HARDCORE grappling found in the first gymnastics book (1569)
Jul 28, 2026
#renaissance #wrestling #gymnastics
What did grappling look like during the Renaissance? In this video, we explore Girolamo (Geronimo/Hieronymus) Mercuriale's groundbreaking 1569 work, De Arte Gymnastica, one of the earliest and most influential books on physical culture, exercise, and athletic training in Europe. First published in 1569, the book examines ancient Greek and Roman methods of exercise, including wrestling, boxing, and other combat sports, helping preserve classical knowledge for future generations.
We'll take a close look at the grappling techniques illustrated in the book, analysing the throws, clinches, trips, body locks, and wrestling positions depicted in its famous engravings. How closely do these techniques resemble modern freestyle wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling, judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and other grappling arts? Are these images faithful representations of ancient wrestling, or Renaissance interpretations of classical texts?
Whether you're interested in historical European martial arts (HEMA), wrestling history, martial arts research, or the evolution of grappling, this breakdown offers fascinating insight into one of the most important historical sources on combat sports and physical training. If you enjoy historical martial arts analysis, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share the video!
9:10
Full book:
https://archive.org/details/hieronymi...