LEARN TO

WRESTLE
with the
The Joseph Clère Method
Lt. 14th Artillery Brigade

With 111 illustrations

PARIS
Lucien Laveur, Editor
13 Rue des Saints-Pères VI
-1906-

2020 Translation by M. P. Lynch

 CONTENTS
Techniques
The salute - French guard - German guard - Turkish guard
Snapdowns - Ground techniques
Ground shoulder attacks - The German key - Double shoulder hold
Grounded arm attacks
Arm hold - Arm breakdown - Double arm breakdown - Arm roll left/right -
The under-arm roll
Grounded head attacks
Head hold - German key - Head & arm breakdown
-Double overhead hold - Double under head hold
Grounded hip attacks
Simple turnover - Belted turnover - Side belt
Side hip lift - Belt over - Reverse belt
Standing techniques
Shoulder attacks
Shoulder hold - Double - German key
Arm attacks
Flying arm throw - Arm roll - Under-arm roll -
Double under-arm roll
Standing Head attacks
Head throw - Hip & head throw
Belt attacks
The front belt - Side belt - Side belt trip - Side belt hip throw
Hip throw with an arm - Rear belt - Over the top -
Belt swing - Inverted belt
Counters & Blocks
Flatten out - Bridge - Takedown
Ground counters vs:
Shoulder hold - Double shoulder hold
Arm hold - Head hold - Grounded head hold -
Double grounded head hold - Double under head hold
The German Key - Side belt - Reverse belt - Side belt trip - Rear belt
Standing counters vs:
Shoulder attacks - Arm rolls - Flying arm throw
Double under arm roll - Head & hip throw - Neck pull
- Head throw - Front belt - Side belt - Rear belt - Reverse belt
Sparring guidelines
Dangerous techniques
Grounded necktie - Grounded force collar -
- Reverse force collar - Standing necktie - Standing force collar
 TECHNIQUES
Before any contest begins the wrestlers come forward and salute one
another before assuming their guard positions.

Fig. 1: The salute

 Salute: The wrestlers face one another at either end of the mat, then
come toward one another with arms extended and shake hands. They then
pivot on their toes and pass beyond one another before turning to assume a
face-on orientation.

Guard: The wrestlers must now assume a guard, and there are three of
these:

Fig. 2: The French Guard

The French Guard: The left leg is brought forward with the knee
bent. The torso leans in and the hands seize the wrists of the adversary as
close to the hands themselves as possible.
Fig. 3: The German Guard

Fig. 4: The Turkish Guard

 The German Guard: Each wrestler brings his left leg forward with
the knee bent. The first wrestler seizes his adversary by the nape of the neck
with his left hand while his right hand grabs the other man’s left wrist. The
second wrestler takes hold of the opponent's triceps, and their heads come
into contact.

The Turkish Guard: The wrestlers are facing and they take hold of
one another by the triceps and the shoulders. They lean forward with their
torsos while their legs are set wide apart and stiffened.

Note: The French and German guards can be assumed to the right or to
the left. The guard is but a temporary position which precedes the execution
of actual techniques.

Ground Techniques
We will first speak of ground techniques. These are less intimidating
for the beginner while inculcating strength and suppleness without great risk
of injury.
Let us bring the opponent to the mat using the simplest method.
 Fig. 5

The Snapdown: Seize the opponent by the nape of the neck with your
right hand while your left hand grabs his tricep. Put all of your weight on
him as you draw him towards you, then pivot on your left foot and send him
to the mat as you go along with him.
The wrestler receiving the technique comes to all fours while his
attacker ends up kneeling beside him, ready to continue his offensive to the
shoulders, arms, head, or hips.
While all techniques can be applied to the right as well as to the left,
we will expose techniques here with the assumption that the wrestler
applying the technique is to the left of his adversary.
 Fig. 6

GROUNDED SHOULDER ATTACKS

Shoulder hold: The attacking player slides his right arm under the
right shoulder of the opponent and applies his right hand to the nape of the
other man’s neck. He then grabs his own right wrist with his left hand. From
here he forces the opponent to fall down onto his left shoulder.
 Fig. 7: Shoulder hold, first phase

The German shoulder key: The offensive player slips his left arm
under the left armpit of the adversary and seizes his own right wrist with his
left hand.
He applies his right hand to the opponent's shoulder blade. He forces
the opponent's left arm against his chest and forces him to turn over.
 Fig. 8: The German shoulder key, first movement.

