Beach wrestling

National Champion in Freestyle and Beach Style Goes for First World Title

Saturday, October 6, 2018 - 16:48 By Marc Berman

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SARIGERME, Turkey (October 6th and 7th) -- When Huseyin BAKIR (TUR) began wrestling at age 11 in his childhood home of Istanbul, he never imagined that 8 years later he would already be a national champion in freestyle and beach wrestling and competing for his first world title in beach wrestling.

“I never thought to wrestle in the beach style. My focus has been on freestyle but, a month ago I came to Sarigerme to see my cousin. The national championship was going on the same time and I decided to try.” Bakir was able to capture the national title and qualify for the World Championship.

The transition between styles has been an interesting one for Bakir. “ The beach style is completely different than freestyle. I normally like to shoot in and attack my opponents legs but, you can not do that in the beach ( point awarded to opponent if the knee touches the sand during a takedown attempt). The time of the match is less so, the strategy changes. Wrestling is wrestling and I have trained many years so the change in style is not impossible to overcome.”

Another plus of competing on the beach for Bakir is the beautiful weather and wonderful beach. “ So perfect here, the weather, the beach and after the competition we will swim.”

Don’t miss Bakir tomorrow in the medal rounds. Catch him and the rest of the competition live on United World Wrestling.


 

Development

Guatemala plays host to 2024 Educators' Course

Tuesday, November 26, 2024 - 14:47 By United World Wrestling Press

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PETEN, Guatemala (November 20) — Nestled in the depths of the ancient Mayan Empire, Peten, Guatemala, served as the 2024 Educators' Course host city. This event brought together 11 educators, including three referees and eight coaches, all hailing from Latin America. The course was held on November 11–12 to equip participants with tools to enhance their professional education practice.

Throughout the course, participants engaged in various activities designed to deepen their understanding of adult learning principles, using formative assessments, effective feedback strategies, and integrating new technologies as valuable educational tools. Beyond listening to lectures, educators actively participated in practical micro-leadership activities, teaching their peers topics from the UWW education program.

Vincent AKA (CIV) and Zach ERRET (USA) delivered the training, with support from Yuri MAIER (ARG) and the presence of Deqa NIAMKEY, Director of Development at United World Wrestling.

As an added cultural experience, the educators visited the Tikal National Park, immersing themselves in the rich heritage of the ancient Mayan civilization. They also stayed at a hotel nestled in the heart of the Central American jungle, fostering team dynamics and strengthening bonds among the participants. This camaraderie lays a strong foundation for collaboration during future courses they will deliver.

Notably, of the 11 participants, seven had prior experience as educators. The new additions to the program showcased impressive aptitude and readiness to embrace this new challenge, particularly as they prepare for the upcoming Olympic cycle leading to Los Angeles 2028.

Mr. Francisco LEE LOPEZ and his team coordinated the course and ensured its success. Mr. LEE also addressed the participants, extending a warm welcome, expressing gratitude, and commending their dedication to advancing the development of wrestling in the region.

This enriching experience elevated the educators’ professional capacities and underscored their vital role in shaping the future of wrestling education in Latin America.