Arm wrestling has a very long history. It can be dated back to Roman times. It was in fact, a gladiatorial sport and often used as a test to become a Roman centurion. It can also be traced to the history of North American Indians. Like the Romans, it was used as a rite of passage into becoming a warrior of the tribe.
As an organized sport, it has been around since 1952. The very first matches took place in Petaluma, California, in a saloon. A journalist named Bill Soberanes is credited with founding the sport.
Like many other sports, there are different classes in arm wrestling. For tournaments, contestants are divided into classes by weight. There are separate divisions for those who wrestle using their right hand, as opposed to those who favor their left hand.
There are many organizations that strive to support and promote competitive arm wrestling. Some organizations are local, representing certain regions, while others seek to promote the sport on an international level. Many devote much time and effort to improving the image people have of arm wrestling, encouraging its recognition as a legitimate sport.
Arm wrestling appeals to a wide range of individuals, of all ages and backgrounds. It can be as exciting for women as it is for men. Many individuals enjoy the sport purely for fun, while others approach it with the type of dedication and tenacity common in true competitors.
The organisation responsible for promoting arm wrestling in the UK is the British Armwrestling Federation (BAF). A link to the website is in the links section of this group.