Freestyle Wrestling vs Ninjutsu

Freestyle wrestling and Ninjutsu are two distinct martial arts with different origins and techniques. Freestyle wrestling is a competitive sport that focuses on takedowns and grappling techniques, while Ninjutsu is a traditional Japanese martial art that includes a wide range of combat and self-defense techniques.

General information

Freestyle Wrestling
Ninjutsu
Introduction :
Freestyle wrestling is a dynamic and intense martial art that focuses on takedowns, throws, and ground grappling techniques. Originating from ancient Greece, it has evolved into a popular sport practiced worldwide. Freestyle wrestling is not only a competitive sport but also a great form of exercise for improving strength, agility, and endurance. It is also a practical form of self-defense, teaching individuals how to control and neutralize opponents in close combat situations.
Introduction :
Ninjutsu is a traditional Japanese martial art focused on stealth, espionage, and unconventional warfare techniques. It emphasizes adaptability and using the environment to gain an advantage over opponents. With a rich history dating back centuries, Ninjutsu is often used for self-defense and personal development. While not as widely practiced as some other martial arts, it has a dedicated following of practitioners who appreciate its unique techniques and philosophies.
Advantages :
  • Freestyle wrestling is a highly effective martial art for self-defense, focusing on takedowns and ground control.
  • It provides excellent physical conditioning, improving strength, agility, and endurance.
  • Freestyle wrestling is a popular sport with a competitive aspect, offering opportunities for tournaments and competitions.
  • It enhances mental toughness and discipline through rigorous training and competition.
  • Freestyle wrestling teaches valuable skills for close combat situations, such as clinching and grappling.
Advantages :
  • Ninjutsu emphasizes stealth and deception techniques, giving practitioners an edge in surprise attacks and self-defense scenarios.
  • The art includes a wide range of combat techniques, from strikes and throws to joint locks and weapon use, providing versatility in combat situations.
  • Ninjutsu training focuses on developing mental discipline and awareness, enhancing overall mindfulness and self-control.
  • Practitioners learn to adapt to various environments and use everyday objects as weapons, making them resourceful in real-life confrontations.
  • Ninjutsu’s emphasis on strategy and tactics allows practitioners to outsmart opponents and gain an advantage in combat situations.
Disadvantages :
  • Limited striking techniques compared to other martial arts.
  • High risk of injuries due to intense physical contact.
  • Requires a lot of strength and endurance, which may be challenging for some.
  • Can be difficult for beginners to learn and master.
  • Limited self-defense applications in real-life situations.
Disadvantages :
  • Limited emphasis on striking techniques
  • Lack of competitive sport aspect
  • Limited availability of qualified instructors
  • Emphasis on secrecy and tradition may hinder practical application
  • Requires extensive training and dedication to master
🟡 Popularity : Somewhat.
Freestyle wrestling is popular in many countries with strong wrestling traditions, such as the United States, Russia, and Iran. It is also a popular sport in high schools and colleges.
🟡 Popularity : Somewhat.
Ninjutsu is somewhat popular, with a dedicated following of practitioners worldwide. It may not be as mainstream as other martial arts but has a strong presence in certain regions and among enthusiasts.


General application

Freestyle Wrestling
Ninjutsu
🟡 Difficulty : Average.
Getting started in freestyle wrestling requires learning fundamental techniques and rules, as well as developing physical strength and agility. While it may not be as complex as some martial arts, it still requires dedication and practice.
🟡 Difficulty : Average.
Getting started in Ninjutsu requires dedication and patience. Basic techniques can be learned relatively quickly, but mastering the art and its various skills and strategies can be challenging.
🟡 Self defense : Average.
Freestyle wrestling can be somewhat useful for self-defense on the street due to its focus on takedowns and grappling techniques. However, it may not address all aspects of real-world self-defense scenarios.
🟢 Self defense : Good.
Ninjutsu can be effective for self defense on the street due to its focus on practical techniques such as strikes, joint locks, and throws. Its emphasis on stealth and deception can also be advantageous in real-world situations.
🟢 Fitness : Good.
Freestyle wrestling is an excellent way to keep fit, with high levels of exertion and physical demand. It improves strength, endurance, flexibility, and overall cardiovascular fitness, making it a great choice for martial arts enthusiasts.
🟢 Fitness : Good.
Ninjutsu is a good way to keep fit, with high levels of exertion and focus on flexibility, agility, and strength. Training involves a variety of movements that can improve overall fitness levels.
🟢 Competitions : Good.
Freestyle wrestling has a well-established competitive scene with accessible sporting competitions at various levels, including local, national, and international events. There are recognized awarding bodies and governing organizations for the sport.
🟡 Competitions : Average.
Ninjutsu competitions exist but are not as widespread or organized as other martial arts. They vary in format and rules depending on the organization hosting the event, making it somewhat challenging for consistent competition.


