Wrestling is one of the oldest forms of the competitive battle for humans that allows for real exchanges without the potential for damage. This is perhaps why it has been around since people can remember – it was both a great skill to poses on the battlefield, as well as a great way t pass the time. To this day, wrestling is pretty much the foundation of every grappling-based martial art in the world. It comes in many different varieties and almost every culture in the world has its own version of wrestling. These are just some of the reasons why the following list of wrestling DVD instructionals is so huge – there s so much to learn about it!
Grappling is a vast aspect of martial arts. However, you look at it, though, there’s an aspect of wrestling in each grappling martial art or fighting system in existence today. Wrestling is everywhere and does have so much to offer to grapplers. It doesn’t matter if you are just looking to be a wrestler, an MMA fighter, or a well-rounded BJJ grappler – you need to learn more about wrestling. That is precisely what you can expect to happen if you pick up any of the 100+ wrestling DVD instructionals reviewed below!
The Best Wrestling DVD Instructionals Collection
How do you go about picking the best wrestling DVD out there? You don’t. There’s no one best wrestling DVD instructional out there. In fact, the best you could do is try to figure out one for every aspect of wrestling, but even then, you wouldn’t be able to compile a precise and comprehensive list. Namely, wrestling has to do with a lot more than just takedowns.
While most people mostly think of wrestling as a means to an end in terms of getting a fight to the ground, wrestling is a lot more than just that. There is immensely complex grip fighting, upper body positioning, clinching, entries into takedowns, mat returns, counter takedowns, pinning, transitioning, escapes … Virtually every aspect of grappling you can imagine is included in wrestling. And yes, that also means submissions, although that is more in the domain of catch wrestling rather than freestyle or Greco-Roman wrestling.
The approach we took to organizing all the wrestling DVD instructionals out there for everyone was to first focus on the ten best volumes that have been proven to help people improve radically in very little time. They offer a full introduction to wrestling, for beginners, and a whole host of tactics, tricks, and detail for those that are more seasoned. Moreover, they feature world-class coaches that have proven over and over again, at the biggest stages of combat sports, why wrestling is an essential skill that you simply must-have.
TOP 10 WRESTLING DVDs
Our top ten playlists of wrestling DVD instructional features some names from the grappling world you are bound to know, as well as some you might not be really familiar with unless you’re into pure wrestling. In any case, among the top ten, you’ll find everything required to build a top wrestling game – from fundamental mechanics to advanced setups, pins, and finishes.
Gold Medal Wrestling by Henry Cejudo
The little magician Henry Cejudo is the one that opens up our best wrestling DVD instructional guide. Henry is a famous UFC champion and one of the best wrestlers alive. In this particular instructional, he explores the fundamentals of wrestling, going through everything he did to win Olympic gold.
Wrestling Fundamentals From The Bad Guy by Chael Sonnen
Mr. bad Boy himself, Chael Sonnen is a household name in combat sports circles. Despite being one of the most entertaining fighters in the octagon, and instigator of mayhem, Chael also has a very high level of understanding of grappling, and most of all, wrestling. In this instructional, he covers all the fundamental aspects of takedowns, pins, escapes, and some combinations that are essential if you’re looking into learning how to wrestle.
Ultimate Askren Wrestling by Ben Askren
Ben Askren’s highly recognizable funk style of wrestling is a proven method of victory, both in the octagon and on the wrestling mats. In this 10-volume instructional, you will literally learn everything about each and ever more important aspect of wrestling, from stance and motion, all the way to some Crazy attacking combinations.
Defending No Gi Takedowns by Nick Rodriguez
Nick Rodriguez is another name you might recognize as one of the monsters of the Danaher Death Squad, giving everyone that faces him a very difficult match. Well, he may be a purple belt in BJJ, but he certainly is a highly experienced wrestler, as you would suspect. All of his wrestling concepts in terms of takedown defense are laid bare in this wrestling DVD. Master this easy system and you’ll hardly ever be taken down again, whether it is wrestling or BJJ.
