(1926) Wrestling- Eugene Sandow

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DEDICATION:

Special dedication to my beautiful wife Mylinda, to my wonderful son Christopher, and my to amazing daughter Allison.

You make everything I do worthwhile.

-Kirk Lawson

THE SANDOW-LEWIS LIBRARY

A SERIES OF EIGHT VOLUMES

PRESENTING

THE SANDOW-LEWISKINETIC STRESS SYSTEM

═════════ OF ═════════

PHYSICAL TRAINING

─────VOLUME VII

─────

SANDOW=LEWIS INCORPORATED

─────

COPYWRIGHT 1926SANDOW-LEWIS INCORPORATED

(All Rights Reserved)

WRESTLING

PART TWO

BY

The Master Physical Culturist and Manager-Trainerof Ed “Strangler” Lewis, World’s

Champion Wrestler

B I L LY S A N D O W

AND

E D “ S TR A N G L E R ” L E WI SWorld’s Heavyweight Champion Wrestler

THE SANDOW-LEWIS LIBRARY1. Fundamentals of Health, Muscular Development,

Wrestling.

2. Essentials of Physical Development.

3. Muscular Development by Kinetic Stress Method.(Part One.)

4. Muscular Development by Kinetic Stress Method.(Part Two.)

5. Self-Defense.

6. Wrestling. (Part One.)

7. Wrestling. (Part Two.)

8. Wrestling. (Part Three.)

─3─

Wrestling

Head Scissors and Double Wrist Lock

Position No. 3

Having hit squarely on one shoulder, as shown in Illustra-tion No. W-54, aggressor rolls to his left side, forcing opponentto turn into a position on his back, with the head in position fora Scissors Hold as shown in Illustration No, W-55.

Illustration No. W-55

─4─

Wrestling

Head Scissors and Double Wrist Lock

Position No. 4

Having brought opponent to his back on the mat as shownin Illustration No. W-55 aggressor raises to a position on hisleft knee, bringing the right leg over opponent’s face complet-ing a perfect Head Scissors. The original Wrist Lock is stillretained on the left arm and opponent is pinned to mat by ap-plying leverage on the arm from this position, as shown inIllustration No. W-56.


─5─

Wrestling

Head Scissors and Arm Combination

Position No. 1

Working on the right side of opponent from a position onthe mat aggressor applies a Further Nelson on opponent, plant-ing his weight on the left knee, the right leg extended slightlyto the right and set firmly with the ball of the foot on themat; opponent’s right arm is grasped just below the shoulder withthe right hand as shown in Illustration No. W-57.


─6─

Wrestling

Head Scissors and Arm CombinationPosition No. 2

From position as shown in Illustration No. W-57, aggressorsteps over opponent’s right arm with the right leg and throw-ing his weight on the elbow forces the arm to the mat, theopponent’s left arm is raised above his head by applying leverageon the Further Nelson as shown in Illustration No. W-58.


─7─

Wrestling


Aggressor must pull opponent over on his back from posi-tion as shown in Illustration No. W-58. Locking the right armsecurely with his right leg, aggressor by throwing his weightagainst opponent’s head with the Further Nelson, rolls opponentover on top of his leg as shown in Illustration No. W.59.


─8─

Wrestling


After completing the roll as shown in Illustration N0. W-59,aggressor shifts his left leg over opponent’s right arm, bring-ing the right leg up over opponent’s face, at the same timefalling backward with the opponent’s left arm held securely inboth hands, as shown in Illustration No. W-60.


─9─

Wrestling


From position as shown in Illustration N0. W-60, aggressorapplies Head Scissors on opponent by locking the toe of the rightfoot under the left knee. By proper timing it is possible to alsoimprison opponent’s right arm within the Scissors Hold. Op-ponent’s shoulders are pinned to the mat by forcing the left armto the extreme left, aggressor rolling into position on his rightside, as shown in Illustration No. W-61.


─10─

Wrestling

Jack-Knife Arm Scissors

Position No. 1

This hold may be applied from several positions. One ofthe simplest methods is applying the hold as a counter fora Leg Dive. Opponent having been out-timed, aggressor catchesopponent’s left arm under the arm-pit, the hand extended overthe back; the left hand is set high on opponent’s head and heis jerked to the mat as shown in Illustration No. W-62.


