I got an email today about a wrestler named Gene Mills. Apparently he is the greatest pinner in NCAA history. I almost fell out of my chair when I saw his record:

Career record of 1356-46-1

And I thought to myself; "Christ, how many traditional martial artists have over 1,300 victories in competition matches or as far as that goes have even been in over 1,300 matches that mattered. I post this just as food for thought, I do not really have a question or comment on it.

Take care,
Brian

That's incredible!

Not to take anything away from Gene's record, it's unbelievable, but if you want to wrestle in the States, there are many opportunities to compete. Probably more than any other combat sport.

No matter how much you were willing to compete, you'd be hard pressed to find enough opportunity in other MA competitions.

Judo has many Shiais, from the time you are about 7 years old until you are about 70 you can compete in this very live art. Sometimes it's a forgotten "combat art", especially since many of the high percentage moves of BJJ had been done in Judo long before anyone knew what a Gracie was.

Another thing to consider is that wrestling and judo events are almost always tournament style. A person could rack up ten victories in a single day.