(1939) wrestling- e. c. gallagher
TRANSCRIPT
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
1/91
FOREWORD
This document is an attept at a faithful transcription of the originaldocument. Special effort has been made to ensure that original
spelling, line-breaks, and vocabulary are left intact, and whenpossible, similar fonts have been used. However, it contains originalformatting and image scans. All rights are reserved except thosespecifically granted herein.
You may distribute this document in whole, provided that youdistribute the entire document including this disclaimer, attributions,transcriber forewords, etc., and also provided that you charge no
money for the work excepting a nominal fee to cover the costs of themedia on or in which it is distributed. You may not distribute thisdocument in any for-pay or price-metered medium without
permission.
A word about the original copyright. By my best research, theoriginal copyright on this work was not renewed. In accordancewith the Copyright Act of 1976, the original copyright date of this
book, 1939, means that the original has passed into the PublicDomain.
DEDICATION
Special dedication to my very understanding wife Mylinda, myenthusiastic son Christopher, and my beautiful daughter Allison.
-Kirk Lawson
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
2/91
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
3/91
WRESTLINGBy E. C. Gallagher
Wrestling Coach, Oklahoma Agricultural
and Mechanical College
A. S. BARNES AND COMPANY
Publishers New York
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
4/91
Copyright, 1939, A. S. BARNES AND COMPANY, Incorporated
THIS BOOK IS FULLY PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT AND
NOTHING THAT APPEARS IN IT MAY BE REPRINTED
OR REPRODUCED IN ANY MANNER, EITHER WHOLLY
OR IN PART, FOR ANY USE WHATEVER, WITHOUT
SPECIAL WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE COPYRIGHT
OWNER.
PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
5/91
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Acknowledgments of appreciation is made to Joe Mc-Daniels, National Intercollegiate Champion three times;
Eldon Jackson, Letterman 1939 Wrestling Team; Jay
McVickers, Intercollegiate Champion; Earl Van Beb-
ber, Squadman 1940 Wrestling Team; and George
Chiga, Canadian Champion and member of Canadian
Olympic team.
These men posed for the pictures in this book. All of
them are exceptional sportsmen and wrestlers.
I wish also to express my appreciation to John H.
Whipple of the Whipple Studios, Stillwater, for the pho-
tographs appearing in this book The Author
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
6/91
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
7/91
PREFACE
I believe that individual sport has a greater place inIntercollegiate Athletics and that a man will get many
valuable lessons from meeting in friendly competition
another man equally as good as he is. For this reason
and because my wife has asked me to write the book,
I have spent a year collecting the pictures and working
out the descriptions in this book. I am giving to the
wrestling public the best I have in the different groups
of holds, trips, locks and counters.
E. C. Gallagher
Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College
Stillwater, Oaklahoma
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
8/91
THE CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS........................................................................ 5
PREFACE......................................................................................... 7
I.Standing................................................................................ 11
II.To Bring To Mat................................................................... 23
III.Holds.................................................................................... 28
IV.Escapes................................................................................. 35
V.Falls...................................................................................... 76
VI.Miscellaneous Training........................................................ 89
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
9/91
WRESTLING
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
10/91
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
11/91
Chapter One
STANDING
Figure 1. Standing positions are in all probabiliy the most important of all.
To learn the proper stance one must apply himself diligently. In the first pic-ture we have what is known as the Square Stanceexposing both legs to thesame degree. Your opponent is likely to try for either leg or both. Most good
wrestlers have what is called the sugar side; meaning they have developeda defense that will protect one leg better than the other. Test out the posi-tions and fall into a stance exposing only one leg and give it protection.This stance is shown in the second picture.
11
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
12/91
12 STANDING Wrestling
Figure 2. The Ideal Stance: one foot slightly in front of the other, legs well
appart, trunk leaning forward, the front leg giving protection, both hands ready
to block or tie up opponent. Or if he should get one leg, counter him with your
strongest hold, a switch wrist lock or an arm drag.
Figure 3. The tie up shown in this picture is the standard usually given
by the referee. This is Collar and Elbow.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
13/91
Wrestling STANDING 13
Figure 4. This stance is a Muscle Grip. You grasp each other by the fleshy
part of the arm where the deltoid inserts into the hemures.
Figure 5. This is the most common block for a leg dive. It is one of the best
positions to work into Chain Holds. I have figured that the top man who
blocks has twenty-one chances to eight over his opponent. As the hold pro-ceeds I will explain what I mean by chain wrestling. Please observe the posi-
tion of the top man's hand. Also observe the top man is blocking using his
legs which are four times as strong as the tackler's arms. The positions have
advanced two links.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
14/91
14 STANDING Wrestling
Figure 6. As number six progresses please notice top man's right knee; it is
getting too close to the mat to be safe. If his knee comes in contact with the
mat the under man should charge hard in the direction in contact with
the mat. He must also make up his mind whether to continue forward or
back up.
Figure 7. You can now see that the top man has committed the error by
touching the mat with his weight on his knee. There are many factors to con-
sider from here on out knowledge plays an important part, strength alsoshould be considered, endurance is another factor. You must decide quickly
or you may spend too much of your strength and accomplish nothing.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
15/91
Wrestling STANDING 15
Figure 8. A good fortune has smiled on the aggressor. A bottom man tackled.
The top man blocked and made the mistake of giving down on his knees. The
offensive wrestler was alert and countered with a quick charge toward the
right knee, which takes his opponent under for a clean take-down.
Figure 9. In this picture we have the defensive man as countered by the
offensive man with a Quarter Nelson. The man underneath has to make up
his mind quickly whether to charge or back out. If the man underneath con-tinues to charge and the man on top strengthens his position the problem
will develop as shown in the next picture.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
16/91
16 STANDING Wrestling
Figure 10. The top man has strengthened his position by keeping his legs
straight, his weight properly placed and he increased the turning pres-
sure on his opponent's head. The under man must make up his mind quickly
or it will be too late.
