ABOUT US

Old School Grappling Catch Wrestling Association

Preserving the Past. Training the Present. Building the Future.

Old School Grappling Catch Wrestling Association is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and teaching the authentic art of Catch-As-Catch-Can Wrestling as passed down to us by the legendary Billy Robinson.

Catch Wrestling is more than just another grappling style. It is a time-tested combat art built on toughness, technique, leverage, control, and the ability to dominate an opponent through superior wrestling and submission skills.

Often referred to as “The Violent Art,” Catch Wrestling has a rich history rooted in the legendary wrestlers of the past. At Old School Grappling, we are committed to keeping those traditions alive while passing this incredible art on to future generations.

We believe that to truly understand Catch Wrestling, you must respect its history, understand its principles, and train with the same dedication and intensity that made the art legendary.

Our Lineage — The Legacy of Billy Robinson

Old School Grappling proudly carries on the teachings and traditions of the legendary Billy Robinson, one of the most respected and influential Catch Wrestlers and coaches in history.

Our Founder and Head Coach, John Potenza, had the honor and privilege of training directly under Billy Robinson and was one of only seven individuals promoted to the rank of Assistant Coach by Robinson himself.

This distinction represents more than a title. It carries the responsibility of preserving the knowledge, techniques, principles, and teaching methods passed down through generations of authentic Catch-As-Catch-Can Wrestling.

Billy Robinson believed in understanding not just how a technique worked, but why it worked. His approach emphasized fundamentals, body mechanics, positioning, pressure, and the ability to adapt to any situation.

His famous command, “DO IT AGAIN!”, was more than an instruction. It represented his philosophy that true mastery comes through repetition, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to improvement.

Today, we proudly carry that philosophy forward.

We don’t simply teach Catch Wrestling techniques. We preserve a lineage, honor a legend, and continue a tradition.

A Family Built on Tradition

Old School Grappling Catch Wrestling Association is truly a family-run organization.

Led by Co-Founders and Head Coaches John and Sandra Potenza, our association is built on decades of martial arts experience, hands-on instruction, and a shared passion for preserving traditional Catch Wrestling.

Our coaching team had the rare opportunity to train directly under Billy Robinson, gaining firsthand knowledge of his techniques, principles, and approach to teaching.

We believe that an association should be more than a collection of affiliate gyms. It should be a family of dedicated practitioners who share a common purpose, support one another, and take pride in the lineage they represent.

When you become part of Old School Grappling, you become part of that family.

Our Mission

Our mission is simple:

To preserve the authentic art of Catch-As-Catch-Can Wrestling, spread its teachings throughout the world, and help bring traditional Catch Wrestling back into the mainstream of combat sports.

We are committed to:

• Preserving the techniques, principles, and traditions taught by Billy Robinson.
• Developing knowledgeable, skilled, and confident Catch Wrestlers.
• Establishing a strong international network of dedicated practitioners and affiliate gyms.
• Providing a structured curriculum and ranking system that maintains the integrity of the art.
• Developing the next generation of qualified Catch Wrestling instructors.
• Promoting Catch Wrestling as an effective grappling system for competition, MMA, and self-defense.

Above all, we believe that the future of Catch Wrestling depends on remaining true to its roots.

Authentic Catch Wrestling — No Shortcuts, No Compromises

At Old School Grappling, we believe in teaching Catch Wrestling the way it was meant to be taught.

Our curriculum emphasizes the complete grappling game, including standing wrestling, takedowns, throws, rides, breakdowns, pins, escapes, reversals, and submissions.

From crushing top pressure and punishing crossfaces to neck cranks, toe holds, double wrist locks, and traditional wrestling controls, our approach reflects the effectiveness and versatility that made Catch Wrestling famous.

But technique alone is not enough.

We emphasize the development of timing, balance, leverage, conditioning, mental toughness, and the ability to transition seamlessly between positions.

Our goal is not simply to teach students a collection of moves. It is to develop complete Catch Wrestlers who understand the art and can apply its principles against resisting opponents.

A Structured Path to Excellence

Old School Grappling offers a comprehensive, progressive Catch Wrestling curriculum designed to develop students from the fundamental levels through advanced grappling and instructor development.

Our ranking system provides a clear path for advancement while maintaining the high standards expected of our association.

For those who wish to take their training further, our instructor development program offers opportunities to become qualified coaches and help spread authentic Catch Wrestling to the next generation.

Whether you’re an experienced grappler, MMA fighter, martial arts instructor, or someone discovering Catch Wrestling for the first time, our system provides a foundation for continued growth and development.

Building a Worldwide Catch Wrestling Family

Old School Grappling Catch Wrestling Association welcomes dedicated practitioners, coaches, and martial arts schools from around the world.

Through our affiliate gyms, instructional resources, seminars, coaching development, and continuing education, we aim to raise the standard of Catch Wrestling worldwide.

Our affiliates are not simply names on a list. They represent our association, our lineage, and the standards established by Billy Robinson.

We take that responsibility seriously.

We are proud of the relationships we have built throughout the Catch Wrestling community and remain committed to helping our members and affiliates succeed.

Join Us in Preserving the Legacy

Catch Wrestling has survived generations because dedicated wrestlers and coaches refused to let its traditions disappear.

Now it is our responsibility to carry that legacy forward.

Whether your goal is to become a better grappler, compete at the highest level, incorporate Catch Wrestling into your martial arts academy, or eventually become an instructor, we invite you to become part of the Old School Grappling family.

The tradition lives on. The lineage continues. The future is ours to build.

OLD SCHOOL GRAPPLING CATCH WRESTLING ASSOCIATION

Preserving Billy Robinson’s Legacy — One Wrestler at a Time.

JOIN THE OLD SCHOOL FAMILY TODAY