The grappling techniques used in MMA require a high level of flexibility and balance. This type of training can help to increase range of motion, reduce the risk of injury, and improve overall body mechanics. MMA training is also a great way to improve self-defense skills. The techniques used in MMA are designed to be practical and effective in real-world self-defense situations. This can give you the confidence and ability to defend yourself if the need arises.
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]]>Legendary University of Iowa coach and Olympic Champion Dan Gable said, “Once you have wrestled, everything else in life is easy.” Anyone who has wrestled understands this quote. It is an extremely tough sport both physically and mentally; in fact, in 2012, the U.S. Olympic Committee ranked wrestling the fifth most difficult sport. It requires incredible endurance, meticulous technique and most of all, mental discipline.
However, the world’s oldest sport is known for more than just whipping kids into shape. Wrestling teaches kids and young adults important social skills they will need later in life. It has been proventhat children who participate in team sports will have certain physical and psychological advantages over those who do not, and wrestling in particular lays the foundation for these advantages. Even though they may not realize it until they are much older, here are just a few of the valuable social skills kids will carry with them off the mat.
The Power of Teamwork
People don’t always realize how vital teamwork is in wrestling due to the individual components. In reality, wrestlers rely on their teammates for practice, because unlike other sports, you depend on other people to improve technique. With basketball and football players, all they need to practice is a ball and a net. This sense of teamwork leads you to develop a sense of dependability and trust for others. Being a part of a team also teaches kids how to cheer one another on during practice and tournaments. Understanding how meaningful a little praise and encouragement can be to person when they are down is a huge lesson to learn at a young age. As an adult, being able to lift up someone’s spirits, whether it be a spouse or friend, is an extremely desirable skill.
Personal Responsibility and Discipline
Wrestling is particularly versatile because it teaches both teamwork and personal accountability. Each wrestler is responsible for his or her own workouts, making weight, showing up to matches and winning them. Even during dual competitions or team tournaments, each individual’s performance is crucial. If you skip a few workouts or don’t eat right, you may not make weight and thus, let everyone down. This kind of rigorous training and dieting not only teaches personal responsibility, but also mental toughness and self-discipline. In every aspect of life, whether it be school, work, social events, etc., these three traits are essential.
New People, New Places
Joining the wrestling team provides ample opportunities for social gatherings. Whether it’s a tournament, summer camp, pizza party, or just a regular practice, kids get to develop basic social skills and potentially lasting friendships. When kids have to travel for tournaments, they get to experience a new place full of strangers, which can be quite daunting at a young age. Wrestlers in particular must quickly become comfortable with one another due to the close proximity of the sport.
Wrestling,by nature, is an inclusive sport that provides opportunities for students of all races, sizes and socio-economic backgrounds to come together. Being exposed to new, diverse groups of people and working up the courage to speak to them is an essential building block for future communication.
Confidence is Key
For those of you who have never wrestled, it takes a lot of guts to put on a singlet, walk out onto the mat, and perform in front of a crowd. Boys have a tough enough time shaking off their nerves, so imagine what it is like for the girls in this male-dominated sport. Competing against men is intimidating for any woman and requires a lot of self-assurance. Many women reported feeling confident when faced with new challenges at work or in life because of their experiences with intergender wrestling.
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Dr. Sabinstates, “Socialization through sport is a complex process from which individuals learn skills, attitudes, values, and patterns of behavior that enable them to function within a particular culture…Sport is generally regarded as playing a significant role in socialization.” The social skills that kids will develop while wrestling can potentially play a big role in how they will interact and communicate with others in the future.
If you’re trying to get your child / teenager into wrestling, or if you’re considering taking it up yourself, we’ve got a large selection of wrestling singlets, custom wrestling appareland other gear at Takedown Sportswear.]]>
Competition, particularly in sports, is incredibly important for men and women with disabilities, which is why organizations like the Special Olympics were created. Even though more and more sports are being established specifically for handicapped athletes, some disabled individuals would like to compete against the physically “able.”
