Korean Folk Wrestlers

Folk Wrestlers

Korean folk wrestlers who preserved the ancient national wrestling sport Ssireum.

Quick Facts

Date of BirthAntiquity

EraAntiquity–present

Country of OriginKorea

Rank / TitleTraditional National Sport

Active YearsAntiquity–present

Biography

Korean Ssireum wrestlers compete in sand rings using a thigh and waist belt (satba). Competitors aim to force any part of the opponent's body above the knee to touch the sand.

Associated Martial Arts

SsireumOrigin community→

Korean traditional wrestling, defined by the satba belt around waist and thigh. Both wrestlers hold it throughout, so the bout does not begin with a search for grips.