Before the bout begins, each opponent answers when his name is called and takes his place at the corner of the mat assigned to him. The corner is the same colour as the singlet he has been assigned to wear.

The referee, standing in the central circle in the middle of the mat, calls the two wrestlers to his side. He then shakes hands with them and examines their dress, checks that they are not covered with any greasy or sticky substance, verifies that they are not perspiring, verifies that their hands are bare and that they have a handkerchief.

The wrestlers greet each other, shake hands and, when the referee blows his whistle, they start the bout.