#development

UWW level 1 Coaching Course: Georgia Launches the Foundations of Women's Wrestling

Thursday, December 9, 2021 - 15:05 By United World Wrestling Press

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BORJOMI, Georgia (December 9) --- Thanks to the support of Olympic solidarity via the Georgian National Olympic Committee, the Georgian Wrestling Federation hosted United World Wrestling's Level 1 coaching course for women's wrestling from November 11-14. The coaching course took place at the Borjomi Olympic Centre and was delivered by two UWW educators, Vincent AKA and Edisher MACHIDZE.

This coaching course follows various programs already launched by the Georgia Wrestling Federation to support women's wrestling. It's aimed to change the mentality of wrestling coaches regarding women's wrestling. The training course has already brought a new approach to the practice of women's wrestling.
 
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After the course, at the closing ceremony, all the participants received a United World Wrestling coach certificate of participation Level 1. 

After the end of the training, Coach NINA SERGO said, "Of course I am a Greco Roman wrestling trainer, but now I could better apprehend the arrival of a girl in my club." He is already ready to welcome them, which is a big step! 

During the training, 15 male coaches and one female coach took part, the specificity of women's wrestling was discussed/ In this case, how we train women. UWW Level 1 training standards were discussed while emphasizing safety, the playful approach to wrestling, first aid and injury prevention. 

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The refereeing modules closed the training where coaches were put in refereeing situations. This has helped some coaches realize that refereeing is not as easy as it seems. 
  
Exceptionally, when Samkhardze Tamuna became the first UWW Level 1 woman coach in a country where the practice of women's wrestling is primarily reserved for men. The Chairman of the Georgian National Olympic Committee, following discussions with the United World Wrestling Development Officer, gave his full support for the development of women's wrestling in Georgia.

Development

More Than Medals Americas wraps up in Rio de Janeiro

Tuesday, July 8, 2025 - 14:07 By United World Wrestling Press

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RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (July 8) — With young athletes at the center of United World Wrestling’s development strategy, the 2025 edition of *More Than Medals Americas* was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from June 23rd to 29th, following the U17 Pan-American Championships.

Over the course of seven days, 46 wrestlers and 10 coaches from 11 countries came together for a full program of training sessions, educational workshops, cultural excursions, and recreational activities making this a comprehensive experience beyond the mat.

Held at the state-of-the-art facilities of CEFAN (Centro de Educação Física Almirante Adalberto Nunes), the camp kicked off with a vibrant opening ceremony, attended by Brazilian Wrestling Federation President Flavio Cabral and UWW Education Director Zach Erret. The schedule included three daily meals, on-site accommodation, and seamless logistics that contributed to the event's success.

Among the educational highlights were sessions on safe sport, mental health, injury prevention, and anti-doping each delivered by expert facilitators in a format designed to foster active participation from the athletes. These workshops aimed to equip young wrestlers not only with athletic tools but with life skills as well.

The technical sessions were held on four official mats, strength training, and physical conditioning. Coaches collaborated in a joint planning meeting to create an integrated training environment, where athletes learned from each other’s styles and backgrounds.

Outside the gym, participants explored the iconic city of Rio de Janeiro. They visited Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, and the historic Maracanã Stadium. An ecological outing to Copacabana Beach was also part of the program, emphasizing environmental awareness—even if a planned cleanup was rendered unnecessary thanks to local conservation efforts.

This edition of *More Than Medals* once again demonstrated the transformative power of sport. Participants described the experience as “great,” and organizers emphasized that the success of the program lies in its ability to holistically nurture the next generation of wrestlers not just as athletes, but as global citizens.