DGWC Levels
Wrestlers will be placed in one of three levels, based on age, experience, and skill. Wrestlers can progress from the Fundamental group to Advanced. These decisions will be made by recommendations of coaches from their current group. Progression in the sport of wrestling are unique for every wrestler and decisions on advancement within the Downers Grove Wrestling Club will only be made with the long-term benefit of the wrestler in mind.
Fundamental Level
The Fundamental Level will be for beginning wrestlers from approximate ages 5-9 (grades K-4) who are just starting out in the sport. The focus will be on the development of body movements that will not only help in wrestling but in any sport they participate in as well as foundational wrestling techniques to ensure they success in the sport of wrestling. The focus for this group will be on having fun and developing in the sport of wrestling, and competition is not required and should be approved by the Fundamental Group coaches prior to a wrestler competing in any outside tournaments. These wrestlers will practice two days a week at DGS and their practices will include functional movement patterns, basic wrestling skills, skill-based games, competition, and some live wrestling as part of their practices. The Fundamental Group will practice from November 18th through the start of February 4th. Some select wrestlers from the Fundamental Group may participate beyond the start of February per the recommendation of their coaches.
Advanced level
The Advanced level will be for the wrestlers ages 10-14 (5th through 8th grade). Fundamental body movements will be stressed as well as advanced wrestling techniques. Wrestlers in the Advanced level will also see an increase in the strength and conditioning requirement as they will compete more than the Fundamental group. Wrestlers in the Advanced level may elect to participate in the schedule of tournaments that are on the DGWC calendar and also may elect to participate in other elite tournaments throughout the IKWF season. While competition is not mandatory, the goal of the Advanced level will be to not only continue to develop skills in wrestling but to also compete at a high level during the IKWF season. The Advanced level practices will be three days a week and will begin November 18th and will go through the IKWF State Tournament in the middle of March.
Elite Level
This is for middle school wrestlers looking for an additional night of high level training. All Advanced Level wrestlers who compete in weekly tournaments can also attend this session for FREE.