Wrestling has always been a very popular sport throughout recorded history. The origins of wrestling can be traced back 15,000 years through cave drawings in France. Babylonian and Egyptian relief's show wrestlers using most of the holds known to the present-day sport.

In ancient Greece, wrestling occupied a prominent place in legend and literature; wrestling competition, brutal in many aspects, was the number one sport of the Olympic Games. The ancient Romans borrowed heavily from Greek wrestling, but eliminated much of its brutality.

During the Middle Ages (fifth century to fifteenth century) wrestling remained popular and enjoyed the patronage of many royal families, including those of France, Japan, and England.

Early Americans brought a strong wrestling tradition with them when they came from England. The settlers also found wrestling to be popular among Native Americans.

Amateur wrestling is now an Olympic sport governed by FILA rules and regulations. It is safe and fun and at the same time develops discipline, drive, self-reliance and self-confidence. Currently, Russia and Azerbajian are the leading countries in the world for Mens and Women's freestyle wrestling respectively. It is not to be confused with professional wrestling as widely seen on television.