Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling

Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling

Focus	Grappling
Country of origin	Cumberland and Westmorland, England
Olympic sport	No

Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, more commonly known just as Cumberland Wrestling, is an ancient and well-practised tradition in the traditional English counties of

and the Fédération International des Luttes Celtique classes Cumberland wrestling as Celtic. However, the Norse shared culture with other Germanic peoples and Cumbrian wrestling has much in common with Icelandic Glima wrestling.

Rules

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The starting backhold position involves the wrestlers standing chest to chest, grasping each other around the body with their chins on their opponent's right shoulder. The right arm of each contestant is positioned under his opponent's left arm. Once the grip is taken the umpire gives the signal to start the contest by calling "en guard", then "wrestle". The wrestlers attempt to unbalance their opponent, or make them lose their hold, using methods such as lifting throws known as "hipes", twisting throws such as "buttocks" and trips like the inside click, cross click, back heel or outside stroke. This is known as a "fall". If any part of a wrestler's body touches the ground aside from his feet then he loses. If both fall down at once the last to hit the ground is deemed the winner. If it is unclear which wrestler hit the ground first the fall is disqualified and must be started again. This is known as a "dog fall". A win can also be achieved if either party loses his grip on the other while his opponent still retains his hold.

The traditional costume consists of long johns and an embroidered vest with a velvet centre piece over the top. Matches are usually decided by the best of three falls.

Competitions were traditionally held during New Years celebrations and on

References