The double shoulder hold: The offensive wrestler slides his right
hand beneath the right armpit of the adversary and applies the palm of his left
hand to the left shoulder.
The attacker falls to his left shoulder and rolls the adversary across his
right hip.
This technique can also be applied from a face-on orientation.
 Fig. 9: Double shoulder hold, first phase.

Fig. 10: Double shoulder hold finish

GROUND ARM ATTACKS

Arm hold: The attacker faces the left side of his adversary and grabs
the other man’s right arm at the level of the tricep with both hands, having
passed both arms under the opponent's chest.
 He now turns the adversary by pulling the trapped arm into his chest.

Fig. 11: Arm hold, first movement.

Arm breakdown: The attacker is on his knees beside the adversary

with his right arm around the waist (see below). He grabs the opponent's left
wrist with his own left hand and forces his head into the other man’s armpit.
Forcing the opponent's left hand from the mat he brings it up such that
he can seize the wrist with his right hand. At the same time he places his left
hand on the left shoulder of the opponent.
He lets himself fall to his left shoulder and brings the opponent over the
top such that he is draped over the right hip.
He now gets his hips out from under the opponent without releasing his
grip.
 Fig. 12: Arm breakdown, first phase.

Fig. 13: Arm breakdown, second movement.

 Fig. 14: Arm breakdown, third Movement.

Fig. 15: Arm breakdown completed.

Double arm breakdown: The attacker places himself at an angle to

the opponent (see below) with his right hip against the other man's left hip.
With a sharp tug on the opponent's left wrist the attacker lifts the left
arm.
Immediately after this the attacker grabs the right tricep of his opponent
while applying the palm of his right hand to the hip or the armpit of the other
player.
He takes the other player down by pulling with one hand and pushing
with the other.
Fig. 16: Double arm breakdown, phase one.

Fig. 17: Double arm breakdown part two.

 Fig. 18: Double arm breakdown complete.

GROUNDED ARM ROLLS

Arm roll to the right: A wrestler belts his opponent, and the other
player grabs this same right arm with his own right, trapping it at the elbow.
At the same moment he brings his head down to the mat.
The bottom player pops his hips up and pivots on his head such that he
can roll to a bridge position atop the would-be attacker, applying all of his
weight to him without relinquishing the trapped arm.
 Fig. 19: Right-hand arm roll, first phase.

Fig. 20: Right-hand arm roll phase two.

Arm roll to the left: Whether an attacker is seeking a headhold or not,

the defending player grabs his left arm and rolls under his left armpit. Again
he can grab the attacker's right arm at the level of the wrist and bring his head
to the mat.
The bottom player pops his hips up and pivots on his head to fall into a
bridge atop the would-be attacker, applying all of his weight to him without
relinquishing the trapped arm.
 Fig. 21: Left hand arm roll phase one.

The under arm roll: The attacking grappler faces his opponent (fig.
22) and grabs hold of both of his arms near to the wrist. His right thumb
faces inwards, his left thumb faces outwards.
The offensive player passes his head under the chest of his opponent
and rolls the other man's right arm under his left. He then continues to hold
the left wrist of the adversary as he brings his head to the mat.
With the motion of his hips he overturns the adversary without
releasing him and falls atop him in a bridge.

Fig. 22: Under-arm roll phase one.

 Fig. 23: Under-arm roll phase two.

GROUNDED HEAD ATTACKS

Head hold: The attacking wrestler passes his left arm under the left
shoulder of the opponent and applies his hand to the nape of the other player's
neck. He applies a 'belt' (see fig. 24) to the other player's hips with his right
arm.
He topples the adversary and turns him over.

Double head hold: The attacker passes his left arm under the left
shoulder of his opponent and applies his palm to the nape of the defender’s
neck. At the same time he slips his right arm under the chest of the opponent
and clasps his hands on the back of the other player's neck.
He now drags the defender’s head in and down to the mat forcing the
other man to fall.
 Fig. 24: Head hold, first phase.

Fig. 25: Double head hold, first phase.