Finishing The Single Leg Takedown: The Art of Chain Wrestling by Cain Velasquez
Another monstrous wrestler who you might recognize from the UFC. Cain was probably the most daunting UFC heavyweight ever and remains on the top of UFC wrestlers to this day. In this instructional, he offers a direct line to mastering one of wrestling’s most recognizable moves – the single-leg takedown. And he really does spare no details in doing so.
Wrestling For BJJ by Hudson Taylor
This wrestling DVD has helped me improve my game extremely. Even though you might not really recognize the name, Hudson is a real beast on the mat when it comes to wrestling. While still a blue belt in BJJ, he does have elite-level wrestling experience. In this DVD, he shares more than just takedowns, covering highly interesting and useful pins, leg rides, mat returns, etc., which are all meant to help BJJ athletes get better at wrestling.
The Cradle Machine by Ed Ruth
One of the best moves that wrestling has to teach every grappler out there has to be the cradle. It will help you get pins in wrestling, tie opponents up in BJJ, make sure you keep top position and utter dominance and wrestling, etc. It is a very powerful and versatile position that Ed Ruth breaks down to the tiniest detail in this wrestling DVD instructional.
Mastering Wrestling Defenses & Counter Attacks by Bo Nickal
Bo Nickal is one of the most recognizable names in modern day wrestling. He is fast, he is explosive, he is versatile and very, very technical. In this two-part instructional, Bo covers the crucial approach to wrestling defense, both standing and on the ground. Even more importantly, though, he covers counters to some of the most common wrestling moves which will turn your defense into offense in the blink of an eye.
Chain Wrestling Takedowns by Nazar Kulchytskyy
This DVD is intended to help people who already have an understanding of the takedown portions of wrestling connect everything into a meaningful and easy-to-use game. Chain wrestling is pretty much like submission chaining – it connects moves into each other, often creating loops that are quite impossible to get out of. If you have at last some knowledge of wrestling, then you definitely need to check this four-part instructional out!
The Bottom Formula: Escapes and Reversals by Bryan Pearsall
Finally, one for all the Houdinis of grappling out there. If you did not know, most of the escapes in any grappling martial art have a lot to do with wrestling, given that it was the first pinning art out there. In this wrestling DVD, Bryan Pearsall covers all the escapes and reversals you’ll ever need to stop your shoulders from hitting the ground simultaneously or to wiggle out of the toughest bottom position spots!
List Of Every Wrestling DVD Instructional Out There
The above instructionals might be the top 10 Wrestling DVD choices, but you are far from limited only to them. Let’s take a look at around 100 more titles that will teach you how to wrestle.
High Level Takedowns and Mat Control for Grapplers by Henry Cejudo
Once again a Henry Cejudo instructional kicks things off, this time covering both takedowns and different aspects of mat control and ground fighting.
Precision Foot Sweeps by Steve Mocco
One of the best ways to get people to the ground is foot sweeps. Most people want to throw or take people down, but they don’t realize that the easiest way to get someone to the ground is to trip them. that’s exactly what you get from this instructional!
Hand Fighting Fundamentals by Steve Mocco
You won’t be able to do much in either BJJ or wrestling if you can’t win the grip fighting battles. This wrestling DVD instructional contains all the secrets to winning most hand fighting exchanges you engage in.
The Iron Claw by Steve Mocco
One of the best wrestling DVD instructionals out there. Claw grips are a huge part of wrestling and heavily underutilized in other combat sports. That makes this particular DVD a silver bullet if you master the contents inside!
Effective Greco Roman Wrestling by Pat Smith
Greco Roman wrestling is one of the oldest styles of competitive wrestling. it is a highly complex and diverse system whose fundamentals have been thoroughly explained over the four volumes of this DVD.
Championship Wrestling Fundamentals Cowboy Offense by John Smith
A very cool 6 part DVD instructional covering pretty much everything that someone who is new to wrestling should know. It comes with a cool twist, though, courtesy of John Smith.
Championship Wrestling Fundamentals Cowboy Defense by John Smith
The perfect companion of the instructional above is this one, covering the other aspect of grappling – defensive tactics.
