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 Community Celebrates Successful 'Women in Wrestling Global Forum'

Wednesday, December 4, 2019 - 19:32 By United World Wrestling Press

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ISTANBUL (November 29) -- Fresh from completing a full week of leadership activities at the Women in Wrestling Global Forum, several key members of the wrestling community offered their feedback forum dedicated to the empowerment of women in the sport to balance gender and diversity for the future. 

There were 50 female participants from 40 nations in attendance at the four-day forum in Istanbul.

Following the close of the forum, United World Wrestling president and IOC Executive Board member Nenad LALOVIC expressed his satisfaction with the event and its objectives.

United World Wrestling president and IOC Executive Board member Nenad Lalovic expressed his satisfaction with the event and its objectives (Photo: Kadir Caliskan)

"We know the importance of staying on top of Agenda 2020 and we are committed to propelling wrestling in the right direction. More diversity, more opportunities will contribute to the greater growth of our sport worldwide. This forum has been a key factor in our plans for the future of women in the sport," said Lalovic.

Prof. Dr. Ibrahim CICIOGLU (TUR), Member of the Refereeing Commission, conveyed similar satisfaction with the program and its ability to provide real opportunities to women around the world. 

"It is the first time that I've worked with such a large group of women from the UWW family. The participants are very well aware of the challenges they encounter and the opportunities that are required to grow our sport in their countries. This program focuses on leadership and communication development skills and should be applied to all of our education programs -- especially in the refereeing."

Sally Roberts (USA), Founder of "Wrestle Like a Girl," spoke at the Women in Wrestling Global Forum (Photo: Kadir Caliskan)

Sally ROBERTS (USA), Founder of "Wrestle Like a Girl," revealed, "This was one of the most impactful forums that I've ever been to. When I was watching the athletes, they were sure to stand in their space so much more boldly and proudly. And when I was sitting with the athletes during lunch and dinner, they said: ‘I've never felt so supportive by my federation, and I've never felt them want me to be so strong.’"

When asked about her experience at the second Women in Wrestling Global Forum, Anara KAPPASSOVA (KAZ) and administrator at her national federation highlighted the knowledge she acquired on site 

"I received great educational tools and exchanges with the participants coming from all over the world. These four days were an eye-opener for me, to be more confident while improving my leadership skills so I can improve the work within my national federation to increase women's involvement in all areas."
 
Lise LEGRAND (FRA), Vice President of FFLA and Olympian, joyfully added, "I am more confident and stronger after these four days. I met passionate women and men here in Istanbul that want to build tomorrow's wrestling, which integrates diversity, culture, respect, and mutual collaboration. 

Daniel Igali (NGR) left the forum satisfied with the experience (Photo/Kadir Caliskan)

Olympic champion and Nigerian Wrestling Federation president Daniel IGALI (NGR) said he left the forum extremely satisfied. 

"I had an amazing four days of learning incredible life professional life skills, communication, and motivational stories. I am convinced participants are leaving here better prepared to be effective leaders."
 
UWW Development Department will announce the dates and location for the III Forum in December 2020. For more information on the development programs, please consult www.unitedworldwrestling.org/development