Wrestling styles

Beach Wrestling

⁦Governed internationally by United World Wrestling (UWW), beach wrestling brings athletes together for fast-paced standing contests in a circular sand arena.⁩

⁦Athletes use balance, timing and controlled techniques to take their opponent down or force them outside the arena. Legs can be used in attacks, but there is no ground-wrestling phase.⁩

Origins

From Tradition to International Competition

Beach wrestling draws on wrestling traditions practised on sand around the world. UWW brings these traditions together through a shared competition framework and the Beach Wrestling World Series.

Then

Traditional Sand Wrestling

Wrestling on sand, practised for generations in coastal communities around the world.

Now

Beach Wrestling World Series

A shared UWW competition framework that brings those traditions to an international stage.

Key features

Quick Action. Clear Goals.

Three Minutes

One period, with no scheduled break.

First to Three

Reach three points to win before time expires.

Standing Action

All wrestling takes place from a standing position.

Leg Techniques

Athletes can use leg attacks and trips to take their opponent down.

Barefoot Competition

Athletes compete without shoes.

Field of play

The Sand Arena

A contrasting ribbon marks the circular boundary. The surface must contain at least 30 centimetres of fine sand, free from stones, shells and other objects.