Swiss Wrestlers
Schwinger
Swiss Alpine wrestlers who developed Schwingen, the traditional national belt wrestling sport.
Quick Facts
Date of BirthMiddle Ages
EraMiddle Ages–present
Country of OriginSwitzerland
Rank / TitleNational Sport (Schwingen)
Active Years1200–present
Biography
Swiss Schwinger wrestlers wear strong leather-reinforced jute shorts (Zwilchhosen) in sawdust rings, using dynamic belt holds and throws to pin opponents.
Associated Martial Arts
Ranggeln (Austrian Alpine Wrestling)Origin community→
Alpine folk wrestling on grass. The grip is on linen trousers, there are no weight classes, and the winner takes the title of Hogmoar.
Schoren WrestlingOrigin community→Alpine variant of traditional Swiss wrestling conducted on sawdust.
Schwingen (Swiss National Wrestling)Origin community→Swiss national wrestling on a ring of sawdust. Competitors grip short canvas breeches; the winner of the greatest festival takes a bull as the prize.