Figure 11. In all probability the man making the charge has gone so far that
he will be rapped and brought under control. This picture is another good
exhibition of chain wrestling. It is in the third move at the present time. In
further explanation: one wrestler made a tackle, is blocked by the top man
quickly applying the one Quarter Nelson and trying to complete the move-
ment and bring his opponent under control.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
17/91
Wrestling STANDING 17
Figure 12. In this picture you see the conclusion or what may be the conclu-
sion of this series. The attacker is brought under control and is being forced
down to produce scoring points. Not only is the man on the defense in a weak
position by is in danger of being pinned, with a Nelson and Crotch. It would
be a good thing for the wrestler to pause at this time and learn the Break or
the Crotch and Half-Nelson.
Figure 13. It is a difficult problem to convince an American wrestler that
he should not take the Waist lock and allow his opponent to take the outside
position. I have never seen an American with a strong enough bridge to avoidbeing pinned with this combination. All foreign wrestlers try to encourage
their opponents to take this body lock.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
18/91
Figure 14. They immediately fall back into a high bridge with their oppo-
nent on top of them, but not for long. The opponent is locked tightly and
is gradually rolled under as is shown in this series.
Figure 15. Here we have the conclusion of this series which should clearly
demonstrate to you what you have been told. Try it for yourself and then
you will be convinced.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
19/91
Wrestling STANDING 19
Figure 16. In the next three pictures an attempt will be made to show one
of the cleverest Pick-ups developed in the last few years. Place your right
hand on your opponent's neck and use it to guide him around the mat, at the
same time observing what he does with his left foot. Pressure must be applied
in a manner which will cause him to step forward and across with his left foot.
Figure 17. If your movements have been correct, your opponent will assume
the position shown in the second picture of this group. All you need to do
now is to drop quickly to the right knee putting pressure on his neck; reach
for his right ankle with all the speed you can command, and complete the
picture as is shown in the next paragraph.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
20/91
20 STANDING Wrestling
Figure 18. The value of this hold will not be appreciated until it is tried out.
The student should remember that other combinations can be worked out.
I have seen a high school boy work the above combination and complete two
take-downs on a National Champion in the first thirty seconds of a match
during the Olympic try-outs.
Figure 19. In the next five pictures wll be shown a new hold called the Arm-
Drag. It was first called to my attention during the Olympic try-outs in 1924.
It is shown here as a chain wrestling hold to make it more effective. Alsofrom this same combination the Single Leg Pick-up is a good variation. Please
observe that the wrestler on the left is tempting his opponent. The opponent
is resisting by pulling down.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
21/91
Wrestling STANDING 21
Figure 20. When the wrestler applying the hold feels resistance the right
hand is changed from left to right, and pressure is exerted as shown.
Figure 21. In this third picture of the group please note the offensive man's
right leg. It is being thrown in between his opponent's leg to keep him from
stepping over. This counter position of stepping over has practically ren-dered the Arm-Drag useless.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
22/91
22 STANDING Wrestling
Figure 22. Notice how the hand is being used to push the opponent by, and
how the offensive man is going to come up behind, if he can keep his opponent
under control. Another point to consider is the using of the left leg by the
offensive man to bring his opponent's right knee to the mat.
Figure 23. Before concluding this series I want to call your attention to a
common injury in which the defensive man sprains his left wrist when he
puts out his hand to break his fall. The fifth picture merely shows the con-clusion of the series. I want to warn you that unless you are clever and light-
ning fast this position will cause you more trouble than it is worth.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
23/91
Chapter Two
TO BRING TO MAT
Figure 1. In almost every match the man who is down on the mat comes to
a standing position while the man riding him retains a grasp around his waist.
He may either have a Wrist Lock, or have a Double Grip, on the opponent's
wrist. The method shown here is the most effective and humane that I know.
The rules do not permit a slam except in a modified way. When the man is
brought to the mat the man executing the movement must have one kneein contact with the mat by the time his opponent comes in contact with his
trunk. Let us turn to the next picture.
23
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
24/91
24 TO BRING TO MAT Wrestling
Figure 2. When the man is tripped he is given a push forward an usually
falls as shown here. His arm tied up and his leg scissored to prevent a counter.
I have never seen a man injured with this variation. The Olympic rules per-
mit slams.
Figure 3. Although this picture is likely to develop into a foul hold, it is
shown so that you may properly defend yourself. In the first place do not let
your opponent tie up your arm completely. If you keep your arms free you will
be in a much better position to counter him with a Switch or a High Wing.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
25/91
Wrestling TO BRING TO MAT 25
Figure 4. This picture shows how simple it is to protect yourself. It will
have a tiring effect on your opponent when he tries to lift you before he
slams. Don't give up. If you are alert, there is always a chance that you
may reverse position and come out on top.
Figure 5. In this picture we see one man about ready to give his opponent
the Fall-back. If his opponent has the better balance he may even come
out on top. The man behind must throw his opponent to either side or hemight find his opponent sitting on his stomach. I have seen at least ten
wrestlers win about this way.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
26/91
26 TO BRING TO MAT Wrestling
Figure 6. This picture shows a High Bridge, the kind seen in International
competition. It is not unusual for a foreign wrestler to take a bridging posi-
tion and hold it for three minutes. Sometimes they get the praise of the judges,
for this defensive action. Quite often they grasp their opponent and pin him
with a Spot Fall. I have seen a Turkish wrestler make sixteen bridges drop-
ping backward and turning Back-neck Springs in one circle of the mat.
Figure 7. The most bridging exercises involve simply rolling over on your
back and bridging with the shoulders for or five inches from the mat. This
picture shows a wrestler going back and forth first on hands and knees,face down; then on neck and feet. Whatever you do, learn the High Bridge.
It is the most important bit of information you will ever get for use in the
Olympic Match.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
27/91
Wrestling TO BRING TO MAT 27
Figure 8. No other part of the body is called upon to do more work than
the neck. Most exercises given to strengthen the neck are inadequate. In
most cases the neck had only to support half the body. The most violent exer-
cises you can take are just about as violent as the regular match. I would
recommend that you go carefully with the above combination. Add some
good limbering up exercises and you should see much improvement in a
short time.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
28/91
Chapter Three
HOLDS
Figure 1. The most important hold used in riding an opponent invovles
the use of the Waist Lock. The most important escape from the Waist Lock
involves the use of the Side Roll or the use of Winging tricks. I consider
this group of three pictures the most important in this series. You may
realize why I think this series important when I confess it is the only hold
called to my attention that I could not solve.
