Located in Sherman Oaks, California
class details towards bottom of page
Yes, you too can become a Pro Wrestler with the proper training . Here at AWF we teach you from Old School techniques to current. Learn holds, bumps, reversals, ring presense, character developement, working an audience, punches, kicks, etc. All these things can also lead you into Stunt Work. We also coordinate many films,TV commercials and music videos and cast from our group of students and wrestlers. It's great conditioning, fun, knowledge, self defense and trains you to separate your mind from your body and acheive performance that you never thought possible. We want serious people only ! PLEASE READ THIS BELOW THIS IS A STANDARD QUESTION THAT I RECEIVE MANY TIMES A DAY FROM THOSE WHO WANT TO START TRAINING. I've been watching wrestling since I was a kid. I'm now 19 and want to know how long it will take me to become a WWE Superstar Wrestler and how much will it cost me? Think about that question for a minute. Think
about the difference in ability of each person, plus charisma, ring
knowledge, and all that goes with it. Everyone develops at a different
rate. Some sooner than others and I don't know what you're capable of.
Your personality has to really shine, be able to work with anyone in
the ring, work the crowd, understand crowd and ring psychology in a
match. Have the look, style and charisma that sells. All those things
figure in. WWE training is a minimum of 2 years for them and some of
them do 4 years. They want professional polished people.
AWF SUPERSTARS CAMP MEMBERS |
|
Teaching a couple on Blind Dat
Executing the Drop Kick |
Budweiser Commercial using Ric
Applying the moves |
|
Girls learning a Headlock
Critique the match |
Girls learning a Back Bump!
Hold to hold instruction |
|
Ric and Roland Kickinger "See Arnold Run" 'Son Of A Beach' run through a top wrist lock! |
|
Mo and Mark Lock up !
Pin
Clothesline
|
We are also proud to announce that one of our students La Trice was chosen out of 4000 submissions for the WWF Tough Enough 2 TV tryouts on MTV and the two winners receive a 1 year contract with WWF for $150,000. wrestling clip
Meeting the Fans ! Take a look at some training, click below
|
Bumps
Choke
Battle Royal |
Casey gives a huge hip toss |
20 year old 300 lb Brian meets our guest 400lb Cannonball from France |
Cannonball (guest from Paris) helping the students |
Ric and Cannonball, critiquing the students with a watchful eye! |
|
Cannonball visits the class video
Robin, Chris, Harold, Eric, Brian ,David, Cannonball, Casey, Jose, Tony and Ric In wrestling attire!
|
Count Black Pearl came to visit out class and lend his knowledge to some of our students. Black Pearl aka 'Reno' is cousin of many famous Samoans, The Rock, Rikishi, Tonga Kid
and more. He's currently the Champion in Italy. Click on his website here. http://www.countblackpearl.com/
RENO (COUNT BLACK PEARL) & RIC
Tag Team Training! |
Reno shows how to apply the choke hold |
Demonstrating the Clothesline |
WWE SUPERSTAR RIKISHI COMES TO CLASS
RIKISHI came to our Tuesday night class to visit and give the students some tips about turning pro. It was very informative and he is a true gentleman. What a pleasure it was to have him come by. We're looking forward to his next visit.
RIKISHI Giving the 'boys' some sound advice |
RIKISHI with my Wife and Daughter |
today's class 4 -3 07
One of our Guests this week is 'Wildman' Jack Armstrong, over 35 years of wrestling world wide with legends from the past. Was great to have his input and critique of
all the students and helping them to improve their skills.
Jack in a match with Chief Jay Strongbow |
Critique the Students. |
FROM OUR LAST SHOW, SOME OF TH E GUYS IN THEIR FIRST MATCH
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Yes, we train 'girls' too ! In fact more and more lately.
 |
 |
Recently 'ROCK RIDDLE' former wrestler of 3 years and 'old school' who worked with Ric back in the 60's stopped in for a ring workout before
doing a legend's show in San Francisco.
