Sunday, January 06, 2019
No Holds Barred: Raul Ramirez Introduces the Catch Wrestling Alliance Academy
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with Raul Ramirez of the Catch Wrestling Alliance.
It was just announced that they are starting a new interactive, online venture, the Catch Wrestling Alliance Academy.
We spoke with him by phone Friday.
"For the longest time now, people comment on our videos. They send emails. They're asking for DVDs or places that they can learn. I'm sure that's the most common thing, where someone in some remote part of the planet, they're saying, of course there's hardly any kind of martial arts instruction nearby, and they definitely love catch wrestling. So they just need the training to be more accessible," he said.
"So I thought that maybe to serve the majority of people, regardless of your location, we should probably go online, but also not just put out DVDs.
"We have to make this a little bit more interactive, where the students that can be learning online from videos and from PDFs that we make, but we have to put it in a format where they can also ask questions, if they have any misunderstandings, so that they can actually just get the best level of instruction without having to be present in a class. That is probably the best we really can do."
So while, obviously, training in person in catch wrestling is invaluable, where that is not possible, this is "the next best thing."
The first of these online interactive course is called "Catch Wrestling Fundamentals: Stand Up." Upcoming courses will include mat wrestling, controlling and restraining opponents both in sport and self-defense situations, integrating striking into wrestling and grappling, and psychological and mental aspects of sports performance.
We discussed more of the details on how to access this training, who some of the instructors will be, plans for catch wrestling competition in the Los Angeles area, the growth of interest in catch wrestling in China, and much more.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here and here. If one link does not work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is available at Google Play Music.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
You can also listen to No Holds Barred via Stitcher through iOS or Android devices or on the web here.
The PodOmatic Podcast Player app is available for free, both for Android at Google Play, and for iOS on the App Store.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is sponsored by:
The Catch Wrestling Alliance, resurrecting and promoting the sport of authentic catch-as-catch-can wrestling. The Catch Wrestling Alliance provides tournaments, seminars, and training as well as education about catch wrestling. Join the movement and keep real wrestling alive. For more information, go to CatchWrestlingAlliance.com.
Skullz Double-End Bags, the perfect bag for your combat sports training. Skullz Double-End Bags provide a realistic striking target, and help improve timing, distance, and hand and eye coordination. Hang it and hit it right out of the box! No pump required. For more information, go to SkullzDeBags.com.
Labels: Catch Wrestling Alliance Academy, China, Eddie Goldman, No Holds Barred, Raul Ramirez
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
No Holds Barred: Raul Ramirez on Catch Wrestling in Singapore and Asia
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with Raul Ramirez of the Catch Wrestling Alliance.
We spoke with him by phone Tuesday.
This week he will be traveling to Singapore to conduct seminars on the takedowns and submissions of catch wrestling, and also sanda. The submission series seminar is scheduled for Saturday, September 16, and the takedown series seminar for Saturday, September 23. Details can be gotten from the Kapap Academy Singapore.
Organizing such seminars in Singapore recognizes its importance as one of the world capitals of martial arts and combat sports.
"Singapore is the epicenter of martial arts in Asia nowadays," he said, where the headquarters of One Championship, Evolve MMA, and the Kapap Academy Singapore are located. One Championship, he added, has been called "potentially the biggest martial arts promotion in the world"
Siingapore, thus, is "really the place to be for catch wrestling for it to grow in the future."
We discussed more on what he plans to teach during his week long stay in Singapore, the importance of teaching and learning self-defense, the potential for the growth of catch wrestling throughout Asia, plans for catch wrestling competition in Singapore, using the latest video technology, and much more.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here and here. If one link does not work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is available at Google Play Music.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
You can also listen to No Holds Barred via Stitcher through iOS or Android devices or on the web here.
The PodOmatic Podcast Player app is available for free, both for Android at Google Play, and for iOS on the App Store.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is sponsored by:
The Catch Wrestling Alliance, resurrecting and promoting the sport of authentic catch-as-catch-can wrestling. The Catch Wrestling Alliance provides tournaments, seminars, and training as well as education about catch wrestling. Join the movement and keep real wrestling alive. For more information, go to CatchWrestlingAlliance.com.
Skullz Double-End Bags, the perfect bag for your combat sports training. Skullz Double-End Bags provide a realistic striking target, and help improve timing, distance, and hand and eye coordination. Hang it and hit it right out of the box! No pump required. For more information, go to SkullzDeBags.com.
Labels: Asia, catch wrestling, China, Eddie Goldman, India, Kapap Academy, No Holds Barred, Raul Ramirez, Sanda, self-defense, Singapore
Sunday, July 08, 2018
No Holds Barred: Raul Ramirez on Frank Gotch Tournament, Strength and Conditioning, and Catch Wrestling
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with Raul Ramirez of the Catch Wrestling Alliance.
We spoke with him by phone Friday.
There is a lot happening in the coming weeks in catch wrestling, including a tribute to Joe Stecher, who was a world heavyweight wrestling champion in the days before professional catch wrestling ceased to be a sport. This event is called "Joe Stecher Days" and takes place July 14-15 in the village of Dodge, Nebraska, Stecher's hometown. Raul Ramirez will be there, along with wrestling author and historian Mike Chapman, who will be a guest speaker.
Also on July 14, there will be an eight-man catch wrestling tournament organized by the Snake Pit U.S.A. at the Primal Gym in Hamilton, New Jersey. There undefeated Catch Wrestling Alliance wrestler Curran Jacobs will be competing.
Next is the 2018 Frank Gotch World Catch Wrestling Tournament, organized by the Catch Wrestling Alliance, on August 4 at the Westside Training Center, at Cheviot Hills/Palms, 3272 Motor Avenue, Suite D, Los Angeles, California 90034.
We discussed all these, including Curran Jacobs's preparation for these tournaments, and how strength and conditioning is essential to being able to carry out his strategy.
"Personally I feel that that is the key to winning, regardless of your sport. So if you're really into competing at the highest level, having a good strength and conditioning coach is really the key," said Raul Ramirez.
