Physical Chess: My Life in Catch-as-Catch-Can Wrestling

by Billy Robinson, Jake Shannon

In this fascinating autobiography, Billy Robinson recounts his upbringing in post-WWII England amid a family of champion fighters, his worldwide travels as a wrestler, his time as a pro wrestling TV star, and his career as a coach to some of the biggest names in mixed martial arts. For the first time, Billy Robinson sets the record straight on: • who won the infamous street fight between him and the grandfather of superstar Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. • how his family was pivotal in introducing “God of Wrestling” Karl Gotch to Billy Riley’s gym and the sport of catch-as-catch-can wrestling. • the accomplishments of some of the greatest competitive grapplers the world has ever seen and that you’ve likely never heard of before. This memoir fills a crucial gap in the history of catch-as-catch-can wrestling and shares the intriguing details of Billy’s life, in his own inimitable voice.

Genres: Biography Memoir, Martial Arts

152 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Optimus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, sweet and to the point. Interesting read to anybody who wants learn a bit about inner workings of a wrestling style not many know about today, and also an insight of Billy Robinson and his life as one of the greatest of his time.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Billy Robinson was a fantastic addition to the AWA when he showed up in the late 60s. He had moves that none of the contemporary wrestlers displayed and it was clear that he had a level of mastery far beyond that of the showmen who bellowed and brawled through their matches. It was fascinating to read his account of his life and times.

Robinson's book provides some insight into his training and career, but it is far too brief. One feels like a cup of ice has been removed from the tip of the iceberg and turned into words and there must be so much more for him to share about the inner works of the wrestling world and the characters who populate it.

This is a truly interesting account by a real champion in a very rugged sport who is still training serious fighters.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I originally entered to win this book because my husband is a die-hard wrestling fan, but found it to be an interesting read myself. The writer has a way of telling the story so you can see it happening in front of you. It was interesting because it went back to the basics, and when wrestling was unscripted. You learned a lot about the man and wrestling as a whole. It was interesting to read, as someone who did not know a lot prior. I would recommend the book to anyone who has any interest in wrestling or MMA. Thank you to Goodreads and Billy Robinson for thee opportunity to win and read this book.

[Bertrand Hebert · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pleasant surprise as I knew before hand, that it was a book about catch wrestling and the people he met more than it was a book about Billy Robinson and his career. It was a great introduction to the world of catch wrestling. I would have love a little bit more about Robinson himself and the territories he worked like Montreal, but one can hope for another book about this man. Wrestling historian and people who wants to make a living in this business should read this.

[Mark Cubillos · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good autobiography of one of the greatest Catch-as-Catch-can wrestlers to ever live. The book is short and to the point but can be choppy in some sections. Overall, this is a fascinating book about Billy Robinson and it is also a reminder that many of these legends of submission grappling as being lost to history.

[Hamish Woodward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very short

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to train with Billy Robinson not so long ago and I have never been so impressed with a coach. From the second you meet him this polite and humble man makes it clear that he has dedicated his life to wrestling and has probably accumulated more knowledge on the subject than anyone else alive. This book is his story in his own words.

It isn't the easiest of reads, but that being said it was hard to put down. Billy has lead a fascinating life and has done some amazing things, and to read of them in this book is a joy.

If you've ever watched a wrestling match, or a UFC fight then you need to read this book. If you simply want to know how an average lad from Lancashire made it to the top of the world then you won't find a better story than this.

[Oliver Bateman · Rating 4 out of 5]

some good stuff here from robinson, particularly on his early career and fight with peter maivia, but a short work that could've stood from the addition of another 100-200 pages

[Juxhin Deliu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice shoot autobiography, more focused on the lots of recollections about catch-as-catch-can or " shoot" wrestling rather than the late great Robinson's career or life. Moreover, he shares some interesting opinions on MMA more than pro wrestling itself, bringing some legitness to his lost art as fighting sport. Quite acceptable.