Kendo vs Greco-Roman Wrestling

Greco-Roman Wrestling and Kendo are both traditional martial arts with unique techniques and origins. Greco-Roman Wrestling focuses on grappling and throws, while Kendo emphasizes swordsmanship and discipline.

General information

Kendo
Greco-Roman Wrestling
Introduction :
Kendo is a traditional Japanese martial art that focuses on swordsmanship using bamboo swords and protective armor. It has a rich history dating back to the samurai warriors of feudal Japan. Kendo is practiced for sport, fitness, and self-defense purposes, emphasizing discipline, respect, and mental focus. It is popular worldwide, with practitioners of all ages and skill levels participating in competitions and training sessions to hone their techniques and improve their physical and mental well-being.
Introduction :
Greco-Roman wrestling is a traditional form of wrestling that originated in ancient Greece and Rome. It focuses on upper body techniques and prohibits the use of leg attacks, making it a unique and challenging martial art. Popular in both amateur and professional wrestling competitions, Greco-Roman wrestling is known for its emphasis on strength, technique, and strategy. It is a great sport for improving physical fitness, mental toughness, and self-defense skills.
Advantages :
  • Kendo offers a unique focus on discipline and respect, instilling important values in practitioners.
  • The use of traditional Japanese sword techniques sets Kendo apart from other martial arts.
  • Kendo provides a rigorous physical workout, improving strength, agility, and endurance.
  • Practitioners develop mental focus and concentration through intense training and sparring.
  • Kendo offers a strong sense of community and camaraderie among practitioners.
Advantages :
  • Greco-Roman Wrestling focuses on takedowns and throws, providing a strong foundation in close combat techniques.
  • It emphasizes upper body strength and control, making it effective for overpowering opponents.
  • The rules limit the use of leg attacks, simplifying the focus on upper body techniques.
  • Wrestlers develop exceptional balance, agility, and coordination through training and competition.
  • Greco-Roman Wrestling competitions are widely available, offering ample opportunities for practice and advancement.
Disadvantages :
  • Limited self-defense techniques compared to other martial arts.
  • Less emphasis on grappling and ground fighting.
  • Requires specific equipment (bogu) which can be expensive.
  • Limited availability of qualified instructors in some areas.
  • High risk of injuries due to full-contact sparring.
Disadvantages :
  • Limited striking techniques compared to other martial arts.
  • Rules can be restrictive and limit creativity in fighting.
  • Requires a specific type of mat for training and competition.
  • Less emphasis on self-defense techniques.
  • Not as popular or widely practiced as other martial arts.
🟡 Popularity : Somewhat.
Kendo is popular in Japan and has a dedicated following in other countries with established martial arts communities. It may not be as widespread as more mainstream martial arts, but it has a strong presence in certain regions.
🟡 Popularity : Somewhat.
Greco-Roman Wrestling is popular in certain regions with strong wrestling traditions, such as Eastern Europe and the United States. It is also a recognized Olympic sport, contributing to its popularity.


General application

Kendo
Greco-Roman Wrestling
🟡 Difficulty : Average.
Getting started in Kendo requires learning the basic techniques and etiquette, which may take some time. It also involves physical conditioning and the use of specialized equipment, making it an average level of difficulty to begin.
🟡 Difficulty : Average.
Getting started in Greco-Roman Wrestling requires learning specific techniques and rules, as well as developing strength and agility. While it may not be as accessible as some other martial arts, with dedication and proper training, beginners can progress.
🟡 Self defense : Average.
While Kendo teaches discipline and focus, its effectiveness for self-defense on the street may be limited due to the focus on traditional techniques with bamboo swords. It may not be as practical in real-world self-defense scenarios.
🟡 Self defense : Average.
Greco-Roman Wrestling can be somewhat useful for self-defense on the street due to its focus on takedowns and control techniques. However, it may not cover all aspects of self-defense scenarios.
🟢 Fitness : Good.
Kendo is an excellent way to improve fitness, with its high level of physical exertion and focus on agility and strength. It also helps improve flexibility and coordination, making it a well-rounded workout.
🟢 Fitness : Good.
Greco-Roman Wrestling is an excellent way to improve overall fitness due to its high level of exertion, strength training, and focus on flexibility. It provides a full-body workout and enhances cardiovascular endurance.
🟢 Competitions : Good.
Kendo has a well-established competition circuit with events at various levels, from local to international. There are recognized awarding bodies and organizations that oversee and organize these competitions.
🟢 Competitions : Good.
Greco-Roman Wrestling has a strong presence in sporting competitions at various levels, including local, national, and international events. There are well-established awarding bodies that organize and oversee these competitions.


