Question for Dave about "Crayling"

Hi Dave, in your article (on SFUK) about Lancashire CACC, you have mentioned that this Submission Wrestling style originated from an indigenous form of wrestling called "Crayling" used by Anglo-Saxon and celtic people. Can you explain in more details what exatly is it? Can you add more info?
Thanks and sorry for my english.

Hi mate .. sorry for the delay in answering you..

Crayling along with Pag and Purring are or rather were old indigenous English/Anglo Saxon combat arts..

Crayling was the originator of most of the Catch Styles, and the word comes from a root word from the WOOL trade... Hanks, Creels and Crayles all being terms used in the manufacture of wool then re-used in theri wrestling systems.. these words are northern english, when Lancashire was known as the county Palatine (and England was known as Albion)
Most 'wool fairs' held at regualr intervals throughout the year (similar to the Nottingham Goose fairs that are still held) used to have wrestling matches with prizes. The North Lancashire, Cumbrian and Yorkshire wrestlers used to win everything back then.

The style was first mentioned in the 'Book of Leinster' in the middle 12th century.

There were NO pin falls only submissions, no rounds etc just wrestle until someone was too badly injured to continue, or was unconscious or tapped out

There were many throws and takedowns known as 'Chips' .. 'chaining' (chain holds) were the mainstay
no special clothing, but heavy boots were banned, certainly from the mid 15th century, dont know about before that..

some great moves and holds were used. buttocks and cross buttocks, Flying mares (both with palms UP and down), Hip, Takedowns, 'Inside Strokes, locks levers etc.. a great all round grappling style

The English should look more into Crayling, Pag and Purring Methods, and Single stick etc..

just as an aside.. a member of my organsiation the SDF named Steve Williams recently won a national Shin Kicking competition having trained mainly on my Purring DVD and just entered 'for a laugh to see how good he was' and he won

cheers

Thanks Dave, you are a true gentleman.