 Fig. 26: German key, first phase.

German head key: The wrestler slips his right arm under the
opponent's left armpit and grabs his left wrist with his right hand.
The offensive player sets his hand on the nape of the opponent's neck.
He now squeezes the left arm of the other player forcefully to his own chest.
Drawing the opponent's head to the mat, he topples him.

Fig. 27: German key, second phase.

Head & arm hold: The offensive wrestler is facing the left side of his
opponent as he applies his left hand to the other man’s neck. Passing his
right arm under the opponent's chest he grabs the defender’s right arm at the
level of the tricep.
The offensive player tumbles the opponent by drawing the head and
arm into him.

Fig. 28: Head and arm breakdown, first phase.

Note: This technique can also be issued from a head-on orientation.

Double under-head hold: The wrestler places both arms beneath the
armpits of the opponent and applies his hands to the other player's neck at as
high a point as possible relative to the head. He then forces the head down
until the opponent drops onto his shoulders.
Fig. 29: Double overhead hold, first phase.

Fig. 30: Double under-head hold phase one.

 Fig. 31: Double under-head hold phase two.

Double under-head hold: The offensive wrestler (above) applies a

double under-head hold by passing his own head beneath the chest of his
opponent.
He brings the opponent down by squeezing with both hands and
pushing with his head against the defender’s chest.
Note: We will discuss other head attacks such as the necktie and the
force collar in a section on dangerous techniques.

GROUNDED HIP ATTACKS

Simple turnover: The wrestler sets himself facing the left side of his
opponent, applies a head-hold with his left hand, and passes his right arm
beneath the stomach of the other player, bringing it back as close as possible
to the thighs.
He forces the opponent's head to the mat, toppling him.
 Fig. 32: Simple turnover.

Fig. 33: Belted turnover.

Belted turnover: The offensive wrestler has his right knee on the mat
as he applies the headhold with his left hand, belting the opponent with his
right arm.
He topples the defender by forcing his head to the mat as he falls to his
own left shoulder.

Fig. 34: Side belt, first phase.

Fig. 35: Side belt, second phase.

Side belt: The attacking wrestler belts the opponent and squeezes him
to his own right hip, his hands interlaced at the level of the left hip.
He falls to his left shoulder while hoisting the opponent who falls
across him (see above), both shoulders coming to the mat.

Side hip lift: The offensive wrestler belts the adversary with his right
arm and places his left hand on the other player's left shoulder.
He draws the opponent strongly to his right hip, falls to his own left
shoulder and topples the other player without letting go of his belt-hold.

Fig. 36: Side hip lift.

 Fig. 37: Belt over, phase one.

Fig. 38: Belt over, phase two.

Belt over: The wrestler places his right knee on the ground between
the legs of the defender. He belts the other player as low as possible to the
hips and clasps his hands (see fig. 37).
 He pops his hips up and lifts the adversary as he goes to his left
shoulder (above) and topples the other player.

Fig. 39: Reverse belt, phase one.

 Fig. 40: Reverse belt finish.

Reverse belt: The attacker has his left knee on the mat and is facing
the other player's feet as he applies the belt as low to the defender’s hips as
possible.
He falls to his left shoulder and turns the opponent who lands on both
of his shoulders (fig. 40).
 STANDING TECHNIQUES
The following standing techniques are divided into attacks on the
shoulders, arms, head, and hips.

Standing shoulder attacks

Fig. 41: Shoulder hold phase one.

 Fig. 42: Double shoulder hold phase one.

Fig. 43: Double shoulder hold finish.

Shoulder hold: After snapping the opponent's neck down, or coming

from a low guard, the attacker slides his right arm beneath the left armpit of
the adversary while his left arm goes across the defender’s back, and he
clasps his hands. He pulls the opponent to him, drops to his left knee, and
brings the other player down.
Double shoulder hold: After snapping the neck down or from a low
guard the offensive wrestler slides his right arm beneath the left armpit of the
opponent and applies his left hand to the other player's right shoulder (see fig.
42). The attacker now turns the opponent with force, going down to his left
knee (above) and toppling the other man.
The German key: After snapping the opponent's neck down the
attacking wrestler slides his right arm beneath the left armpit of the
opponent. His left hand is on the opponent's neck, and he grabs the left wrist
with his right hand. He imprisons the other player's left arm tight against his
chest.
Falling to his knees the attacker turns the opponent, puts his head to the
mat, and topples him.