The Complete Over-Under System by Zack Esposito
One of the most commonly used grip configurations in grappling is the over-under. This is the wrestling DVD instructional that will teach you all about it.
Introduction To Youth Wrestling by Zack Esposito
You don’t have to be a kids coach to look into this instructional. While it will help you develop amazing classes for kids it is also perfect for complete beginners – it will teach you stuff that works at literally every level of grappling.
Championship Riding Systems by Zack Esposito
Learning how to do wrestling style rides is a skill that will make dealing with the turtle and controlling the back much easier for BJJ and MMA folks. Of course, it is a mandatory skill to have if you’re purely into wrestling.
Upper Body Takedowns For Grappling by Adam Wheeler
One of my favorite wrestling DVD instructionals that covers clinching from every possible aspect, and removes shooting for the legs as the only means of taking the fight to the ground.
Fundamental Folkstyle Wrestling by Adam Wheeler
Another one by Adam Wheeler, this time covering folkstyle wrestling fundamentals over four volumes very rich with content.
Takedowns to Back Control by Nick Rodriguez
Nick Rodriguez blends wresting with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in this instructional that perfectly ties together wrestling takedowns and BJJ back control
Dominating The Front Headlock by Dan Vallimont
One of my personal favorite wrestling positions is the front headlock. This Dan Valmont wrestling DVD instructional covers everything on the subject of the front headlock, from fundamentals to advanced.
The Russian Tie Formula by Dan Vallimont
The Russian tie is one of the most reliable ways of controlling people in wrestling, both standing and on the ground.
Effective High Crotch Attacks by Dan Vallimont
The high crotch is a wrestling classic, often used to finish takedowns when double or single leg attacks fail. That does not mean you can’t go straight for it though, and this is the DVD to teach you all about it.
The Underhook Formula by Dan Vallimont
Underhooks are irreplaceable as a means of control in combat sports. Unsurprisingly their roots are in wrestling and there are plenty of details that determine how successful you are with them.
Clearing Ties and Creating Action by Dan Vallimont
Winning grip fights will only work if you grip first, or are able to clear grips off of you and get dominant ones. Plenty of that in this wrestling DVD.
Next Level Defensive Fundamentals by Dan Vallimont
While most of the instructionals we cover are offensive, you can’t hope to be well-rounded as a grappler without defensive capabilities and tactics as well.
Single Leg Seat Belt Series and Mat Returns by Kyle Cerminara
The single leg takedown is one of the most utilized moves in grappling for a good reason – it works. However, it is not an easy move to master, as there are plenty of details o it. You can learn them all from this DVD.
The 2 on 1 Encyclopedia by Georgi Ivanov
The 2-on-1 (a.k.a. the Russian tie) as we mentioned, is one of the most effective ways of controlling people. This DVD is a true encyclopedia on the subject, with a very original system of organizing the information that makes it ultra-easy to use.
Effective Hand Fighting Explained by Georgi Ivanov
Another instructional covering the very underestimated art of hand fighting in grappling.
Magic Mat Work by Hudson Taylor
This is a wrestling DVD instructional that does not have a single takedown in it. This is because it covers mat work and ground control in extraordinary detail.
Dynamic Wrestling Takedowns For BJJ by J’Den Cox
This is an instructional that looks into footwork and movement as much as wrestling techniques for taking people down. Awesome for competitors.
Float Like a Butterfly by J’Den Cox
The secrets of not just taking people down, but also remaining in control of the top position without having to pin people down.
Defense Wins Championships by Kyle Dake
A defensive side to wrestling, but one that will ensure you can be safe for long enough to start using your offense and beat everyone.
Dynamic Wrestling Trips and Kick-Ups by Kendall Cross
One more wrestling DVD instructional that looks into the art of trips and kick-ups to get people to the ground.
Highlight Reel Upper Body Takedowns and Throws by Reece Humphrey
Upper body takedown to surprise people from the closest possible distance and get iron-clad control and unstoppable takedowns.
Highlight Reel Takedowns by Reece Humphrey
A takedown blueprint to connect all the most effective takedowns in a system that is as attractive as it is functional!
