WRESTLING SCHOOL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.

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, .

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:
*$55.00 per class - $150.00 'Registration fee at time of sign up, includes first class' Discounts ONLY apply to those who pay monthly in advance on a full time basis of minimum 2 classes per week. The discount applies to that month only and no carry over to the following month for days missed. Fresh start each month.
(To be paid in full before your training commences).

Please NO Guests during class time unless it's a ride or absolutely necessary

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
Private classes available....inquire

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'(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. From that point on it will be $55.00 fee per class.

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.