Fig. 44: The German key.

 Standing arm attacks

Flying arm throw: The offensive wrestler seizes the left arm of the
opponent with his right hand at the wrist with his left hand taking the triceps.
He pivots on his left foot and turns around, passing the left arm of the
opponent over his own left shoulder at the armpit (see below).
The attacker falls to his knees and puts his head to the mat as he pops
his hips up to send the defender over his head such that the other player lands
on his shoulders (fig. 46). The arm hold is maintained.

Fig. 45: Flying arm throw phase one.

 Fig. 46: Flying arm throw finish.

Simple arm roll: The offensive wrestler grabs the opponent's right
wrist with his own right hand and passes it under his own left armpit. He
immediately grabs the right arm of the other player at the inside of the elbow
with his own left hand (below). Pivoting on the toes of his left foot the
attacker takes a step with his right foot and rolls the other player's arm
beneath his own right arm without letting go with the left hand.
He now brings his head to the mat (fig. 49) as the opponent falls over
his hips.
The defender is toppled as the attacker pivots on his head, and then the
attacker throws his body across the other player to collapse his bridge.
Fig. 47: Simple arm roll phase one.

Fig. 48: Simple arm roll phase two.

 Fig. 49: Simple arm roll phase three.

Under arm roll: The attacker grabs the opponent's left wrist with his
right hand, fingers to the outside. He also grabs the opponent by the right
wrist with his left hand with his fingers to the inside (fig. 50).
He rolls the right arm of the opponent under his left arm and traps it.
At the same time he takes the opponent's head under his left arm, bringing the
chin to the inside of his elbow (fig. 51).
The attacker goes to the mat on the side of the trapped arm, bringing
the other player down with him such that the opponent's back is on his chest.
 Fig. 50: Under-arm roll first movement.

Fig. 51: Under-arm roll second movement.

 Double under arm roll: The offensive wrestler grabs the opponent by
the left wrist with his right hand, fingers facing inward. He grabs the
defender’s right wrist with his left hand, the fingers facing inward (below).
The offensive player throws the opponent's crosswise (fig. 53) while
forcing the other player's head beneath his stomach at as low a point as
possible, imprisoning both arms beneath his bent arms, wrists still trapped.
The attacker pops his hips to raise the opponent, then twists under the
defender to face the opposite direction (fig. 54) sending him to both
shoulders.

Fig. 52: Double under-arm roll, phase one.

Fig. 53: Double under-arm roll phase two.

Fig. 54: Double under-arm roll finish.

 Note: The double under-arm roll can be a dangerous technique and
must be applied with caution.

Standing head attacks

Head throw: From guard position the attacker pivots on his left foot
and brings his right foot to meet the right foot of the opponent. He grabs the
opponent's head (below) and clasps his hands behind the other player's neck.
The attacker drops to his knees and pops his hips to throw the opponent
over onto his shoulders without letting go of the head.

Fig. 55: Head throw, first movement.

 Fig. 56: Head throw, finish.

Hip and head throw: The offensive wrestler grabs the right arm of the
opponent at the wrist with his own right hand. With his left hand he seizes
the other player's elbow.
The attacker pulls the other player's hand under his own left armpit and
traps it (below).
Pivoting on his left foot he traps the opponent's head in the crook of his
right arm, loading the other player's stomach onto his right hip.
The attacker drops to his knees and brings his head to the mat as he lifts
the opponent.
He raises his hips to flip the opponent and topple him while
maintaining his grips.
 Fig. 57: Head & hip throw phase one.

Fig. 58: Head & hip throw phase two.

Note: We will also speak of standing attacks on the head such as the
necktie and the force collar. They fall under the section involving dangerous
techniques.
 Standing belt techniques

Fig. 59: Front belt, first movement.

Fig. 60: Front belt, second phase.

Fig. 61: Front belt third phase.

