Wrestling is a stimulating sport for children because it instills self-confidence and discipline, giving them the inner strength they’ll need to overcome obstacles throughout their lives. However, a lot of parents are misinformed about the sport, making them wary about letting their children partake in it.

4 Beliefs About Youth Wrestling That Aren’t True

1. It’s Dangerous

On average, kids that play popular sports, like basketball and football, are prone to more injuries. Wrestling implements strict safety rules, and each match is carefully supervised by an experienced coach or referee. Dangerous or illegal moves during a match result in penalties or disqualification.

2. Wrestling Is Expensive

Sports, like baseball, football, and lacrosse, need specialized gear to protect the head, torso, and legs. These sports also require specific essentials, like balls, bats, and sticks, which can add up to hundreds of dollars. In comparison, a wrestler only needs a reliable pair of shoes, headgear, and a uniform. The fee for joining a wrestling club is usually relatively small, and event registration is affordable for most people.

3. Only Certain Kids Can Wrestle

There’s very little that will hinder your child from learning how to wrestle. The sport is open to all genders, and youths as young as four can be taught. Regardless of their body type, height, or weight, children will be trained to compete with kids of similar physical stature.

4. It Leads to Unhealthy Weight Loss

This sport frowns upon weight cutting, and it has stringent body weight guidelines that high school and college wrestlers must follow. There’s also an implemented a program to help young wrestlers track and manage their weight. These measures prevent athletes from losing weight drastically or dropping their body fat below 7%.

Let your child have fun while learning a new sport at Hawaii Wrestling Academy in Aiea, HI. This locally owned facility teaches children three types of wrestling, such as folkstyle, freestyle, and Greco-Roman. Group classes are taught by coaches who have years of experience and are USA Wrestling certified. Adults can also attend wrestling lessons or practice on an open mat every Friday. View their practice schedule online, or call (808) 381-3048 to speak with a team member about enrollment.