LEAH NASH PHOTOGRAPHY

STORIES | ESSAYS: Pulling | The Art of Arm Wrestling

If your hands break apart, or 'slip', when pulling the referees will put you in a strap. Most arm wrestlers hate it as it digs into the hand and wrist and will often cut the skin. Arm wrestling can be an unforgiving sport, and broken fingers and torn ligaments are common. "The simple fact is that arm wrestling is a pretty painful experience. You'll be lucky to be able to scratch your own ass as long as you do it," says John Wilson.
If your hands break apart, or 'slip', when pulling the referees will put you in a strap. Most arm wrestlers hate it as it digs into the hand and wrist and will often cut the skin. Arm wrestling can be an unforgiving sport, and broken fingers and torn ligaments are common. "The simple fact is that arm wrestling is a pretty painful experience. You'll be lucky to be able to scratch your own ass as long as you do it," says John Wilson.