 Front belt: The offensive wrestler belts the opponent at the hips,
seizing his own left wrist with his right hand. He places his head against the
other player's chest (fig. 59) and sets his stiffened right leg behind him.
The attacker brings his feet somewhat close together, his knees bent.
He lifts the opponent (fig. 60) coming to a full stand.
He swings the defender from left to right and sets his left knee to the
mat to catch the knee on his right thigh (above) all while maintaining a tight
belt.
The attacker withdraws his right leg and topples the adversary,
applying weight to the other player with his chest while maintaining his grips.
Note: The front belt can be applied following a feint, or by throwing
the other player's arms apart, or following a shoulder hold, etc.

Fig. 62: Side belt.

 Side belt: The offensive wrestler belts the opponent from the side,
seizing his right wrist with his left hand. He sets his right leg behind the
opponent, his feet somewhat apart and his knees bent.
To execute the throw he proceeds as he would for the front belt.

Fig. 63: Side belt trip, first movement.

 Side belt trip: Following up on a neck attack the wrestler moves the
adversary such that he is to the other man's left. He belts the opponent from
the side and clasps his hands.
Dropping to his left knee (below) he brings the opponent down such
that the other man's left side lands on his right thigh.

Fig. 64: Side belt trip second phase.

With the opponent balanced on his right thigh, the wrestler withdraws
his left belting arm and uses the newly freed hand to seize the opponent's
tricep.
He withdraws his right thigh to topple the adversary while bringing his
right hand to trap the defender's other arm (below) at the tricep.

Fig. 65: Side belt trip finish.

 Side belt hip throw: The attacker steps deep behind the opponent with
his left leg and belts the opponent from the front, clasping his hands. He
brings his right foot up beside his left foot, then bends his left leg again to
load the defender's left hip onto his own left hip. He falls to his right knee
bringing the adversary along and catching him in a balanced manner on his
left thigh.

Fig. 66: Side belt hip throw, second phase.

 Fig. 67: Side belt hip throw third phase.

The attacker removes his left thigh and topples the opponent while
maintaining his belt and applying his bodyweight to the other player.
Hip throw with an arm: This technique is applied like the preceding
one, but here the attacking player uses only his left arm for the belt while he
also grabs his opponent at the inside of his left elbow.

Fig. 68: Hip throw with an arm.

Fig. 69: Left arm drag.

Fig. 70: Right arm drag.

 Rear belt: This move is preceded by an arm drag (see above).
The offensive wrestler grabs the opponent's left arm at the wrist with
his own left hand, while his right seizes the other player's left arm at the level
of the tricep.
He yanks the adversary toward him and forces the other man to turn,
then belts him from behind, grabbing his own left wrist with his right hand.

FIg. 71: Rear belt first movement.

The wrestler brings his feet together and bends his knees.
He stands up straight to lift the adversary.
Passing his right arm beneath the opponent's right armpit he sets his
hand on the other player's head.
He now executes the third step of the front belt without letting go.
He removes his right thigh to topple the opponent and maintains his
hold on the head.
 Fig. 72 (left) & 73 (right)

Fig. 74: Rear belt phase four.

 Over the top: The wrestler seizes the left arm of the opponent for an
arm drag and then belts him from behind with his right arm. He then uses his
left hand to trap the left arm of the opponent at the level of the elbow. He
forces his left hip against the left buttock of the defender.
The attacker rolls the opponent over his hip (fig. 76) to land on his left
buttock and shoulder and then forces the other man to both shoulders.

Fig. 75: Over the top, first movement.

 Fig. 76: Over the top finish.

Belt swing: The wrestler belts the opponent from behind, his left leg
bent and his right leg stiffened.
He applies his head to the shoulder blade of the opponent.
The wrestler brings his feet together, his knees bent.
He stands up tall, lifting the adversary.
 Fig. 77: Belt swing phase four.

He swings the other player from left to right, brings his own left knee to
the mat, and catches the opponent on his right thigh as he maintains his belt
strongly.
With the adversary balanced on his right thigh, the attacker abandons
the belt with his left arm and uses the newly freed hand to grab the opponent's
right tricep (above).
Removing his right thigh he topples the opponent and immediately
takes the other player's left tricep in his right hand.

