Down to Develop
Developing Athletes: The Down to Wrestle Athlete Handbook
As Down to Wrestle continues to grow, so does our commitment to developing real athletes and rewarding their progress. We’re not just providing a space for kids to stay active—we’re helping them build strength, confidence, and wrestling technique. A huge part of this effort has been the creation of our Down to Wrestle Athlete Handbook, an incredible resource developed single-handedly by Anas, an engineering student who came to Canada as a refugee from Syria in 2017. Anas poured his time and expertise into this guide, ensuring that it not only introduces athletes to their coaches but also provides a structured path for skill development.
The handbook focuses on two major categories—athleticism and technique—outlining key areas for growth: Team Building, Wrestling Technique, Hang Ups and Pull Ups, Planks and Pushups, Shuttle Runs and Dummy Drags, and, of course, the infamous Coaches Challenge, where athletes are rewarded every time they step up and wrestle a coach. At the end of each practice, coaches review the handbook with each athlete, highlighting what they did well and where they can continue to grow. The book even has a biography for each of their coaches!
Beyond just tracking progress, the handbook is also a valuable tool for parents. It provides insight into what to expect at practice, how to prepare their child, and what milestones they can celebrate along the way. With Anas’ work, Down to Wrestle now has a tangible way to reinforce effort, recognize achievement, and ensure every athlete continues to push forward—on and off the mat.