"You do have to spend your time wrestling to get better at wrestling. But in order to minimize injuries, to make sure you're as strong as you can be, to make sure you have enough gas in your gas tank when you compete, especially in tournaments where you might have to have several matches, or at catch wrestling tournaments when we have a 20-minute match, you need this endurance. So having a good strength and conditioning coach can get your body to that level."
We also discussed that this year's Gotch Tournament will feature matches by both veteran wrestlers and new competitors, plans to hold mixed-styles grappling and catch wrestling matches in Singapore this year, and much more.
(Photo by Phil Monson, courtesy of Catch Wrestling Alliance.)
You can play or download No Holds Barred here and here. If one link does not work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is available at Google Play Music.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
You can also listen to No Holds Barred via Stitcher through iOS or Android devices or on the web here.
The PodOmatic Podcast Player app is available for free, both for Android at Google Play, and for iOS on the App Store.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is sponsored by:
The Catch Wrestling Alliance, resurrecting and promoting the sport of authentic catch-as-catch-can wrestling. The Catch Wrestling Alliance provides tournaments, seminars, and training as well as education about catch wrestling. Join the movement and keep real wrestling alive. For more information, go to CatchWrestlingAlliance.com.
Skullz Double-End Bags, the perfect bag for your combat sports training. Skullz Double-End Bags provide a realistic striking target, and help improve timing, distance, and hand and eye coordination. Hang it and hit it right out of the box! No pump required. For more information, go to SkullzDeBags.com.
Labels: catch wrestling, catch-as-catch-can, conditioning, Curran Jacobs, Eddie Goldman, Frank Gotch, No Holds Barred, Raul Ramirez, strength
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
No Holds Barred: Raul Ramirez on Catch Wrestling, College Wrestling, and Grappling
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with Raul Ramirez of the Catch Wrestling Alliance.
We spoke with him by phone Monday.
Based in Los Angeles, in March Raul traveled to Cleveland, Ohio, for the 2018 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships. There the Catch Wrestling Alliance had a booth at the WIN Memorabilia Show, and he met and talked with numerous people of all ages from the wrestling community about catch wrestling.
"It's always really great to go out to this event. And I have to definitely thank our mutual friend, Mike Chapman, for bringing it up to me a few years ago," he said.
"This event is huge. They pack arenas. and just the excitement there is electrifying. Everyone there is a wrestling expert basically. The vibe there is really amazing."
We discussed the history of catch wrestling and how it was a precursor to high school and college wrestling, and American folkstyle wrestling in general. At the NCAA tournament, he found many people both unaware of that history, but also open to the rules of catch wrestling where there are no points and you can win by pin or submission.
"The freedom of catch wrestling is attractive," he said.
We also discussed his plans to travel to Singapore this year, the growth of interest in grappling and catch wrestling in Singapore and Southeast Asia, how there will likely be more catch wrestling matches in Singapore at grappling and Catch Wrestling Alliance events, the finalizing of plans for this year's Frank Gotch World Catch Wrestling Tournament, and much more.
(Photo by Phil Monson, courtesy of Catch Wrestling Alliance.)
You can play or download No Holds Barred here and here. If one link does not work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is available at Google Play Music.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
You can also listen to No Holds Barred via Stitcher through iOS or Android devices or on the web here.
The PodOmatic Podcast Player app is available for free, both for Android at Google Play, and for iOS on the App Store.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is sponsored by:
The Catch Wrestling Alliance, resurrecting and promoting the sport of authentic catch-as-catch-can wrestling. The Catch Wrestling Alliance provides tournaments, seminars, and training as well as education about catch wrestling. Join the movement and keep real wrestling alive. For more information, go to CatchWrestlingAlliance.com.
Skullz Double-End Bags, the perfect bag for your combat sports training. Skullz Double-End Bags provide a realistic striking target, and help improve timing, distance, and hand and eye coordination. Hang it and hit it right out of the box! No pump required. For more information, go to SkullzDeBags.com.
Labels: catch wrestling, catch-as-catch-can, college, Eddie Goldman, Frank Gotch, grappling, NCAA, No Holds Barred, Raul Ramirez, Singapore, tournament
Friday, January 26, 2018
No Holds Barred: Raul Ramirez on Catch Wrestling 2018
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with Raul Ramirez of the Catch Wrestling Alliance.
We focused on the plans for catch wrestling for 2018. We spoke with Raul Ramirez by phone Thursday.
This year, a key part of the plan is for "a lot more outreach, but then also trying to get more youth involved, but not exactly in pure catch-as-catch can with all the really painful submission holds," he said.
"Traditionally it was always seen as something a little bit too dangerous for children. But so we want to try to bring back what we call amateur catch-as-catch-can. We want to really try to get kids into that."
This amateur catch wrestling would have no submissions or points. Matches would have time limits, with victory either by pin, or if there is no pin, by judges determining the winner by who controlled the match and went for the pin the most.
We discussed plans to hold the first of these amateur tournaments in April; plans to appear at the 2018 NCAA Div. I Wrestling Championships and WIN Memorabilia Show in March in Cleveland; plans for a third annual Frank Gotch Tournament in the summer in a new location; training in Singapore along with the Kapap Academy; the close connections and historical links between catch wrestling, grappling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and judo; why catch wrestling is "most ideal" for self-defense; why Chinese kickboxing (sanda) is also important both for sport and self-defense; and much more.
(Photo by Phil Monson, courtesy of Catch Wrestling Alliance.)
You can play or download No Holds Barred here and here. If one link does not work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is available at Google Play Music.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
You can also listen to No Holds Barred via Stitcher through iOS or Android devices or on the web here.
The PodOmatic Podcast Player app is available for free, both for Android at Google Play, and for iOS on the App Store.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is sponsored by:
The Catch Wrestling Alliance, resurrecting and promoting the sport of authentic catch-as-catch-can wrestling. The Catch Wrestling Alliance provides tournaments, seminars, and training as well as education about catch wrestling. Join the movement and keep real wrestling alive. For more information, go to CatchWrestlingAlliance.com.
