Lou Thesz: Submission Master

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Thanks to: Icons of Wrestling, Chicago Film Archive, Golden Age of Wrestling

The son of a successful amateur wrestler and shoemaker, Lou Thesz was schooled in both crafts by his immigrant father and had become a stand-out amateur wrestler when he became the understudy of Ad Santel, a legendary submission artist. Later, George Tragos and the famed Ed "The Strangler" Lewis would add to Thesz's education in the science of what Thesz has referred to as "hooking"; the craft of ensnaring an opponent in a hold to which they must either admit defeat or endure serious injury. At the age of 16, Thesz made his debut in the professional wrestling ring. By 21, he had become the National Wrestling Alliance's youngest ever champion. He would ultimately hold the belt for a total of 10 years between three separate championship reigns. "Judo" Gene LeBell, himself a mentor to Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris and Ronda Rousey among others, has cited Lou Thesz as a primary influence. Kiyoshi Tamura, one of Japan's greats in both professional wrestling and mixed martial arts, made the trek to America in order to study under Thesz. Although this video is intended to highlight the grappling prowess of Thesz, it should be noted that he is also the innovator of the powerbomb.