Ready to wrestle?
Wrestle 4 Fun is a unique fitness program delivered by wrestlers.
Our one-week programme encourages more children (ages 6-12) to become active by improving their physical literacy and confidence, both building blocks of an active lifestyle — in a fun and inclusive environment.
We use wrestling to teach fundamental movement skills and short activities to teach social-emotional skills like stress management, decision-making or positive motivation.
Wrestle 4 Fun encourages
Healthy bodies
Over three to five classes, university wrestlers introduce age-appropriate wrestling fundamentals while improving movement skills, agility, balance and coordination. Each class includes exercises and games.
Students will learn basic wrestling skills and drills to improve fundamental movement and physical literacy in a fun and safe environment. Our fitness curriculum is based on the FUNdamentals stage of the Sports for Life Long-Term Development Framework.
Healthy minds
Each class includes a short experiential activity on social-emotional skills (e.g. managing stress or goal-setting).
Our curriculum aligns with the provincial school health and physical education curriculum for elementary schools and is based on social-emotional learning frameworks and the skills we learned as athletes and coaches.
“Physical literacy is the foundation for an active lifestyle and is a life-long journey. It is the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life.”
Yet, only 36% of 8- to 12-year-olds in Canada assessed by the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy (CAPL) meet or exceed the minimum level recommended for physical literacy.
“Children and students who have strong relationships and a positive sense of self – and who can understand and manage their own health and emotions – are in a better position to reach their full potential in the future. Their sense of well-being supports their learning because it makes them more resilient and better able to overcome challenges.”
Feedback from more than 550 participants show:
92%
enjoyed learning about wrestling
84%
feel more confident after learning something new
73%
would be interested in continuing wrestling
What participants say
Since 2015, we have served more than 19,500 students.
“It was really fun, I had a great time with the instructors. They were really nice and explained everything well. I also really liked the activities that we did. Thanks to you guys for making this happen :)"
Grade 7 Participant 2021
"I learned how to do fun exercises and fun breathing exercises"
Grade 4 Participant 2021
"I really Loved learning about wrestling it was new and fun like (Down Block Left, Down Block Right, Shot, etc. )"
Grade 5 Participant 2021
"This class was super enjoyable because I've been feeling a bit "unhealthy" lately since I don't get enough physical activity time! Thank you for sharing your wrestling strategies with us, it was cool to learn about them. Your introduction with the life goal questions really got me thinking which is totally great!"
Grade 6 Participant 2021
How it works
If you are in the Toronto District School Board, contact us to book 3-5 classes (classes can range from 30-60 minutes based on your schedule).
Classes can be offered online or in person.
Every class includes a fitness component (30-50 minutes) and a life skill component (10 minutes).
This program is funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation so we will be distributing pre and post-surveys for Grades 4-6 only.
The fitness component provides moderate to vigorous physical activities (MVPA).