─11─

Wrestling


Position No. 2

From position shown in Illustration No, W-62, aggressor byforcing opponent’s left arm to thc roar causes him to roll withhis right shoulder flat on the mat. Aggressor now steps overopponent’s left arm with the right leg, grasping his own rightankle with the right hand as shown in Illustration No. W-63.


─12─

Wrestling


Position No. 3

From position as shown in Illustration No. W-63, aggressorholding opponent’s left arm tightly imprisoned in the ArmJack-Knife, turns half way in to the right side of opponentand reaching over opponent’s body with his left arm, graspsopponent’s right ankle with the left hand. The right log israised high into the air, and the fall scored as shown in Illustra-tion No. W-64.


─13─

Wrestling

Arm Scissors (Stepping Over Arm)

Position No. 1

Aggressor working on the left side of opponent from a posi-tion on the mat plants himself firmly on the right knee, whichis placed close to opponent’s left side; the left leg is placed overopponent’s left arm, the heel of the foot locked into the elbow,the leg resting on the ball of the foot. Aggressor reaching overopponent’s right shoulder with the left arm, hand extendedthrough to arm-pit, extends the right arm over opponent’sback, locking the left hand with his right hand as shown inIllustration No. W-65.


─14─

Wrestling

Arm Scissors (Stepping Over Arm)

Position No. 2

From position as shown in Illustration No. W-65, aggressorthrows full weight into opponent’s left shoulder, forcing hisleft side to the mat, the right arm is suddenly jerked upwardand locked at the wrist with both hands as shown in IllustrationNo. W-66.


─15─

Wrestling

Arm Scissors (Stepping Over Arm)Position No. 3

From position as shown in Illustration No. W-66, aggres-sor draws opponent’s right arm backwards, at the same timefalling to his right side, causing opponent to roll over his body.In rolling aggressor extends his right leg under opponent’s body,locking the toes of his left foot back of the knee of the rightleg, forming a perfect Arm Scissors. The fall is scored byforcing opponent’s right arm flat to the mat as shown in Illustra-tion No. W-67.

──────────────────────────────────────────

Pointers to ProgressDo not stand up too straight. Keep your body well-balanced,and bend slightly forward or sidewise.


WrestlingThe Leg GrapevineStanding Position

Aggressor, from position in Illustration No. W-3, graspsopponent’s right wrist with left hand, and turning to right of op-ponent places right hand under opponent’s right arm-pit. Oppo-ponent is then pulled out of position by sudden forward jerk onright arm. Aggressor now places right leg inside opponent’sleft leg, with foot reached down lock toes at front of ankle asin Illustration No. W-68. Opponent is dropped to mat by ag-gressor throwing his weight against the right arm, allowing him-self to fall with opponent.

─16─


WrestlingApplying Double Wrist Lock

Standing Position

The Double Wrist Lock can be applied from many posi-tions. In this illustration Champion Lewis demonstrates themethod of applying the hold from a standing position on the matFrom position as in Illustration No, W-2, aggressor grasps oppo-nent’s right wrist with his right hand, the left arm is placed overthe left arm Just below the shoulder and extended under the elbow,he hands locking the wrist. Aggressor now steps to the right ofurs opponent and by applying leverage forces opponent’s arm overthe hip and up the back, as in Illustration No. W-69.

─17─


─18─

Wrestling

Applying Double Wrist Lock

Position On the Mat

The Double Wrist Lock, applied from a bottom position onthe mat, places the defensive wrestler on the aggressive, andvery often scores him the fall. The hold applied from this posi-tion is most easily applied when used as a counter for a HalfNelson. Out-timing your opponent when he attempts to applya Half Nelson from the left side, lock your left arm securelyabout his left arm, at the same time grasping his left wrist withyour right hand. Lock the hand of the left arm at your rightwrist and force opponent’s arm upward as shown in IllustrationNo. W-70.


