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We're excited to announce that Scotfest 2026 will feature a competition that hasn't been seen in Oklahoma before: Scottish Backhold Wrestling. This ancient grappling tradition is making its debut at our festival, and we couldn't be more thrilled to bring this piece of Scottish heritage to life!

🤼 What is Backhold Wrestling?

Scottish Backhold Wrestling is one of the oldest forms of wrestling in the world, with roots stretching back over a millennium. This traditional combat sport was practiced by Scottish warriors and clansmen, passed down through generations as a test of strength, technique, and honor.

Unlike modern wrestling styles, Backhold Wrestling has a unique starting position: competitors stand chest-to-chest, with their right arm over their opponent's left shoulder and their left arm under the opponent's right arm, gripping hands behind the back. This "backhold" grip must be maintained throughout the match—lose the grip, and you lose the round.

📋 How Does It Work?

The rules of Backhold Wrestling are deceptively simple, but mastering the sport takes years of practice:

• The Grip: Wrestlers begin in the traditional backhold position with hands clasped behind each other's backs
• The Objective: Force any part of your opponent's body (other than their feet) to touch the ground
• The Rules: The backhold grip must be maintained at all times—breaking the grip results in a restart or penalty
• Victory: Best of three falls wins the match
• No Leg Holds: Unlike other wrestling styles, tripping or using leg holds is not permitted—it's all about upper body strength and technique

🏆 Competition at Scotfest 2026

Our inaugural Backhold Wrestling competition will feature multiple weight classes and skill levels, welcoming both experienced grapplers and newcomers to the sport:

• Open Division: For experienced wrestlers and martial artists
• Novice Division: Perfect for first-timers who want to try this ancient sport
• Youth Division: Ages 12-17 with modified rules for safety
• Demonstration Matches: Watch expert wrestlers showcase advanced techniques

👨‍🏫 Learn from the Masters

We're bringing in championship wrestlers from Scotland to judge the competition and conduct workshops throughout the weekend. Whether you're a spectator or a competitor, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Watch live demonstrations of proper technique and form
• Attend beginner workshops to learn the basics
• Participate in Q&A sessions with master wrestlers
• Learn about the history and cultural significance of the sport
• Try it yourself in supervised practice sessions

🌟 Why We're Excited

Backhold Wrestling represents everything we love about Scottish heritage—it's a tradition that combines physical prowess with honor, respect, and centuries of history. Unlike the more commonly known Highland heavy athletics (caber toss, hammer throw), Backhold Wrestling offers a more intimate, technical competition that showcases skill and strategy.

This addition to Scotfest means we're not just celebrating Scottish culture—we're actively preserving and promoting traditions that risk being forgotten. By introducing Backhold Wrestling to a new audience in Oklahoma, we're helping keep this ancient art alive for future generations.

🎯 Beyond Scotfest

We're also exploring the possibility of establishing an Oklahoma Backhold Wrestling Club for those who fall in love with the sport at Scotfest. If there's enough interest, we'll organize regular training sessions and potentially send a team to compete at the Scottish Championships in Scotland!

Have questions about Backhold Wrestling or want to express interest in competing? Contact us at [email protected]. Whether you're a seasoned wrestler or complete beginner, we welcome all skill levels!