28
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
29/91
Wrestling HOLDS 29
Figure 2. Always keep your legs as free as possible. When your opponent
starts to wing you, throw your feet high in the air and shift them to the
other side of his body with your right hand grasping the opponent's right
wrist and left going into his crotch as shown here.
Figure 3. Many good variations can be worked from this position. I have
not been able to solve this problem, without using strength alone. The im-
portance of this position can best be appreciated when you are wrestling
under Olympic rules using touch falls.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
30/91
30 HOLDS Wrestling
Figure 4. Being a good rider depnds upon leverage, initiative, and a com-
plete sense of balance. Let us assume that a man wrestling in defensive
position is like a table with four legs. The top man is working to destroy
one or more of these legs. Also notice the position of the underman. Note
that he has his hands well apart and is taking it as easy as possible.
Figure 5. If the man on top has difficulty in destroying the arm support
then he must attack the support given by the legs. This will cause him to
brace himself with his left arm and make it an easy matter to reach outand take his left wrist breaking down the second leg of the table.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
31/91
Wrestling HOLDS 31
Figure 6. You should now place your weight, making it a difficult task to
get loose. Keep your weight on him in the direction of his left shoulder.
Keep his left wrist pulled away from his body and you will have one of the
easiest rides you have ever tried. By changing your weight slightly you can
wear your opponent down to a helpless condition.
Figure 7. The next ride is one of the most difficult to break. Your oppo-
nent is forced over to the mat as with the preceding ride but with one extra
lock. The principal strength of this variation is such that it is sometimescalled a Twisting Hammerlock.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
32/91
32 HOLDS Wrestling
Figure 8. The Twisting Hammerlock is shown as it is usually applied. At
this stage it is not fouled but is likely to become fouled if pressure is ex-
erted. If any opponent gets this hold on you he would probably shift his
weight to the other side and with his right shoulder against your chest will
force you over into a fall.
Figure 9. This next ride is one commonly used by the professionals. It is
used to wear your opponent down to a helpless condition. Many times I
have seen Strangler Lewis apply this particular form of rides. If your oppo-nent should obtain this lock and get on you he may slip his right hand in
between your legs and throw your shoulders for a fall.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
33/91
Wrestling HOLDS 33
Figure 10. In this position the right hand is going to be changed to hold
the leg of the man underneath, broken down. It is also preliminary to tak-
ing the Head Scissor. It is the meanest Head Scissor known. Although it
does not choke your opponent it cuts off the blood supply; and if he is
down long enough it might make your opponent unconscious.
Figure 11. In this ride we find you have broken down your opponent and
are shifting your weight from side to side, holding your balance to keep
him under control at all times. Please notice how easy it might be to slip
your left hand between your opponent's legs and rock him on his shoul-
ders for a fall.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
34/91
34 HOLDS Wrestling
Figure 12. This position is a very good one to work into. It keeps your
opponent under constant threat of being thrown with a Half Nelson and
Arm Lock. From the position shown slip on a long Half Nelson and roll
your opponent over on his right shoulder. When you have him under con-
trol tighten or shorten your Half Nelson and turn on the power.
Figure 13. Sometimes your opponent is endowed with super-strength and
endurance. There is no better way to take the fight out of him than by
the method shown. The top man has a Hook Scissor and Half Nelson on
his opponent. He will keep this hold for about two minutes. The under man
will have dissipated his strength by this time. It will be an easy matter to
roll him over and pin him.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
35/91
Chapter Four
ESCAPES
Figure 1. Here we have what is known as a Half Standing Switch. This
is usually used when the under man is being brought to the mat after a
go-behind. Quite often this Switch will work so easily that the referee will
not give any points to the man who has previously gone behind.
35
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
36/91
36 ESCAPES Wrestling
Figure 2. To continue the Switch you must look out for the following
counters: the Re-switch and the Step-Over. The Re-switch is best blocked
by withdrawing your arms from the switching position. The Step-Over can
be stopped by grasping your opponent's ankle with your left hand. Then
turn and come on top.
Figure 3. Most wrestlers usually use the conventional methods of escape.
This movement produces power and surprise. The tighter your opponent
rides you the better it will be for you. Notice the top man's right arm aroundyour waist. It is being held between the under man's abdomen and right
thigh. The movement also encourages the top man to take the Waist Lock.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
37/91
Wrestling ESCAPES 37
Figure 4. In this picture the under man grasps his opponent's right wrist
in his right hand, and his left arm in his left hand. From this half-standing
position he turns quickly to the left. This will bring your opponent to a
position of defense. Please turn to the next figure.
Figure 5. This figure shows the top man completely disorganized. It will be
necessary for the escaping man to drag his foot out from between his oppo-
nent's legs. Also you will be ready to hold your opponent's wrist just longenough. Turn quickly to the right taking a Crotch hold with your right hand.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
38/91
38 ESCAPES Wrestling
Figure 6. The next series is devoted to the study of the Cross-Scissor Ride.
This position has been used successfully in the Southwest for the past fif-
teen years. It has many followers who can punish their opponents and pro-
duct falls. In Figure 6 we have the beginning of a series of tricks.
Figure 7. Observe carefully the top man's riding position to break the Cross
Scissor Ride. You will have to know the field of positions to successfully
break the Cross Scissor. Grasp your opponent's left elbow in your righthand, the object being to give him a felling of security. Straighten your left
leg slightly. This will cause him to slip downward about two inches. Then
proceed as in the next figure.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
39/91
Wrestling ESCAPES 39
Figure 8. With a twist of your body and a quick jerk, thrust your left
elbow through and grasp him as shone in this picture. If you use this break
and get it down good in style, you will not have any difficulty in shaking
off your opponent.
Figure 9. This figure is shown to give you an idea of the work done with
both hands and neck. The neck must be pulled out from under your oppo-
nent's arm and you must come on top with some kind of a Crotch hold oryour opponent will kick loose and roll away to become free. Always try to
clamp on a pinning combination after you break a hold of this kind.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
40/91
40 ESCAPES Wrestling
Figure 10. In this picture we are attempting to show another break for the
Cross Scissor Ride. We have named it The Limber Man's Method. The ob-
ject is to break the Scissor on the leg, spin out, turn toward the head and
come on top. When you first assume this position use your feet to unhook
the Scissor and go into position Number 11.
