The Raptors Wrestling Club, in Primrose, made history last week when they hosted a youth training camp.
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The camp saw children, aged between four and 11 years old, from three different clubs, including clubs from Alberton and Brakpan, coming together to improve their skills and understanding of the sport.
“It is the first time that any club in Eastern Gauteng has taken the initiative to host a training camp over the school holidays, as well as to open their doors to other clubs.
“Consequently it was one of the largest youth wrestling camps to be hosted and specifically for this age group of wrestlers,” explained Jeannie Coetser from the South African Wrestling Federation.
The camp’s 40 young wrestlers spent four days learning different skills and techniques.
“The children were taught movements and techniques not only unique to wrestling but also essential to the holistic development of any young athlete, and they can be applied to most sporting codes,” said Coetser.
Raptors’ coaches Dewald de Wet and Lorinda Janse van Rensburg had a terrific week with the youngsters and were thrilled with the inclusion of seven girls in the training camp, a sign of the growth of the sport.
“The inclusion of seven girls, which is a record number at any South African wrestling club, in the camp was fantastic.
“Janse van Rensburg herself was one of the very first women who wrestled in South Africa and represented South Africa on the international stage, winning a gold medal many years ago,” explained Coetser.
“We are so fortunate to have her involved and de Wet who has committed himself to the development of women’s wrestling.”
The skills learned at the camp were put into practice on Friday night when the young athletes faced each other in refereed matches.
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To make the evening extra special for the young wrestlers each had their own special entrance sequence, complete with music and flashing lights.
Children under the age of 11 compete according to ‘Long Term Participant Development’ rules, which protects the young wrestlers from dangerous throws or techniques that may cause impact-injuries or cause force trauma – which happens in any contact sport.
The camp taught the children the fundamentals of movements and body development appropriate to every age and also considered gender.
“This is not the case in all wrestling clubs, as children are pushed too hard at a young age and drop out of the sport.
“This is why what the Raptors are doing is so important.
“It will encourage other coaches from outside clubs and provinces to commit to learning and furthering their own education, and focus on the development of individuals and the sport, instead of the usual chasing of gold medals and podium finishers,” said Coetser.
The event, open to family and friends, was enjoyed by all who attended.
The club situated on the corner of Oak Avenue and Quince Street prides itself on teaching its students about etiquette, self-control, concentration, hand-eye co-ordination and discipline in a fun and safe environment and trains on weeknights (except for Fridays) from 6pm to 8pm.
If you are interested in joining the club call de Wet on 083 611 7169 or Hannes van der Merwe on 082 805 7229 or visit their Facebook page by searching Raptors Wrestling.
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