Arm wrestling is a competitive sport where two participants face each other, each with one elbow resting on a table and hands clasped. The goal is to pin the opponent's hand down to the table forcefully.
The sport is sometimes spelled as one name, as in "armwrestling," or hyphenated, as in "arm-wrestling."
Like many other sports, the origins of arm wrestling go back to ancient civilizations. Hieroglyphs suggest that arm wrestling was practiced in ancient Egypt, and it was also popular in Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868), where it was known as udezumō. Other cultures, including Native American tribes, practiced various forms of arm wrestling.
The modern resurgence of arm wrestling began in the 1950s in the United States, culminating in the first organized world championship in Petaluma, California, in 1962.
Casual arm wrestling, as played in bars, homes, and schools, is a spontaneous activity. The rules are flexible, and the primary goal is determining who is stronger. This informal nature can sometimes lead to improper techniques and a higher risk of injury.
In contrast, competitive arm wrestling is highly structured. Matches are held on specialized tables with elbow pads, hand pegs, and touchpads. Competitors are divided into weight classes and may compete in tournaments or supermatches. The World Armwrestling Federation (WAF) and the World Armwrestling League (WAL) are organizations that oversee the sport.
Competitive arm wrestling isn't just about brute strength. It requires a combination of techniques, moves, and styles. A firm grip is essential, and competitors often try to gain an advantage by gripping higher on the opponent's hand. Controlling the opponent's hand and wrist is crucial for executing moves like the top roll and hook. Proper body alignment and positioning can provide significant leverage.
Techniques and styles used in competitive arm wrestling include the top roll, which focuses on attacking the opponent's fingers and hand, aiming to roll the wrist back and gain leverage; the hook, which involves pulling the opponent's arm toward the body, using the bicep and shoulder muscles; the press, which utilizes the should and tricep muscles to push the opponent's arm down; the Flopper's press, a variation of the press where the wrist is intentionally bent backward to maximize shoulder pressure, and the King's Move, a defensive technique where the arm is extended, and the body is lowered to create leverage.
The rules of arm wrestling are designed to ensure fair play and safety. These include the starting position (competitors must start with their elbows on the pads and hands gripped), pinning (the match is won by pinning the opponent's hand to the touchpad), and fouls (which can be called for elbow lifting, shoulder dipping, or false starts).
Training for arm wrestling involves a combination of strength training, technique drills, and endurance exercises, with a focus on grip strength, arm and shoulder strength, and endurance.
Common injuries in arm wrestling include strains, sprains, and fractures, particularly of the arm and shoulder.
This portion of our web guide focuses on the sport of arm wrestling. Topics related to this sport are appropriate for this category, except for retail shopping sites, which should be listed in the corresponding Shopping & eCommerce category.
Recommended Resources
This is a comprehensive website dedicated to the sport of arm wrestling, also known as wrist wrestling, which involves two competitors trying to pin each other's arm to a table. The sport requires arm strength as well as proper technique and overall body coordination. ArmPower covers various aspects of the sport, including its history, techniques, and major tournaments, along with news of the sport, interviews, and stories about armwrestlers from different countries.
https://en.armpower.net/
Presented by Eric Roussin (armwrestling historian), The Armwrestling Archives is a comprehensive resource dedicated to chronicling the history of arm wrestling. The website covers the evolution of the sport from a basic test of strength to an organized competition practiced in over eighty countries. Also included are sections on the history of the sport, profiles of top athletes, results from major competitions dating back to the mid-1950s, and several other topics relating to the sport.
https://www.thearmwrestlingarchives.com/
Professional Armwrestling Association
The PAA is a key organization in arm wrestling. The non-profit organization focuses on promoting and developing the sport, particularly in the United Kingdom and Ireland, although it also has a global presence. The PAA organizes various competitions and events, providing a platform for athletes to compete at high levels, and emhasizing safety and proper technique. The organization's website features a calendar of events, and information on pro status, the IFA Worlds Team, and champions.
https://www.paa-armwrestling.com/
UAL is a premier organization dedicated to showcasing the raw power and competitive spirit of arm wrestling. Founded in 2010, it has become a platform for arm wrestlers worldwide. The website features upcoming events and profiles its athletes. Users may register as athletes for events through the site. Other resources include news about arm wrestling and armwrestlers and the mail address, email address, telephone number, and office hours of the organization.
https://theual.com/
Founded in 1985, the non-profit USAA has hosted more than 900 events across thirty-nine states, and is known for its referees and bracketing systems, ensuring the safety and fairness of competitions. The USAA is also a founding member of the United States Armwrestling Federation (USAF), which aims to unify the sport of arm wrestling in the United States. The organization offers a USAA Certified Armwrestling Promoter program. Contacts and an online shopping area is included.
https://usarmwrestling.com/
World Armwrestling Championship
Organized by the World Armwrestling Federation, founded in 1977, the first WAF World Armwrestling was hosted by John Miazdzyk in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Canada in 1979. Medals are awarded separately for right and left hands in every weight class and age groups. The history of the annual event is told, and several videos are provided, along with a schedule of upcoming events, prices, and other information. An online shopping forum is available on the WAC website.
https://awcworld.com/
The WAF is an international federation of national and regional arm wrestling associations with members from over eighty countries. Established in 1977, it is the international governing organization for the sport. WAF is WADA Code Compliant and the main organizer of the annual World Armwrestling Championships. Member information, championships, media resources, results, contacts, office hours, and a contact form are posted, and an online shopping area is included.
http://www.waf-armwrestling.com/
Based in Chicago, the WAL is the largest and fastest-growing professional arm-wrestling league in the world. It features some of the best arm wrestlers globally, combining strength, strategy, and technique in intense matches. Email addresses are provided for media inquiries, sponsorship and partnership opportunities, and information on WAL events and other inquiries. Press information, videos, news, and event schedules are posted, and an online shopping area is included.
https://www.walunderground.com/