Figure 11. I want to call your attention to a very important move. This is
the only instance in which you turn away from the Crotch. This is made nec-
essary by your opponent's left arm. As soon as your leg is freed take shortsteps and run around toward your opponent's head as shown in Figure 12.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
41/91
Wrestling ESCAPES 41
Figure 12. This picture does not show it in full detail but you must hang on
to your opponent's arm with your arm, and bore into your opponent with your
right shoulder. Use this break as rapidly as possible or you may be recaptured
by your opponent's throwing his left leg back into scissor position.
Figure 13. In the next three pictures I will show the break for the cruelest
hold permitted in wrestling. This hold is nick-named The Guillotine. The
man who is riding in this picture would like very much to have his opponenttake a Headlock. If the under man should attempt a Headlock the top man
would take a Reverse Half Nelson. He would either pin him or tear his side.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
42/91
42 ESCAPES Wrestling
Figure 14. As soon as you realize what your opponent is trying to do, ram
your right elbow on the mat and shove it straight forward; press hard with
your back on your opponent's shoulder. Please note that you have his arm
in a crimp similar to a Reverse Wristlock. By leaning back and putting on
the pressure you can cause him to unhook his arms. When your arms un-
hook, spin quickly to the left as in the next figure.
Figure 15. This figure shows the hold in the final stages where the under
man has not only broken the hold but has come out on top. Don't take this
position lightly because when you are once clamped in it you cannot get out.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
43/91
Wrestling ESCAPES 43
Figure 16. There are several important parts to the study of the Hook
Scissor. In the first place you should never permit your opponent to make
you carry his weight. I have never seen a man carry his opponent's weight
without being exhausted at the end of two minutes. My first instruction is
to roll down on the bat in such a manner that you make this weight carry-
ing null.
Figure 17. The next break I wish to show is called the High Bridge and
Turn-Up-Hill. Spread your feet wide, turn on your back and reach for oppo-
nent's head. Try to make him feel that you will pin him if he does not im-prove his position. In order to improve his position he will have to loosen
his scissor. At the first move he makes to loosen his scissor, turn out and come
on top.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
44/91
44 ESCAPES Wrestling
Figure 18. The next move is called a Three-Jerk Break. As soon as a man
puts a scissor on you drop to the side that the legs are hooked on. Now
grasp his knee and give three quick pulls. At the same time putting pres-
sure on his ankle with your right hip. The complete break is shown in the
next picture.
Figure 19. First observe that the man breaking the Hook Scissor is turning
up-hill. That you must turn up-hill is the most important bit of information
concerning this hold. This bit of instruction will apply to any wrestlingposition involving a roll.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
45/91
Wrestling ESCAPES 45
Figure 20. The next break is called the Old Standard. it has been named
Old Standard because it has been in use nearly twenty years. Drop to the
side on which the scissor has been hooked using the bottom leg to loosen the
hook. At the same time bringing the ankle of the foot of the straight leg to
the position shown in the next picture.
Figure 21. Bridge sufficient to keep the shoulders from touching. With the
weight of your hips press down on opponent's bottom leg. Pull leg overhead
and spin toward your opponent. Come up behind as shown in Figure 23, page46.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
46/91
46 ESCAPES Wrestling
Figure 22. This picture shows the finish of the break. Notice that the man
breaking the scissor follows the fundamental rule and turns up-hill. It is a
sin to roll of the mat. It is a bigger sin to stay on the mat and be ridden.
Figure 23. In all the breaks shown so far the man breaking the scissor
dropped to the side on which the legs were hooked. Here is one instance
where you drop to the other side. Follow the figure exactly and you willhave a fast break to throw your opponent under.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
47/91
Wrestling ESCAPES 47
Figure 24. Observe that the same rule of turning up-hill is to be followed.
Also observe that you press down with your hip on your opponent's other
leg. Speed is an important factor.
Figure 25. Drop to the side which the legs are hooked. At the same
time whip your legs out straight and grab the straight leg by the ankle.
Push forward on this leg and at the same time reach back with the rightarm, take a Waistlock to complete the escape and come on top. Whatever
you do wrong or right, don't permit your opponent to ride you and make
you carry his weight.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
48/91
48 ESCAPES Wrestling
Figure 26. No matter what has been said for or against the Wristlock, it is
still a good hold. Instructors should teach their men the defense and offense
and also the foul positions. In the next few paragraphs will be shown a num-
ber of usable Wristlocks. Please observe Figure 26 for the first combinations.
Then turn to No. 27 for further investigation. The man underneath puts on
a Wristlock, hooks his to to prevent shifting, and watches for two things.
Figure 27. Will his opponent bend his arm, or keep it straight? In this
case he is keeping it straight. All the bottom man has to do is jerk the arm
over his head, keep the toe hooked to prevent shifting, and come on top.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
49/91
Wrestling ESCAPES 49
Figure 28. There are several important points to be considered. When the
bottom man pulled the top man's arm over his head he pulled him up as far
as possible. He also reached with lighting speed for a Rear Crotch hold. This
keeps the opponent flattened down on his face and permits the man under-
neath to come on top.
Figure 29. Here we have the same start we had for the previous series. The
difference is that the top man elected to fight the position with a bent arm.
The bottom man elected to counter by turning the arm into a switching posi-tion being careful not to permit his opponent to make a Twisting Hammer-
lock out of the hold.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
50/91
50 ESCAPES Wrestling
Figure 30. At this stage of the movement watch out for the following: the
Step-over with the opponent's right leg. Unless you take a Rear Crotch hold
he may back up and cause you trouble.
Figure 31. No difficulties should be experienced if your opponent is kept flat
on his face. This can be done by exerting pressure on his arm as indicated in
the figure. Please observe that the final picture was taken left handed.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
51/91
Wrestling ESCAPES 51
Figure 32. In this figure we have a problem when the man shifts around to
straddle your leg. As quickly as possible bring your knee in front of his thigh
and kick him over your head. As he flies through the air be thinking what
you are going to do when he hits the mat.
