Scottish Backhold - Scotland Wrestling Style

Scottish Backhold is a style of folk wrestling native to the Highlands of Scotland. It is very similar in style to Cumberland Wrestling. Scottish Backhold is still taught and practiced today. It is a popular part of the traditional Highland Games.

The two opponents take a grip using the 'Backhold' position (which gives the style its name). A Backhold consists of the two combatants positioning themselves chest to chest with the right arm under the others left arm, the left arm over the others right shoulder and the chin of each wrestler is placed on the others left shoulder. After a command of 'Hold' from the referee, the wrestlers then commence to try and get each other to the ground. The first person to hit the ground with any part of his body other than his feet loses the round. Matches usually consist of the best of five rounds (though this depends on the particular event).