Wrestling Styles in the US: Collegiate, Freestyle, and Greco-Roman Explained

[Freak]

Wrestling in the US takes many forms, from collegiate (folkstyle) wrestling to freestyle and Greco-Roman formats seen in international competitions. This post delves into the differences between these styles, their rules, and notable American wrestlers like Jordan Burroughs who have excelled on the world stage

[Sheba]

Wrestling in the U.S. is incredibly diverse, with each style offering a unique set of challenges and strategies. Collegiate folkstyle wrestling is popular in high schools and colleges, focusing on control and pinning. Freestyle and Greco-Roman, which are the international formats, emphasize different aspects—freestyle allows more freedom in attacking the opponent’s legs, while Greco-Roman focuses on throws and upper-body techniques. Jordan Burroughs, a standout in freestyle, has brought home multiple World and Olympic titles, solidifying his place in history. Each style plays a crucial role in developing wrestlers with varying skill sets, making American wrestling competitive on the global stage.

[Roman]

Wrestling in the US has such diversity with collegiate (folkstyle), freestyle, and Greco-Roman styles. Personally, I admire collegiate wrestling for its focus on control and strategy—watching wrestlers work for takedowns and pinning combinations is fascinating. Freestyle appeals to me because of its global reach and explosive techniques, while Greco-Roman’s upper-body focus shows incredible strength. Each style has unique challenges, but I love how they all demand skill, discipline, and mental toughness. It’s inspiring!