WrestlingBlock For Double Wrist Lock

Position No. 1

In this illustration “Strangler” Lewis demonstrates a practi-cal method of blocking the Double Wrist Lock by out-timing anopponent. Aggressor having trapped the left arm by graspingthe wrist with his right hand is about to place his left arm inposition, as shown in Illustration No. W-71. Defensive wrestlercomes to an erect position, with the right leg to the rear andwell set on the ball of the foot. The right arm is slightlyraised with the thumb and fingers ready for attack.

─19─


─20─

Wrestling

Block For Double Wrist LockPosition No. 2

From position as shown in Illustration No. W-71, elevate theright arm quickly, grasping opponent’s left arm with the righthand just above the elbow. Quickly jerking forward on theleft arm, push the opponent’s left arm upward and backwardthrowing him off balance, as in Illustration No. W-72.


─21─

Wrestling


Having succeeded in pulling opponent off balance as shownin Illustration No. W-72. Continue pushing opponent’s left armforward, spinning him around, at the same time turning on theballs of the feet, working to the rear of opponent as shown inIllustration No. W-73.


─22─

Wrestling


Having turned opponent from you as shown in IllustrationNo. W-73, aggressor now releases right hand from opponent’sleft arm, and stepping in close to opponent applies the FullBody Lock from the rear as shown in Illustration No. W-74.


─23─

Wrestling

Lewis’ Famous Go-BehindPosition No. 1

The Famous Go-Behind originated by Champion “Strangler”Lewis and his manager, Billy Sandow, is pictured in IllustrationNo. W-75, showing Lewis in close quarters from position bygrasping the opponent’s right arm at the biceps with his righthand. With a sweep of the right foot, Lewis plants his heelsolidly inside of opponent’s right ankle, driving opponent’s rightfoot off the mat.


─24─

Wrestling

Lewis’ Famous Go BehindPosition No. 2

From position shown in Illustration No. W-75, Lewis dropsto his right knee, his knee being planted on the mat insideopponent’s right foot. The opponent’s ankle is locked securelyunderneath the right knee, as shown in Illustration No. W-76.The left leg is placed directly behind opponent’s right thigh withthe foot set to rear of opponent’s left foot.


WrestlingLewis’ Famous Go Behind

Position No. 2

From position shown in Illustration No. W-76, the opponentis sent sprawling to the mat by driving the left thigh solidlyagainst the opponent’s right leg just above the knee. The lever-age being obtained by holding the ankle firm with the rightleg. Drop to mat with opponent, as shown in Illustration N-.W-77.

Position No. 4

After having reached the mat in position as shown inIllustration No. W-77, opponent’s right leg is now in perfectposition for aggressor to apply a Toe Hold. Grasp opponent’stoes with the left hand, and jerk foot forward. Place yourright shoulder in hollow of opponent's back and with the righthand grasp opponent’s right ankle. Continue forcing the footforward as shown in Illustration No. W-78.

─25─



─26─

Wrestling

How to Secure a Quick Fall(For Beginners) Position No. 1

From position shown in Illustration No. W-2, the aggressorgrasps opponent’s right wrist with his left hand, stepping slightlyto the rear, grasping opponent’s right arm with the right handjust below arm-pit.


─27─

Wrestling


The aggressor now steps to right of opponent, shifting righthand to opponent’s right elbow, and with a firm grip jerks op-ponent forward and off balance, as shown in Illustration No.W-80.


─28─

Wrestling


After having pulled opponent off balance, as shown inIllustration No. W-80, the aggressor releases hold with left hand,retaining hold on opponent’s right arm with the right hand, draw-ing opponent toward aggressor as shown in Illustration No. W-81.


─29─

Wrestling


From position, as shown in Illustration No. W-81, the ag-gressor steps quickly to rear of opponent, grasping the left fore-arm of his opponent with the left hand and the left wrist withthe right hand as shown in Illustration No. W-82.

The aggressor must now set himself firmly on his left foot,slightly advancing the right foot to maintain a proper balance.


─30─

Wrestling


The aggressor having firmly set himself, as shown inIllustration No. W-82, draws opponent’s left arm close into thebody and with a quick side lift raises opponent off the mat, tip-ping him to the left as shown in Illustration No. W-83.