Inverted belt: This move can be used when facing a low guard or
after employing a snapdown, etc.
The offensive wrestler belts the defender, clasping his hands beneath
the other man's abdomen (fig. 78) as near to the hips as possible.
The attacker brings his feet together and bends his knees.
 He comes to a full stand, lifting the opponent such that the other
player's head (fig. 79) hangs above the mat. Taking the other man's shoulders
upon his bent thighs and keeping his belt very tight he allows the other man
to slide to the mat, making sure to force the opponent to bend at the hips.

Note: This dangerous technique must be executed with prudence and

awareness - one must not drop the other player.

Fig. 78: Inverted belt, first movement.

Fig. 79: Inverted belt phase two.

Fig. 80: Inverted belt finish.

 COUNTERS & BLOCKS

When on defense, a player can do several basic things. First, he can

simply block the attacker's technique using strength against strength. Second,
he can choose not to oppose the attack - the wrestler can simply remain
supple and keep his shoulders off of the mat. Third, the player receiving the
technique can issue a counterattack after pursuing the first two options.
Here we would also take the time to define some common terms used
often in wrestling:

Fig. 81: Flatten out.

Flatten out: Go flat to the mat with elbows tight to the body,
spreading the legs to stifle any inertia applied by your attacker. Use this
method to catch your breath.
 Fig. 82: Bridge.

Bridge: The bridge is the king of counters, and it allows one to avoid
pinning. A good wrestler can also counterattack from the bridge.
In a bridge the hips are high and the weight of the body rests only upon
the head and the heels.
Takedown: This means to lift the opponent and direct his fall to your
advantage.

ground Counters

We cannot begin to show all of the counters and blocks to be used for
all of the many offensive techniques.
Here we limit ourselves to those methods which are among the
simplest and the most instinctual.
In the course of grappling a skilled wrestler can display the most
ingenious improvisations, and has a game that is hugely diverse.
 Fig. 83: Flatten out to counter a shoulder hold.

Fig. 84: Bridging to counter a shoulder hold.

Shoulder hold: If the attacker applies the shoulder hold you can
flatten out and move a leg toward him. You can also bridge.

Double shoulder hold: Flatten out and spread your legs wide. Bridge.
 Fig. 85: Arm roll vs. a breakdown attempt.

Fig. 86: Stand up to counter an arm breakdown.

 Fig. 87: Counter an arm breakdown with a front belt.

Fig. 88: Counter an arm breakdown with an arm roll.

Arm hold: 1. Flatten out. 2. Roll both of his arms beneath your
armpit to force him to let go. 3. Rise up forcefully. 4. Reply with a forward
belt or an arm roll.
Head hold: Flatten yourself perpendicular to the attacker.
 Fig. 89: Flatten to counter an arm roll.

Belt attack: Flatten out and bridge.

Fig. 90: Fling the arm free to escape a head hold.

Grounded head hold: Remove the attacked arm and the opposite side
leg. Remove your shoulder and reply with an arm roll.

Double grounded head hold: Stand up and reply with an under arm
roll when the attacker releases you.
Fig. 91: Stand up to counter a head hold.
 Double under head hold: Bridge.

The German key: Free your shoulder, stand up, or flatten out. Reply
with a front belt.

Side belt: Bridge, then reply with an arm roll.

Reverse belt: Flatten out and tense your body or bridge. Reply by
bridging on top of the opponent, applying your weight to him.

Fig. 92: Flatten to counter a reverse belt.

Side belt trip: Bridge, then reply with an arm roll.

Rear belt: Flatten out or bridge, then reply with an arm roll.
 Standing Counters

Shoulder attack counter: Go to the mat, then reply with an arm roll.

Fig. 93: Lunge in against an arm roll.

Arm roll counter: Lunge toward the side on which you're being
loaded, then bridge. Reply with a rear shoulder hold, a side belt, or a rear
belt.
 Fig. 94 (left) & 95 (right)
Using the side & rear belt, respectively, to counter an arm roll.

Flying arm throw counter: Throw yourself back pressing your free
hand to the attacker's side. Reply with a double rear shoulder hold.
 Fig. 96: Stepping deep to counter the arm throw.

Fig. 97: Counter an arm throw by posting on his back.

 Double under arm roll counter: Throw yourself back and go to the
mat. Reply with a rear belt.

Fig. 98: Reply to the double arm roll with an inverted belt.