Wrestling is known for being an all-inclusive sport with athletes of all backgrounds, and it is one of the few sports that does allow for the physically disabled to compete against non-handicapped athletes. Here are a few wrestlers with disabilities who have made a name for themselves in wrestling.
Kyle Maynard was born in 1986 in Suwannee, GA with congenital amputation, a rare condition where his arms end at his elbows, and legs end at his knees. In middle school, he played his first year of football as a nose tackle. He used his height to his advantage, as his opponents could not get low enough to block him. In fact, he only started wrestling to stay in shape for football in the off season.
Maynard did not win a single match during his first year as a wrestler. He was getting ready to give up, but after his father told him he also did not win a match during his first year (a lie Maynard did not discover until he was writing his autobiography), Maynard decided to stick with wrestling for another season. After 35 consecutive losses, Maynard finally won a match during seventh grade. The long-awaited victory inspired the young wrestler to train even harder. During his senior year in high school, Maynard won 36 varsity matches and was awarded the 2004 ESPY Award for Best Athlete with a Disability.
Maynard is now a world record-breaking weightlifter and is training in mixed martial arts. He is also a humanitarian and public speaker who travels the world inspiring people of all abilities.
Anthony Robles who was born with only one leg, and his favorite quote, “Impossible is only in the dictionary of fools,” reminds him to never let his disability get in his way. When he started wrestling at age 14, he called himself the worst wrestler on the team. However, his coach never gave up on him. On numerous occasions, his coach would tie his own legs together during wrestling practice to better understand Robles. With this technique, he was able to develop new moves and tactics for Robles to use on the mat.
With the support of his coach and family, Robles went on to have a 90-0 record over his last two years of high school, including winning two state championships. He continued his wrestling career at Arizona State University, where he went on to be a three-time NCAA All American, and in 2011, he won the title of NCAA Champion. That year, he also won two Espy Awards, including the Award for Perseverance and the Best Male Athlete with a Disability award.
Anthony Robles is now a public speaker, Nike athlete, and author of his autobiography, “Unstoppable: From Underdog to Unbeatable. How I Became a Champion.”
Max Lamm, who suffered from a rare form of cancer as a child that left him blind, is now an accomplished drummer, an avid skier, and is making a name for himself in the world of wrestling. Lamm had a 7-11 record in his first season, and last year, he qualified for the WPIAL Class 3A tournament as a freshman. His parents, who have three other children, said they chose to raise him just like their other kids; to encourage him to try new things and push his limits, and his coach is no different. While Lamm needs a little guidance when it comes to running sprints with his teammates and finding the locker room after practice, his coach knows his potential and expects great things from him.
These athletes, and many others like them, prove that nothing is impossible. On and off the mat, it is important to believe in yourself, give 110 percent, and not let anything stand in the way of what you want to accomplish.
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As of 2018, there was a recorded 245,564 boys competing in high school wrestling nationwide. This means that most girls do not have their own programs and instead have to compete against boys. And when it comes time for college, many girls have to compromise their academic dreams to attend one of the few colleges offering wrestling scholarships to women. However, with the demand for women’s wrestling on the rise, many schools and organizations are setting out to change the world of wrestling and make it full of opportunities for both genders.
Although there are around 400 colleges that currently offer wrestling for men, the number of women’s wrestling programs continues to rise. Currently, there are 38 colleges in 12 different states that belong to the Women’s Collegiate Wrestling Association (WCWA) who have officially added female wrestling to their list of athletic programs. One school that has recently added the sport is the University of Wisconsin. Director of Athletics Brad Duckworth said the sport’s little opportunity and high demand for females was the biggest reason behind the decision. With over 16,000 girls wrestling in high school, more colleges need to be ready to take them to the next level.
