Catch Wrestling | Catch Wrestling Instructional Videos

What is Catch Wrestling?
In the late 19th century, carnivals routinely traveled the American countryside. These were the days before television or radio, days when the carnivals were a primary source of American entertainment. As part of their attraction, many carnivals had what were dubbed "Athletic Shows" where prize fighters and wrestlers would take on all-comers for cash wagers. The Athletic Shows were not only a source of entertainment, but also a way for the locals to interact with the performers, test their skill, and perhaps win some money in the process.

In their earliest stages, Athletic Show wrestling competition rules were offshoots of traditional wrestling rules, with each person trying only to pin the other. But as time went on, locals became more ruthless, and it wasn't uncommon to hear stories of a local trying to gouge out a wrestler's eyes during a challenge match. In addition, disputes often arose as to whether a person was actually pinned (not surprising considering there was money on the line), and whether the referees were calling the matches fairly. The traveling wrestlers developed concession holds, or "hooks," both to protect themselves from injury and to eliminate any doubt as to the victor. The wrestlers would stretch and crank their opponents, making them shout a loud concession of "uncle."

As time passed the men became even more skillful at Hooking. The rules of the challenge matches were often tipped to favor the local challengers--akin to giving a handicap, or odds. Depending on the carnival or match, the wrestler could lose a match by being hooked, pinned, or even simply thrown or taken down. Thus, in order to survive, Hookers became extremely proficient at controlling and hooking their opponents and defending against all methods of attack.

Who is Tony Cecchine?
Tony Cecchine is the world's foremost practicing authority on Catch As Catch Can Wrestling (Catch Wrestling). He has recently been recognized as the leading exponent of Catch Wrestling by the World Head of Family Sokeship Council, an organization that reviews and votes on the absolute greatest martial artists of different styles. Its members include such luminaries as Wally Jay, Helio Gracie, and Ernesto Presas. The late, great Lou Thesz, considered by many as the greatest Catch Wrestler of all-time, dubbed Tony Cecchine a "Hooker," recognizing Tony's submission and wrestling skills as the highest a Catch Wrestler could achieve. Tony has received praise from other luminaries such as Doug Blubaugh, Dick Cardinal, "Judo" Gene LeBell, and Billy Wicks, to name a few.