things to become a professional wrestler.

Question
hi im 14 years old and i want to be a professional wrestler but the only thing is that i have to be 16 to get into the school. i am thinking about taking up gymnastics in the meantime so that i can build up my flexability and learn how to do the flips. do you think that that is a good idea? and do you know any sports that you can learn how to do the flips and to learn some of the other components to become a professional wrestler?

Answer
Hello Jordan,

Gymnastics has helped other pro wrestlers to prepare, so if you have the time to spare, it can be quite helpful. As for sports that feature flips, for the most part, there is not much that is easily accessible- I have seen flips in skateboarding, something called acro dance, free running and some extreme sports. Tricking is all about those kinds of moves, but there isn't much in the way of training other than YouTube videos. I don't know how well that works as a means of instruction.

Diving is more accessible and involves acrobatics. Some martial arts teach flip moves, but they may not be taught until a certain level of experience is gained. Gynastics sounds like one of the better options to get actual instruction in how to do it- though many different activities use gymnastic moves. Dancing also has some flips involved.

For other components of wrestling, again, martial arts is of use. Same goes for boxing and amateur wrestling. The help teach you some move that are used in wrestling, as well as a bit about attitude, fitness and safety. Sports in geenral are helpful in terms of fitness, but team sport have a second use. Being able to communicate well with others in general and being able to work together is a big part of pro wrestling. Boxing and martial arts help with striking and submissions, amateur wrestling develops grappling skills and knowledge. Dancing, in addition to developing flexibility and in a sense, teamwork and communication, also has lifts- some of which are similar to the start of pro wrestling moves. Contact sports help in terms of being able to withstand hits and in being able to tackle- which is where the spear comes from.