Figure 33. This figure shows in detail the Kick-over. Be careful not to release
the tightness of the hold. Keep your opponent's arm bent, with his hand on
his own chest. As he rolls over turn your face to the mat and turn his back
to the mat. he will have a tendency to get away from you and you must jerk
back on him to stop him.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
52/91
52 ESCAPES Wrestling
Figure 34. Please observe how the variations are changing. First we had the
leg hooked outside, then the defensive man straddled the other leg. Now he
has shifted clear and he is making a natural block. he is not out of danger as
we can see by the next figure.
Figure 35. The top man should look out for a Keylock. If his opponent is
alert, it is likely that he will slip on the Keylock before the top man is even
aware of the danger. the most important part of this series is that the man
must be thrown directly over the head and not from side to side.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
53/91
Wrestling ESCAPES 53
Figure 36. In the next two figures we see the Rolling Wristlock being thrown
into a Keylock. The under man has not only come on top but has a pinning
combination. Always lie across your opponent's chest until the Keylock is
obtained. Then shift to Figure 37.
Figure 37. Do not permit the Keylock to be applied in such a manner that
it becomes a Twisting Hammerlock. It may become necessary to grasp your
hands and pull across the chest. Take my advice and practice both sides of thevariation.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
54/91
54 ESCAPES Wrestling
Figure 38. We continue with the defense for a Wristlock here. These posi-
tions are put in so you will know what to look for. It is a natural thing when
you put a Wristlock on a man for him to block it the easiest way. The easiest
way is not the best way always. The defensive man has made the error of
straightening out too flat.
Figure 39. The man applying the Wristlock throws his top leg over his oppo-
nent and reverses him to roll underneath. When the movement is con-
tinued we find the bottom man coming on top with a real pinning combination.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
55/91
Wrestling ESCAPES 55
Figure 40. Here we have the man with the Wristlock finishing off his oppo-
nent with a Double Front Grapevine and Wristlock on his arm. We find the
under man is a helpless condition being forced down for a fall. Although the
figure does not show it the man on top must not use the Reverse Wristlock.
If he does he can be thrown off by the under man. Practice this and you will
get the feel of it.
Figure 41. Up to the present we have figured on the Scissor being applied to
the weak side. It now becomes necessary to show it applied to the strong side.This combination also involves the legs. Again I want to call your attention
to the Step-over.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
56/91
56 ESCAPES Wrestling
Figure 42. You can see the development of this hold. The man with the
Wristlock is using the left leg to keep his opponent from shifting over. he is
also turning his Wristlock into a Switch.
Figure 43. As the Switch is completed the man is flattened out and pulled
forward. After the series has gone this far it is almost impossible to escape.
You still have that lurking danger of him stepping over you with his left leg.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
57/91
Wrestling ESCAPES 57
Figure 44. I am actually ashamed to show the merits and demerits of the
Wristlock. After building up your hopes to a high point, we come along with
one figure which will stop all Wristlocks and produce falls and score near falls.
As I have said before, you will want to have a referee who will stop the hold
before it goes to high up your back. When you apply this position grab the
skin on your stomach if necessary.
Figure 45. In the next three figures we have a Winging Trick. When your
opponent on top of you keeps locking his arms around your chest take the
outside hold and pivot on your shoulder, throw your legs high in the air, sohigh, in fact, that they will fall across your opponent's body as shown in Fig-
ure 46.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
58/91
58 ESCAPES Wrestling
Figure 46. Again I want to caution you about turning in the proper direc-
tion. Always remember to turn to the Crotch in every instance with one
exception, and that exception is in the Cross Scissor Ride.
Figure 47. In this final figure of a series of three, we have the top man turn-
ing in the proper direction. He is also maintaining a grip on his opponent's
arm to pin him if possible. I want to repeat that the best time to pin, or gointo a pinning combination is immediately after changing from defense
to offense.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
59/91
Wrestling ESCAPES 59
Figure 48. Until fifteen years ago the Winning Tricks were very small in
number. I have called your attention to the four legs of the table. By combin-
ing foot and leg positions with every known winging trick we have opened
up a new field and shown some of the principal Winging Tricks.
Figure 49. In Figure 48 the under man merely hooked his right toe over his
opponent's right calf and grabbed his right wrist in his left hand and fell tothe side. The result of this movement is shown here. Unless the top man is
very clever and fast he will come out on the bottom.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
60/91
60 ESCAPES Wrestling
Figure 50. In this figure we are showing the proper referee's position for the
top and the bottom man. Please observe the broad stance the under man
occupies. The top man has his arm loosely around the opponent's waist and
with his other hand he grips his opponent at the elbow. Coaches cannot agree
on the position of the top man's head. This position is as good as average.
Figure 51. Here we have the beginning of a Sitting-out series. Please observe
that the top man has stopped the bottom man's attempt to sit-out by using
the Short Waistlock. The top man's position can better be improved by pull-ing his opponent further between his legs
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
61/91
Wrestling ESCAPES 61
Figure 52. This shows that it is not always possible to use a Short Waistlock
and we find the top man attempting to hold on with his hands locked. If you
should find yourself in this situation try to keep your opponent from pulling
your hands high up on his chest. Turn to the next figure where the completion
of the movement is shown.
Figure 53. Referring to Figure 52, the bottom man is ready to bring his arms
down hard and bring into play the big muscles of his back and chest. The
trouble with this position is that only one thing can happen, the bottom mancan escape. When his opponent's hands are broken apart, he turns on his face
and meets his opponent on hands and knees.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
62/91
62 ESCAPES Wrestling
Figure 54. In a close match the top man has so many things to guard against
that he forgets about the position of his head and allows his chin to slip over
his opponent's shoulder. The under man reaches up quickly with the corre-
sponding arm and takes it as shown.
Figure 55. To complete this position, the bottom man must keep his oppo-
nent's head under his head. In other words, pull his opponent's head down-
ward to the left. A mad scramble usually results and the under man comesfree or comes on top. Remember the most important thing in the execution
of this escape is to keep your opponent's head underneath.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
63/91
Wrestling ESCAPES 63
Figure 56. Quite often when the Sit-out is attempted the bottom man is
pulled back between his opponent's legs who assumes a sitting position as
shown here. This position would not be too dangerous if he did not stay there
too long. Turn to the next figure and see what is happening.
