Popularly referred to as \u201cSwiss wrestling\u201d is a Central European combat form known as Schwingen. This \u201cgrappling\u201d style of combat is said to have originated from Switzerland, and is mainly popular in the German speaking region of the country. Furthermore, this form of combat is supposed to be the national sport along with Hornussen and Steinstossen. In addition, wrestlers in this form of wrestling wear \u201cwrestling breeches\u201d popularly known as \u201cSchwingerhosen\u201d. The first official \u201cSchwingen\u201d tournament was organized at a festival known as \u201cUnspunnenfest\u201d in the year 1805.<\/p>\n
a. History\/origin of the Schwingen: <\/strong><\/p>\n The origins of Schwingen as a form of Swiss folk wrestling cannot be determined since no official records are available. However, there are a few records available which prove that wrestling did exist in Switzerland during the medieval period. In fact, a 13th<\/sup> century image located in the \u201cCathedral of Lusanne\u201d illustrates a form wrestling that was used frequently in the Swiss society. Furthermore, it is said that Schwingen as a form of wrestling first made its presence felt in the Alpine society during the 17th<\/sup> century. In addition, it was in the year 1805 during a festival known as \u201cUnspunnenfest\u201d that a Schwingen tournament was for the first time officially organized. It was eventually in 1895 that an organization known as \u201cEidgen\u00f6ssischer Schwingerverband\u201d was created so as to promote and manage \u201cSchwingen\u201d as a sport within the country by helping wrestlers better their technique, and by modifying rules of this combat style generally used in tournaments.<\/p>\n b. Weapon used in the Schwingen: \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Since \u201cgrappling\u201d technique is used in Schwingen, the main weapon used is the \u201chand\u201d of the wrestler.<\/p>\n c. Technique involved in the Schwingen and training availability: <\/strong><\/p>\n In terms of technique, the primary objective of a wrestler is to attempt to throw the opponent on his back. \u00a0Furthermore, \u00a0move such as \u201cthrows\u201d which are locally known as \u201ckurz\u201d, \u201c\u00fcbersprung\u201d and \u201cwyberhaagge\u201d are mainly used by a wrestler to overcome an opponent in this form of wrestling. In addition, a maximum of ten points can be won (by the victor) during a duel of Schwingen. As for training centers\/schools, there are a few available especially in Switzerland for those interested in learning this \u201cgrappling\u201d combat form.<\/p>\n