Joe Baddeley

Joe Baddeley was one of the finest exponents of the Cumberland and Westmorland style of wrestling in the early part of the 20th century. He won countless trophies, including the coveted Wrestling Challenge Cup Competition and the Mirror of Life Cup, sponsored by one of the leading boxing and wrestling publications of the day “Boxing World and Mirror of Life”. Baddeley was also a multiple national champion.

Although born at Kendal in the North of England, Baddeley spent much of his wrestling career in the London area and was employed as an instructor at the YMCA Gymnasium in Barnet for many years. At the 1912 national championships, 14 of the 24 entrants were trained by Baddeley. Baddeley served with the Royal Engineers during World War I and was wounded on active service in France in 1917.