User reviews

If you are any type of fan of the grappling arts I encourage you to check out 'For The Love of Catch' once it begins streaming internationally on 10/4/2022. Directed by Owosso, Michigan's Curran Jacobs, this documentary film explores the roots of grappling from ancient times to modern day. Having been a fan of grappling since a young age, I found this film to be very informative. Filled with grappling legends such as Dan Gable, Randy Couture, Dan Severn, Josh Barnett, Gokor Chivachyan, Terry Brands, Erik Paulson, and many more, director Curran Jacobs and wrestling historian/author Mike Chapman take you on a journey through time showing how the various forms of the art are connected, and how the have inter-winded over the years.

This film should be watched by every wrestling team in the United States and every wrestling club around the world. The History that unfolds in this film is truly something special and it will really change your entire perception of the sport, in the best way possible! From Professional wrestling like WWE, to the wrestling we see in high school and college, this Documentary fills in all the gaps from the early 1800's until now. I cannot believe I did not know how deeply rooted wrestling has been in our society. Even if you are not a wrestling fan, this film will fascinate you. From Abraham Lincoln's epic wrestling match, to the strongmen in the traveling circuses who would challenge the public to brutal wrestling matches, Director Curran Jacobs and Historian Mike Chapman take you on a wild journey through time that you will not soon forget. It brings me great pride to know that there are people out there fighting to preserve history by coming out with Documentaries such as this. Well done by all who were involved!

It's rare - in fact, never in my time - do you have the opportunity to see a constituent, an Easley resident, in a newly released documentary.

Tonight, I was able to rent For the Love of Catch, recently released on Amazon Prime Video.

If you're a fan of any of the following: American history, MMA, professional wrestling, college wrestling, high school wrestling, catch wrestling, boxing, Dan Gable, Muhammad Ali or Ric Flair, then you should rent it.

The documentary is professionally done. Interviews & storyline have a great flow to it.

Well done, Curran Jacobs! Very cool, Jon Strickland! Thank you for doing this.

This documentary is clearly a love letter to the sport and legacy of catch-as-catch-can wrestling.

While the production qualities are somewhat lacking, the music becomes a bit over the top towards the end, the structure is inconsistent, and the editing could have used some professional help.

BUT!

What is unmistakable is the passion and deep care of everyone involved. They are driven by a sense of urgency: this art form is dying, and they needed to capture the wisdom of the last great masters before it's too late. This documentary will be irreplaceable for future generations.

I'd recommend it to anyone interested in martial arts, wrestling, or general history.

And I thank them for making this.

This film is digestible by all. Personally as a lifelong MMA fan I found this incredibly informational, Even my girlfriend who has zero interest in fighting found this both informational and entertaining.

This documentary has the most significant figureheads in wrestling combat sports sharing their knowledge on the history of American catch wrestling in a way that stays true to its roots as well as makes it's history entertaining.

There is space for this film for every grappling coach, team, or athlete in their collection, as well as any casual fan who enjoys American history, and the legacy that wrestling plays in it.

The history of wrestling in the military, wrestling at one of the largest combat venues of all time- Madison square garden, and even professional wrestling are all encompassed in this film, weaving a story of American catch wrestling that is timeless!

I come from a family of wrestlers so I was really curious to see this film and wow, it really blew my mind. I don't watch boxing or MMA or Pro Wrestling, but to see how catch wrestling ties it all together was absolutely crazy!!! I don't know how a documentary like this hasn't come out sooner because it fills in so many gaps!!! Like my family are die-hard wrestling fans and competitors and never knew any of these people or their stories. It is so fascinating to watch, even if you aren't a fan of any type of wrestling, this is so fun and entertaining!!! I think this documentary will be the GO TO for wrestlers around the world.

Intriguing, informative, original, and inspiring... "For the Love of Catch" by Curran Jacobs is an incredibly well-executed documentary on the history and impact the style of Catch wrestling has had on our society. My view of the film comes through an entirely different lens than that of your stereotypical wrestling enthusiast or history buff. I'm a female with no further knowledge of the sport aside from that of a spectator at the high school level. I don't know anything about technical wrestling technique or terminology, and before watching this, I didn't know why any of it mattered. But I do know a good thing when I see it. This documentary is truly nothing short of a masterpiece, and is so wildly unexpected and entertaining on so many levels. Curran's expertise and passion for both wrestling and education is evident throughout the entire movie. The way he and historian Mike Chapman were able to gather and so seamlessly compile all of the intricate details, photos, videos, and personal interviews, and present them in a way that still appeals to the masses outside of the wrestling world is mind-blowing... and they did it during a pandemic on a budget! This film speaks to both men and women alike, whether you're a sports fanatic or not. Anyone who wants to watch something captivating, to learn something new, or to be inspired to create something bigger than themselves, "For the Love of Catch" is sure to satisfy. Personally, I walked away feeling enlightened, empowered, and truly moved. I am a pediatric physical therapist and a co-worker of Curran's in the schools. I have only come to know him as Curran "The Gym Teacher/Head Wrestling Coach" Jacobs... not Curran "The Giant Slayer" Jacobs and Catch wrestling legend as he is known by the wrestling greats of the world. He is hands-down one of the most humble, genuinely kind, and compassionate human beings I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. He exudes positivity and light, and works tirelessly to make every one of these kids feel "like a somebody." While his personal story and background are not mine to share, I think it's safe to say this documentary would not have been what it is without Curran having had to endure what he has in his lifetime. Anyone who can channel that level of pain, grief, and loss and create a beautiful and powerful work of art that will transcend time and continue to influence others for generations to come deserves a standing ovation and my utmost respect. Keep doing what you're doing, Curran! Your efforts make a difference, and like you, "For the Love of Catch" is sure to make history. Well done, sir!

Excellent and important film. I can't rate this highly enough. Catch Wrestling has been practically ignored for too long. Those of us who train in it have watched it fade away from the public consciousness year after year. What Curran Jacobs has done here is pay respect to the community and homage to our forefathers. Catch Wrestling is an important part of British and American History and is the link in all the major grappling combat sports. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Pro Wrestling, Amature Wrestling, are all connected by Catch as Catch Can Wrestling. This film is well directed, entertaining, informative and extremely timely. Well done Curran Jacobs.