Figure 57. The bottom man places a hand on each knee of his opponent and
tries to straighten out one or both of his opponent's legs. As soon as he accom-
plishes this he shifts his tail to a sitting position locking his opponent's kneejoint. All he has to do now is complete the picture as shown in Figure 58.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
64/91
64 ESCAPES Wrestling
Figure 58. I have seen more good men reversed with this position than in
any other manner. It not only ends in an escape for the bottom man, but quite
often the top man holds on too long and gets himself into a pinning combina-
tion. Observe how easy it would be for the bottom man to take a Crotch and
Half Nelson as he comes up.
Figure 59. In this picture I am showing a break for a hold discussed in the
last three pictures. Do not permit a man to sit between your legs. As soon as
you get into this position come out of it by using this variation: hook eithertoe in your opponent's knee and fall back kicking him over on his head out of
position. I have never seen this break published. It is a new version.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
65/91
Wrestling ESCAPES 65
Figure 60. For the last several years nearly every individual coach had some
variation of the Sit-out. Here is the Old Standard. It is mighty important
to know. When the referee says go, take a short step with your outside leg, at
the same time grasp your opponent's wrist. Bend your inside elbow toward
opponent's crotch.
Figure 61. Shoot your inside leg through, at the same time jerking loose the
Waistlock of your opponent. Continue the forward movement and turn your
face to the mat. Whatever you do, don't pursue the man underneath as hewill always come fre when the variation goes this far. We have not finished
with the Sit-out yet, so turn to Figure 62, page 66.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
66/91
66 ESCAPES Wrestling
Figure 62. In the next three figures we show a very clever series which recap-
tures the opponent after he has gotten free. Here are the instructions; when
your opponent grasps your Waistlock and pulls it free let it come under his
arm in the position shown here. Now turn to Figure 63.
Figure 63. This shows the position the under man will be in, and will appar-
ently be free, but the top man's hand lies on top of his right shoulder pit.
Before the under man is aware of his being recaptured, he will be turnedanti-clockwise and pulled down to a position shown in Figure 64.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
67/91
Wrestling ESCAPES 67
Figure 64. This figure is self-explanatory, but it shows one particular thing.
You cannot change directions of a movement started, with any power. It
also shows the best time to get an advantage is immediately after your
opponent thinks he is away.
Figure 65. In the next two figures we show a variation that you must be
on the alert for or you will come up on the little end. When you are under-
neath, your opponent may reach through with his left hand and try tobreak you down by grasping your right arm. Counter him quickly by grasp-
ing his left arm above the elbow and whipping your left shoulder to the
mat. Continue the hold by studying Figure 66, page 68.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
68/91
68 ESCAPES Wrestling
Figure 66. At the exact instant your left shoulder hits the mat throw your
legs in the air high across your opponent's hips and he will fall to the posi-
tion shown in this figure. You may change this variation to a one leg Step-
over instead of throwing both legs over. This position is called Near Wing
with Step-over.
Figure 67. In these two pictures we are attempting for the first time to
give a break for the Keylock. There are one or two points to be considered.
First, do not let your opponent force your own hand up your back in aHammerlock position; instead keep your hand on your chest as indicated
here.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
69/91
Wrestling ESCAPES 69
Figure 68. Proceed as follows to break the hold: lock your hands across
your own chest, place your feet wide apart, bridge and put pressure toward
your opponent, not away, bridge and roll toward him. I realize this is a
very brief statement about so important a position. You must practice this
variation many times before you will be able to work it successfully.
Figure 69. In the next four figures we publish information concerning a
reverse to come from the bottom to top. It is the first information to be given
in this important series, the movement to start from referee's position onthe mat. The first movement is started as indicated here. The bottom flips
his inside arm back over his opponent's.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
70/91
70 ESCAPES Wrestling
Figure 70. The first objective of the under man is to loosen the Waistlock
of his opponent. This brings him to the position shown. He assumes this
Foot and Leg position. He tightens up on his opponent's right arm with
his left, putting slight pressure toward the front.
Figure 71. Now comes the reverse. Take a deep step with the right foot,
pulling your opponent up with your left hand, grasp under his arm with
your right to reverse him and bring him into a pinning hold as shown infigure 72.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
71/91
Wrestling ESCAPES 71
Figure 72. Let us review what the under man has accomplished: He comes
from bottom to free, scoring points, gets credit for a take-down, places his
man in a predicament, and scores additional points for a near fall. This
variation was the best series called to my attention for the year 1939. It
will pin more men in the next Olympic try-outs than any other simple
variation.
Figure 73. Any book published on wrestling would show several variations
on the Switch. I have tried to show a series that will work. In the first
figure we show a Leg and Arm combination designed to put pressure on theshoulders. Please observe what the bottom man is trying to do. He keeps
his knee in front of his opponent's right thigh and grasps his own leg.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
72/91
72 ESCAPES Wrestling
Figure 74. By the time the hold progresses this far, he has moved his hips
farther out to get more leverage, and he has changed his right hand to his
opponent's waist. I fhe desires only one thing, and that is to come free, he
is in position to kick his opponent over his head.
Figure 75. This is what he does as shown here. This brings the two men
up to their feet on even terms, scoring an escape for the under man. How-
ever, the top man may be thinking at the same time and when he is thrownover he tries to come up out of the mix-up with a leg hold of some kind.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
73/91
Wrestling ESCAPES 73
Figure 76. As described in the previous figure, the top man refuses to be
kicked over and comes up with a leg hold. The best position for a
switcher to be in is to have his shoulders toward the mat.
Figure 77. In the next four figures we are showing a simple Switch with-
out the use of the legs. Whip over your right arm, putting your hands into
your opponent's crotch. Lean back and put a terrific pressure on your oppo-
nent's shoulders. Make two separate moves to move your buttocks farther
from your opponent.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
74/91
74 ESCAPES Wrestling
Figure 78. You must continue the pressure until the right side of your
opponent's face is in contact with the mat. The object of f lattening your
opponent's face is to keep him from reswitching.