Skullz Double-End Bags, the perfect bag for your combat sports training. Skullz Double-End Bags provide a realistic striking target, and help improve timing, distance, and hand and eye coordination. Hang it and hit it right out of the box! No pump required. For more information, go to SkullzDeBags.com.
Trans Boxing, organizing boxing training for transgender and gender non-conforming people, for fitness and self-defense. For more information, go to TransBoxing.org.
Labels: catch wrestling, catch-as-catch-can, Eddie Goldman, Frank Gotch, No Holds Barred, Raul Ramirez, tournament
Sunday, July 09, 2017
No Holds Barred: Raul Ramirez on Gotch Tournament Double Elimination Bracket
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with Raul Ramirez of the Catch Wrestling Alliance.
Our main topic was the update to the format of the 2017 Frank Gotch World Catch Wrestling Tournament.
This event, which had its inaugural edition last year, has emerged as the biggest and most important tournament in the world in catch wrestling.
This year's edition will take place Saturday, July 15, at Humboldt High School in Humboldt, Iowa. Humboldt is the hometown of the legendary wrestler Frank Gotch, who was world heavyweight champion in the early 1900s when professional wrestling was still a real sport.
Unlike last year's event, this year there will be one open-weight bracket for all male wrestlers. This will also be a double-elimination tournament.
We spoke with Raul Ramirez by phone Thursday.
"We were getting a lot of interest from heavier weights," he said. "So, since last year we had four-man divisions, and because of the demand for the heavier weights, so then we just opened it up. So we want to try to let more people in, and since we're also getting most of the champions back from last year, they're all really tough guys, so we figured even a lighter weight champion would be willing to go up against a larger man.
"So we're turning the format into a double-elimination, weightless division. It's like an absolute division. So we're going to have a champion of all the different -- regardless of weight."
As of now, 13 wrestlers have signed up to compete, and have been divided up into two groups. The top bracket has six wrestlers while the bottom bracket has seven wrestlers.
The top bracket has two opening round matches, with the winners each facing opponents who have been given byes to the next round. The first opening round match is Ned Morales vs. Jake Lahniers. The winner will take on last year's champion and a favorite to win this year, Travis Wiuff. The second opening round match will have James Bunn vs. Nicholas "The Giant" Caggia, with the winner facing Chris Morales.
The lower bracket has three opening round matches. Wil Bunn will face Mark Benge in one, while Curran Jacobs, another of this year's favorites, will face Joshua Hightower, with the winners of these two opening round matches wrestling each other next. The third opening round match will have Sean Duckworth vs. Kody Konicki, with the winner facing Anthony Pacheck.
We discussed who these wrestlers are and the matchups, more on the format of this tournament, plans for regional qualifying tournaments, plans for more seminars and educational work about catch wrestling, the worldwide growth of interest in catch wrestling in many places including Asia and Europe, plans to livestream this event on YouTube, and much, much more.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here and here. If one link does not work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is available at Google Play Music.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
You can also listen to No Holds Barred via Stitcher through iOS or Android devices or on the web here.
The PodOmatic Podcast Player app is available for free, both for Android at Google Play, and for iOS on the App Store.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is sponsored by:
The 2017 Frank Gotch World Catch Wrestling Tournament. On Saturday, July 15, 2017, catch wrestlers from all around the world will compete in Humboldt, Iowa, the hometown of the legendary world champion wrestler Frank Gotch. Organized by the Catch Wrestling Alliance (CWA) and co-sponsored by City of Humboldt Chamber of Commerce, Sprout Living (official protein powder of the CWA), and Ultima Replenisher (official electrolyte drink of the CWA), the event will take place at Humboldt High School. For more information, go to CatchWrestlingAlliance.com.
Skullz Double-End Bags, the perfect bag for your combat sports training. Skullz Double-End Bags provide a realistic striking target, and help improve timing, distance, and hand and eye coordination. Hang it and hit it right out of the box! No pump required. For more information, go to SkullzDeBags.com.
USA Combat Wrestling, the official U.S. governing body for combat wrestling and U.S. delegate of the International Combat Wrestling Federation (FICW), which was founded by the legendary wrestler Noriaki Kiguchi of Japan. For more information, go to CombatWrestling.us.
Labels: catch wrestling, double elimination bracket, Eddie Goldman, Frank Gotch, Humboldt, Iowa, No Holds Barred, Raul Ramirez, tournament
Thursday, June 01, 2017
No Holds Barred: Raul Ramirez on 2017 Frank Gotch World Catch Wrestling Tournament
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman spoke with Raul Ramirez of the Catch Wrestling Alliance.
Our main topic was the 2017 Frank Gotch World Catch Wrestling Tournament.
This event, which had its inaugural edition last year, has emerged as the biggest and most important tournament in the world in catch wrestling.
This year's edition will take place Saturday, July 15, at Humboldt High School in Humboldt, Iowa. Humboldt is the hometown of the legendary wrestler Frank Gotch, who was world heavyweight champion in the early 1900s when professional wrestling was still a real sport.
We spoke with Raul Ramirez by phone Wednesday.
This event will feature "authentic catch-as-catch-can wrestling, like the way it was done in the 1800s and early 1900s. You can go back and see the old rulebooks," he said. "Basically there are no points, and you can win by pin or submission."
Competition is planned for five men's weight classes and a women's division whose format will be determined depending on how many women sign up for the event.
In addition, this year there will be an absolute division open to the winners in each men's weight class. The winner of the absolute division will take home a $500 cash prize.
Matches will be one fall each with a 20-minute time limit. If time expires before there is a pin or submission, to keep the tournaments going, a winner will be chosen by officials based on who was the most dominant wrestler.
Among the wrestlers so far slated to compete are Curran Jacobs, Travis Wiuff, Christopher Morales, Nicholas "The Giant" Caggia, and Qin Yunquan.
