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Here is a list of 10 reasons why kids should wrestle. Wrestling is one of the most unique sports on the planet. It is definitely not the most popular sport, but that is quickly changing as more and more people become aware of the incredible benefits that a career in wrestling can provide.
Develops Athleticism
Athleticism is described as the “physical qualities that are characteristic of athletes, such as strength, fitness, and agility”. Balance, strength, coordination, and overall body awareness is fundamental in having success in the sport of wrestling. Year after year kids will start each practice with a warmup of gymnastics, calisthenics, and activities that develop these skills. It provides a foundation of overall athleticism.
Promotes Personal Responsibility
Another reason why kids should wrestle is that it also promotes personal responsibility. As an individual sport, the only person responsible for success or failure in wrestling is the individual themselves. Wrestling teaches self-awareness and how to be responsible for your own actions. What you put in is what you get out.
Develops Mental and Emotional Resilience
Wrestling also helps develop mental and emotional resilience. Like no other sport, wrestling triggers the emotions of athletes. When you suffer losses and setbacks they are often painful and uncomfortable. However, through the process individuals can develop resilience that will last a lifetime.
Teaches About Nutrition and Weight Management
Another benefit of wrestling is how it can teach athletes about proper nutrition and weight management. Through competition athletes become aware of weight-classes. If done correctly, this can encourage athletes to learn about food and how proper nutrition can impact their performance.
Develops Leadership Skills
Arguably the number one skill that society lacks is leadership skills. Leadership is both verbal and nonverbal. A wrestling room has the ability to create an environment where leaders emerge. You will quickly see young athletes push each other, teach each other, and support one another.
Teaches Discipline and Accountability
Along with the many other benefits, wrestling helps teach discipline. Discipline and accountability are requirements for achieving success in the sport of wrestling. There is literally no way to achieve ultimate success in the sport without choosing to do hard things even when you don’t want to and athletes must hold themselves accountable for their own actions if they want to succeed.
Brings People Together From All Backgrounds and Cultures
As a sport that has very few limits to getting involved, wrestling can help bring people from all backgrounds together. Wrestling is an international sport and doesn’t require anything to participate. People from all corners of the planet and from all different economic and social backgrounds can compete in the sport.
Promotes Self-Mastery and Focus
One of the greatest things that wrestling can teach people is the process of self-mastery. Wrestling has been described as the most difficult martial art to master. It takes years of practice and experience to understand the positions of wrestling. The sport teaches individuals to have a long-term perspective and requires a high level of passion to pursue the elite levels of the sport.
Wrestling Is A Form of Self-Defense
One of the most common issues kids deal with today is bullying and the best way to ensure that you’re not a victim of physical violence is by learning self-defense. Wrestling is the most important skill-set required in combat sports today because it has the ability to control where the battle goes. Knowing how to wrestle could very easily help anyone in a situation of self-defense.
Wrestling Can Provide Opportunities to Travel
Finally, along with the many other benefits to the sport, wrestling creates opportunities for individuals to travel and see the world. There are so many opportunities to travel the country and see the world while competing in youth and high school wrestling.