Figure 79. In this figure the hold is progressing successfully. Your oppo-
nent's right arm has been allowed to go free; you have avoided the step-over
of your opponent's right leg; you have shifted your left hand into position topull your opponent forward.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
75/91
Wrestling ESCAPES 75
Figure 80. This leaves only the final conclusion. Improve your position as
quickly as possible. Move into a good riding position and get set, for your
opponent will not wait long to start to get loose.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
76/91
Chapter Five
FALLS
Figure 1. The study of falls is one of the most important departments. It
is always disappointing to be pinned. This is likely to happen unless you are
thoroughly trained in offense and defense. This picture shows a Headlock or
Side Chancery. It is seldom used as an offensive hold in America but in Europe
it is used quite freely both as a defensive and offensive position. The value of
this hold depends upon your opponent's ability to bridge or otherwise breakthe hold when applied as shown in Figure 2.
76
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
77/91
Wrestling FALLS 77
Figure 2. The type of Headlock shown here is a special edition. Not only
does it have the power to produce a near fall, but it also has the power to
break your bridge if you have one. Please notice that the top man used
his leg to bring his opponent on his shoulders. He also uses his left hand to
push his opponent's elbow across his face. This combination produces the
most difficult hold to break.
Figure 3. The next series shows one of the best pinning positions. It com-
bines the European Arm Hook with an American Head Scissor. If you de-
sire to use this as an Olympic hold merely leave the scissor un-hooked, inview of the fact that a touch fall counts make this hold one of the best
with which to get a spot fall.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
78/91
78 FALLS Wrestling
Figure 4. To get this position, first obtain the Arm Hook. Reach through
with your right hand and grab your opponent's right wrist, then give him
pressure with your chest. The next thing to do is to run around and step
over his head. Both of his arms will be tied up and he cannot protect him-
self from the Head Scissor.
Figure 5. Here we see the completion of the hold which will produce a
fall or a predicament. This is especially effective against an American style
low bridge. This type of Figure 4 Scissor is legal and cannot be changed toa choke hold. This hold will wear your opponent down to a weakened con-
dition making him highly susceptible to further attack.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
79/91
Wrestling FALLS 79
Figure 6. In this series we have what is known as a Double Open Scissor
and a Half Nelson. Bar your opponent's arms under his chest mounting
with Open-Leg Scissor, and hunch him forward to break him down with
his chest on the mat. Now reach back with left to opponent's right elbow;
use a long leverage and bring the arm around as shown in Figure 7.
Figure 7. Continue the pressure of the Half Nelson until his shoulders are
nearing the mat; then slide the right arm through deep into the Half Nel-
son position, rendering your opponent helpless as shown in the third pictureof this series. Don't make the mistake of being forced too high up on your
opponent's chest.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
80/91
80 FALLS Wrestling
Figure 8. The most important points are in regard to the application of
the Scissor. If you hook it first allow your opponent to turn his back,
then quickly snap a Reverse Hook-Scissor or leave the legs unhooked
if you desire. If the legs are left unhooked, bear down hard with your right
knee; also lift up hard with your left leg to break his bridge. To further
strengthen the combination put a Reverse Wrist Lock on his left arm.
Figure 9. The next series is called the Step Over Head Scissor and the
Spiral Ride. Please observe the starting position of this ride. the top man
reaches through with his left hand, applies pressure with his chest to bringhis opponent to the mat, then changes right to opponent's ankle. Then he
puts his right knee behind his opponent's left arm.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
81/91
Wrestling FALLS 81
Figure 10. The next move is to step over his opponent's head with his left
foot and at the same time to jerk up on the opponent's near ankle to start
him to roll on the mat. The secret of the strength is in tying the oppo-
nent's arm inside the Hook Scissor. You must have this hold applied to
you in order to fully appreciate it.
Figure 11. Please observe that the arm is included within the Scissor. Also
observe that the top man is making himself perpendicular to his opponent's
body. You do not need to touch your opponent with your hand after theScissor is once applied. Another important point is to rock him back on
his shoulders and observe your progress by glancing to the left instead of
to the right.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
82/91
82 FALLS Wrestling
Figure 12. In this pinning combination we have the preliminary for the
Head Scissor. In order to make this a success each move must be followed
carefully. Break your opponent down and make sure that he cannot re-
turn to the normal position. If your opponent is able to return to his nor-
mal position, it will be possible for him to back out of the Scissor.
Figure 13. This shows the method employed to keep him flattened out. To
do this properly change your right hand to your opponent's left wrist and
pry him forward on the side of his head; press down hard with your leftelbow. If your opponent attempts to regain his normal position grab a Read
Crotch and heave him forward to flatten him out.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
83/91
Wrestling FALLS 83
Figure 14. Here we have the top man making his move to apply the Head
Scissor. Move quickly around to his head, putting your left knee at the
side of his face using your knee as a pivot point. Lift your opponent about
a foot from the mat and clamp on the Head Scissor as he rolls over.
Figure 15. The important points to be observed are many. Be sure to get
the Scissor placed well down the side of his neck. In hooking your feet
be sure to get the top leg in the forward position. Pull his arm back underyour left hip and roll toward him to bend his neck and destroy his ability
to bridge. This is a brutal pinning combination and must be used with care.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
84/91
84 FALLS Wrestling
Figure 16. Here we have one of the most important figures in wrestling.
It is the Half Nelson and Crotch. Please observe the following points: ob-
serve carefully the right on or the top man, and the position of his left
hand and forearm. Put your pressure in your right shoulder and lift up
with your left. You will find this position of great importance. More fel-
lows are pinned with this hold than any other.
Figure 17. This hold is usually broken when the under man slides his right
hand through between his chest and your chest. To stop this, grab his right
hand in your left and push it back to the mat. Put your weight on his chestand try to wear him down. If you think he is about to escape take the Key
Lock as shown in Figure 18.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
85/91
Wrestling FALLS 85
Figure 18. The value of this hold is much disputed. Some of the leading
coaches say it cannot be applied legally and produce a fall. Others say it
is legal. It is generally agreed, however, that if this hold is applied as a
Twisting Hammerlock, it is quite easy to injure your opponent if you turn
on too much pressure.
Figure 19. In this figure we show the application of the Three-Quarter
Nelson with leg combination. This is good for a quick fall when wrestling
under Olympic rules. It was a favorite hold of the late Farmer Burns. Youwill have to practice this combination to fully appreciate it. When apply-
ing this hold do not force your opponent or you may injure his neck.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
86/91
86 FALLS Wrestling
Figure 20. Here we see the hold being applied. Please note the use of the
right leg to balance the opponent on his shoulders and head. The deciding
factor in the application of this hold is whether you can balance your oppo-
nent as indicated in the photograph. Notice the pressure is downward and
forward with your leg.
