Professional wrestling as everyone knows it today would be the big wrestling companies that would host pay per view fights in the ring like the WWE or TNA. Now the art of grappling has not always been like this as this fighting art has a very bloody history which dates back to as far back as possible. For those who would want to know, here is the history of professional wrestling.

Now the thing about wrestling or grappling is that even though many countries have their own form, each form is different and each race has their own style. A lot of cultures would even pit their best wrestlers against each other in contests to prove who is more worthy. Despite what most people believe, this art also incorporates kicks and strikes.

Now the earliest form of this art was probably dated back to the time of the ancient Greeks. Their form of grappling was known as Pankration which they used in order to destroy their enemies when their swords or spears were taken away from them. The Spartans were exceptionally good at this art as they were already trained at very young ages.

Now contrary to what most people know, China is another place that is known for their grappling techniques. Because of the media, people think that the Chinese only have the flashy Kung Fu moves that can be seen in the Jackie Chan and the Jet Li movies. Now they did not just have these moves but they also had some really great grappling moves that are practical.

Now the form of grappling that the Chinese would have would be none other than Shuai Jiao which is a form of wrestling that would concentrate a lot on take downs. Once the enemy is already brought down to the ground, then one may beat him up to a pulp. This is the art that inspired the modern form of Chinese grappling and kickboxing known as Xanda.

Of course Japan is very famous for its grappling style known as Jiu Jitsu. Jiu Jitsu is one of the most effective styles of grappling that the world has ever seen and is still being used today in the mixed martial arts circuit. This art utilizes staying on the ground and trapping the opponent down there because many people are not used to playing on the ground.

Now high flying moves became very popular when the Mexicans introduced Lucha Libre. This was different from the traditional form as it would make use of stunts and acrobatic moves in order to hit the opponents down to the ground. However, this was not really a fighting art as it was more like an entertainment sport.

Now if one would watch the WWE or TNA, he could see that this art has really changed over the years. During the old days, grappling was a way of life and a way of self defense. Now, it is more like a sport that people compete in to gain titles.