Duckworth and head coach John Johnson both agree that gender will not change much when it comes to training. Due to different rules for the women’s division, they will have to change the way they teach technique, but they say they plan on keeping the fundamentals the same. Johnson says that what matters most is the sense of family they have created with their team. Everyone is always there for each other, and they come in each day ready to work hard. They plan on welcoming women into their gym and making them apart of the family too.
While more and more universities are starting women’s wrestling teams, girls are still having to choose schools that are small or far from home to continue their wrestling careers. In some instances, women are left to choose between their academic and athletic goals when choosing a university. Additionally, the tools needed to succeed in the sport and in college that are offered to men are often not extended to women; most importantly, an NCAA champion title. One organization working to change that, Wrestle like a Girl, is an initiative created to promote wrestling to women and girls. It has recently submitted a bid to make women’s wrestling NCAA’s next emerging sport.
Becoming an official NCAA sport would open a lot of doors for women wrestling. The initiative was created in 1994 as a way to help schools provide more academic opportunities to women through sport-sponsorship programs. Once recognized as an emerging sport, the sport has ten years to reach NCAA Championship Status. This means the sport must have a minimum of 40 varsity NCAA programs across the country. The status comes with a number of benefits that would help women thrive academically and athletically. These include health insurance, scholarship opportunities, and potential grants and internships. Additionally, NCAA Emerging Sport status would encourage even more schools to include women’s wrestling, which would give girls more options as to where they would like to attend school.
Women’s wrestling would be a great candidate for the NCAA emerging sport program, as the sport already has higher participation numbers than some current emerging sports including rugby, beach volleyball, and equestrian. Numerous colleges across the country, like the University of Iowa and Waldorf University, have been pushing the NCAA to accept the bid. The future of women’s wrestling looks bright, and as the sport continues to grow, more and more schools should use it as an opportunity to enhance their programs.
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There is such a variety of brands to choose from, all claiming to offer the best product. Here are some things to consider whether you are choosing your first pair of shoes, are a seasoned wrestler, or are trying to buy a gift for your child.
The first thing most people ask before making any purchase is, “What is the price?” The price for wrestling shoes can vary greatly depending on the brand, but it is completely possible to get a decent pair starting at around $50. For more extravagant pairs, you’ll more likely be dishing out at least $200. In most cases, the more expensive the shoe, the better the quality.
However, if you are new to wrestling, you should not feel pressured to buy the most expensive shoes on the market. Buying a pair of cost-effective wrestling shoes to get you started is a smart decision. This will allow you to learn what you like in a wrestling shoe, and you can upgrade them as you advance in the sport.
When it comes to wrestling shoes, how they feel on your feet is the most important thing to consider. While the fit of a shoe is all a matter of personal preference, most wrestlers will say they prefer a snug fit. A snug shoe will allow for a better grip on the mat, so you can avoid any accidental slips in a crucial moment. Additionally, you will want to have a pair of wrestling shoes that aren’t bothering or distracting you during a match. A snug-fitting shoe is likely one you can put on and forget about. That way, you can focus on what matters: Perfecting your skills and pinning your opponent. While a snug fit is recommended, there is an exception to this rule. If you are a young wrestler whose foot is still growing, it might be best to choose a shoe with a little wiggle room. Also, make sure your shoes are snug but not so tight they are uncomfortable.
You don’t want your shoes to be weighing you down on the mat, which means you will want to find a pair that are as light as possible. When you are trying on shoes, be sure to take a walk around and be sure the shoes aren’t adding much extra weight to your feet that could be a problem during a match.
Stiff wrestling shoes are not going to do you any favors. Flexibility is key in assisting you on the mat without getting in your way. When trying on shoes, do a few lunges, get in a plank position, and bend the shoes in every direction you can. Make sure there is no tightness that would get in your way on the mat.
Ankle support can be tricky. You want a shoe that will support your ankles firmly and help prevent any injuries, but you also don’t want so much support that your ankles become stiff and are unable to move. Ankle support is something you will learn to detect by trying on several different pairs of shoes. Make sure your ankles feel secure and comfortable in the shoes you choose.
