Five Things I Learned From Watching Middle School Wrestling

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I absolutely love  to watch people! I could be a professional observer of life: how people walk, talk and administer their day-to-day actions. I know- it’s a bit weird, but you must consider the source Today I was at my son’s middle school wrestling tournament and was overpowered with so many things I had to post my thoughts.

As I sat on the bleachers made of concrete (at least that’s how it feels on my butt) and watched my son and his teammates tangle their bodies up into positions that would make many a yogi cringe in pain, I took note of the following five things:

1. Vicarious behavior- not from the wrestlers, but some of the parents. They live through their kids, coach from the sidelines, yell at the referees and all but make a giant donkey out of themselves by their ridiculous antics. My observations/thoughts are: if you have so much to offer than why aren’t you coaching or refereeing? Shut-up already! If you were a wrestler, are a wrestler or wanted to be a wrestler it doesn’t matter. Your kid’s on the mat, not you!! Quiet down and let the coaches and referees do their jobs.

2. Elite athleticism- this is one of the most amazing sports ever! The power, strength, mental focus, agility, flexibility and physical ability of grappling is insane. Not to mention the confidence it takes to wear a singlet (skin-tight, spandex short length unitard) in front of your peers, friends, family and strangers as a middle school student. That alone is mental training to the max!

3. R-E-S-P-E-C-T- the courtesy and manners at a wrestling match remind me of the martial arts. Shaking hands with your opponents, the other team’s coaches, supporting each wrestler with team shout out after their match. It’s awesome sportsmanship and one of the things I really love about MMA, martial arts and wrestling. I know it exists on some levels with other sports, but it just doesn’t hold a candle to this. Win or lose..you are respected!

4. All guts for some possible glory- just knowing there is a possibility that your opponent could squeeze you into submission takes huge GUTS! I don’t know many people who look forward to getting their butt kicked, but that is exactly the point of these events. Who can out muscle, out manuever or out smart the other. It’s the ultimate game of chicken! I wish we could all look at our workouts and health like this. Hopefully, I’d be out of a job because nobody would need me

5. Diversity- all shapes, sizes, sexes and personalities are accepted! WOW- how may sports do you know of that can say this? I saw short, tall, skinny, heavy, girls, boys, smart, smarter, special needs, ego maniacs, shy, confident, unsure, experienced and inexperienced all participating in today’s adventure. This is life! We all come from different places, experiences and lifestyles. I resonated with this part the most as a fitness professional. Each of my clients has different needs, goals, life experiences and lifestyles that I need to take into consideration when training..I am one big wrestling tournament, minus the vicarious behavior from parents

I have three kids, all different, all amazing and all have played some sport or another in their lifetime. I’ve spent my time on the sidelines of soccer, basketball, baseball/softball, football, golf (well I dropped off/picked up),  Tae Kwon Do, MMA, track, cross-country and now wrestling. For some reason it took today’s event to make me realize that the five most important things in life.

Live vicariously, not through others, but through your own actions. Be your ultimate athlete and train with tenacity, strength, vigor and passion. Train with guts, be fearless and accept your results with head held high. Show respect for yourself and others and appreciate diversity- accept and appreciate all human beings for what they bring to you and your life.

Live out loud!

Amy

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