Honey Wrestling

The objective of a match is to wrestle their opponents to the ground and pin them for a count of three seconds to win. The unusualness in fighting in so much food leads to unexpected and often comedic outcomes. Despite its non-seriousness, it is still physically demanding due to difficulty in maintaining footing. Being coated in honey also makes it difficult to sweat properly, so wrestlers feel extra heated after a round.

History

Before Nemequene, the honey people wrestled with their rivals in the desert mud and consumed their honey conservatively.
After his death, and his code's enforcement was considerably relaxed, a great many indulgent practices came into being.

In a decision of collective spite, the whole of the valley went against Nemequene's strict ideals for his people and became much more decedent.
Seemingly inspired by the forced housing clause, honey marriages became more accepted. In an effort to prove resilience, fighters wrestled in honey.
Though I'm not sure what that had to do with anything?

— Swinger Orianka

Execution

Matches consist of three rounds, each lasting two minutes. A 30 second break is provided between rounds for wrestlers to clean and rehydrate. A match is won by pinning an opponent for 3 full seconds or by achieving the most points at the end of the three rounds.

• Pinning: 3 points for a successful pin lasting three seconds.
• Takedown: 2 points for taking the opponent to the ground.
• Reversal: 1 point for reversing a hold or gaining a superior position.

Only grappling and wrestling moves are permitted. Strikes, kicks or other forms of aggression outside grappling are prohibited. Flinging the honey as a weapon against the opponent is also forbidden.

Components and tools

Arena

A 15ft wide circular pit whose floor is coated with a layer of honey, maintained at a thickness of at least 1 inch.

Honey

Fresh honey layered at the start of a tournament leads participants to contend with a slippery surface.
As the day wears on, however, the honey becomes more and more sticky.

Participants

Wrestlers

Men and women participants wear little clothing, and no footwear, when wrestling in the pit.

Referee

The referee enforces fair play and count points.

Related Organizations

• Third Quadrant

Related Ethnicities

• Honey People