Interested in getting started

Question
Mr. Boge,

I would be surprised if you weren't tired of hearing this over and over like some of the other Experts, but I am interested in getting started in Pro Wrestling and I'm not quite sure what to do. I read some of the different Experts' profiles and I thought you'd match up well with my questions.

I live in Aurora, Colorado, I'm 27 years old, and I'm 6'4" at 301 lbs. Though I'm out of shape and could stand to lose some weight, I'm still slightly muscular. I have no problem with being dedicated to something or losing weight, as I served my country for five years in the US Air Force and lost almost 40 pounds in two months of Basic Training. If I set my mind to something, I can and do accomplish it.

Basically, I'm wondering how I can get in shape and get started in the Pro Wrestling business. I understand that a lot of time and work is required (and no one starts day one in the WWE like some of these people think), and I have no problems with that at all.

On a side note, I have watched wrestling, played the games, and practiced it safely with friends for as long as I can remember. I may not have all the techniques down, but I'm definitely not a stranger to them (or the business). Pro Wrestling has been something I've always wanted to do (heck, I even bought a replica Undisputed WWE Championship belt back in 2004) and I'm at a point in my life where I have the opportunity and time to get fit and really learn the moves.

Anyway, I'd love any advice/starting workouts/tips you'd be willing to share.

After getting in shape, I was thinking of hitting up IWF Promotions out here in Colorado as a way to get trained professionally and make my way up the ladder. I'm not sure what kind of reputation they have (or if anyone from that school has made it anywhere in the business), but I figured as the only school in Colorado they would be the best option for me.

Really, any help you could provide would be greatly appreciated and taken seriously.

Thanks for your time,

-Dave

Answer
How are you doing Dave?

I do believe I can help you out.  First we'll go over some training advice.

The most important thing you will need to worry about is cardiovascular.  You should focus 35% of your workouts towards cardiovascular endurance and conditioning.  Yes, it does help with losing weight, but even more then that, it helps you with moving around the ring and not being so tired you hurt yourself or others.  Since you were in the Air Force, you understand about running, exercise biking, and elliptical exercising.  You should work towards being able to do an hour per session on cardio at a moderate pacing.  It's not how many miles you go, but how long you go and how fast you get there (keeping the same pace from start to finish)

The second most important thing you will need to worry about is flexibility.  You will also want to focus about 35% of your total workout towards flexibility.  This is to include proper form when lifting weights and performing cardio activities.  Flexibility what actually keeps you from getting hurt on a general basis.  The reason HHH and Batista would always get hurt was because of over muscling and not being flexible.  It may sound alittle un-manly, but Yoga is a great way to keep your flexibility up.  Also stretching between 8-10 minutes before and after every workout.  

Though not as important as Cardio and Flexibility, weight training is important.  Focus about 30% on weight training.  You're not trying to become massive.  You're trying to tone your body to help your cardio.  When you are not carrying around alot of unnecessary weight, your cardio gets easier and you will be able to function in the ring longer.  Wrestling is a team activity, but holding your partner up there (or holding yourself up) will make your matches easier and more fun.

There are a few leagues in Colorado and most of them are in Denver.  There are two leagues in Colorado Springs, but I'm going to recommend that you not consider ACW.  ACW is going through a management crisis right now and would not be a great place to be trained.  IWF or NRW that is ran by Matt Yaden are the two better places in Denver, but I do not know if NRW does a training program yet.  There is also W4CW in Colorado Springs that is staring to do training.  I have not been able to hit their facility yet to see what it's about.  However, many of the people that wrestle in Colorado are looking at spending some time wrestling for W4CW.  

I would check with Ms. Tamara in IWF, Matt Yaden in NRW and Curtis Stone of W4CW.  See what they all say and make your decision from there.  Ask them how much it will cost, when they train, how long it takes for the average person with their program, and can you be involved in their shows in other ways until you are ready for the ring.  The one that gives you the best presentation should be the one you go with.

Hope all that helps.  Good luck