We discussed the development of this event, the differences and similarities between catch wrestling and other styles like American folkstyle and freestyle, plans to live stream and record the video of this event, how more schools and wrestlers are training in catch wrestling than previously, the need to revive real professional wrestling with catch rules, his teaching catch wrestling to many grapplers and wrestlers in Singapore, the involvement of many members of the wrestling community in Iowa in this event, the need for drug testing in catch wrestling, and much more.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here and here. If one link does not work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is available at Google Play Music.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
You can also listen to No Holds Barred via Stitcher through iOS or Android devices or on the web here.
The PodOmatic Podcast Player app is available for free, both for Android at Google Play, and for iOS on the App Store.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is sponsored by:
The 2017 Frank Gotch World Catch Wrestling Tournament. On Saturday, July 15, 2017, catch wrestlers from all around the world will compete in Humboldt, Iowa, the hometown of the legendary world champion wrestler Frank Gotch. Organized by the Catch Wrestling Alliance (CWA) and co-sponsored by City of Humboldt Chamber of Commerce, Sprout Living (official protein powder of the CWA), and Ultima Replenisher (official electrolyte drink of the CWA), the event will take place at Humboldt High School. For more information, go to CatchWrestlingAlliance.com.
Skullz Double-End Bags, the perfect bag for your combat sports training. Skullz Double-End Bags provide a realistic striking target, and help improve timing, distance, and hand and eye coordination. Hang it and hit it right out of the box! No pump required. For more information, go to SkullzDeBags.com.
USA Combat Wrestling, the official U.S. governing body for combat wrestling and U.S. delegate of the International Combat Wrestling Federation (FICW), which was founded by the legendary wrestler Noriaki Kiguchi of Japan. For more information, go to CombatWrestling.us.
Labels: catch wrestling, Eddie Goldman, Frank Gotch, Humboldt, Iowa, No Holds Barred, Raul Ramirez, tournament
Tuesday, June 07, 2016
No Holds Barred: Raul Ramirez on Who Is Wrestling at Frank Gotch Catch Tournament
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman spoke with Raul Ramirez of the Catch Wrestling Alliance.
Our topic was what is shaping up to be an historic event in the 21st century revival of catch wrestling: The Frank Gotch World Catch Wrestling Tournament.
This event will take place Sunday, July 3, at Humboldt High School in Humboldt, Iowa, the hometown of the legendary world champion wrestler Frank Gotch.
We spoke with Raul Ramirez by phone Monday.
The tournament will include five weight classes for men with four contestants per weight class, and one open-weight division for women.
"We're definitely gong to have two wrestling mats going at once," said Raul Ramirez, since the "goal is to have everything done in one day."
He added, "Each division will be run as a tournament of its own."
Every match has a 20-minute time limit. Victory in each match comes with a three-second pin or submission. While there are no points, if there is no pin or submission before the time expires, a winner will be chosen based on factors such as aggression and control.
Among the contestants signed up to date are:
Curran Jacobs, captain of the 2011 Michigan State University wrestling team, who has won two previous catch tournaments and was given the Frank Gotch Award as the outstanding competitor in the 2014 catch tournament in Los Angeles. He also scored a 29-second knockout in a recent MMA fight.
Nick Caggia, called by some "Nick the Giant", who is a 300-plus pounder with numerous titles in many combat sports and martial arts. At the 2014 Catch Wrestling World Championship, which took place at the MMA World Expo at the Jacob Javits Center in New York, he won the overall championship belt after defeating four opponents without surrendering a fall.
Travis Newaza, who won the heavyweight division of the West Coast King of Catch Wrestling Tournament held in San Diego and was named the outstanding competitor, winning all his matches by submissions. Besides competing in numerous tournaments in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and grappling, Newaza trains in catch wrestling with former UFC champion Josh Barnett.
Adam DeHart of North Carolina, who has an overall (amateur and pro) record of 17-10 in MMA. He is a student of the late catch wrestling legend Billy Wicks, whose lineage goes back to Farmer Burns and Tom Connors.
Travis Wiuff of Rochester, Minnesota, with an overall record of 73-20 in MMA. He was also an All-American wrestler at Minnesota State University-Mankato (2001) and RCTC - Rochester Community and Technical College (1998 and 1999).
Bruce Wilson of Waterloo, Iowa, a former state wrestling champion from Dan Gable's high school. He is also a black belt in karate and a very respected tough guy who knows a lot of hooking moves.
Ned and Christopher Morales, a father-and-son catch wrestling duo who train at Catch Wrestling Los Angeles under Raul Ramirez.
Also competing in the women's open division:
MMA fighter and pro wrestler Shayna Baszler, who trained under the late Billy Robinson and currently under Josh Barnett, and is part of MMA's "Four Horsewomen".
Laura Anderson, who is a world and U.S. grappling champion.
Two-time NCAA All-American gymnast and catch wrestler Wendy Minch, who also trained under the late catch wrestling legend Billy Wicks.
Among the many other topics we also discussed was the July 2 catch wrestling seminar with Roy Wood, the coach and owner of the legendary Snake Pit wrestling club in Wigan, England, and Raul Ramirez. This will take place in Humboldt's Bicknell Park, where Frank Gotch trained for his epic 1911 match with George Hackenschmidt, and where a statue of Gotch now stands.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here and here. If one link doesn't work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is available at Google Play Music.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
You can also listen to No Holds Barred via Stitcher through iOS or Android devices or on the web here.
The PodOmatic Podcast Player app is available for free, both for Android at Google Play, and for iOS on the App Store.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
The Frank Gotch World Catch Wrestling Tournament. On Sunday, July 3, 2016, catch wrestlers from all around the world will compete in Humboldt, Iowa, the hometown of the legendary world champion wrestler Frank Gotch. Organized by the Catch Wrestling Alliance and co-sponsored by IAWrestle, the Frank Gotch Statue Committee, and the Frank Gotch Kids Wrestling Club, the event will take place at Humboldt High School. For more information, go to CatchWrestlingAlliance.com.
The North American Catch Wrestling Association, a grassroots organization designed to help rebuild the sport of catch-as-catch-can-wrestling. For more information, go to their Facebook page at facebook.com/NorthAmericanCatchWrestlingAssociation.
