Novices face the challenge of grappling with the wrestling game

Published: 15 November, 2012
by STEVE BARNETT

WANNABE wrestlers transcended on Somers Town on Saturday to get to grips with a whole host of new skills aimed at teaching them the best moves to reign in the ring.

The Progress Wrestling Organisation kicked open their doors to newcomers as they held their first ever training session at the Somers Town Community Centre in Ossulston Street.

Over the coming months students will be put through their paces by Jimmy Havoc, one of the country’s best professional wrestlers.

Recruits will tackle a tough and thorough curriculum, teaching them everything from in-ring wrestling skills, improvisation, acting, microphone skills and how to handle the audience.

Jon Briley, who set-up the school alongside stand-up comedian Jim Smallman, was pleased with the opening day line-up, and called for anyone across Camden and Islington who wants to try a new challenge to come and get in the ring.

“I felt Saturday went very well,” he said. “There were lots of eager beginners hungry to learn about pro wrestling, and plenty of potential for us to work with in the inter­med­iate class as well.

“In the coming weeks I’m really looking forward to watching how the beginners develop as they pick up more and more skills, and the extra tuition, like acting, coaching, character development and working with the audience.”

There’s no telling where top students could end up, with Progress looking to start holding student-based shows to get them used to wrestling in front of people before inviting top performers to take part in one of their main shows.

The Progress Wrestling Training School is running at the Somers Town Community Centre every Saturday.

Beginners’ class is at 9.30am, while there’s an intermediate class for anyone with more than six months’ wrestling experience at 1.30pm. Each class lasts four hours and costs £15.

For more information visit www.progresswrestling.com