Sole grip is imperative in a good pair of wrestling shoes. If there is no traction in your outsole, you will be slipping on the mat, and you won’t have any control during a match. To test for a solid sole grip, simply see if your shoes slide on the floor. Lean all of your weight into the wall and see if your shoes begin to slip. If they do, they might not be the highest quality wrestling shoes.
To tell the difference between a split sole and a unisole wrestling shoe, simply look at the outside sole. If it has a solid sole from the toe to the heel, it is unisole. If the shoe’s sole as a split between the toe and the heel around the arch of the foot, it is a split sole. There is no wrong answer when it comes to the two. It is completely up to personal preference. Unisoles are known for having a better grip, however, because the split sole leaves space in the center of the shoe, they provide a greater range of flexibility. Choose your sole based on whichever skill set you need to work on most.
Whether you are choosing your first or eighth pair of wrestling shoes, understanding what makes a great shoe is key to success on the mat. Once you have bought the optimal shoes for your skill level and budget, be sure to complete the champion wrestler shopping cart with a custom singlet and headgear from Takedown.
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In college, your performance off the mat matters just as much as your on-mat achievements. From academic performance, to mental health, to nutrition, a properly managed life off the mat will be your ticket to success in wrestling. Here are some tips to help you transition successfully from a high school wrestler to a collegiate athlete.
There are a lot of differences between high school and college wrestling, and one is narrowed weight classes. While there are 14 in high school, there are only 10 in college. And unlike high schoolers who change weight classes frequently, college wrestlers are often expected to stay in the same weight class throughout their career. With this in mind, it is time to get a real handle on your nutrition. Drop those unhealthy tricks you’ve used to lose weight quickly and replace them with healthy ways to cut weight. Temporary tactics aren’t healthy, they can affect your overall performance and can lead to detrimental health problems. Get ahead of the game by developing healthy habits now.
A huge part of making it into a top wrestling program is getting noticed by college coaches on the recruiting trail. It is important to make sure you get out in front of these coaches and show them what you’ve got. That means competing in tournaments where these coaches will be present. Getting noticed by a coach could be a life-changing moment for your wrestling career, and it could even result in a scholarship.
With all of the practice, travel and competitions, it can be easy to put your schooling on the backburner. However, it is your grades that will be the ticket to the NCAA school of your choice. After all, even if you are recruited, you will need to be accepted into the university if you are going to be able to go.
And the pressure isn’t off once you’re accepted. Every school is going to have very strict rules about student athletes. You will be expected to maintain good standing in your classes if you plan to compete. Start making good habits now by staying on top of your studies.
Managing time can be a challenge for any student, athlete or even adult. Once you get to college, you are completely responsible for your own schedule, and it can be hard to find a healthy work-fun balance. To make the transition easier, start creating healthy time management and organizational skills now. Create a schedule that works for you and stick to it daily. Start going to bed and waking up earlier to encourage a more productive lifestyle. If you can start doing this on your own now, it won’t be so jarring when your college wrestling coach calls for 5:00 am-sessions in the weight room.
You already eat, sleep, and breathe wrestling, but in college, it’s a whole new level. Everyone competing on the college level was one of the best in their high school. The competition, even between team members, will be intense, and your commitment to the craft will have to be even more all-consuming. Wrestling will no longer be a seasonal sport, and your entire life will revolve around wrestling all year. Get ahead of your peers by making this transition early. Start training in the off seasons and attend wrestling camps during the summer.
College is a common time for mental health issues to start affecting young students. Everything from increased academic pressure to adjusting to college life can cause a spike in anxiety and depression in even the most well-adjusted students. In fact, 75 percent of mental health conditions develop before the age of 24, which means college students are the most vulnerable. There’s no way to ensure you won’t develop anxiety or depression while in college, but you can help by becoming more aware of your mental state now. Start practicing positive self-care and mindfulness to take steps towards keeping your mental health in check. Downloading relaxation or sleep apps, meditating after workouts and learning the signs of anxiety and depression are all good habits to get into before college. Get a head start on working on your mental state to be the best wrestler, student and person you can be.