El Serucho, Chris, Rock & Robyn pose for a photo |
Rock and Ric at ringside. |
Rock and Black Pearl testing out a Headlock |
KID'S CLASSES NOW AVAILABLE
Jake's 10 year Birthday Party in the Ring with all his friends.
Classes currently are Tues at 5:30 pm to7:00 pm and Saturdays from 10:00 to 12:15 pm. Indivdual classes run $55.00 per class.
There is also a first time registration fee of $150.00 (non refundable) which includes your first class.
*Discount for paying (1) month up front. This is very reasonable for the type of specific training you get.
Wrestling Schools across the country normally charge a fee of $3000 up front minimum.
Contact us through email or call 818 489 3323 for further details.
Serious people only~!
info@americanwrestlingfederation.com
Discount applies ONLY to those who pay one month up front for minimum 8 classes, 2 per week. If any classes are missed, there is NO carry over to the next
month. New Payment each month.
FAQS
American Wrestling Federation - Wrestling
Gym
818 489 3323
info@americanwrestlingfederation.com
www.americanwrestlingfederation.com/Training.htm
**** WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING NEW APPLICANTS FOR 2007 ****
Trainers:
The current Head Trainers of the AWF are Ric The Equalizer Drasin with 40
years of Pro Wrestling Experience as a Wrestler/ Stuntman and Promoter.
The School's Assistant Trainers are Tony Williams, Black Pearl, Andy Jassick.
Guest Trainers:
In the past AWF has used Guest Trainers, from around the world, such as:
* Cannonball 300 lbs Wrestler from Paris
* Terry Funk Hardcore Champion
* Tyler Mane Sabertooth from X-Men
* Freddy Valentine
* Rock Riddle
* Jack Armstrong
*Rikishi (WWE)
*Black Pearl (Italy's Champion)
and more to come such as:
*Superstar Billy Graham
* King Kong Bundy
Training Fee’s:
- $150.00 'Registration fee at time of sign
up, includes first class' *$55.00
per class thereafter
(To be paid in full before your training commences).
Discount applies ONLY to those who pay one month up front for minimum 8 classes, 2 per week. If any classes are missed, there is NO carry over to the next
month. New Payment each month.
Please NO guests during class time unless absolutely necessary, please check with me first.
PARENTS PLEASE NOTE:
For Kid's classes the ages are 10 to 16. Please understand this is NOT like the Karate classes you find on every street corner. This is Professional Wrestling as you see on TV and is very physically demanding. We do falls (bumps) and train to land properly on the back. Even though it looks easy on TV and people think it's fake, it's not, and it does jar your body. We do get some bruises from landing and sore muscles from training but as far as conditioning, it's one of the best things you can do to get into shape, learn moves, self defense, self esteem and over all conditioning. I prefer to meet your child first before having them start the class just to make sure that this is what they want to do and are physically able to do it. It's the safest way to find out.
I am the
ONLY Pro Wrestler around that offers this training to anyone under the age
of 18 and I treat them in the ring as I do the adults.
Training Times:
Tuesday 5:30 to 7:00
(subject to change-- consult this page frequently for updates)
Kid's Classes at this time are Thursdays
at 3:30.
Saturday: 10:00 to Noon
1) How do I get to the AWF Training School?
14157 Califa Street Van Nuys CA 91401 818 489 3323
Between Burbank Blvd and Oxnard and Hazeltine and Van Nuys Blvd.
No Drop ins ! Call first.
BUSES – from any point of Los Angeles will drop you within 3 blocks
of our location
2) What are the age limits of the school?
A: The minimum age of potential applicants is 14 years old. Applicants under
the age of 18 must also have signed parental permission to participate. There
is no upper age limit for trainees.
3) Does the school have weight limits?
A: No. Whether you're 110 lbs or 410 lbs the school accommodates all sizes.
Head Trainer Ric Drasin assists trainees with diet plans, and workout logs
to help them get into shape.
4) Can I just come down and have a look around
while a training session is on?
A: Certainly. Just send an email ric@ricdrasin.com and let us know when you're
coming down, so we can ensure you're looked after.