─31─

Wrestling


Retaining the hold on opponent’s arm as shown in Illustra-tion No. W-83, the aggressor drops the opponent to the mat,allowing him to fall on the left side. Aggressor next plantshis chin into opponent’s right side with the left shoulder plantedagainst opponent’s right shoulder, making it easy to hold himin the position shown in Illustration No. W-84.


─32─

Wrestling


After holding opponent in position shown in IllustrationNo. W-84, for a short time, opponent’s left arm becomes weakeneduntil it is practically useless. The aggressor can now shift theright arm into a Half Nelson with the right leg extended overopponent’s body as shown in Illustration No. W-85.


──────────────────────────────────────────

Pointers to ProgressWrestling is a scientific sport. Brains count. If you expect

to become an expert wrestler—use your brains; THINK!

─33─

Wrestling


From position shown in Illustration No. W-85, the aggressorgrasps his left wrist with his right hand, with his right armextended over opponent’s right shoulder and neck. Retaininga firm hold with both of opponent’s arms imprisoned, the aggressorshifts in front of opponent, planting both knees on the mat andcenters his weight on opponent’s face, forcing his shoulders to themat as shown in Illustration No. W-86.


Special Note:

Wrestling

Lewis’ Famous Headlock and Hiplock

Champion Lewis uses the Hiplock and Headlock com-bination as follows: From the Referee’s Hold as shown in photoNo. W-3 secure the Headlock by locking the head in the bendof the arm, being sure you do not lock the neck, for that holdis barred. The head is locked when the left hand is graspedby the right, completing a noose which is tightened with a slowturning movement. The biceps and triceps of the upper armdraw the head close to the breast. The pectoral muscles pressagainst it. The leverage of the wrist is directed against the jaw.Now the great pulling muscle of the back known to anatomistsas the Latissimus dorsi, is thrown into action. Now slowly turn-ing to the right twisting so as to place the left hip under theopponent while pulling him close, bend forward and lift himoff the mat. With your back to opponent, force your left hipinto his stomach, and as you draw him on your back, giveyour hip a slight twist to the left and turn him completely overon his back. As opponent falls to the mat be sure and retainthe Headlock until both shoulders are pinned to the mat for aPin Fall. Be sure to drop to mat with opponent after turn-ing him over, all the time holding the head in the vise-like gripas first secured. As a rule a Pin Fall is the result of using theabove combination.

There are several methods of securing a Headlock, a verygood one being to pull a man’s head down and forward sud-denly, securing the Headlock as he comes forward off his bal-ance. You might be able to force him to the mat without theHiplock, but this is harder work and slower than using theHiplock. When bringing an opponent to the mat with theHeadlock always keep your body close to his, so that as he strikesthe mat you can roll your weight over on his chest. He willthen be unable to escape being pinned to the mat.

─34─

─35─

Wrestling

Lewis’ Famous HeadlockPosition No. 1

From position shown in Illustration No. W-3 place left armacross opponent’s neck, shifting on the ball of the left foot toa side position as shown in Illustration No. W-87.


─36─

Wrestling


The aggressor now draws opponent’s head close in to ag-gressor’s body, retaining balance on the left foot as shown inIllustration No. W-88.


─37─

Wrestling


The aggressor next grasps his left hand with his righthand, the knuckle of his left thumb locked underneath opponent’sjaw socket, applying full pressure on the jaw by raising thehead upward and throwing as much weight as possible on op-ponent’s neck with the left arm as shown in Illustration No.W-89.


─38─

Wrestling


After having forced opponent into position shown inIllustration No. W-89, the aggressor plants himself solidly on hisleft foot, bends the right knee slightly, plants his left hip solidlyinto opponent’s stomach and jerks opponent forward by execut-ing the Hiplock and Headlock combination as shown in Illustra-tion No. W-90.


─39─

Wrestling


The mistake commonly made is in not using force enoughwith the hips. After the aggressor turns his back to his op-ponent he should throw his hip backward, forcing the opponentfrom him until his feet leave the ground; care should be takennot to lose the grip on the Headlock while using the hip move-ment. The trick is to pull opponent over with the Headlock,at the same time forcing him over the hip as shown in Illustra-tion No. W-90. The opponent then is in a position to be thrownto the mat.

