Home of Westcountry Wrestling and Combat Sports
what is Westcountry Martial Arts?
Westcountry wrestling (wraasling/wraxling) encompasses two schools of unarmed combat based in traditional Folk Style Wrestling.
Devonshire wrestling (also called Devon wrestling) is a traditional style of folk wrestling that originated in Devon, a county in southwest England. It's one of the regional wrestling styles that developed in the British Isles, alongside more well-known styles like Cornish wrestling.
Cornish wrestling (Cornish: Omdowl Kernewek) is a traditional style of wrestling that originates from Cornwall, a region in the southwest of England. It's a folk wrestling style with a long history — possibly dating back over a thousand years — and it's known for its distinct rules, clothing, and emphasis on skill over brute force.
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Why learn Westcountry wrestling?
Because it's one of the oldest, most honest, and most complete forms of martial expression. Whether for self-defense, athleticism, cultural connection, or personal growth, it offers value that modern gyms and commercial martial arts often overlook.
Combat Effectiveness
Practical grappling skills: Many folk wrestling styles like Devon and Cornish wrestling emphasize throws, clinches, trips, and sweeps —core fundamentals of real-world hand-to-hand combat.
Cross-training value: Westcountry wrestling often complements other martial arts (like BJJ, MMA, judo, or striking arts) by improving balance, takedowns, and control.
Mental Toughness & Discipline
Wrestling is hard. Training builds grit, pain tolerance, and focus.
Many folk styles emphasize ritual, respect, and emotional control, grounded in cultural tradition.
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Strength
Full-body strength: Grappling requires powerful movements from legs, core, back, and arms.
Functional strength: Movements in folk wrestling are compound and dynamic, mimicking real-world body mechanics.
Cardiovascular Endurance
Wrestling bouts are intense and sustained, pushing the heart rate high.
Regular participation improves aerobic and anaerobic capacity — similar to HIIT (high-intensity interval training).
Muscular Endurance
Wrestlers must hold positions, resist opponents, and apply pressure for extended periods.
This improves the ability of muscles to perform under fatigue.
10+
Years of Experience
Who We Are?
Devon Celtic Combat are a dedicated school of Combat with the vision to Make Westcountry Wrestling accessable to all. This will be achieved through our youth programmes, regular training sessions, connections to the 'Cornish Wrestling Association' and 'Devon Wrestling Society' and competition opportunities.
If you require any more information, please get in contact.
Expert Instructors
Learn from seasoned professionals with years of experience in martial arts and fitness training.
Variety of Classes
We offer classes in the week in a dedicated gym with circuit training availability, dedicated areas for specific drills and a deeply padded floor for your safety.
We also offer Seminars and Workshops both at our location or in other locations such as with HEMA groups, MMA gyms or Martial Art clubs. Please contact for more details and availability.
Flexible Training Schedules
Our classes are scheduled throughout the week, ensuring you can find a session that fits your lifestyle. Please contact me to arrange a visit or to attend a session. We offer a 'pay as you train option'
Community Focus
Many folk wrestling styles such as Devon and Corninsh Wrestling are passed down person-to-person, emphasizing mentorship and communal training.
Events and matches can be community gatherings, not just competitions.