5) What do I need to start up?
A: If you wish to start straight away, you need: (1) to pay the $150.00
'Registration fee at time of sign up, includes first class'
$55.00 fee for each class thereafter.
(2) signed parental permission (applicable to those under 18 only);
(3) comfortable gear to train in. (See below for more information.) Trainees
should bring plenty of water, as well, to prevent dehydration.
6) What kind of gear will I need and where can I get it?
A: The basic requirements are-- kneepads. (These are absolutely essential
for any prospective trainee. Kickboxing kneepads,Trainees will also need flat-soled
runners for wearing in the ring. Loose, comfortable clothing is recommended.
Elbow pads are also recommended, and should be available from the places mentioned
above. Big 5 has it all.
7) My friends and I have done backyard wrestling
and feel we're ready to be booked on actual shows-- can you make this happen?
A: AWF in no way, shape or form endorses backyard wrestling. Every prospective
trainee who walks into the Training School begins from scratch, and is taught
the basics by our training team. How many Super plexes or 630 Splashes off
your shed you've done is utterly irrelevant- every trainee begins with a blank
canvas. Backyarders who think they know all about wrestling do not last.
8) I have some great ideas for a character and
moves-- can you help me develop them?
A: The Training School nurtures everyone's strengths, be it moves, promo skills
or whatever. However, trainees are encouraged to learn the basics first, before
getting ahead of themselves with ideas for characters and moves.
9) I'm a girl. Can I join the school?
A: Absolutely. AWF heartily encourages applications from female trainees.
We have also had a number of female trainees in training in the past.
10) Can I get Private Lessons with one of the Head Trainers or Assistant Trainers?
A: You can indeed. If you feel that trying to get the basics learned in a
group environment is too daunting, then a private lesson, one-on-one might
be what you need. Private classes can be arranged with any of the Trainers.
Just email us with what time would suit, and we'll try to sort you out.
Private lessons are $75 per hour, but are an invaluable expense if you need
to learn the basics.
11) What does training involve?
A: The AWF Training School provides a wide education in not only the mechanics
of wrestling, but also in professional conduct and etiquette. Along with the
structured wrestling-based training, work on cardio and stamina, and training
in promo skills, trainees are also taught how to help with refereeing, ring
announcing and how to set up the ring. New trainees are encouraged to make
themselves available for shows to help backstage, and in the set-up of the
show.
12) What facilities does the AWF Gym have?
A: The AWF Gym has a 16x16 professional wrestling ring, brought in direct
from the United States. Along with this, there are also a full matts area
available for workouts, and a private toilet.
13) I have a medical condition-- do I need to
state this on the application form?
A: Yes. The health and safety of our trainees is paramount-- your illness
will be kept in the strictest of confidence, of course, but must be disclosed
to our training team in case of an emergency. Any condition that affects your
ability to participate in exercise (asthma, for example) should be mentioned.
Any other relevant questions should be info@americanwrestlingfederation.com
What it takes
to be a Pro-Wrestler & What to look for in a School.
What I am about to discuss comes from first hand experience. How much does it cost to train to become a professional wrestler? What does it take to become a pro wrestler? How hard is it to make it to the top? What kind of training is involved, and how long will it take to complete such training? What kind of money can be expected to be earned while starting off, and what's the possibilities of wealth? These are the questions most asked by interested wrestling prospects. I'm sure many of you fans, even if not interested in becoming a professional wrestler, have wondered about some of these questions.
First off, there are many schools around that offer a varying amount for tuition. Your more respected schools will range from $2000.00 to $3500.00, with some reaching as high as $10,000.00, depending on popularity of the individual running the operation. Many schools require you pay the tuition in full, while others set up payment arrangements The popularity of a wrestler is a key factor for deciding on a school, but more importantly is the talent and skill of the instructor.
