Canarian wrestling

Description

Wrestlers start in the middle of a sand circle, called "terrero". The object is to make their opponent touch the sand with any part of their body, except the feet. To accomplish this, they use different techniques called "mañas" to throw their opponent off balance. Two falls are required to win a bout. A match ends when all the members of one team have been defeated.

History

Canarian wrestling comes from the history of the Guanches, the earliest known natives of the Canary Islands, although with limited contact between the islands, each island then developed different rules.

In 1420, shortly after the Spanish conquest, Alvar García de Santa María first recorded the wrestling techniques, including the use of referees, or “hombres de honor”. Only some of these early rules and techniques have survived to modern times. After the Conquest, the sport became part of the islands’ folklore, only usually being fought at celebrations or local festivals.

The rules were first laid down in 1872, making it one of the earliest defined forms of wrestling. In the 1940s several provincial federations were formed, leading to formation of the “Federación Española de Lucha” in 1984. As it needs a sand circle, lucha is usually fought on special pitches, and important matches, particularly inter-island contests, are covered by local Canarian TV.

Techniques

"Mañas", moves, or a series of moves, can be divided in three groups

Grasp

The wrestler may grasp any part of the opponent's body to try to un-balance and knock down the opponent.

Block

The wrestler can block a move by his opponent, and use his strength to un-balance his opponent.

Deflect

The wrestler can move his body to deflect a move by his opponent, and use the opponent's strength to un-balance him.

Illegal Moves

Punching, hitting and strangling are not permitted.