After having drawn opponent across hip, as shown inIllustration No. W-90, the aggressor, by quickly dropping to hisright, hurls opponent, feet foremost, through the air andon to the mat, shoulders squarely pinned, as shown in Illustra-tion No. W-91.


─40─

Wrestling

Proper Position of Arms in Applying the Headlock

The aggressor applying the Headlock is shown in Illustra-tion No. W-89. Particular attention must be given to the loca-tion of the arms and hands in order to execute this hold mosteffectively. The left arm having been drawn around the oppon-ent’s neck at the base of the skull with the left hand placedagainst the left side of opponent’s jaw, is now grasped with theright hand on the outside as shown in Illustration No. W-92. Theleft hand being locked under opponent’s jaw at which point thepressure is centered. This position of the arms and hands shouldbe retained until the fall is scored as shown irn Illustration No.W-91.


─41─

WrestlingFront Headlock

The Headlock locks the head in the bend of the arm, Itnever locks the neck. That hold is barred. As soon as youapply the lock your right hand should grasp the left; this com-pletes a noose which should be tightened by a slow turningmovement. As you turn draw the head closer to the breast. Thepectoral muscles in this way are pressed against the head. Whenyou have your opponent in position W-90, then the great pullingmuscles of the back, known as the Latissimus dorsi, is broughtinto action, you pull your opponent over your hip to positionW-91. If your opponent manages to break the hold allow himto come to a standing position and quickly apply another Head-lock, and bring him to the mat again,

The Front Headlock, as shown in Illustration No. W-94,is usually secured by first feinting for an opponent’s legs. Instepping backward an opponent’s head may be jerked forwardand down by placing the right hand high on his head. Theaggressor then applies the Front Headlock with left arm lock-ing hands at opponent’s chin as shown in Illustration No. W-94.While considerable punishment can be administered to an oppon-ent with this hold, it is very difficult to score a fall from thisposition without resorting to other combinations.


─42─

WrestlingThe Winglock

Position No. 1

Working from position shown in Illustration No. W-3, theaggressor drops right arm over opponent’s left arm, steppingslightly to thc left. The aggressor now grasps his left handwith his right hand and steps backward, pulling opponent offbalance as shown in Illustration No. W-95.


─43─


Position No. 2

From position shown in Illustration No. W-95, the aggres-sor, after having drawn opponent’s left arm close to his body,releases his left hand and places the heel of it squarely onopponent’s chin, forcing the head backward. The aggressor nowturns on the ball of his right foot, crossing his left leg at therear of the opponent’s left leg as shown in Illustration No. W-96.


─44─


Position No. 3

The aggressor, after dropping opponent to mat, as shown inIllustration No. W-96, retains hold on opponent’s left arm andapplies Headlock on opponent with his left arm, centering fullweight upon opponent’s chest, scoring fall as shown in Illustra-tion No. W-97.

──────────────────────────────────────────

Pointers to ProgressPractice going after your holds like a flash. Learn to shift

from one hold to another as fast as thought.


─45─

WrestlingProper Timing

In Illustration No. W-98, Champion “Strangler” Lewis demon-strates Proper Timing as used from position shown in Illustra-tion No. W-2. In sparring for an opening each man has placeda hand on the other’s shoulder. The advantage or disadvantageto follow depends entirely upon the position of the contestant’sfree arm. In this instance, Strangler Lewis has out-timed hisopponent, having grasped the right wrist with his left hand. Theadvantage here shown being in favor of the Champion.


─46─

Wrestling

Out-Timing

In Illustration No. W-99, Champion “Strangler” Lewis showshimself out-timed from position as shown in Illustration No. W-2.In sparring for holds, his opponent has grasped Lewis;_leftwrist with his right hand, placing the Champion at a decideddisadvantage.


─47─

WrestlingRegaining Safe Position

In Illustration No. W-100, “Strangler” Lewis demonstratesthe proper method of regaining safe position after being out-timed as shown in Illustration No. W-99. By raising the leftarm upward from the elbow using opponent’s fingers as lever-age against the thumb, the hand has been forced open, forcingopponent to release the grip.