As to the type of training involved, depends again on the individual. The basic learning techniques are taught the same by almost everyone. Some schools are very easy going and set to your own learning abilities. Others run their program like a military institution, very rough and regimented. Best bet here is to visit the school a few times and watch what actually takes place. The time it will take you to learn what you need to know to get out into the field and display your skills, depends on the individual. Some pick up things easier than others, while some never learn. On the average, it takes about 10 months of twice a week training, to be able to go out and wrestle a match. This could be cut much shorter, if more training sessions per week are added.
When starting off, money can be very tight. Just like any other entertainment field, one must pay their so-called dues, which consists of holding down a job and keeping your dream alive. Once you have attained enough experience, it is not uncommon to make as much wrestling on a Friday and Saturday night, as could be made working a 40 hour a week job. Many wrestlers use their wrestling career as a great means to supplemental income. Contracts are not always required, but many promoters work via verbal agreement. The major league wrestling promotions do require that a contract be signed. These contracts range anywhere from $50,000 and up.
Along with having the bucks to afford the training, all that is needed is a strong desire to pursue a dream. It's no different than anything else. Now keep in mind, being in shape and having some size does help greatly. But these are matters that can be worked on if the desire is there. Another important fact to remember is, that although wrestling is entertainment, it is rough entertainment. Expect to get banged and dinged around a bit. Expect a lot of bruises, and mat burns, and vomit spells. These are the things that every new student experiences. Wrestling is not all fun and games. It does get real!
Last but not least, is making it to the big time. What it takes to make it to the top in pro wrestling, is just like what it took Bruce Smith to become an all pro defensive lineman, Arnold Palmer a PGA master, or Mark Spitz a 7 time gold medalist Olympic swimmer. Heart, determination, practice, and setting goals. If you have these attributes, and you want to become a superstar wrestler, then you got what it takes to get to the big show. Some get lucky and rise to stardom in a couple years, while wrestlers like Rocco Rock have waited close to 15 years to achieve their goals.
The professional wrestling industry is a "dog-eat-dog" market. Wrestlers are coming out of the woodwork even from the backyards of neighborhoods around the world. In this report I would like to touch base one more time on pro wrestling schools and how to choose the correct one. If you desire to pursue a career in professional wrestling, please go about it the right way. There is just too much "wrong way" out there at the present moment. This is not what the paying fan spends his/her money to see when they attend a pro wrestling event. Not to mention it's a great way to injure yourself or, more importantly, others!
There are schools that claim to be "THE BEST." Let's be honest here. There are way too many good schools out there to consider any one of them the BEST. We would never be arrogant enough to say, "We are the best." That would be totally ridiculous and disrespectful to the other outstanding organizations that also put out "quality" pro wrestling talent. Instead of insulting my constituents with a comment or statement like this, I would rather say, "The AWF training center is not the best...but it is just as good as the rest!" My point being, there are a lot of good schools around the country that do put out quality talent.
Looking at this from another standpoint, consider all the different wrestling stars in the business today. Who is the best? Who can proclaim to be the best? When you have billions of fans, any wrestler can be someone's favorite or the "best" in their eyes. We have the option to choose who we like and for whatever reasons we choose to like them. The same goes for pro wrestling schools. There are many schools out there that appeal to different people for different reasons. I get asked all the time, "What is the best wrestling school in the country to attend?" That all depends on what you are looking for in terms of wrestling style. Many schools offer hard-core, extreme training, along with various other styles of wrestling. Other schools take a different approach in training and offer what I refer to as "TV style" wrestling. Not that one is better than the other, again it's a matter of personal preference.
1. Location of school-This is very important. Traveling long distances and putting in long/difficult training sessions can erode one's determination and motivation rather quickly. I suggest looking for a school that's not much more than an hours drive from where you reside.
2. Availability of actual training-What days/hours is the school open for actual "hands-on" training? How long will the training last? How long are training sessions? Are there set times or can classes be arranged according to work schedules?
3. Instructor/Instruction-Who runs the school? Does this individual have the credentials required to take beginners in off the street and "safely" train them? Is the instructor always there for each training session? What type of reputation, if any, does the instructor possess? Does the instructor have an impressive background in pro wrestling, and do they have the experience needed to teach what must be known? If someone hasn't done something, how can they teach it?
