Development

Bulgaria Hosts Successful 'More Than Medals' Wrestling Development Camp

Tuesday, August 13, 2019 - 13:54 By Tim Foley

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (August 13) -- The United World Wrestling development department, along with the Bulgarian Wrestling Federation, last week hosted the annual 'More than Medals' World Camp (MTM) with more than 30 athletes and a half dozen coaches from several nations in attendance. The camp followed the 2019 Cadet Wrestling World Championships also held in Sofia.

MTM is a full athlete developmental clinic focusing on both techniques and education for athletes ages 14-17. Clinicians covered how to plan for training, Olympic values, and proper nutrition. There was also an anti-doping seminar led by Mrs. Elka GALEVA of the Bulgarian National Anti-Doping Organization.



"The atmosphere in Sofia was great! Everyone shifted very quickly from being opponents to friends," said UWW Development Director Deqa NIAMKEY. "Despite coming from different countries and languages the wrestlers found ways to unify. Wrestling is a universal language and our programs aim to enhance the knowledge and capacities of our athletes."

For the first time ever, the MTM camp included athletes and coaches from Spain and Estonia.

"This was my first More Than Medals camp and I thought that the UWW educators were very good and that the services were excellent," said Martin PLASER (EST). "They adapt the training to each individual and bring out the best from each participant. They give chance to learn to each athlete while respecting everyone’s background and culture."


Local athletes also joined in the learning with five local wrestlers attending the camp and taking in lessons from a variety of UWW instructors.

"We are very happy to be here and we made some great friends," said wrestler Sofia TENEVA (BUL). "It is good to learn the working and training methods of others. To learn from each other and we will gladly participate in future camps"


In fulfilling their mission to provide wrestling opportunities to all wrestlers around the world, the UWW Development Department will next host an acclimation camp for the 2019 Senior Wrestling World Championships this September in Nur-Sultan.

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Higuchi, Dosho masterclass as UWW hosts women’s camp at Shigakkan

Monday, November 17, 2025 - 11:51 By United World Wrestling Press

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OBU, Aichi, Japan (November 16) — The 2025 United World Wrestling Women’s Training Camp at Shigakkan University concluded after twelve days of intensive training, education, and cultural exchange.

The university has been one of the leaders of women’s wrestling in Japan and worldwide and has produced champion wrestlers including four-time Olympic champion Kari ICHO (JPN) and 13-time world champion Saori YOSHIDA (JPN).

Organized as part of UWW’s ongoing initiative to promote growth and provide high-level opportunities for female athletes worldwide, this edition followed last July’s successful camp held at the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) in Vijayanagar, Karnataka, India.

Shigakkan University demonstrated outstanding commitment by providing excellent facilities, coordination, and support, while the 20 athletes from 11 countries showed remarkable dedication, professionalism, and a strong work ethic throughout the program.

Japan

A highlight of the camp was the series of masterclasses by Japan’s most accomplished wrestlers including Olympic champion Rei HIGUCHI (JPN), who led a four-day technical instruction masterclass during the camp, demonstrating a series of wrestling techniques.

Paris Olympic silver medalist Daichi TAKATANI (JPN) opened the camp with two days of teaching and showcased some of his signature techniques. Sara DOSHO (JPN), Olympic champion in Rio 2016, guided the final two days with practical, detail-oriented sessions rooted in her championship experience.

The camp also had anti-doping and sport-nutrition workshops, delivered by Professor Taro MURAKAMI from the Department of Nutrition, was supported by Hirobumi TADA, who made the session interactive through a card-based educational game. University students also participated, helping create an engaging atmosphere that emphasized clean sport and athlete responsibility.

Dr. Hideyuki GOTO, from the Department of Sports and Fitness and team doctor of the Shigakkan Women’s Wrestling program, offered a hands-on class on concussion awareness and prevention. Athletes received practical demonstrations with ultrasound and clear guidance on injury detection and safe athlete care.

Daichi TAKATANI (JPN)

The wrestlers also participated in an Exchange Event with university students that included a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, summer kimono experience, matcha preparation, origami.

The camp also received the special visit of Dr. Kuniko TANIOKA, Chairperson and President of Shigakkan University, who warmly welcomed the participants on behalf of the institution.

The collaboration between UWW and Shigakkan University resulted in a comprehensive program that combined elite technical training, educational development, and meaningful cultural exchange.