BJJ Eastern Europe, for the latest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu news, articles, interviews, competition calendar, European belt rankings, academy directory, and more. For more information, go to BJJEE.com.
The National Registry for Wrestling, whose mission is to increase wrestling's fanbase, to build a registry of all wrestling fans, to serve as a connecting point for all wrestling fans, and to provide TV and Internet listings for wrestling. For more information, go to NR4W.com.
Labels: catch wrestling, Eddie Goldman, Frank Gotch, Humboldt, Iowa, No Holds Barred, Raul Ramirez, tournament
Tuesday, November 04, 2014
No Holds Barred: Raul Ramirez on Snake Pit Wigan International Week
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with Raul Ramirez of the Catch Wrestling Alliance.
He is currently in Wigan, England, for the third annual International Week organized by the legendary home of catch-as-catch-can wrestling, the Snake Pit Wigan. There will be several days of training, capped off by the annual catch wrestling invitational tournament involving wrestlers from around the world, which will take place this year on Saturday, November 8, in Bolton, England.
We spoke with Raul Ramirez by phone Saturday before he left for the U.K.
"This year is going to be a little bit different from all the other years," he said. While there still will be several days of training and the event on Saturday, this year the people from the Snake Pit Wigan decided to have American catch wrestler "Jon Strickland teach a few of the training sessions."
We also discussed some of the differences between American-style and British-style catch wrestling, how the wrestlers who will compete in the catch tournament on Saturday will be selected by Snake Pit Coach Roy Wood, Raul's own plans to wrestle at this event for the third year in a row, the book on Snake Pit founder Billy Riley by Stephen Greenfield and Mark De Courcy which is due out this week, the need to raise the quality of wrestling and focus on fundamentals more in catch wrestling training and events, plans for the future, and much more.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here and here. If one link doesn't work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is also available on mobile phones and iPads through Stitcher.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
American Top Team. Whether you're a beginner or a champion, train with the champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, grappling, and mixed martial arts at American Top Team. Check out their web site at AmericanTopTeam.com.
Defense Soap, an effective, deep penetrating body soap with natural antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial soap ingredients. Defense Soap is the best cleansing body soap for men and women athletes who are involved in contact sports such as MMA, wrestling, grappling, jiu-jitsu, and judo, to help their antifungal, anti-ringworm, anti-jock itch strategy. Check out their web site, at DefenseSoap.com.
Takedown Wrestling Media, America's wrestling TV and radio shows, which are hosted by founder Scott Casber, and have been airing on radio and Internet for over 17 years. Takedown Media produces a weekly TV program seen in 54 million homes in the U.S. on DirecTV, Dish Network, and cable affiliates around the country, called Takedown TV. Takedown Media also produces the weekly USA Wrestling TV show for the governing body of the sport, USA Wrestling. For more information, go to TakedownRadio.com.
Labels: Catch Wrestling Alliance, Eddie Goldman, International Week, No Holds Barred, Raul Ramirez, Snake Pit Wigan
Friday, May 30, 2014
No Holds Barred: Colleen Schneider on June 7 Catch Wrestling in L.A.
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman spoke with catch wrestler and MMA fighter Colleen Schneider.
She is currently training with combat sports veterans Josh Barnett and Erik Paulson at Combat Submission Wrestling (CSW) in Fullerton, California. She also has been competing in MMA since 2010, including stints in Strikeforce, the Super Fight League, and on The Ultimate Fighter TV show.
Now she will be competing in catch wrestling, as this sport is being revived. She will be wrestling on the Catch Wrestling Alliance International Invitational: The Rebirth.
This event will be held Saturday, June 7. The location is the Collins Court in the John Wooden Center on the campus of UCLA, at 221 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, California 90095-1612.
In this event, you can only win by pin or submission. There are no points or judges.
Her opponent will be Jennifer Thomas.
We spoke with Colleen Schneider by phone Thursday.
Asked how she got involved with this event, she replied, "I actually went to them. I saw through Twitter that there was going to be a catch wrestling event, and I just jumped on it. I hit up Raul [Ramirez of Catch Wrestling Alliance].
"'Let me fight, let me fight, let me fight! I want to do this! This is awesome!' And I think he was stoked about my enthusiasm, so he put me on the card."
We discussed her training simultaneously in both catch wrestling and MMA, why she would like to continue competing in both sports, the potential for catch wrestling to be revived as a popular spectator sport, her MMA career including how she has developed since her loss in 2013 to Shayna Baszler, her preparations to face Jennifer Thomas, and much more.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here and here. If one link doesn't work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is also available on mobile phones and iPads through Stitcher.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
MMA World Expo. The mixed martial arts community comes to New York City July 26 and 27, 2014, for the fifth annual MMA World Expo, featuring the Fighters Source U.S. Nationals amateur MMA tournament, two days of ADCC no-gi and gi grappling tournaments, MMA fighters, seminars with world-class trainers, vendors, panel discussions, catch wrestling competition, and much more. The MMA World Expo takes place Saturday, July 26, and Sunday, July 27, 2014, at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City.
Catch Wrestling Alliance International Invitational: The Rebirth. This invitational event will be held under catch wrestling rules, where you can only win by pin or submission. It will take place Saturday, June 7, in Collins Court in the John Wooden Center on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles, California. For more information, go to catchwrestlingalliance.com.
American Top Team. Whether you're a beginner or a champion, train with the champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, grappling, and mixed martial arts at American Top Team. Check out their web site at http://americantopteam.com/.
Takedown Wrestling Media, America's wrestling TV and radio shows, which are hosted by founder Scott Casber, and have been airing on radio and Internet for over 17 years. Takedown Media produces a weekly TV program seen in 54 million homes in the U.S. on DirecTV, Dish Network, and cable affiliates around the country, called Takedown TV. Takedown Media also produces the weekly USA Wrestling TV show for the governing body of the sport, USA Wrestling. For more information, go to http://takedownradio.com.