─48─

WrestlingOut-Timing an Opponent

In Illustration No. W-101, Champion Ed “Strangler” Lewisdemonstrates another effective method of out-timing an op-ponent from position shown in Illustration No. W-2. After hav-ing feinted as if to apply a Headlock, causing opponent to raisehis head high in the air, the Champion suddenly drops to hisright knee and grasps opponent’s right ankle with both hands,locking his fingers at the rear, the right shoulder being thrownsolidly against opponent’s right leg just above the knee. Fromthis position an opponent’s leg can be pulled forward and weightthrown against the leg with the shoulder, dropping him to themat.


─49─

WrestlingCorrect Position on Mat

Position No. 1

In Illustration No. W-102, “Strangler” Lewis demonstratesthe correct position to assume when working on the mat tothe rear of an opponent. The chest is placed in the hollow ofthe opponent’s back, knees well spread to maintain a proper hal-ance; head elevated to avoid being trapped in a Headlock; thearms placed across opponent’s hips; with hands in a positionwhere they can be easily withdrawn.


─50─


Position No. 2

In Illustration No. W-103, “Strangler” Lewis demonstratesthe proper method of attack from position as shown in Illustra-tion No. W-102. Shifting the left knee inside of opponent’sleft leg, grasping his right arm just above the elbow with theright hand, the left arm placed over opponent’s back, with thehand grasping opponent’s left hip, making it possible to hold op-ponent off balance while working forward.


─51─

WrestlingPosition No. 3

Another position, while working on the right side, keep oppon-ent’s right leg blocked with your left leg as shown in IllustrationW-104.


─52─


Position No. 7

In Illustration No. W-105, “Strangler’ Lewis demonstratesan easy method of pulling an opponent out of position, shownin Illustration No. W-104. With the left hand, grasp the insideof opponent’s right leg at the ankle, place the right arm overhis neck and under his left arm-pit, draw the right leg upwardand with the right arm force opponent’s face to the mat. Theaggressor plants his chin in the small of opponent’s back, throw-ing as much weight as possible upon the spine.


─53─

WrestlingProper BalancePosition No. 1

From position shown in Illustration No. W-2, Champion Lewisdemonstrates an easy method of pushing an opponent off bal-ance. Grasp opponent’s left hand with your right hand, withthe left arm extended, fingers directed toward opponent’s col-lar bone, step slightly to the left, at the same time pulling op-ponent’s left arm forward and with your left arm push him tothe right and rear as shown in Illustration No. W-106.

This method of throwing an opponent off balance is veryeffective when catching opponent with his feet placed too closetogether.


─54─

WrestlingProper BalancePosition No. 2

From position shown in Illustration No. W-2, “Strangler”Lewis demonstrates a method of pulling an opponent off bal-ance. Grasp opponent’s left wrist with your right hand. Plantthe left hand solidly against his right shoulder. A feint is thenexecuted by pushing opponent backward. As soon as opponentresists pushing, step quickly to the rear, pulling his left handbackward and forcing his right shoulder up, causing him to lifthis right foot from mat as shown in Illustration No. W-107.


─55─

WrestlingDirect Pushing

In Illustration No. W-108, Champion Ed Lewis demonstrateshis method of Direct Pushing. From position shown in Illustra-tion No. W-2, the aggressor sets himself firmly on the ball ofthe left foot, the right foot extended to the rear, balance main-tained with the toes of the right foot. Grasp opponent’s rightwrist with your left hand. With your right hand grasp oppon-ent’s left arm just above the elbow, planting your head just abovehis heart, as shown in Illustration No, W-108.

From this position, concentrate as much weight as possibleover opponent’s heart by holding him in close and tilting yourown body forward by use of your right foot. This method ofpushing is not only very annoying to an opponent, but weak-ens him considerably as well.


─56─

WrestlingIndirect Pushing

From position shown in Illustration No. W-2, the aggressorlocks opponent’s left arm by drawing it high into his own rightarm-pit, grasping the opponent’s right arm with left hand placedat the elbow. The aggressor, planting his head firmly in leftside of opponent’s neck, turns on the ball of his right foot,keeping left foot in front of opponent, as shown in IllustrationNo. W-109. Opponent is pushed off balance and carried to theright side by the aggressor centering his own weight on op-ponent’s neck.

This method, known as Indirect Pushing, forces many open-ings, giving the aggressor a decided advantage over an opponent.


