by Carlos MARINHO

The term Grappling originates from the Old French grapple (hook), originally derived from tools used on ships to "seize" or board other vessels. It refers to an iron hook (grapinel). In essence, it is the act of "clamping" onto something and not letting go.

Grappling is a comprehensive system of close-quarters combat techniques focused on gripping, controlling, and manipulating an opponent—both standing and on the ground—without the use of strikes. Its primary objective is positional dominance to set up submissions. It is a modern "umbrella term" (with medieval roots) centered on control. It encompasses ground fighting, strangles, joint locks, and total immobilization.

Wrestling has deep Germanic roots (wraestlung in Old English) and is linked to the verb wrest (to twist or pull away), deriving from the Proto-Indo-European wer-, meaning "to turn" or "bend." Wrestling refers to the act of taking an opponent down and breaking their balance. Historically, it describes standing combat aimed at the takedown. It is the term used for traditional sporting modalities (Freestyle, Greco-Roman, Lutte, Ringen).

Technical Distinction: Sport vs. Survival

Understanding the etymology and technical distinction between Grappling and Wrestling is fundamental to separating "total combat" from "sport." Although often used as synonyms today, they carry different historical and semantic weights that explain the techniques of their respective eras.

Wrestling is generally used to refer to systematized practices with established rules, competitions, and cultural traditions (such as Mesopotamian artifacts or the Greek Pale). It is the social and ritualistic face of combat.

Grappling, conversely, is used to describe the Bios of survival and self-defense. It is the term that best describes the Wiktenauer manuals (where the takedown is merely the beginning of the finish) and the Roman use of the Scutum to "trap" the enemy.

In short: Grappling is the overarching system (the "Operating System")—the state of being attached to the opponent to neutralize them. Wrestling is the subsystem of takedown dynamics and transitions.

Luta Livre and the No-Gi Heritage

Luta Livre Brasileira (also known as Luta Livre Esportiva, Submission Wrestling, or simply "No-Gi") is a Brazilian martial art focused on grappling and submissions. It was founded in Rio de Janeiro around the 1940s by Euclydes Hatem ("Mestre Tatu"). It distinguishes itself from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gracie Jiu-Jitsu)—though both are forms of grappling—by being practiced No-Gi, incorporating techniques from Catch Wrestling, Judo, Capoeira, and Greco-Roman Wrestling.

Conclusion of the Dossier

In this Dossier, we will utilize the term Grappling as the ultimate expression. It does not merely seek the ground, but the complete surrender of the aggressor through the use of the body as an indestructible mechanical hook.