs over the opponent’s head, trapping their arm between your legs.
- Apply Pressure: Extend your opponent’s arm and apply pressure by pushing their elbow towards their shoulder.
- Maintain Control: Keep your legs tight to prevent your opponent from escaping.
- Watch for the Tap: Be ready to release the hold immediately when the opponent taps out or gives a verbal submission.
Rear Naked Choke – Step-by-Step
- Get Behind Your Opponent: Position yourself behind your opponent.
- Lock the Arm: Wrap one arm around their neck, under their chin.
- Secure the Grip: Bring your other arm over their shoulder and grab your bicep. This creates a tight grip.
- Apply Pressure: Squeeze your arms together, applying pressure to the carotid arteries.
- Maintain Control: Keep your body tight against your opponent.
- Watch for the Tap: Release the hold immediately when the opponent taps or verbally submits.
Ankle Lock – Step-by-Step
- Get Down Low: Get close to the opponent’s legs.
- Grab the Ankle: Grab their foot and secure a grip.
- Position the Leg: Position the leg so you can bend their ankle.
- Apply Pressure: Apply pressure by bending their ankle.
- Maintain Control: Keep a hold of the foot to prevent the opponent from escaping.
- Watch for the Tap: Release the hold immediately when the opponent taps or verbally submits.
The Psychology of Submissions in Pro Wrestling
Submissions are not just about the physical act of applying a hold. They are also a critical element of storytelling in pro wrestling. The psychology behind submissions adds a dramatic layer to the match.
Building Tension and Drama
Submissions create tension and suspense. The audience watches with bated breath, wondering if the wrestler will tap out or if they can escape. This anticipation keeps them engaged and invested in the match.
Character Development
Submissions can enhance character development. A wrestler known for their brutal submission holds is often portrayed as a ruthless or technically skilled competitor. This adds to their persona and makes them more compelling to watch.
Selling the Story
The way a wrestler sells a submission tells a story. The facial expressions, body language, and verbal cues convey the pain and struggle of the hold. This adds to the believability of the match and makes it more emotionally resonant for the audience. (See Also: Is Asuka Still Wrestling Around The World )
The Comeback
Often, submissions are used to set up a comeback. The wrestler might be trapped in a submission hold, seemingly on the verge of defeat, only to escape and launch a counterattack. This creates a dramatic turning point in the match.
Training and Practicing Submissions
If you’re interested in learning how to perform submissions, proper training is essential. This is not something you can learn from watching videos alone. You’ll need to work with a qualified instructor in a safe environment.
Finding a Wrestling School
Look for a reputable wrestling school or gym in your area. Check online reviews and ask for recommendations. The school should have experienced instructors who can teach you the fundamentals and supervise your training.
The Importance of a Training Partner
You’ll need a training partner to practice submissions. It’s essential to work with someone you trust and who is committed to safe training practices. Communication is key to working together to learn the moves safely.
Warm-Up and Conditioning
Always warm up before training. This includes stretching and light cardio to prepare your body for physical activity. Proper conditioning is also important. This means building strength, endurance, and flexibility. This improves your ability to apply submissions and to withstand them.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Repetition is key to mastering submissions. Practice the moves regularly with your training partner. Start slowly and gradually increase the speed and intensity as you become more comfortable. Focus on proper technique and safety.
Learn to Sell
Learn how to sell the submissions convincingly. This involves practicing your facial expressions, body language, and verbal cues. Selling is an important part of the art of pro wrestling. (See Also: Is Wrestling Good For Autistic Kids )
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when learning and performing submissions.
- Poor Technique: Improper technique can lead to injury. Always prioritize proper form over speed or power.
- Lack of Communication: Always communicate with your training partner or opponent. Let them know what you’re doing and how you’re feeling.
- Ignoring Safety: Never compromise safety. Always be aware of your surroundings, and be prepared to release the hold if necessary.
- Rushing the Process: Don’t try to learn too much too quickly. Focus on mastering the basics before moving on to more advanced techniques.
- Not Listening to Your Body: If you feel pain, stop. Don’t push yourself beyond your limits.
Advanced Submission Techniques and Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start exploring more advanced techniques and variations.
- Chain Wrestling: This involves seamlessly transitioning from one submission hold to another.
- Countering Submissions: Learning to escape or counter submissions is an important skill.
- Using the Environment: Some wrestlers incorporate the ring ropes or other objects into their submission holds (with proper safety considerations and referee approval).
- Creating Your Own Signature Submission: As you gain experience, you might develop your own unique submission hold.
The Role of the Referee
The referee plays a crucial role during submission holds.
- Monitoring the Match: The referee monitors the match and observes the wrestlers’ actions.
- Checking for Taps: The referee is responsible for watching for a tap-out or verbal submission.
- Ensuring Safety: The referee has the authority to stop the match if they believe a wrestler is in danger or if the hold is being applied unsafely.
- Enforcing the Rules: The referee ensures that all wrestlers follow the rules of the match.
The Future of Submissions in Pro Wrestling
Submissions will continue to be a vital part of pro wrestling. They’ll evolve as wrestlers develop new techniques and adapt to changing styles. The core principles of leverage, pressure points, and safety will remain fundamental.
Here are some trends you might see in the future:
- More Technical Wrestling: Increased focus on technical wrestling and complex submission holds.
- Hybrid Styles: Blending submission wrestling with other wrestling styles, such as striking or high-flying moves.
- Innovation: Wrestlers are always looking for new ways to apply submission holds.
- Emphasis on Storytelling: Submissions will be used to enhance the storytelling aspect of the matches.
Final Verdict
Learning how to do pro wrestling submissions is more than just memorizing holds. It’s about understanding the nuances of the ring, the psychology of a match, and the respect for your opponent. You now have a solid foundation in the basics, the common types of submissions, and the crucial aspects of safety. Remember that proper training is key to mastering these techniques. With dedication, patience, and a commitment to safety, you can begin your journey into the exciting world of pro wrestling submissions. Keep practicing, keep learning, and most importantly, have fun! The world of pro wrestling is waiting for you.
Always prioritize safety and communication. If you’re serious about learning the craft, find a reputable training school and a trusted partner. Remember, the key to success is consistent practice and a respect for the art form. Embrace the challenge, and enjoy the ride!