Hopefully, these tips will help you make the transition from high school to college as seamless as possible and will help you to become the next NCAA champion.
]]>Fortunately, times have changed, and student athletes are no longer pressured like they used to be to lose weight. Organizations like the NWCA and NCAA have weight and nutrition management guidelines to encourage students to pursue healthy weight classes. Before high school, wrestlers should not be expected to cut weight at all, and a student should never feel forced to compete in a weight class he or she is not comfortable in. If athletes are ever asked to shed more than a few pounds or to use unhealthy methods, they should report their coach to a parent or teacher.
There are advantages to competing at a lower weight class, and there are safe ways to make that happen.
Rapid dehydration is common method of quick weight loss. Water weight is the easiest to shed off, so intentionally withholding liquids and sweating profusely before weigh-in are familiar tactics for wrestlers. However, studies show that dehydration critically impairs athletic performance and can lead to serious health concerns. Symptoms of dehydration can start to occur with as little as 2% water-volume loss. These symptoms include muscle cramps, fatigue, dizziness, and mental impairment. Severe cases of dehydration when combined with intense exercise have led to heat stroke, vomiting and seizures.
Studies have shown that consuming adequate amounts of water not only improves athletic performance but can actually assist in weight loss. Water acts as a natural appetite suppressant, it helps burn calories and fat, and it removes waste from the body. Wrestlers, and all athletes, should drink at least 2 liters of water per day.
Fasting is another common yet dangerous method of quick weight loss among wrestlers. When wrestlers starve themselves before a match, they are depriving their bodies of essential nutrients and proteins needed to perform at optimal levels. Like dehydration, extreme calorie reduction in athletes can lead to muscle weakness, fatigue, loss of endurance and concentration. When done regularly, this type of chronic malnutrition can even lead to muscular atrophy, lowered testosterone and depression.
Morris Bird, program director for Beat the Streets Los Angeles, says the best way to make weight is to eat right. A balanced diet combined with proper training and weight management is much safer and more effective than fasting. His tips include:
For those who don’t know, wrestlers are constantly working out / training. It is fine to add a few workouts to your regular schedule when trying to make weight, but it is important to know your limits. If you are feeling dizzy, cold, weak, nauseous, or any symptoms of exhaustion / malnutrition, stop right away. You are only doing more harm to your body and increasing risk of injury by over-training.
Every high school and collegiate wrestler has their own horror story about the far-fetched and dangerous things they did to try and make weight. One of these extreme tactics is a sauna suit or “rubber suit” that traps all of the sweat inside and causes the body to overheat very quickly. One high school wrestler’s traumatic tale consists of being dressed in one of these suits and rolled up in a wrestling mat with weights placed at both ends to seal in the heat; otherwise known as a “hot pocket.” This wrestler said, “Not only do I regret doing this, I didn’t even make weight. I definitely don’t recommend it to anyone.”
Other dangerous tactics include laxatives and weight loss pills which can lead to serious health complications if a doctor is not consulted first.
Even though times have changed, cutting weight is still a sensitive topic for most wrestlers. However, the most recommended strategy by wrestlers for cutting weight starts with setting realistic goals for yourself. If you are shooting for a weight class significantly below your natural weight, odds are you won’t make it regardless of your tactics. Forget the extreme, unhealthy methods of making weight and compete at the weight class you feel most comfortable in. Wrestling is one of the most diverse, all-inclusive sports with a huge range of weight classes to choose from, so pick the one that’s right for you.
Whether you are a new or returning customer, check out our selection of wrestling singlets, custom team apparel, custom wrestling team gear, and much more! Takedown Sportswear knows what you need because our products are designed by wrestlers, for wrestlers.
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