Head and hip throw counter: Throw yourself toward the side upon
which you are being hoisted. Reply with a belted hip throw or a rear belt
once you have free your head.
 Fig. 99: A belted hip throw to counter a head and arm throw.

Neck pull counter: Free your head and go to a front belt.

Head throw counter: Throw yourself back with your hands pressed
to the sides of the opponent, or bridge.
Reply with a rear belt, a simple or double shoulder hold, or a belted
trip.
Fig. 100: Step back & post vs. head throw.

Fig. 101: Rear belt as a counter to a head throw.

 Front belt counter: 1. Bring your hand to the opponent's chest and
lunge back. 2. Imprison the opponent's arms under yours and lunge back. 3.
Bridge. Reply with 1. a standing arm roll, 2. a head and hip throw, or 3. a
head throw.

Fig. 102: Shoving to counter a front belt.

 Fig. 103: Imprison the arms vs. front belt.

Side belt counter: 1. Lunge toward the side where you're being
loaded up, 2. go to the mat, 3. seize the opponents head, 4. and bridge. Reply
with a head and hip throw.

Rear belt counter: 1. Go to the mat while seizing the opponent's

forearms. 2. Imprison his arms and arch your back. 3. Bridge.
Reply with an arm roll or a head throw.
 Fig. 104 (left) & 105 (right):
Counter an attempt at the rear belt by falling forward or by trapping the
opponent’s arms, respectively.

Fig. 106: Head throw vs. a rear belt.

 Reverse belt counter: 1. Flatten out. 2. Bring your hands to the mat
and use them as support. 3. Turn using your hips.
Reply with a double arm roll.

Fig. 107: Countering an inverted belt.

Fig. 108: Twisting to break the inverted belt.
 SPARRING

Qualities of a good grappler: Once you have learned the core

techniques of wrestling along with their blocks and counters, you can begin
to spar.
In sparring one needs to have a level head, endurance, strength, and
flexibility. These are all developed over time, but the first, which is a
combination of courage, audaciousness, decisiveness, and indifference to
suffering, is the main virtue of a wrestler.

Length of sessions: The duration of sparring varies according to skill

level. In the beginning three minutes of full-force grappling will bring the
average man to the limits of endurance. To maximize the capacities of two
men of middling skill, a rest every five minutes will be needed.

Referee: Sparring begins and ends when the referee blows his whistle.
His word is law. When the referee sees fit he will move the opponents back
to the center of the mat and the match will recommence at the same point
where it left off.
 DANGEROUS TECHNIQUES

Fig. 109: Standing necktie

We have classed the necktie among “dangerous techniques” even

though it is allowed within the confines of standard French wrestling. It must
be applied with caution, as an inexperienced wrestler might often confuse it
with the force collar which is not allowed in any sanctioned competition.
Grounded necktie: The attacking wrestler faces his opponent and
traps the defender’s chin in the crook of his left arm. At the same time he
grabs the chin with his right hand and squeezes the defender’s head to his
chest.
The offensive player rolls to a shoulder while maintaining his hold,
bringing the opponent's shoulder to the mat.
Grounded force collar: The wrestler faces his opponent and grabs his
head with his left arm, trapping it beneath his left armpit.
 He immediately grabs the opponent's right wrist with his left hand and
sets his right palm on the other player's left shoulder.
He forces the trapped player's shoulders to the mat through a slow and
continuous torsion.
Reverse force collar: The attacker passes his left arm under the neck
of the opponent (below) and grabs his own right wrist with his left hand.
He presses his right hand onto the head of his opponent.
He applies pressure until the opponent falls.
Note: This can also be performed by passing the right arm beneath the
neck.

Fig. 110: Reverse force collar.

Standing necktie: The wrestler grabs the opponent's neck with his left
hand, takes a step with his right foot, and imprisons the other man's chin in
the crook of his right elbow.
He immediately sets his left palm on the left cheek of the opponent near
the chin.
 Figure 111: Force collar

Fig. 112: Countering the force collar

 Standing force collar: Snapping the opponent's head down with his
right arm the wrestler imprisons the other player's neck beneath his left arm
and grabs his right wrist with his left hand, setting the right palm against the
left shoulder of the other player.
He topples the adversary through a slow and continuous pressure.