Cultivating Champions: A Balanced Approach to Youth Wrestling at Diesel Wrestling Academy
In the heart of Diesel Wrestling Academy, amidst the echoes of determination and the shuffling of feet, lies a philosophy that transcends the traditional win-at-all-costs mentality often seen in youth sports. This season, as both a coach and an observer, I've been reminded of the profound mental resilience wrestling instills in young athletes. Yet, it's become increasingly clear that the journey to resilience is often marred by the sidelines' chaos—where the pressure of competition can sometimes lead to moments that defy the spirit of the sport.
Witnessing firsthand the counterproductive shouting from parents and the unnecessary emphasis on early victories has reinforced my commitment to fostering an environment at Diesel Wrestling Academy that prioritizes the well-being and long-term development of our wrestlers. Our approach is rooted in the comprehensive standards set by USA Wrestling, combined with a decade of academic insight and the disciplined structure of military service.
Here is an example of the behavior I witnessed at a recreational children’s event in NJ for Grade School students (I was present at this event):
At my private Academy, Diesel Wrestling Academy, we do not believe in pressuring children into a competition because, like any successful educator or coach, I have established program philosophies for all age groups. I see that the most successful academies nationwide follow the same principles.
Age-Based Training Standards
5-8 years old
Program standards:
Focus is on FUN, games, and activities
Daily agility, balance, and coordination drills
5-12 hours/wk physical activity (including wrestling)
No weight loss (unless for health reasons)
Focus on long-term learning over winning
Learn wrestling rules and basic techniques
Learn respect for opponents, coaches & officials
Parents: Our youngest wrestlers dive into the world of wrestling through fun and games, emphasizing agility, balance, and coordination. The goal here is not to push them toward early competition but to nurture their love for the sport through fundamental movement skills and respect for the wrestling community.
Practice Time: 2-3 practices a week (45-60 mins)
Competition Schedule: 10-25 matches per year (Jan-Dec)
9-12 years old
Program standards:
Focus is on FUN, games, and activities
Daily agility, balance, and coordination drills
5-12 hours/wk physical activity (including wrestling)
No weight loss (unless for health reasons)
Focus on long-term learning over winning
Learn wrestling rules and basic techniques
Learn respect for opponents, coaches & officials
Parents: As our athletes grow, so does the complexity of their training—still grounded in fun, but with a heightened focus on routine and repetition. Here, wrestling becomes a tool for teaching discipline, teamwork, and the value of hard work, with competition serving as a measure of progress rather than an end goal.
Practice Time: 3-6 practices a week (60-90 mins; group and individual sessions)
Competition Schedule: 20-40 matches per year (Jan-Dec)
13-17 years old
Program standards:
Introduce wrestling-specific strategies
Learn to focus through a full practice
Increase levels of competition
Parents: Entering their teenage years, our wrestlers are introduced to more sophisticated strategies and a deeper understanding of the sport's mental and physical demands. This stage is about honing their ability to set goals, develop self-discipline, and prepare for higher levels of competition—all while ensuring they understand the importance of rest, nutrition, and mental health.
At Diesel Wrestling Academy, we stand firm in the belief that the role of a parent is to support and trust in the professional guidance provided by our coaches. Our transparent programming standards are designed not only to cultivate skilled wrestlers but also to build resilient individuals who are prepared for life's challenges, both on and off the mat.
As we look to the future, our commitment remains unwavering: to offer a wrestling program that values personal growth, athletic excellence, and the holistic development of every student-athlete. Because in the end, the true measure of success in wrestling isn't found in the number of wins or losses, but in the character and resilience forged through the journey.
Practice Time: 5-10 weekly practices (90-120 mins; group and individual sessions) with rest between intense sessions.
Competition Schedule: 30-60 matches per year (Jan-Dec)
All Physical fitness standards for our wrestlers can be found on our website under the tab The Standard. Be following the link you will see how we assess student-athletes physical abilities based on age-group and utilize that to help the children become athletic and healthy.
Conclusion
For any student-athlete in our program, we seek to make them a better wrestler, more resilient person, and goal-oriented through the sport of wrestling, physical conditioning, strength training, mindset exercises, and mastery of executive functioning skills our athletes will dominate on the mat and in life. Wrestling is not a sport where people obtain large sums of money, but the journey has prepared men and women mentally for the demands of real life. Forbes writes an article specifically touching on the topic of future success for wrestlers when entering the workforce. Allowing your child to enjoy the experience and explore their athletic journey personally will foster a greater love for the sport and allow for the wrestler to want to wrestle into their high school years.
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- Nicolas Cabrera
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USA Wrestling Bronze Certifed Coach
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“Toughness is the ability to perform at your ‘Ideal Competitive State’ no matter what the competitive circumstances are.”- Mike Chapman (Wrestling Tough)