Perpetual Motion Offense by Jason Nolf
In wrestling, as long as you move, you can be safe and set up explosive and sudden attacks. The perpetual motion offense wrestling DVD will teach you how to achieve precisely that.
Total International Takedown Systems by Valentin Kalika
A wrestling DVD instructional that contains four volumes full of takedown options stemming from all over the world.
Winning First Contact by Zach Tanelli
Once again, focus on grip fighting by making sure you win the first contact of every exchange so that you can do what you wish with your opponents.
Scientific Shots by Ed Ruth
Shooting for takedowns is an art of itself within the art of wrestling that you have to master if you want to be successful as a grappler.
Defense Made Easy by Ed Ruth
No point in hunting for takedowns if you can’t stop them in the first place. This is instructional to make you unbeatable in that area of wrestling.
Smooth Wrestling Techniques by Ed Ruth
Stay loose, stay smooth, keep it flowing, and funky! This is the instructional that will teach you all about swagger when it comes to wrestling.
Aggressive Underhook Takedowns by Jacob Kasper
More on the subject of undehooks, this time in a more offensive and I daresay aggressive manner, courtesy of Jacob Kasper.
The Over-Under by Jacob Kasper
Kasper’s wrestling DVD instructionals should come as a set, give n that his over-under one builds off of the information in the underhooks instructional.
The Single Leg Takedown by Jimmy Sheptock
Four volumes full of key information on grips, posture, ways of finishing, and recovering the single leg takedown in wrestling.
Wrestling Entries for Grapplers by Kody Steele
Kody Steele will teach you how to enter into the moves you already know how to do, which is arguable, the most important part of any grappling exchange.
Overhoook and Underhook Mastery by Blaize Cabell
Over unders to enter into upper body control, set up takedowns, and stop people from getting you to the ground.
The Art of Misdirection Wrestling by Mario Mason
One of my favorite wrestling DVD instructionals ever. In it, Mario Mason shares the ultimate system to confuse and misdirect opponents while you are setting up your wrestling moves.
Bo Knows Takedowns by Bo Nickal
Bo Nickal is one of the top wrestlers out there. This instructional outlines his takedowns system piece by piece, with all the key aspects behind his explosive execution of moves laid bare.
Systemic Cradles and Pinning Combinations by Bo Nickal
Bo Nickal does not stop just with takedowns, continuing into a very effective cradle system that’ll help you pin and control everyone on the ground.
Ankle Picks From Everywhere by Bryan Pearsall
A real wrestling classic that is definitely not being as used as it should be. This wrestling DVD will help you re-discover ankle picks along with a bunch of ways to set them up and finish them.
Cage Control by Mick Hall
While this one is primarily meant for MMA fighters, learning how to control people up against a cage, ropes, or a wall is a grappling skill everyone needs to develop.
Underhook Domination by Gabe Dean
Another day, another underhooks wrestling DVD instructional. Over four parts, Gabe Dean shares some key secrets to making the single and double underhooks work for everyone.
The Basic Building Blocks Of Wrestling by Jacob Harman
Fundamentals of wrestling organized in blocks that are easy to learn and build upon.
Action Reaction Takedowns by Deron Winn
At the highest levels of grappling, the moment someone does a move the other person reacts looking to counter and directly flow into their own game. Learn this action-reaction aspect to wrestling to the tiniest detail, with the help of this DVD.
Creating Offense Everywhere by Zach Sanders
One of the most boring things is when two grapplers circle each other without engaging. This wrestling DVD will help you learn how to make people engage, and how to use smart offense to get what you want.
Wrestling Control Ties by Kerry McCoy
While wrestling might seem chaotic, especially in the sense of takedowns, there is a lot of control to it. This is the instructional that will teach you all about controlling grappling exchanges.
Unorthodox High Percentage Offense by Pat Downey
Be unpredictable with your attacks, thanks to the crazy combinations in this two-part wrestling DVD instructional.
Flipping The Switch by Helen Maroulis
Let Helen Maroulis help you flip the switch and turn every scramble into an advantage for you.
Takedown to Breakdown by Ethan Lizak
Don’t just take people down, make sure you break them down completely so they don’t even think about getting back up to their feet.