Labels: alliance, catch wrestling, Colleen Schneider, Eddie Goldman, Jennifer Thomas, Los Angeles, No Holds Barred, Raul Ramirez, UCLA
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
No Holds Barred: Raul Ramirez on June 7 Catch Wrestling in L.A.
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with Raul Ramirez of the Catch Wrestling Alliance.
Their first event, the Catch Wrestling Alliance International Invitational: The Rebirth, will be held Saturday, June 7. The location is the Collins Court in the John Wooden Center on the campus of UCLA, at 221 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, California 90095-1612.
Eight catch wrestling matches are scheduled, where you can only win by pin or submission. There are no points or judges.
We spoke with Raul Ramirez by phone Monday.
The most recent addition to the lineup is Colleen Schneider, a catch wrestler and MMA fighter who trains with Josh Barnett. She will face Jennifer Thomas in one of two women's matches. She replaces Qin Yunquan of Singapore, who had to withdraw because of a knee injury.
"I think everyone's really locked in now," Raul Ramirez said, as we discussed the entire card.
Essential to reviving catch wrestling today is learning the historical lessons from the 1800s and early 1900s, when professional catch wrestling completely degenerated into a staged spectacle.
"We can't be making the mistakes of the past. But luckily," he said, "we got a lot of history books that document all of the details of what not to do."
The general methods of good and proper sports governance have improved and developed tremendously since the early days of catch wrestling, and we agreed that this incarnation of catch wrestling must strive for excellence, both on and off the mat.
"We got to keep this more democratic. We got to allow for different voices to be heard," he said.
The Catch Wrestling Alliance is already working with many schools around the world to accomplish these goals, including the home of catch wrestling, the Snake Pit Wigan.
"It is truly an alliance where we're trying to work together to create good governance and keeping the wrestlers happy, but also healthy as well," he noted.
We also discussed the importance of former college wrestlers like former Michigan State captain Curran Jacobs entering the ranks of catch wrestling and how that will likely affect the sport, the many awards which will be presented at this event honoring catch wrestling and grappling greats, the catch wrestling memorabilia exhibition at this event organized and hosted by wrestling author and historian Mike Chapman including artifacts from the days of Frank Gotch, and much more.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here and here. If one link doesn't work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is also available on mobile phones and iPads through Stitcher.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
MMA World Expo. The mixed martial arts community comes to New York City July 26 and 27, 2014, for the fifth annual MMA World Expo, featuring the Fighters Source U.S. Nationals amateur MMA tournament, two days of ADCC no-gi and gi grappling tournaments, MMA fighters, seminars with world-class trainers, vendors, panel discussions, catch wrestling competition, and much more. The MMA World Expo takes place Saturday, July 26, and Sunday, July 27, 2014, at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City.
Catch Wrestling Alliance International Invitational: The Rebirth. This invitational event will be held under catch wrestling rules, where you can only win by pin or submission. It will take place Saturday, June 7, in Collins Court in the John Wooden Center on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles, California. For more information, go to catchwrestlingalliance.com.
American Top Team. Whether you're a beginner or a champion, train with the champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, grappling, and mixed martial arts at American Top Team. Check out their web site at http://americantopteam.com/.
Takedown Wrestling Media, America's wrestling TV and radio shows, which are hosted by founder Scott Casber, and have been airing on radio and Internet for over 17 years. Takedown Media produces a weekly TV program seen in 54 million homes in the U.S. on DirecTV, Dish Network, and cable affiliates around the country, called Takedown TV. Takedown Media also produces the weekly USA Wrestling TV show for the governing body of the sport, USA Wrestling. For more information, go to http://takedownradio.com.
Labels: alliance, catch wrestling, Colleen Schneider, Curran Jacobs, Eddie Goldman, governance, Los Angeles, Mike Chapman, No Holds Barred, Raul Ramirez, Snake Pit Wigan, UCLA
Sunday, April 27, 2014
No Holds Barred: Curran Jacobs, from College Wrestling to Catch Wrestling
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman spoke with wrestler and former Michigan State Spartans' team captain Curran Jacobs.
He will be wrestling on the card of the Catch Wrestling Alliance International Invitational: The Rebirth.
This event will take place Saturday, June 7, in Collins Court in the John Wooden Center on the campus of UCLA, at 221 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, California 90095-1612.
This invitational event will be held under catch wrestling rules, where you can only win by pin or submission. His opponent will be U.K. catch wrestler Ian Bromley.
We spoke with Curran Jacobs by phone Friday.
After finishing his college wrestling career in 2012 and moving to California to pursue an acting career, Curran Jacobs, like many former college wrestlers, thought that he had "hung up my shoes for good." Then he had dinner with MMA and wrestling legend Randy Couture and wrestling historian and author Mike Chapman.
Discussing his decision to compete in catch wrestling, he said, "Well, it was a pleasant surprise, and it came by me completely by chance. I had dinner with Randy Couture and Mike Chapman in Malibu about a month ago. And Mike was talking about Frank Gotch, one of the greatest American wrestlers of all time, way back in the day. Not too many people are familiar with him, which is unfortunate because he played a huge role in what wrestling is today."
He continued, "I myself wasn't really aware of him until Mike brought him to my attention. I did a little research and was just completely blown away. And I got excited about this catch wrestling ordeal. And Mike told me about Coach Raul Ramirez putting on this tournament, this event on June 7th. And as he was talking about it, I kind of got a little excited and said, 'Where can I sign up?'"
After that, he began training in catch wrestling with Raul Ramirez of the Catch Wrestling Alliance.
We discussed his training in catch wrestling and his transition from American folkstyle wrestling to this discipline, where you can only win by pin or submission. Like many people, he believes that catch wrestling could be successfully revived as a major professional spectator sport.
"I think that it has all the potential in the world," he said. "What's wonderful about it is, it's not complex."