4. Cost-From my past experience I have gathered that schools charge anywhere from $1000.00 up to as high as $10,000.00 to teach you what you need to know to begin your dream of becoming a superstar. Just like choosing any other service, shop around for "the best buy for your buck". We all know everyone works too hard for their money, so make sure that the school you are looking at uses the same philosophy.
7. Honest Approach-Is the school willing to
sit down with you and tell you that starting off as a pro wrestler you will
need to work a 40 hour a week job to support your "wrestling habit"?
As a rookie, and for many years to come, you may STARVE if you expect wrestling
to pay your bills. This is just like any other entertainment industry...you
pay your dues for many years, awaiting that big break that will finally come
if you have a positive outlook.
At the very very least, you will really learn your potential, abilities and get to know your inner personality. Wrestling brings out all of those attributes. It's a theater in the round and you play to that audience around you. I can think of no better training to give you self-confidence and bring out sides of you that you never knew possible. You will be able to command the attention of an audience and have the confidence to speak before large groups of people which most people have trouble with. One of the side benefits is learning that all these moves and holds can be used for self-defense to protect you and your family. Plus you will have the self esteem it takes to use them.
RIC'S DIET & TRAINING PROGRAM for Wrestlers in training.
BREAKFAST - 4 egg whites scrambled (microwave
2 min)
Bowl of Oatmeal with Protein and Sweetener on top (Hot Water)
1/3 Bagel with Peanut Butter and Coffee -
Vitamins - sometimes Creatine and L Glutamine
Apple juice mixed with Gaspari's Superpump 250 and Size
On by Gaspari Nutrition
Mid-Morning - Protein Drink - Vanilla Whey Protein
- Apple Juice-Water and Size On. spoon full Apple
Cider/ Vinegar
Lunch - 3 Chicken Breasts - occasionally some rice - or Steak, Eggs
And cottage cheese or Fish, rice and broccoli.Dinner - Chicken or Fish or
Steak - Salad, Veggies, Rice and roll cottage cheese and some fruit.
Water
Bedtime - Protein drink with Gaspari's
Size On and Whey Protein, spoon full Apple Cider/ VinegarThis is a
maintenance diet and keeps me at a consistent 225 lbs. It's used to stay in
shape and stay lean. If I wanted to get bigger, I would up my carbs and protein
and then I would gain size. This is a good all round diet for staying in shape.
You can have one cheat day and eat anything you want. It'll help you keep
your sanity.TRAINING
Monday - Chest - Bench Press or Machine Press
- 3 sets 20 reps
Incline " with dumbbells or mach. Same
Pec Dec or Dumbell Flys Same approx.
Dips 4 sets 20 reps
Back - Pulldowns or Chins 4 sets 20 reps
Seated Lat Pulls cable same
One arm rows (cable) same
Straight arm pull downs same
Tuesday - Delts - Standing Barbell Press (off
the rack)
Or Dumbell Press (Arnold style) 4 sets 15 - 20reps
Standing DB Laterals same
Front Raises / High Pulls 4 sets 20 reps
Biceps - Barbell Curls (3 movements) 3 sets 20 reps
Preacher curls BB or DB 3 sets 20 reps
Triceps - Standing Pushdowns on Cable 3 sets 20 reps
One Arm Dumbell Kickbacks same
Close in Dips same
Finish with Reverse Curls for Forearms and close grip pushups 3
Sets 20 reps.
Wednesday -Legs - Calf Raises 5 sets 20 reps
Leg Curls 4 sets of 20 reps
Leg Extensions same
Leg Press or Squats same
Hack Squats or Lunges same
Abs everyday, Jack-knife leg raises 200 reps and then Hanging leg raises with
straps 100 reps
Repeat the same routine the following 3 days and take Sunday off.
I do take a good protein supplement called EAS which you can purchase at COSTCO
5lbs for $25. a great value
Email - Ric@ricdrasin.com
