Lutte

Lutte is a grappling-based combat sport in which two competitors seek to gain control on a padded mat through throws, takedowns, pins and other grappling techniques. In French, lutte also means struggle or effort, reflecting a broader sense of contest and fighting.

Origins of wrestling date to ancient civilizations in the Near East and the Mediterranean. It evolved through classical Greek and Roman sport and has appeared in many cultures with different styles. The modern sport took shape in the 19th and early 20th centuries, with codified rules and international competition. Wrestling was included in the early modern Olympic Games, and today it is contested at the highest levels in various international events.

Disciplines and rules: Within the Olympic framework, two main disciplines are recognised: lutte libre (freestyle) and lutte gréco-romaine (Greco-Roman). In Greco-Roman wrestling, holds below the waist are forbidden, emphasizing upper-body throws and clinching. In freestyle, attacks on all parts of the body are permitted, including leg grabs. Scoring rewards actions such as takedowns, throws, reversals, and exposing the opponent’s back to the mat. A match can end by points, technical superiority, or a fall (pin) when a wrestler holds both shoulders on the mat for a brief continuous count.

Governance and competition: Internationally, wrestling is governed by United World Wrestling (UWW). National federations administer domestic events and select athletes for world championships and the Olympic Games. Major competitions include the World Wrestling Championships, continental championships, and national championships. Lutte is widely practiced in clubs worldwide and forms a central part of many national athletic programs.