The BackPack System by Ethan Lizak
Whether you’re on the ground or standing when you get behind someone, become a backpack that is impossible to remove with this interesting system.
Creating Explosive Takedowns by Stephen Neal
Create explosive takedowns without having to rely on explosive power, but rather timing and precise movement.
Wrestle From Home Hand Fighting Drills & Workouts by Logan Stieber
Amazing hand fighting drills and workouts that you can do at home to improve your grip fighting skills.
World Championship Takedowns by Logan Stieber
Nothing but proven world championship level takedowns in this instructional that will turn you into a wrestling monster!
Defensive Dominance by Logan Stieber
Be dominant, but from a defensive standpoint, by building an impregnable fortress with these defensive tips and tricks.
The Armbar Blueprint by Logan Stieber
A blueprint to wrestling armbars, AKA bar arms which are highly underused in other areas of grappling rather than wrestling.
The Head Inside Single Leg Takedown by Tyler Caldwell
Keep your head on both sides during executing single legs. This is the instructional that will teach you all about posture, grips, and head position for single leg takedowns.
Quick Draw Defense by Tyler Caldwell
Be lightning quick with your defense, and surprise people with your speed in defending.
Creative Counter Wrestling Tricks by David McFadden
For those already familiar with wrestling up to a certain point, counter wrestling is the next logical step. learn how to counter attacks and turn the tables to truly become world-class.
Power Underhooks by Mike Letts
Another underhooks instructional, going in-depth with entries, control, and underhook based takedown entries.
The Wright Way Takedown System by Brandon Wright
An interesting take on setting up and finishing takedowns by Brandon Wright.
Collar Tie Attacks and Fundamental Takedowns by Dustin Schlatter
The collar tie is one of the must-have skills in grappling, and you will definitely need it to set up and fend off wrestling attacks. This is the perfect wrestling DVD to teach you all about them.
Attack The Takedown by Sean Russell
Be aggressive and direct with your takedown attacks by blending them together into a chain of unstoppable attacks.
The Sniper Scoring System by Joey Mckenna
This is a wrestling DVD that teaches nothing but extremely precise attacks that will have you achieve your goal with surgical precision.
Creative Cuban Offense and Scrambling by Frank Chamizo
Cuban wrestling is one of the most famous in the world. Discover why with this 4 volume Frank CHamizo wrestling DVD instructional.
Matrix Defense by Frank Chamizo
A very cool name for a very cool system of defensive wrestling fundamentals.
High-Efficiency High Crotch Attacks by Nestor Taffur
The high crotch can do wonders for you if you figure out the tiny details that make it work for Olympic-level wrestlers. Check this instructional out.
THE TAKEDOWN PASSPORT BY BEKZOD ABDURAKHMINOV
An in-depth look into that eastern European style of wrestling that everyone seems to be trying to learn these days.
The Complete Bottom Wrestling System by Jon Morrison
Wrestling is not just about takedowns and pins – you’ll also need to know how to wrestle when you’re the person on the bottom. This three-part DVD contains the perfect blueprint to start understanding this crucial grappling skill.
Dominating The Top Position by Chris Perry
That said, you still want to be the person on top in every exchange in every grappling martial art in the world. here’s how to get on top and stay on top.
Scoring Takedowns From Control Ties by Chris Perry
Here’s how to turn all those tie-ups that are easy to get to into takedowns that are notoriously difficult to finish. This wrestling DVFD is all about them transitions!
Relentless Collar Tie Offense by Thomas Gilman
Once you get a collar tie, never lose it, regardless if it leads to takedown or you have to re-adjust.
Modern Misdirection Attacks by Myles Martin
Grappling us all about misdirections and feint,s and this wrestling DVD instructional is one of the best on that subject.
The High Crotch Takedown Manual by Nate Tomasello
High-level lessons on the high crotch takedown, from entries to finishes, courtesy of Nate Tomasello.
How To Shoot And Score At Any Weight Class by Nick Gwiazdowski
This is one instructional that is awesome for everyone but particularly useful to smaller grapplers. It’ll teach you all about dealing with opponents of all shapes and sizes.
