First Day Of Class

Man am I sore! My legs, my back, and my neck are in a ridiculous amount of pain. However, I am not complaining. I may be sore, but I had a lot of fun the last few days.

On Monday I made my way the PWA Wrestling Academy in Cambridge, Ontario for my first lesson in pro wrestling. Nervous as everyone is on their first of school I didn't exactly know what to expect.

What I got was something I never imagined, but sure am glad I got.

I asked several workers about training and different hints they can give me about preparing. Friend of Tha O Show and Ontario worker Reese Reynolds recommended I bring a note book and pen to write down what I'd learn day by day. This proved to be excellent advice as I began learning immediately.

Though Ontario veteran Eddie Osborne (pictured above) is the head trainer at PWA, Monday's class was led by another Ontario worker, Lance Malibu. Not introducing himself by his worker name I actually didn't realize who he was until much later. After shaking his hand and telling him that it was my first day Malibu does what any good trainer will do to a new kid coming in. He made me blow up!

Having been training with YRG, lifting weights several times a week, and becoming an avid runner proved no match for what I endured. I did squats, push-ups, and ran laps until I was ready to puke. I can not describe to the level I was blown up. My lungs could not take in air fast enough as a deep pain enveloped my chest.

After getting the shit beat out of me for 2 hours I went to go shake Lance's hand and thanked him for pushing me as hard as he did. After assuring him I would be in class the next day, I drove straight to the local drug store to pick up some "Deep Cold" muscle therapy.

Barely able to walk or even lie down comfortably, I made it to day 2 on Tuesday. This class was a little different with Eddie Osborne leading the training along with veteran trainer Juan Ortiz and friend of Tha O Show Geza Kalman.

It was here where I started to learn the basics from 3 great veterans. The first step was bumping, basic landing on the mat. Sounds and looks easy, but it takes much practice to master. Each time I bumped I hit the mat hard. Every time I tried I made a mistake. Whether it was not having my chin tucked into my chest or arching my lower back properly, I made several mistakes which proved painful.

Though frustrating, I was able to learn this basic step well by the end of class. However, my back has not yet forgiven me and probably won't for several days.

It's not until you are learning the basic steps do you realize just how much wrestling is a dance. As Geza took me from a basic collar-elbow tie-up to a hammerlock he outlined all the subtleties that go into each movement. Professional wrestling is truly a delicate art form and must be appreciated as such.

I am anxious to learn more in the weeks ahead. But before I move forward, I really need to improve on my squats.

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