Development

UWW partners with Shigakkan University to expand global wrestling training opportunities

Wednesday, April 16, 2025 - 11:59 By United World Wrestling Press

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (April 16) – In a significant step towards enhancing training opportunities for athletes, coaches, and the global wrestling community, United World Wrestling has formed a strategic partnership with Shigakkan University, Japan.

Recognized as a pioneering institution in wrestling education, Shigakkan University has been home to many legendary Japanese wrestlers and has played a crucial role in the sport’s development.

The predecessor school of the university was founded in 1905, and its legacy in wrestling education traces back to Chukyo Women’s University Wrestling Club, established in 1989.

Over the years, the institution became highly regarded in the field of physical education, producing numerous Olympic medallists and world-class wrestlers. In 2010, the university was renamed Shigakkan University, opening its door as coeducational institution while continuing their mission of excellence in sports education.

At the heart of Shigakkan University’s philosophy is the principle of “Capacity Building”, which focuses on five key pillars:

  • Wellness – Promoting physical and mental well-being
  • Intellectual Insight – Encouraging academic excellence and innovation
  • Social Ability – Fostering teamwork and communication skills
  • Self-Development – Encouraging continuous personal growth
  • Effective Citizenship – Cultivating leadership and global engagement

UWW President Nenad LALOVIC expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating: “We are thrilled about this new collaboration with Shigakkan University, a prestigious institution recognized as the school of Japanese wrestling and highly respected within the global wrestling community. We are eager and excited to work with our colleagues at SUJ to contribute to the continued development of women’s wrestling worldwide.”

As part of this partnership, the UWW Development Department and Shigakkan University will work together to implement a range of high-impact initiatives, including:

  • Training camps for selected elite wrestlers, providing them with advanced technical, tactical, and physical preparation.
  • Education courses for wrestling coaches, aimed at equipping them with the latest coaching methodologies and sports science knowledge.
  • Knowledge-sharing activities, such as seminars, educational sessions, and coach exchanges, to promote continuous learning and best practices within the wrestling community.

These initiatives will play a vital role in strengthening world-class athlete preparation systems, supporting referees and coaches, and ensuring experience-sharing, particularly in the advancement of women’s wrestling.

Through this collaboration, UWW and Shigakkan University aim to elevate the sport by fostering international cooperation, enhancing training standards, and nurturing the next generation of wrestling champions.

Wrestling Hosts Continental Educator Course in Morocco

Tuesday, March 24, 2020 - 22:01 By United World Wrestling Press

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EL JADIDA, Morocco (March 24) -- United World Wrestling's continental educator course, organized by UWW Africa, Royal Morocco Wrestling Federation and UWW Development Department, was held March 9-11 in El Jadida, Morocco.

The course took place at the UWW continental training center with the participation of four high-level coaches and a referee under the expertise of Vincent AKA, UWW Development Officer and Master Educator.

The course proved to be a great success and will allow newly certified educators to deliver courses throughout a continent that is in great need of refereeing and coaching development. 

Kamel BOUAZIZ (TUN), Akuh PURITY (NGR), Christian DANGA (CAF), Juan Maren DELIS (CUB), and Alexis RODRIGUEZ (CUB) participated in the course, which focused on various areas of teaching elements while providing practical expertise in the delivery of wrestling education.


The program was divided into three intense working days for the participants in theoretical and practical session. On the final day, Moroccan referees and coaches attended a group session where the educators delivered the elements learned the previous days.

"I highly appreciate the format and this new approach of teaching that will empower the participants practical and methodological knowledge while constantly self-reflecting on the key areas linked to their expertise," said Bouaziz. "I am sure this new format will highly contribute to the development of our sport on the continent that is in high need and demand.


Akuh reflected on the knowledge he gained from the course and how he can help others.

"Through the period of this course I have been taught to observe carefully, listen to questions, discover what interests coaches and officials, and then provide them with opportunity to explore," said Akuh. "I have acquired more knowledge, learned new methods and skills of development. The educator course thought me that leadership is having passion to serve and make others grow.

UWW Development Director Deqa NIAMKEY provided updates on the UWW Development programs and the process of delivery of the courses.

"I am very happy that this course took place despite the current global challenge," said Niamkey. "The African continent requires great assistance in the education of wrestling content for many nations and in view of the Youth Olympic Games 2022, the newly certified educators will highly contribute to the growth of wrestling."

 UWW Africa President Fouad MESKOUT believes the course will help increase the number of Olympic wrestling nations on the continent. 

"The course has provided great expertise to the participants that will contribute to increasing the number of Olympic wrestling nations on the continent," said Meskout. "Currently most of our national federations practice traditional wrestling and the continent is overflowing with great talent. I am sure that in the coming years we will host more national courses while implementing the required educational pathway for our member federations that will show immediate results."