About
What is ‘Hybrid Grappling’?
Our system is hybrid of various grappling martial arts like judo, ADCC-style submission grappling, Greco-Roman wrestling, and most prominently, American folkstyle wrestling.
Why the emphasis on folkstyle wrestling? First, if you’re not familiar with the term ‘folkstyle’, this is what’s also called collegiate wrestling, since this is what’s practiced in the U.S. from college all the way down to elementary school. Folkstyle is truly an American form of wrestling, which is pretty cool!
In terms of competition and tactics, folkstyle puts more emphasis on takedowns, controlling your opponent (i.e., breakdowns and riding), and pinning while on top. On the other hand, Brazilian jiu jitsu (BJJ), which is really popular nowadays, emphasizes laying supine and fighting from your back (i.e., the ‘guard’).
The goal from the bottom position in folkstyle wrestling is to get away, then reattack. In BJJ, there’s no penalty for laying on your back with someone on top of you (consider how this might be problematic in self-defense or mixed martial arts). Not so in folkstyle. If you’re in a bad spot, you can’t just wait it out!
So, overall, folkstyle’s main objective is to control your opponent. Take them to the mat, you get points. Control them, keep them on the mat, more points. Pin them, the match is over. If you let your opponent escape, you lose points. CONTROL, CONTROL, CONTROL.
Sounds extremely applicable to combat, yes? Folkstyle wrestling is what we would call a representative environment for self-defense!
By emphasizing folkstyle wrestling and combining with other grappling modalities, our curriculum emphasizes takedowns, pins, and ‘no holds barred’ submissions that can be transferred to any combat ruleset and self-defense situation. This style of wrestling has become the most formidable weapon in mixed martial arts (see graphic below), and is the best tool for self-defense applications.
Our Core Values:
- Integrity above all else
- Commitment to family and community
- Embrace diversity
- Continuous improvement and innovation
- Tangible, lasting results for all students
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COACHING STAFF
James Cole has dedicated himself to the practice and study of martial arts for most of his adult life. He holds Bronze and Copper coaching certifications from USA Wrestling. James is also a certified catch-wrestler with Scientific Wrestling under head coach Jake Shannon (learn more here) Though he holds advanced rankings in taekwondo, judo, and Brazilian jiu jitsu, his real passions are folkstyle and submission-based wrestling.
Horsetooth Hybrid Grappling Club 