Breton Peasants

Folk Wrestlers

Peasants and locals from Brittany, France, who created the folk wrestling style Gouren.

Quick Facts

Date of Birth4. století

EraMiddle Ages–present

Country of OriginFrance (Brittany)

Rank / TitleTraditional Heritage

Active YearsMiddle Ages–present

Biography

Breton peasants preserved Gouren wrestling since the 4th century. Wearing white shirts, wrestlers use foot sweeps and upper-body holds to achieve a backfall.

Associated Martial Arts

GourenOrigin community→

Breton standing wrestling in a canvas roched smock. Victory is immediate if the opponent lands on both shoulder blades at once; the bout is preceded by the oath ar chal.