Techniques

Freestyle Wrestling
Ninjutsu
🔴 Punching : Poor.
Freestyle wrestling is not focused on punching techniques, so it is not ideal for developing punching skills. Wrestlers primarily use grappling and takedown techniques rather than striking with punches.
🟡 Punching : Average.
Ninjutsu focuses more on stealth, evasion, and weapon use rather than punching techniques. While some schools may incorporate basic punching strikes, it is not the primary emphasis of the art.
🔴 Elbowing : Poor.
Freestyle wrestling is not good for punching as it primarily focuses on grappling and takedowns, with limited training in striking techniques like punches. Elbows are not typically used in freestyle wrestling.
🟢 Elbowing : Good.
Ninjutsu incorporates a range of striking techniques, including punches, that are effective in combat situations. The use of elbows and combinations enhances the power and versatility of punches in Ninjutsu.
🔴 Kneeing : Poor.
Freestyle wrestling focuses on takedowns, grappling, and controlling opponents on the mat, rather than striking techniques. It does not emphasize punching skills, making it less suitable for those looking to improve their punching abilities.
🟡 Kneeing : Average.
Ninjutsu is known for its diverse range of striking techniques, including punches. While it incorporates punches in its arsenal, it may not specialize in them compared to other martial arts specifically focused on punching techniques.
🔴 Kicking : Poor.
Freestyle wrestling does not involve kicking techniques. It focuses on takedowns, throws, and grappling on the mat, making it unsuitable for practitioners looking to develop kicking skills in their martial arts practice.
🟢 Kicking : Good.
Ninjutsu incorporates a variety of kicks, including low kicks, high kicks, and spinning kicks. Practitioners are trained in precise targeting and powerful strikes, making kicking an effective aspect of this martial art.
🟢 Throwing : Good.
Freestyle wrestling is good for throws as it includes a wide range of dynamic throws such as hip tosses, arm throws, and leg trips. Wrestlers learn effective combinations of throws to take down opponents.
🟢 Throwing : Good.
Ninjutsu is good for throws as it incorporates a wide range of throwing techniques, including joint locks and takedowns. The art emphasizes stealth and efficiency, making its throws effective in close combat scenarios.
🟢 Joint locks : Good.
Freestyle wrestling is good for joint locks and holds, as it involves a range of techniques such as arm bars, wrist locks, and leg locks. Wrestlers can effectively control and submit opponents using these techniques.
🟢 Joint locks : Good.
Ninjutsu incorporates a wide range of joint locks and holds, making it effective for controlling opponents and manipulating their joints. Its emphasis on stealth and deception adds to the effectiveness of these techniques.
🟢 Grappling : Good.
Freestyle wrestling is good for ground fighting as it focuses on takedowns, control, and pins on the mat. Wrestlers learn techniques for dominating opponents in close combat situations, making it effective for ground fighting.
🟡 Grappling : Average.
Ninjutsu can be effective for ground fighting due to its range of techniques and emphasis on adaptability. However, it may not have as strong of a focus on ground fighting as other martial arts specifically designed for that purpose.
🟢 Defense : Good.
Freestyle wrestling incorporates a range of effective blocking and defensive techniques such as sprawls, hand fighting, and hip positioning. Wrestlers are trained to react quickly and anticipate opponents' moves for strong defense.
🟢 Defense : Good.
Ninjutsu is known for its range of effective blocking and defense techniques, including strikes, locks, and evasive maneuvers. It emphasizes quick reflexes and adaptability, making it a strong choice for defense in martial arts.


Ultimately, the choice between Freestyle wrestling and Ninjutsu depends on your goals and preferences. If you are looking for a competitive sport with a focus on takedowns and grappling, Freestyle wrestling may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are interested in learning traditional Japanese martial arts techniques for self-defense and combat, Ninjutsu could be the better option. Consider your objectives and choose the martial art that aligns best with your interests and goals.