The Wrestler’s Dissertation: Shanghai University of Sport PhD in Wushu, Chinese and Western Wrestling

Studies in development have always been interesting to me because the development of one aspect of a society can cut through so many other topics. Dr Graceffo has created a deeply engaging book in showing how the development of wrestling has weaved into world history. I found the a few great insights into the differences between western and Chinese culture particularly the education system very informative. The section on disabled wrestlers was my favorite and should be read by everyone.

I'm happy to have found this book. Dr. Graceffo shares his knowledge in the sport of wrestling in a very thorough and entertaining way, grossing over it's ancient roots to modern day combat sports, he has created an invaluable and definitive guide. Further, since the author has studied practical martial arts all over China, including the Shanghai University of Sport, where he earned his PHD, he really goes in depth over the lesser known Chinese martial art of Shuaijiao, China's traditional form of wrestling in which he interviews masters of the discipline giving a unique perspective of the world's oldest sport. If you have any interest in wrestling as a whole or Chinese martial arts in general, I highly recommend this book.

Very interesting book about wrestling. Graceffo did a lot of research and provided a lot of information about wrestling as a whole such as Western vs Chinese wrestling, WWE, wrestling in UFC and more.Graceffo is a friend of mine and is very knowledgeable in martial arts and trains vigorously throughout Asia. Looking forward to more of his books!

This is a fantastic book written by Dr. Graceffo. He is able to blend good research, solid writing, and his decades of martial arts experience to deliver a comparative work about Eastern and Western wrestling history, and training methods. I couldn't put the book down. If I ever teach a class about Chinese martial arts, I will use this book.-Dr. Ricardo Gonzalez