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Waza Wrestling

Wrestling Taught by Accomplished Wrestlers and Champion Martial Aritists

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About the Coaches

Sensei Mike Caiozzo:
-5th Degree Black Belt in Shaolin Kempo Karate
-Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt
-2019 NAGA Champ (Gi & No-Gi)
-2019 Pride BJJ Champ (Gi)
-4th in Leagues 2008

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Coach Stephen Drew:
-2x League Champ (2010-2011)
-2x All County (Section 11) (2010-2011)
-2x H.S. All American (2010-2011)
-2013 Jr. College Conference Champ
-2013 National JR. College Qualifier

Coach Brandon Sojka:
-Grandson of the founder for one of the top high school wrestling programs in the nation (St. Edward's High School in Lakewood, OH)
-Top 20 wrestler in OH at 145lbs
-2nd in state at Greco-Roman
-4th in state at Freestyle
-2nd Degree Brown Belt in Shaolin Kempo Karate
-Pride BJJ Champ 2019 (Gi & No-Gi)

Benefits Students Taking the Waza Wrestling Class

Adding Waza Wrestling to a martial arts training program offers unique benefits that complement what students are already learning in their Beginner & Intermediate Juniors classes. Here’s how:

 

1. Improves Real-World Grappling & Ground Control 

  • Many traditional martial arts focus on stand-up striking, blocking, and movement, but real-life self-defense situations often end up on the ground.

  • Waza Wrestling teaches takedowns, positional control, and escapes, giving students a strong foundation in grappling and ground defense.

  • It helps students stay calm and composed if they ever find themselves taken down in a real scenario or sparring match.

 

2. Builds Explosive Strength, Agility & Endurance 

  • Wrestling is one of the most physically demanding martial arts, requiring full-body strength, speed, and endurance.

  • The low stances, explosive movements, and grip control in wrestling develop core strength, stability, and overall athleticism.

  • Students improve their ability to react quickly, change levels, and generate power, which benefits them in all forms of martial arts.

 

3. Enhances Balance, Body Awareness & Coordination 

  • Wrestling drills focus on controlling your center of gravity while moving against an opponent.

  • Students learn how to break falls properly, control their weight, and use leverage—skills that prevent injuries and improve performance in any martial art.

  • This increased spatial awareness helps them transition between standing and ground techniques smoothly.

 

4. Develops Mental Toughness & Grit 

  • Wrestling is one of the toughest combat sports, teaching kids perseverance, problem-solving, and handling pressure.

  • Unlike striking classes where students engage in short bursts of action, wrestling forces them to continuously battle for control and position, strengthening their mental resilience.

  • They learn to push past fatigue, adapt their strategy mid-match, and never give up—even in difficult positions.

 

5. Bridges the Gap Between Striking & Grappling 

  • While Juniors classes focus on striking, self-defense, and movement, Waza Wrestling helps students control an opponent without relying on punches or kicks.

  • They learn how to:
    ✅ Close the distance safely against an opponent
    ✅ Take an opponent to the ground with control
    ✅ Defend against takedowns and maintain balance
    ✅ Escape from bad positions and gain the upper hand

 

 

How Is It Different from What They Are Already Learning?

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Feature                                                         Juniors Class (Beginner/Intermediate)                                                    Waza Wrestling

 

Focus                                                  Striking, blocking, movement, and self-defense                            Takedowns, ground control, escapes

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Primary Techniques                                      Kicks, punches, blocks, footwork                                    Takedowns, clinch work, pins, submissions

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Contact Level                                              Controlled sparring & partner drills                                               High-contact, live grappling

 

Strategy                                                       Distance management & point scoring                            Pressure, control, and positional dominance

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Physical Benefits                                       Speed, coordination, and reaction time                              Explosiveness, endurance, and grip strength

 

Self-Defense                                                 Avoiding and countering attacks                               Controlling and neutralizing an opponent without strikes

 

 

 

Final Thoughts: Why Should Juniors Take Waza Wrestling?

🔥 It fills a critical gap in their martial arts training—teaching them how to defend, control, and dominate on the ground where many real fights end up.


💪 It improves strength, endurance, and toughness, making them stronger, faster, and more conditioned for any martial art.


🤼 It gives them a competitive edge in tournaments and self-defense scenarios by teaching them how to blend striking with grappling for a complete skill set.



By combining their existing martial arts training with Waza Wrestling, juniors become more well-rounded martial artists who can strike, grapple, defend, and control any situation.

556 N Country Road, St. James, NY 11780     (631) 617-5148

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© 2017 Shaolin St. James

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