We also discussed how he is encouraging his former teammates at Michigan State to become involved in catch wrestling, how impressed he is with the training he is getting with Raul Ramirez, and much more.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here and here. If one link doesn't work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is also available on mobile phones and iPads through Stitcher.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
MMA World Expo. The mixed martial arts community comes to New York City July 26 and 27, 2014, for the fifth annual MMA World Expo, featuring the Fighters Source U.S. Nationals amateur MMA tournament, two days of ADCC no-gi and gi grappling tournaments, MMA fighters, seminars with world-class trainers, vendors, panel discussions, catch wrestling competition, and much more. The MMA World Expo takes place Saturday, July 26, and Sunday, July 27, 2014, at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City.
ONE Fighting Championship. ONE FC is Asia's largest and most prestigious mixed martial arts event. ONE FC features the best Asian fighters and has initiated the ONE Asia Partnership Network, which includes most of the major MMA promotions and MMA gyms in Asia. For more information, go to their web site, at ONEFC.com.
American Top Team. Whether you're a beginner or a champion, train with the champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, grappling, and mixed martial arts at American Top Team. Check out their web site at http://americantopteam.com/.
Labels: catch wrestling, college, Curran Jacobs, Eddie Goldman, Michigan State Spartans, Mike Chapman, No Holds Barred, Randy Couture, Raul Ramirez
Thursday, March 20, 2014
No Holds Barred: John Perretti and Raul Ramirez on June 7 Catch Wrestling in L.A.
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman spoke with lifelong martial artist, former UFC and Battlecade Extreme Fighting matchmaker, TV commentator, and our senior correspondent, John Perretti, and Raul Ramirez of the Catch Wrestling Alliance.
They met in the Los Angeles area Wednesday, March 19, to discuss the Catch Wrestling Alliance International Invitational: The Rebirth. This event will be held Saturday, June 7, in Collins Court in the John Wooden Center on the campus of UCLA, at 221 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, California 90095-1612.
We spoke with both John Perretti and Raul Ramirez by phone right after their meeting.
"As I perceive it now, I think he's got some great ideas," said John Perretti, "actually some continuations of some things that I thought about with 'The Contenders'."
"The Contenders" was John Perretti's pioneering submission wrestling event held October 11, 1997, pitting a team of various martial artists, mainly from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, against a team of elite U.S. wrestlers. In that event, victory in each match could come by submission or, if there was none, judges' decision. There was no striking permitted, and the matches were held in a cage. In the June 7 catch wrestling event, however, the rules are different.
"I love his idea of a one twenty-minute round and that there's no need for judges," John Perretti said. "I think that you have to win by submission or a pin." He also said he likes the mat surface which will be used, and the ability of the wrestlers to wear shoes.
Speaking about how the preparations are going for the June 7 event, Raul Ramirez said, "Basically, we just have to create value. We got to put on a great show and we got to have the great wrestlers."
He noted, "We already have that. We're already working with the best schools in the world who are dedicated catch wrestling schools." He added, "We have a good value product that people are going to want to see."
In the works will be a presentation of an award in John Perretti's name at the Catch Wrestling Alliance International Invitational, with details still being finalized.
We also discussed how wrestlers from other styles and practitioners of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and no-gi grappling can adapt to these rules, why pins will eliminate boring guard pulls, the evolution of catch wrestling, safety issues, how the absence of striking increases the appeal of this combat sport, and much more.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here and here. If one link doesn't work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is also available on mobile phones and iPads through Stitcher.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
ONE Fighting Championship. ONE FC is Asia's largest and most prestigious mixed martial arts event. ONE FC features the best Asian fighters and has initiated the ONE Asia Partnership Network, which includes most of the major MMA promotions and MMA gyms in Asia. For more information, go to their web site, at ONEFC.com.
American Top Team. Whether you're a beginner or a champion, train with the champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, grappling, and mixed martial arts at American Top Team. Check out their web site at http://americantopteam.com/.
Labels: BJJ, catch wrestling, Contenders, Eddie Goldman, grappling, John Perretti, No Holds Barred, pin, Raul Ramirez, submission
Tuesday, March 04, 2014
No Holds Barred: Mike Chapman and Raul Ramirez on Billy Robinson
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman spoke with wrestling historian and author Mike Chapman and Raul Ramirez of the Catch Wrestling Alliance about the announcement Monday that catch wrestling legend Billy Robinson has passed away at age 75. We spoke with them by phone Monday afternoon.
Even though in recent years he had to use a cane to walk and could not get on the mat himself, Billy Robinson continued to train people in catch wrestling.
"He knew the moves so well that he could pretty much talk you through it," said Raul Ramirez, who had been trained by him. "Even if it was a new move you had never seen before, just the description itself was enough for you to understand. And then he would just drill it until you did it right."
Trained at the legendary Riley's Gym in Wigan, England, by Billy Riley himself, Billy Robinson knew freestyle wrestling, catch wrestling, and the worked pro wrestling. Even in the latter, he was known for exhibiting his many holds and moves.
Mike Chapman recalled the time when Billy Robinson's name came up for consideration for induction into the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame, of which he was founder. The panel making the selections included many who were proficient in real styles of wrestling, including at the time of Billy's nomination, Lou Thesz, Danny Hodge, Verne Gagne, Brad Rheingans, and Jim "Baron von" Raschke.
When Billy Robinson's name came up, Mike said, several people exclaimed, "He needs to go in immediately. That's all I have to say." And he went in unanimously, in the class of 2003.
We discussed the present rebirth of catch wrestling and the Catch Wrestling Alliance International Invitational: The Rebirth. This event will be held Saturday, June 7, in Collins Court in the John Wooden Center on the campus of UCLA, at 221 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, California 90095-1612.
On No Holds Barred, Mike Chapman announced that he will be attending this event, including having many books and wrestling items on display. In addition, Mike will be at the annual WIN Memorabilia Show at the 2014 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, March 20-22, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
We also discussed what is needed to be done to rebuild catch wrestling and to continue the legacy of Billy Robinson, and much, much more.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here and here. If one link does not work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is also available on mobile phones and iPads through Stitcher.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
ONE Fighting Championship. ONE FC is Asia's largest and most prestigious mixed martial arts event. ONE FC features the best Asian fighters and has initiated the ONE Asia Partnership Network, which includes most of the major MMA promotions and MMA gyms in Asia. For more information, go to their web site, at ONEFC.com.