Figure 21. In the next four pictures we show how to break the Wrist Lock
and change it to a Half Nelson and Crotch. When your opponent puts on
the Wrist Lock shift quickly into the position shown here. Be careful notto permit him to apply the Key Lock. Also make sure that you are going
to have the cooperation of the referee.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
87/91
Wrestling FALLS 87
Figure 22. In this figure we have the top man permitting a Wrist Lock
to be brought up behind, and at the same time the top man is putting
pressure with his right shoulder in his opponent's armpit.
Figure 23. In this position you see the application of the right knee to
break your opponent's hands apart, and throw him into Half Nelson and
Crotch.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
88/91
88 FALLS Wrestling
Figure 24. You should review Figure 22 and see how clever the top man
takes the Crotch hold and gets into position to apply the Half Nelson. It
was this combination that Frank Lewis won the World's Champion-
ship at the Olympic Games in 1936. These different positions are good ex-
amples of chain wrestling.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
89/91
Chapter Six
MISCELLANEOUS
TRAINING
Your preliminary training for a wrestling season should cover the period
from September first to January first. It goes without saying that you
should have lived as clean as possible all your life, because a man once
dissipated will never be quite as good as one who has taken good care of
himself.
Begin your training by doing cross-country running, starting with the
half-mile for a few days and gradually work up until you can do two
miles without feeling tired the next day. When you reach this stage, beginto run only every other day and take wrestling instruction on the days
between. the brain must be prepared several weeks in advance of the
muscle in order to get the best coordination. I mean that you cannot learn
a hold by trying it just before the match. The paths of reflex are not
developed, and you will not be able to use anything explained just before
the bout begin.
Begin your mat work by learning all the easy holds and all fundamental
positions, then do your studying systematically. Never go to the mat with-
out having something definite in mind. Learn each group of holds, taking
a few each day. And practice each position more than six times before
taking another hold. If this plan is used, you will be able to think faster
than your opponent when you get into a regular match, and that will win
for you if you are in as good shape as he is.
Always supplement your work with some form of calesthenics. Those
that will work out the lateral trunk, abdomen, front neck, back neck,
biceps, and triceps are the best. To do this quickly, lie on your back and
raise both feet, keeping the knees straight. This exercise works out the
abdominal muscles. then with the weight supported on the sides of the
feet and one ar, and with the arm straight, raise and lower the hip to
the mat, working out the lateral trunk. Then bridge on your back trying
89
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
90/91
90 MISCELLANEOUS TRAINING Wrestling
to throw your arms in as many positions as possible. Especial study should
be given to the High Bridge. Turn face down on the mat and work out the
front muscles. Chin for bicep development and follow with rope skipping
or running to develop endurance.
Watch your diet. Eat enough, but not too much. You can eat nearly
everything but do not eat anything between meals, or take cold drinks of
any kind. Get at least eight hours of sleep and don't try to take too many
activities. You cannot work five hours a day, miss meals, wrestle, study,
and do several things and be in anything like wrestling condition.
Study each day's work before you go to the mat, and have your work-
outs progress in violence and in the things you are to learn. Each do go
back and see if you have left anything undone, or have failed to completely
or partly, learn any of the holds, trips, or counters of the previous lesson.
Watch your physical condition and if you feel you are not as good as
the day before or lack strength or staying qualities, you no doubt are a
little over-trained. In this event, (skip one day) omit one day's mat work
and reduce the amount of exercise until it seems to keep you in the best
of condition.
It may be that you are undertrained, and will have to go back and start
over. Take some form of endurance work to build up to where you can do
the work you should. If this be the case, increase the distance you are run-ning and the muscle-building work, but do not take enough to over-do the
thing. If too much calethenic work is taken, the muscle tone is increased
to too great a degree and a sluggish and slow moving muscle results.
Remember that man is an animal with very little natural coordination
and abilithy to perform with hands or feet. This is nearly all acquired by
constant practice. For example, a bird can fly without using any thought
or without the front brain at all. A man has to think or he cannot do any-
thing at all. It may be only a slight effort to him, but he has to be con-
scious of what he is doing and for that reason is considered the poorestdeveloped animal when it comes to natural condition.
During the past fifteen years I have made a special study of the feeding
of sugar. I notice that there is a definite relation in strength to the amount
of sugar you eat, up to a certain point. When I found out you have to have
sugar to have endurance, I selected four different sugars for the experiment
plain white sugar, brown sugar, Karo syrup, and strained honey. Many
things were consideredenergy and sickness due to overwork were the most
important, For all purposes I found brown sugar and Karo syrup about
even. I also found out that man who has had sugar can definitely controlhis weight and recover more rapidly from the ordeal of making weight.
If you are properly sugared, you can stop your weight on an ounce while,
if not properly sugared, you will have a tendency to drop weight even
after you have weighed. I found twelve spoonfuls to be the proper amount
to eat each twenty-four hours before weighing in.
-
8/2/2019 (1939) Wrestling- E. C. Gallagher
91/91
Wrestling MISCELLANEOUS TRAINING 91
Another experiment I conducted was one to determine the proper starva-
tion schedule as to length of time. I found four days the best. for example,
if you are making weight you should starve over a four-day period to lose
the necessary weight if you want to have strength. It is only a question
of nature adjusting itself to the use of the tissues of the body in the easiest
manner. Never, under any conditions, make your starvation period thirty-
six hours, for you are the weakest at this time. Let us take, for example,
a definite problem: A boy must reduce five pounds to weigh in on Friday
at 3 P. M. and this is Monday. Lose one pound by Tuesday, two pounds
by Wednesday, three pounds by Thursday, and five pounds by Friday.
I am also assuming the man has sugar after his work-out Thursday. After
he weights in give him heavily sugared tea and after one-half hour feed him
a light meal. he is allowed water, but not to excess. He should make two
and a quarter pounds by the time he suits up to be at his best. Remember
he will continue to drop in weight if you have not given him sugar and he
will go to the mat flat weight or under. This would be a definite handicap
that you can avoid by the proper feeding of sugar.