Children’s health is an increasing concern in Los Angeles and in the Santa Monica community. Childhood obesity, diabetes, smoking, and other health problems are issues that high schools and middle schools are struggling to address.At present, less than one third of high school students attend daily physical education classes. Research conducted by organizations like the American Medical Association has shown that children should not remain inactive for long periods of time and that frequent activity is a great asset to their physical and mental health. Research suggests that all adolescents should have at least one hour of physical activity every day.

Wrestling promotes health and fitness in many ways. Wrestling training involves education and instruction in proper technique for stretching, strength training, and nutritional control of body fat. Wrestling creates some of the
most fit athletes of all sports.

Mark Black
Mark has been head coach of the Santa Monica High School team since 1976. With thirty years of experience coaching the high school team, Black is responsive to the needs of younger wrestlers.

Robert Forster, P.T.
Robert Forster, P.T. has practiced sports physical therapy in Santa Monica, California, for twenty-five years. He has lectured throughout the States and Europe on Sports Rehabilitation and safety in exercise, and was recently named to the Governor’s Council of Physical Fitness Advisory Board.

Steve Shapiro
Steve is a co-founder and the Secretary of the Santa Monica Bay Wrestling Club. Steve was an all-state high school wrestler in Washington State and a four-year letterman on the Columbia University wrestling team.

Ken Schneider
Bringing his love for wrestling from Minnesota, Ken has found a home with the Santa Monica Bay Wrestling Club to channel his passion. As a youth wrestler he was a five time Minneapolis city wrestling champion, placed fifth, third and first in the state tournament, and fifth in the regional nationals. Continuing his passion for sports he has owned a sporting goods sales and marketing agency for the past fourteen years.

Brian Jones
As a graduate of Santa Monica High School's wrestling program Brian has been giving back to his Alma Mater and the Santa Monica community for years. Deeply involved in coaching the kid's program as well as competing in local tournaments and the veteran's national tournament, Brian makes a difference by being involved.

Because wrestlers are classified by weight, all children have a place, no matter what their body type. Wrestling allows for participation by very small kids who may not be able to play any other sports, as well as by heavy kids who never thought they could be athletes. In junior high school, peer pressure influences the way they think about themselves and their bodies. Wrestling teaches children to accept their bodies the way they are and to use their unique body type to their advantage, whether those differences come in the form of height, weight, arm length, leg strength, flexibility, etc. A child who is confident in what their body can do on the wrestling mat has a higher,
greater self-esteem and is less likely to respond to peer pressure.

In addition to improved body image, wrestling teaches kids to work hard for their own success and to help each other succeed. As an individual sport, it promotes independence and personal responsibility; as a team sport, it allows kids to train and support each other, learning teamwork and cooperation. Wrestling promotes sportsmanship and discipline, teaching them to control and direct their energy into positive channels.

SUMMER WRESTLING & CONDITIONING PROGRAM

Who: All Middle School wrestlers and those intending on wrestling in Middle School for the 2009 season, including incoming 6th graders.

When: Every Tuesday & Thursday afternoon/evening (2 components to program)
Tuesday, June 24th thru July 31st

Cost: $150 forentire summer session. June 23rd thru July 31st. Fill out registration form and bring to Phase IV or Wrestling practice on June 24th.

Component 1: Phase IV Fitness Academy

Where: 1544 20th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Email: info@phase-iv.net
Phone: 310.582.8212

Days / Time: Tuesdays & Thursdays 3:30 – 5:00 PM at Phase IV Fitness Academy

Instruction in Wrestling Specific:

Age appropriate Strength & Flexibility exercises
Cardiovascular exercise
Nutrition counseling
The Phase IV program was designed by Robert Forster, PT and is time tested with a proven track record of preparing young bodies for a safe athletic participation and great performances. Focusing on strengthening the small muscles supporting each joint this program protects against injury, improves posture and prepares young athletes for future strength training programs after puberty.

Phase IV Staff: Aishea Maas, Phase IV Peformance Specialist

Component 2: Wrestling Practice

Days / Time: Tuesdays and Thursday evenings 6:00 – 7:30 PM. Wrestling instruction at SAMOHI including live match wrestling and analysis.

Where: Santa Monica High School Wrestling Room. The high school wrestling room is located in the North Gym, which is just off the track at Pico and Fourth Streets. Parking can be accessed off the Olympic Blvd "spur" road the comes off Fourth Street as if you are getting on the 10 Freeway, but you continue straight and turn right at the entrance right after the tennis courts.

Program 2

Summer program of wrestling technique and conditioning for ALL STUDENTS

Who: All Students planning on wrestling at SAMOHI for the 2008 – 2009 season,
INCLUDING ALL INCOMING NINTH GRADERS.

When: Monday, June 23rd thru July 31st

Days/Times: Monday – Thursday 1:00 – 4:00 PM

Cost: $150 per student athlete

Where: Santa Monica High School Wrestling Room / Strength Training Facility: The high school wrestling room is located in the North Gym, which is just off the track at Pico and Fourth Streets. Parking however is best found in the upper lot off Michigan Ave. which crosses Lincoln Blvd just south of the freeway. Or can be accessed of the Olympic Blvd "spur" road the comes off Fourth Street as if you are getting on the 10 Freeway, but you continue straight and turn right at the alley just before Lincoln Blvd.

Content: Instruction in Wrestling Technique&
Phase IV Strength, Flexibility & Conditioning Program