Winning Mat Wrestling by Nick Gwiazdowski
Winning mat wrestling is actually the part of wrestling that you’ll most often have to win in order to get through a match or a fight.
Winning With The Front Headlock & Leg Attacks by Tony Ramos
The front headlock is one of the marks of old-school wrestling and it is definitely a huge part of modern grappling as well. This wrestling DVD will help you not only master it but also connect it to leg takedowns as well.
Winning Wrestling Transitions by Dan Neff
Transitions are where you win most grappling battles, regardless of it is wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or MMA.
Movement Made Easy by Jordan Oliver
Float like a butterfly… If it is true for boxing then it is true for wrestling, and this instructional will teach you how to dance around opponents until you decide to take them down.
High-Octane Takedown Fundamentals by Thomas Gantt
Go into a higher gear and start taking everyone down without mercy by utilizing the lessons from this wrestling DVD.
The Takedown Playbook by Daniel DeShazer
A real playbook for those looking to learn how to take people down with wrestling takedowns.
The Bread & Butter Sweep Single by Matt McDonough
One of the best wrestling based instructionals ever is the bread and butter sweep single. It is something different, to say the least, and you’ll have to get it if you want to learn what is inside. Highly recommended!
The Georgian Takedown System by Vladimer Khinchegashvili
A Georgian system of wrestling that employs some takedowns and setups that western wrestlers are not really used to. Amazing!
Money Takedowns and Top Work by Bryce Meredith
A great combo of takedowns and top pins that tie together perfectly and are easy to implement in your game.
High Impact Re-Attacks & Counters by Nate Jackson
Becoming a counter wrestler is really the way to go if you don’t want to shoot too much. This instructional will teach you how to re-attack, an interesting concept that is also very applicable to Jiu-Jitsu.
The Cramm Takedown System by Nate Jackson
Nate Jackson has a real gem in this wrestling DVD, outlining how the Cramm Takedown system works and offering great ways of putting it into practice.
Shutdown Defense by Victor Avery
Another instructional for those that already have a solid base in wrestling. This one will help you completely render most defense systems useless so that you can attack at will.
Attacking Below The Knee by Mitch Finesilver
Low grip takedowns are not seen too often, apart from the ankle pick but they do work like a charm. Check out the foundations of every “below the knee” attack in wrestling.
Mobbin’ On Top by Anthony Ashnault
Mb all your opponents after winning top position to a point when they simply choose to give up.
Dynamic European Takedowns by Boris Novachkov
Another take on European wrestling systems which, as expected, is highly dynamic and explosive in nature.
Systematic Wrist Exchange Attacks by Johnni Dijulius
highly specific grip fighting instructional that will teach you how to protect your wrists and conquer those of your opponents with ease.
Slick Setups and Fundamental Finishes by Nahshon Garrett
Be slick bot hon the feet and on the mats with these awesome setups and finishes by Nahshon Garrett.
Gold Rush Takedowns by Chase Pami
One of the best named wrestling DVD instructionals ever, Gold Rush Takedowns will teach you how to overwhelm opponents with your attacks.
Hit Them With The Earth by Nick Heflin
An instructional that has helped me immensely to master takedowns, this two-part DVD can teach even complete beginners all about organizing their wrestling attacks.
The European Over/Under System by Zoheir El Ouarraqe
Wrestling over unders with extra European gravy.
Brick Wall Defense by Hayden Zillmer
A DVD that looks into the foundations of any defensive game in wrestling, and a must for everyone involved in grappling.
High Level Takedown Progressions by CJ Brucki
Wrestling is not just about throwing random techniques together, but rather about progressing through a very clear path. Learn all about those progressions from this wrestling DVD instructional.
In Conclusion
You can learn a lot about wrestling from digital instructionals and DVDs. In fact, It is precisely how I learned so much that people often say to me I move like a have a wrestling background. I don’t. What I have are some of the best wrestling DVD instructionals that cover every aspect of grappling, from standing to mat control and escapes. Try it for yourself and see how much you can learn this way.
