Background

MAS Wrestling, also known as stick pulling is a sport that originated in Sakha Republic in northeastern Russia. It’s history goes back to the 17th century. The All-Russia Sports Registry, in 2003, registered it – and since then it has been governed by the International MAS Wrestling Federation.

In mas-wrestling, two athletes sit facing each other with their heels touching, prop their feet against a wooden board, and pull on a stick that’s about 20 inches long and 1.25 inches in diameter. The stick is usually made from birch or oak. The rules are fairly simple: wrestlers try to pull the stick out of their opponent’s hands or drag their opponent over the wooden divider. Wrestlers with two losses are knocked out of the match.

Impression

MAS Wrestling has always been one of our favorites each time we cover the Arnold Sport Festival in Columbus. We have been fans since it made it’s debut and have followed it every year since.

Please enjoy the images in this post and follow this incredible sport!