American Top Team. Whether you're a beginner or a champion, train with the champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, grappling, and mixed martial arts at American Top Team. Check out their web site at http://americantopteam.com/.
Labels: Billy Robinson, catch wrestling, Eddie Goldman, Mike Chapman, No Holds Barred, Raul Ramirez, Rebirth
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
No Holds Barred: Jennifer Thomas, from Pro Wrestling to Catch Wrestling
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman spoke with wrestler Jennifer Thomas.
Formerly a noted competitor in bodybuilding and a performer in the staged pro wrestling, she has recently started training in real catch wrestling with Raul Ramirez of the Catch Wrestling Alliance.
Her first catch wrestling match will be on the card of the Catch Wrestling Alliance International Invitational: The Rebirth. This event will take place Saturday, June 7, in Collins Court in the John Wooden Center on the campus of UCLA, at 221 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, California 90095-1612. Her opponent will be named shortly.
This invitational event will be held under catch wrestling rules, where you can only win by pin or submission.
We spoke with Jennifer Thomas by phone Monday.
"Pro wrestling has given me -- even though it's more based on entertainment, it's a work, it's everything, you know -- it's given me a good foundation to start with catch," she said.
"The pro wrestling in my life has been a gift to me, but now it's time to expand it, and go into a different chapter, and I think that catch wrestling is the perfect chapter for me to be in right now."
We discussed her athletic background, how she found out about catch wrestling (hint: thank keywords), how she is making the transition to real catch wrestling, why she believes that catch wrestling can once again become a major popular spectator sport, and much more.
You can play or download No Holds Barred here and here. If one link doesn't work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is also available on mobile phones and iPads through Stitcher.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
ONE Fighting Championship. ONE FC is Asia's largest and most prestigious mixed martial arts event. ONE FC features the best Asian fighters and has initiated the ONE Asia Partnership Network, which includes most of the major MMA promotions and MMA gyms in Asia. For more information, go to their web site, at ONEFC.com.
American Top Team. Whether you're a beginner or a champion, train with the champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, grappling, and mixed martial arts at American Top Team. Check out their web site at http://americantopteam.com/.
Labels: bodybuilding, catch, Eddie Goldman, Jennifer Thomas, Los Angeles, No Holds Barred, pro, Raul Ramirez, Rebirth, UCLA, Wrestling Alliance
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
No Holds Barred: Raul Ramirez, Eddie Goldman, and Scott Casber on Takedown Radio
On this edition of No Holds Barred, Raul Ramirez of the Catch Wrestling Alliance and host Eddie Goldman were interviewed by Scott Casber, the host of Takedown Wrestling Radio.
This discussion took place on Takedown Wrestling Radio and was recorded Monday.
The main topic of our discussion was the revival of catch wrestling and the Catch Wrestling Alliance International Invitational: The Rebirth. This event will be held Saturday, June 7, in Collins Court in the John Wooden Center on the campus of UCLA, at 221 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, California 90095-1612.
Our discussion also included consideration of what structure and models catch wrestling should and should not use as it develops and strives to have good, clean governance.
Here is the press release announcing the June 7 event:
CWA Holds First International Invitational Catch Wrestling Event, June 7, in Los Angeles
Witness the rebirth of the sport of Catch Wrestling
Los Angeles, February 5, 2014: On Saturday, June 7, the Catch Wrestling Alliance will be holding their first catch wrestling event, an international invitational entitled "Rebirth." It will take place in Collins Court in the John Wooden Center on the UCLA campus, 221 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, California 90095.
This event will be held under traditional catch wrestling rules, where you can win by submission or pin. There are no points, no politics, and no sandbagging. A team of American Catch Wrestlers will take on a team of international Catch Wrestlers in USA vs the World matches.
Catch wrestlers with extensive wrestling and grappling backgrounds from around the world, including Europe, North America, and Asia, are confirmed to compete. Men's and women's matches will be held.
"I am looking forward to showing the world high level catch wrestling," said Raul Ramirez of the Catch Wrestling Alliance. "It is every catch wrestler’s dream to see catch wrestling in the spotlight again. We can achieve this goal if we work together."
Currently eight matches are planned for this event. Two women's matches and six men's matches are currently scheduled. No points will be scored, as matches are based on a win-lose format. All kinds of submissions are allowed, except groin attacks, fish hooking, spitting, biting, hair grabbing, intentional striking, and kicking. The winner of each match will win an award in honor of an important person in wrestling history.
Tickets will go on sale soon.
About CWA and Catch Wrestling:The CWA (Catch Wrestling Alliance) is an American organization that promotes and hosts international catch-as-catch-can wrestling events. The Catch Wrestling Alliance was started by Raul Ramirez in association with catch wrestling schools around the world with a goal of reinstating legitimate catch wrestling competition globally.
Catch wrestling is a classical, hybrid grappling type of wrestling developed in 1870. It was later popularized by carnival wrestlers who refined new submission holds and hooks to be more effective against opponents.
Web: http://www.catchwrestlingalliance.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/catchwrestlingalliance
Twitter: @CatchAlliance
You can play or download No Holds Barred here and here. If one link doesn't work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is also available on mobile phones and iPads through Stitcher.
Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:
ONE Fighting Championship. ONE FC is Asia's largest and most prestigious mixed martial arts event. ONE FC features the best Asian fighters and has initiated the ONE Asia Partnership Network, which includes most of the major MMA promotions and MMA gyms in Asia. For more information, go to their web site, at ONEFC.com.
American Top Team. Whether you're a beginner or a champion, train with the champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, grappling, and mixed martial arts at American Top Team. Check out their web site at http://americantopteam.com/.
Labels: Catch Wrestling Alliance, Eddie Goldman, International Invitational, No Holds Barred, Raul Ramirez, Rebirth, Scott Casber, Takedown Radio, UCLA
























