WHY WRESTLING?

Of the many sports , Wrestling is perhaps the most misrepresented, misunderstood, and underrated. The ratio of participation to public awareness is remarkably lopsided. Each year hundreds of thousands of kids participate in this sport, yet the average person knows as much about wrestling as they might know about rugby or polo which, all combined, involve far fewer athletes. The purpose of this  Wrestling 101 page, along with the videos and testimonials is to inform and generate awareness among those who are interested in participating in this exciting and rewarding sport. Check out this awesome YWA Wrestling 101 promo video created by wrestler Dov Halpern (Yeshiva Atlanta, '07).

What makes wrestling such a great sport?

Wrestling is perhaps the purest form of athletic competition to exist in the realm of organized sports. There are no bats or balls, or pucks or sticks. No pads or helmets or jerseys. There’s no time to rethink strategy, regroup, or even to catch your breath. There’s only you, and your opponent of equal weight and size. Experience, preparation and the will to succeed will determine the victor. There’s no doubt about it, wrestling tops the list of intense, highly-competitive sports.

Wrestling involves a unique balance of practically every aspect of physical and psychological conditioning. Strength is as important as stamina. Speed as technique, strategy as intensity, and power as is coordination. However, it’s not always the natural athlete that ultimately succeeds in the sport — it’s the natural competitor.

Teens and kids that are strong for their weight, well coordinated and naturally aggressive are usually more successful early on in the sport. However, it‘s the highly competitive kids that really enjoy the sport, that eventually achieve the highest levels of success. True competitors come in all shapes and sizes, and in varying degrees of natural talent. Many of the best wrestlers the world has ever seen, such as John Smith, Dan Gable and Dave Schultz were not star athletes. They are and were ordinary people with anextraordinary competitive drive.

Gifted athletes, especially those that are strong and well coordinated, typically do well and take an early liking to the sport. Some wrestlers that thrive on competition, with only average or below average natural ability, often surprise parents and coaches by eventually surpassing more gifted athletes through hard work and preparation.

Although it is wise for parents and coaches to de-emphasize winning, victories can be are  extremely gratifying because of the strong sense of personal accomplishment. The effort put forth in practice and preparation is apparent in competition, and not lost in a team effort. This aspect of wrestling can be a great motivator and teacher, and can develop a person’s work ethic, self-confidence, and ability to achieve in all areas of life. Wrestling is great for exposing the “champion” within most anyone, but especially with those that love to compete.

Why participate in wrestling?

Few sports require total use of the body and wrestling develops this with all the following benefits:

• Greater physiological development  
• Flexibility 
• Body awareness 
• Strength and leverage 
• Balance 
• Coordination and reaction time 
• Speed 
• Reduced body fat 
• Character Development

Wrestling in schools and clubs is a sport of individual participation functioning within the framework of team concepts. This aspect contributes to the development of life-long patterns of responsible behavior including respect for others regardless of social or racial origin . A young person involved in wrestling can be expected to display increasing self-confidence and appreciation of their self-worth, and develop analytical and adaptive skills.

How does wrestling compare with team sports such as soccer, baseball and basketball?

Wrestling is considered an individual sport, but includes many of the benefits of team sports. Wrestling differs from most team sports in that during competition, athletes must rely entirely on their own individual abilities for success. Those that dedicate the time and effort will eventually achieve at a level directly proportionate to the investment they have made - even if their teammates prepare and perform at a different level. 

Similarities exist in that teammates still depend on each other in team competition. Team victories in meets and tournaments are determined by the number of individual victories, and the extent to which each match was won or lost. Wrestlers also develop an appreciation and respect for teammates that have been through the same challenges, and a strong sense of belonging and camaraderie with teammates and other wrestlers.

Other team sports may be better for developing interactive player-to-player skills such as passing and blocking, but wrestling can offer benefits that other team sports lack. The individual nature of the sport provides an outstanding opportunity for young athletes to develop a sense of responsibility and self esteem while learning the relationship between effort and achievement.