Taking local arm wrestling to greater heights
Arm wrestling is not merely something that is done for fun and laughs in pubs.
It is an internationally recognised sport, governed by strict rules and regulations.
It was also a featured event at the recent Arnold Classic Africa that was held in Sandton.
To restore the credibility of arm wrestling, Costa Carastavrakis from RocoMamas in Boksburg staged an amateur tournament during which the South African Arm Wrestling Federation (affiliated to the World Arm Wrestling Federation) officiated the event.
Now, on Wednesday, May 17, the finals of the tournament will be held, featuring the four winners of the preliminary rounds along with four wild-card entries.
Carastavrakis promises that it will be a night of great entertainment, lots of fun and some serious arm wrestling.
Due to the popularity of the tournament, on the same day the official launch of the Rocksburg Arm Wrestle Club will also be held.
Carastavrakis said they are in the process of registering the club, which will add to the roughly 10 arm wrestling clubs in South Africa.
“The tournament proved to be a great success and it proved it is not always the guy with the biggest arms or the biggest build who wins. It is all to do with technique.
“During the tournament, which ran over five Wednesday evenings, a referee from the South African Arm Wrestling Federation was always on hand.
“The federation also supplied the official arm wrestling table, which also minimises the chances of injuries.
“One of the winners will, however, not be able to compete in the finals as he is a semi-pro.”
Carastavrakis said the new club will meet on Wednesday evenings at RocoMamas, where the guys will learn about arm wrestling and how to improve their skills and technique.
“Our goal is for our club members to attend the SA champs, and maybe even go to the world championships.”
According to rules, an amateur first-timer needs to be in the sport for at least six months and have participated in three club competition events before qualifying for the SA’s.
These events are held in various locations and organised by various clubs.
The SA champs will most likely be held in November.
Categories for men include: 70-80kg, 80-90kg, 90-100kg, 100-110kg and 100kg-plus.
Women and juniors also compete.
The top two from each category will qualify to attend the World Champs in 2018.
One classifies as a professional if one takes a podium position for two years at the SA Champs.
“We will also be looking to hold our own competition as a club around September. We hope to have a few of our guys ready at SA Champs level by then,” said Carastavrakis.
Alexey Voyevoda, a professional arm wrestler from Russia, once said various factors can play a part in one’s success in arm wrestling. Technique and overall arm strength are the two greatest contributing factors to winning an arm wrestling match.
Other factors such as the length of an arm wrestler’s arm, his/her muscle and arm mass/density, hand grip size, wrist endurance and flexibility, reaction time, as well as countless other traits, can add to the advantages of one arm wrestler over another.
Those interested in joining the club may contact RocoMamas Boksburg on the Facebook page.
Otherwise attend the finals on May 17, which is open to the public, to learn more.
For the rules of arm wrestling CLICK HERE
