New to Wrestling?

For some of you this may be your first exposure to the sport of Olympic Freestyle Wrestling.

If so, you will soon discover just how amazing this sport is for young people. At the NWC our focus is on athlete development both on and off the mat. Regardless of how well your son or daughter does on the mat our goal is to utilize the rigours of the sport to help shape them into confident, strong young people. Wrestling is a sport like no other in terms of what it demands from our bodies, minds and hearts.

Our practices balance the teaching of wrestling skills along with cardio, strength and flexibility training. It has been said of a wrestler that they require the strength of weightlifter, the flexibility of a gymnast, the speed of a sprinter and the endurance of a long distance runner. Practices are led by former coaches who have all wrestled at provincial and national levels.

A great part of wrestling is that boys and girls from all ages and backgrounds can take part. Sometimes children may have not had success in other sports but they can find their home on the mat. Wrestling is an individual and team sport all rolled up into one. You will soon notice the tight knit nature of the NWC. All athletes encourage one another on and off the mat because we all know the toughness it takes to wrestle.

In wrestling, athletes experience the thrill of victory but also the pain of defeat. They learn to bounce back from adversity and figure out ways to better themselves. Wrestling teaches athletes tremendous life skills which will be beneficial long after their time on the mat is done.

A few tips for new wrestlers:

Gear:

• Wrestling boots are the preferred foot wear and introductory models can be found for affordable prices. (You may also find deals within the team as athletes may sell footwear that they have outgrown.
• T-shirts cannot have pockets and should be somewhat form fitted (not too baggy or loose)
• Shorts must not have pockets, buttons or zips. Athletes can also wear tights.
• Long hair needs to be tied back. No metals clasps, bobby pins etc...
• No jewelry can be worn (necklaces, bracelets, earrings etc.. must be removed)
• Singlets are to be worn at tournaments (however newer athletes may get by with shorts and t-shirts for the first few tournaments).

Hygiene:

• Wrestling is a contact sport and because of this it is very important for wrestlers to shower after every practice and tournament. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to purchase an antibacterial soap which is useful for cleansing away any bacteria that can be picked up off the mat or other athletes.

Safety:

• Despite being a contact sport wrestling is quite safe compared to many other sports. Generally bouts at tournaments are officiated by 2 or more officials who watch for any dangers that may arise and intervene accordingly. In addition, the 2 coaches in each corner also watch to prevent any injury from occurring. Like all sports though there is an element of risk and injury in wrestling. Should you have concerns about safety please talk to a coach.
• Athletes who continue on in the sport may be interested in purchasing headgear to protect their ears from injury.
• Some athletes also choose to wear a mouthguard, although this is not a requirement.