Ion Baciu brags with new training facility
The Ion Baciu Wrestling Academy officially opened their new training hall on Monday, 22 January.
POLOKWANE – The Ion Baciu Wrestling Academy officially opened their new training hall, situated at the Polokwane International Airport on Monday, 22 January.
The club coach, Jan Roets, realised the importance of frequent training to turn average wrestlers into champions a long time ago and started the Ion Baciu Wrestling Academy which he ran from his garage in 2006.
He decided on the name Ion Baciu as it was the name of the Romenian wrestling champion who taught Jan everything he knew about wrestling.
“As the club grew, one of the parents, who grew up with Jan, provided a place on his plot where the wrestlers could practice since 2010. Unfortunately the plot was sold and we had to look for a new home for the club. The people of the Polokwane International Airport heard our plight and offered us a space for the club,” said Magrietha Lourens, general secretary of the club.
The Ion Baciu Wrestling Academy hopes to grow and reach more people in the community to teach them about the sport and in doing so grow the sport in the city and province.
https://www.citizen.co.za/review-online/192726/ever-wondered-how-mma-fighters-get-ready-for-big-tournaments/
“Wrestling is a great sport because wrestlers are grouped by age and weight. Anybody can do it. This sport also helps young people develop important qualities such as self-esteem, sportsmanship, work ethic and leadership skills. Wrestling is the world’s oldest sport and teaches control, not violence. Even though wrestling, like all sport, have the risk of injury, there are fewer serious injuries when compared to sport such as rugby and hockey. A wrestler will get bumps, bruises, mat burn, and bloody noses from time to time but parents can rest assured their children will never be asked to wrestle if they are hurt or not feeling well,” Jan said.
The club has four groups of training times from Monday to Thursday and anyone is welcome to join. The young children, five years and older, train from 14:45 to 15:15. The older, more experienced children train from 15:20 to 16:00 with the advanced training scheduled from 16:00 to 17:00, while the serious wrestlers train from 17:00 to 19:00.
https://www.citizen.co.za/review-online/151128/young-rugby-star-has-big-aspirations/