Techniques

Kendo
Greco-Roman Wrestling
🟡 Punching : Average.
Kendo focuses more on sword techniques rather than punching. While some basic punching techniques are included, they are not the primary focus. Practitioners may find the punching techniques in Kendo to be average compared to other martial arts.
🟡 Punching : Average.
While Greco-Roman Wrestling focuses on grappling and takedowns, it does not specifically train for punching techniques. However, the close-range combat and body control skills learned in wrestling could complement punching in a self-defense scenario.
🟡 Elbowing : Average.
Kendo is primarily focused on sword techniques and does not emphasize punching. While some basic punching techniques may be included, it is not a primary aspect of Kendo training.
🟡 Elbowing : Average.
Greco-Roman Wrestling does not focus on punching techniques, but practitioners may have some basic striking skills. Elbows can be used in close range, but overall, it is not a primary aspect of the sport.
⚪ Kneeing : Unknown.
Kendo primarily focuses on sword techniques and does not emphasize punching. While some schools may incorporate punching techniques, it is not a primary aspect of Kendo training. Further research is recommended for specific information on punching in Kendo.
⚪ Kneeing : Unknown.
Greco-Roman Wrestling primarily focuses on throws and takedowns rather than striking techniques like punching. While some techniques may be applicable in close combat situations, its effectiveness for punching is uncertain.
⚪ Kicking : Unknown.
Kendo primarily focuses on sword techniques and does not typically involve kicking. While some schools may incorporate minimal kicking techniques, it is not a primary aspect of the martial art.
🔴 Kicking : Poor.
Greco-Roman Wrestling does not involve kicking techniques. The focus is on throws, takedowns, and grappling on the mat, making it unsuitable for practicing or incorporating kicks into the sport.
🟡 Throwing : Average.
Kendo is not primarily focused on throws, but some techniques involve off-balancing opponents. While not as extensive as in Judo or Aikido, Kendo practitioners may learn basic throws for self-defense or competition.
🟢 Throwing : Good.
Greco-Roman Wrestling is excellent for throws, focusing on upper body techniques like suplexes and throws that target the opponent's back. Wrestlers train extensively in a wide range of throws and combinations for effective takedowns.
🟡 Joint locks : Average.
Kendo focuses more on striking techniques with the sword rather than joint locks and holds. While some joint locks may be incorporated into training, it is not a primary focus of the martial art.
🟢 Joint locks : Good.
Greco-Roman Wrestling is good for joint locks and holds, with a focus on upper body techniques such as arm bars and shoulder locks. Wrestlers can effectively control and manipulate their opponent's joints.
⚪ Grappling : Unknown.
Kendo primarily focuses on swordsmanship and does not typically involve ground fighting techniques. While some principles of footwork and timing may be applicable in ground fighting, Kendo is not specifically designed for this purpose.
🟢 Grappling : Good.
Greco-Roman Wrestling is good for ground fighting due to its focus on throws and takedowns, which can be effective in controlling an opponent on the ground. It also teaches techniques for maintaining dominant positions.
🟢 Defense : Good.
Kendo is known for its effective use of blocks and defense techniques, incorporating a range of blocking movements and strategies. Practitioners learn to defend themselves efficiently against various attacks, making it a strong choice for those focused on defense.
🟢 Defense : Good.
Greco-Roman Wrestling is good for blocks and defense due to its emphasis on upper body control and clinching techniques, which can effectively neutralize an opponent's attacks and create opportunities for counter moves.


Ultimately, the choice between Greco-Roman Wrestling and Kendo depends on personal preference and goals. If you prefer close combat and physical strength, Greco-Roman Wrestling may be the right choice. On the other hand, if you are interested in mastering sword techniques and cultivating discipline, Kendo could be the perfect fit for you.