Wrestle for Humanity: An Open Dialogue About Transforming Lives Through the Sport of Wrestling
Authors: Esmaeli, S., Berry, M., Berry, C.
Publication Date: 01/01/2026
Pages: 233-248
DOI: 10.4324/9781003569466-20
Abstract:Combat sports have commonly been employed as vehicles to support disaffected individuals from marginalised backgrounds who are at risk of engaging in crime. Here, a significant amount of research has been conducted in relation to the sport of boxing and also mixed martial arts. Freestyle wrestling is a sport growing in popularity yet remains understudied for its social benefits, particularly relating to crime. Moreover, because freestyle wrestling involves bodily control rather than inflicting injury, it is less likely to instruct legally problematic techniques (strikes or chokes). This chapter draws upon the experiences of world-renowned wrestling coach Saeed Esmaeli who founded ‘Wrestle for Humanity’ (WFH), a not-for-profit organisation recognised for positively transforming people's lives. WFH supports individuals from multiple backgrounds of socio-economic disadvantage and disabilities through an underlying ethos of ‘Body, Mind and Community’ utilising a holistic bio-psycho-social model of training. This innovative approach incorporates wrestling, psychology and dance with an emphasis on playfulness rather than competition. The chapter discusses how Esmaeli's approach has assisted professional athletes, refugees and at-risk youth in overcoming trauma and significant hardship to perform optimally in sports and pursue positive pathways in life.
Source: Scopus