Wrestlers are categorized into a series of weight classes to ensure fair competition. Since the implementation of new rules in January 2018, weight categories and the timings of weigh-ins have changed. The purpose of the study was to establish baseline physical profiles, such as body composition, muscle strength, power, and endurance for Japanese elite freestyle wrestlers in each of the new weight classes. We collected a total of 242 data points from 70 elite Japanese male freestyle wrestlers at 14 training camps over two years. Body composition measurements, one-repetition maximum tests (bench press, parallel back squat, one-handed dumbbell snatch, and weighted chinup) and muscle endurance tests (pull-up) were performed. Body fat percentages for wrestlers in the 86-kg class or below were from 9.1% to 11.6%, whereas body fat percentages for wrestlers in the 92-, 97-, and 125-kg classes were 14.0 ± 3.5, 19.8 ± 6.9, and 26.6 ± 3.4%, respectively. This result suggests that the wrestlers in the heavier weight classes have a higher capacity to reduce body fat and increase muscle mass, which is essential if they improve strength and power. Absolute muscle strength and power performance tended to increase with heavier classes (the major results were as follows: 1RM bench press: 88.0 ± 13.0 kg in the 57-kg class and 142.0 ± 13.0 kg in the 125-kg class), whereas these relative values tended to decrease with heavier classes. Muscle endurance performance tended to decrease with heavier classes (the pull-up test: 23.8 ± 1.5 repetitions in the 61-kg class and 10.0 ± 5.4 repetitions in the 125-kg class). This study provides baseline data that can be used in the prescription of individual training programs for wrestlers, assessing areas of strength and weakness, and developing the wrestler's technical-tactical strategies.