─57─

WrestlingAssuming Set Position on Feet

In Illustration No. W-110, “Strangler” Lewis demonstratesa method of countering Direct Pushing. From position shown inIllustration No. W-3, opponent, after having executed a DirectPush, is stopped by defensive wrestler, who has planted hisweight solidly on the right foot, the leg slightly bent at theknee. The left foot is extended at the rear, with the ball of thefoot used as a block against opponent’s pushing, as shown inIllustration No, W-110.

Particular attention should be given to position of the bodyand legs in Assuming Set Position on Feet. It will be notedthat the left leg is on a straight line with the hips and shoulders,forming perfect balance for the right foot, which is plantedsolidly to the mat. The head is placed against left side of op-ponent’s neck, at which point the counter is most effective.


─58─

WrestlingThe Side Step

From position shown in Illustration No. W-110, “Strangler”Lewis demonstrates a practical method of assuming the aggres-sive from a set position. Releasing opponent’s left arm, reachin front of him, grasping his right arm just below the arm-pit with your right hand. Step quickly to opponent’s right, jerk-ing him forward, with your left arm extended across his back,as shown in Illustration No. W-111.

This movement must be executed rapidly and requires con-siderable practice before it is possible to master the correct tim-ing and balancing required to properly execute the Side Step.


─59─

WrestlingHow to Secure a Quick Fall

(For Beginners) Position No. 7

In Illustration No. W-112, Champion Ed “Strangler” Lewisdemonstrates a method of tiring an opponent from position shownin Illustration No. W-2. Assume position of perfect balance, armsextended forward, placing both hands high on opponent’s head,centering as much weight as possible in the arms, forcing op-ponent’s head downward.

The aggressor must be well balanced in this position inorder to securely hold opponent. This method of Tiring AnOpponent is very effective.


─60─

WrestlingTiring Opponent On Mat

The aggressor, having taken correct position at right sideof opponent, as shown in illustration No. W-113, extends the rightarm forward, with hand high on head of opponent. Holdingopponent in position by blocking the left knee against the in-side of opponent’s right ankle, the right foot firmly on the mat,with the right knee locked over opponent’s right hip, and lefthand grasping opponent’s left hip. The aggressor now centers asmuch weight as possible into his right arm. forcing opponent’shead downward, When head is forced down as far as possible,it can be forced to one side then to the other,

Note:—Illustration No. W-114.

The beginner must be very careful about assuming this posi-tion of the feet, which must never be taken until after opponent’sarms have been locked, as shown in Illustration No. W-114.


─61─

WrestlingLewis’ Method of Control

In this illustration, Ed "Strangler" Lewis is protecting himselfagainst Direct Pushing, Leg Dives, Body Locks and other formsof attack from position shown in Illustration No. W-2. The indexfinger of the left hand is placed just under opponent’s right elbow,with the index finger of the right hand placed just above op-ponent’s left elbow. By slightly raising opponent’s arms andmoving them from right to left opponent is kept continually offbalance. It will be noted that the positions of Lewis’ feet havebeen shifted with the right extended about four inches in frontof the left, the feet being about eight inches apart, making itpossible to more easily raise opponent’s arms.


─62─

WrestlingIncorrect Position of Arms

In Illustration No. W-115, “Strangler” Lewis illustrates adangerous position of the arm which is very often taken by thebeginner as well as the seasoned grappler. The arm of theopponent, in this instance, has been placed across the body withthe elbow in position for attack from a Winglock or Arm Snap.The arm must never be placed in this position. In reaching for ahold the hand should never pass opponent’s hip except in a closeposition when it is possible to execute a Full Body Lock or otherholds which allow the elbow to pass around opponent.


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WrestlingHow to Secure a Quick Fall

(For Beginners) Position No. 7

From position shown in Illustration No, W-3, step back fromopponent, grasping his arms just above the elbows, set the rightfoot close to opponent’s left foot as shown in Illustration No. W-116.Pull opponent’s left arm suddenly forward, at same time pushingopponent’s right arm backward, forcing him into a side positionand off balance when he can be dropped to the mat by sweepinghis left foot into the air with your right foot.


(1926) Wrestling- Eugene Sandow

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