How To Get Started In The Sport of Wrestling
Wrestling is one of the fastest growing sports in the country and due to its growth in popularity how to get started in the sport of wrestling has also changed. Now, you may have wrestled in a previous era, and although many of the same options still exist, new training opportunities for the sport of wrestling continue to emerge for athletes of all ages and skill levels.
Here are a few ideas to consider when first beginning the journey into wrestling for yourself or your child.
Places To Train Wrestling
Currently, there are five different options to choose from for where you can start training in the sport of wrestling. These options include middle school and high school programs, youth feeder programs, private wrestling clubs, mixed martial arts gyms, and home gyms.
In this article, I will breakdown each training option so you can make the right decision for getting yourself or your child started in wrestling.
Middle School and High School Programs
At almost every middle school and high school in the country you’ll be able to find a wrestling program. This will oftentimes be the cheapest and most convenient option for those just getting started at that age. School programs run during the winter sports season from the months of November through March. These programs tend to cost around a few hundred dollars with a few equipment requirements, like wrestling shoes and headgear. School programs compete against other schools as a team throughout the season. Some school programs also offer off-season training as well, however it’s limited.
Youth Feeder Programs
A lot of high school programs have youth feeder programs that offer training opportunities for kids ages 5-14. Practices tend to take place at the local high school or at another school district facility with available mat space. These programs are similar to other youth sports programs. They tend to cost a few hundred dollars for the season and will have additional costs for weekly competitions. The season runs alongside the winter sports season over the months of November through March. Like school programs, youth feeder programs will sometimes offer off-season training opportunities as well.
Private Wrestling Clubs
With the increased growth of participation across the country private wrestling clubs have started to popup in a lot of major cities. Clubs like Askren Wrestling Academy, IzzyStyle Wrestling, and GPS Wrestling, are a few of the hundreds of private clubs available to youth and high school wrestlers. These clubs are owned and operated by former collegiate wrestlers who have a ton of knowledge to teach. To get involved with a private wrestling club will depend on your location. Although they are growing in numbers they are not available everywhere.
Private wrestling clubs run year-round and offer training options for all ages and skill levels. The cost can range from $100-300 per month. Many of these clubs offer multiple seasons to accommodate athletes who play other sports. As a year-round club, athletes who want to continue training throughout the year will have the opportunity to do that. Competitions include the same tournaments as youth feeder programs, as well as additional national events throughout the year. These clubs have also started to compete against each other in team events.
Mixed Martial Arts Gyms
Mixed martial arts gyms have always been around but have not always been known to offer wrestling training opportunities. These gyms have primarily taught other disciplines like jiu-jitsu, karate, and kick-boxing. However, with the success of wrestlers in the UFC, wrestling is becoming one of the most important disciplines to teach. Similar to private wrestling gyms, prices can range from $100-300 per month depending on your membership level. Competition for youth athletes is similar to other programs because entry to most events is done on an individual basis.
Home Gyms
Home gyms are becoming very popular and are easier to do now than ever before. You can purchase wrestling mats for relatively cheap and you can find educational resources on dozens of websites like this one. Many parents might feel that this is a great option to introduce the sport to someone without needing to expose them to the competitive aspects of the sport. The challenge with this option is that you will be limited on potential training partners. Home gyms are often used as an additional training component to another program.
