Erik Paulson’s new landmark book Rough and Tumble explores the History of American Submission Wrestling in a way the style has never been looked at before. Erik worked with American Combat Association president Matt Granahan and researcher and author JD Dwyer to trace the history of catch wrestling throughout the world and explore the overwhelming influence the style has had on No Holds Barred Fighting and Mixed Martial Arts. In addition to their extensive research the authors sat down with the last living take on all comers carnival wrestlers to explore the history from a first hand perspective. From George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, to Mitsuyo Maeda’s background before teaching the Gracie Family to the dawn of the Ultimate Fighting Championships this book touches upon virtually every facet of the history of grappling. Rough and Tumble is guaranteed to captivate and enlighten fans, fighters and history buffs alike. $24.95 + shipping and handling.
“I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in MMA, wrestling, and martial arts.” Mark Hewitt author of Catch Wrestling and Catch Wrestling Round 2
“This book is excellent. I have recommended it to alot of people to read.” Kamal Shalorus olympic wrestler, European ADCC champion, undefeated WEC fighter
“I love the book and wish you guys lots of luck man I really do.” Neil Melanson, Randy Couture’s grappling instructor at Xtreme Couture Las Vegas
“Erik Paulson is the real deal. I would highly recommend this book to fans and fighters.” Gene Lebell
“Thank you for honoring the legends of wrestling’s past. Great book.” Charles Sloan, President of Classic Pro Wrestling
“These boys should be commended for helping to tell our story.” Frank Cain, one of America’s original mixed martial arts fighters and take on all comers carnival wrestler
Great book, good to see the true art being kept alive and the history revisited. A compelling read.
This is one of those books that I always wanted to see written. I wrestled in high school and college but it wasn’t until post college that I learned about submission wrestling and old school folkstyle/catch wrestling. Wrestlers have a more sensible alternative to bjj but alot of us don’t know it’s out there. This book did more to point that out than anything I have seen to date. The book also highlighted a history of American wrestling that has been lost over time. Thanks for writing it!
This is one of those books that I always wanted to see written. I wrestled in high school and college but it wasn’t until post college that I learned about submission wrestling and old school folkstyle/catch wrestling. Wrestlers have a more sensible alternative to bjj but alot of us don’t know it’s out there. This book did more to point that out than anything I have seen to date. The book also highlighted a history of American wrestling that has been lost over time. Thanks for writing it!
Awesome Awesome, looks like a fun book to read. Bring some with you when you come to the Oregon Camp this year Bro : )
Hey Robert, where and when is the Oregon camp? I looked in the seminars but most don’t say location.
This book is by far the best ever on this subject. Anyone who has “grappled” on the mat needs to read this tremendously well written and informative history of the “rough and tumble” world of the great sport of wrestling.