Wrestling, Cross Training Program

Judo is an effective cross-training sport for wrestlers

It is not difficult to see many similarities between wrestling and Judo.  Both sports emphasize grappling, takedowns, and ground fighting.  The most notable differences include the gi (uniform) of Judo and the addition of submission techniques in competition.  Judo emphasizes spectacular takedowns, and gaining control of the opponent in ground fighting by pinning techniques similar to wrestling.  Some of the greatest high school and collegiate wrestlers of all time have also studied Judo.  Refining methods of off-balancing (kazushi) and use of an opponents momentum give the judoka an advantage in wrestling.  Likewise, training in wrestling gives an athlete an advantage in judo competition.  Some of Judo’s biggest stars have come from a strong background in wrestling.  These sports can serve as great compliments to one another and give athletes an option for effective cross-training.

Atlas Xtreme Team has developed a unique cross training program specifically designed for wrestlers.  Several of our coaches have a wrestling background, and we have collaborated in the development of our cross training program.  We have also hosted "Judo For Wrestlers" clinics here at our club, and have used the feedback from Varsity level coaches in the design of our program.  Tom LeCuyer (AXT coach) has been instrumental in the design of this program, and has used his own experiences from winning 3 IHSA Wrestling State Championship titles (and a wrestling career at NIU) in choosing "techniques that work".  It is important to understand that judo is not "the only thing" that makes a champion wrestler, but rather it is a combination of training the wrestling fundamentals and putting in the "extra time" in the off season that can make the difference.  But, some judo techniques don't work well in wrestling, much like some wrestling doesn't work well in judo.  This is where experienced coaching makes the difference in designing an effective cross training program, and that is what we have done at Atlas Xtreme Team.

So whether your goals include winning a wrestling State Championship title, obtaining a College wrestling scholarship, winning a Grappling World Championship, or just having fun with some Judo cross training, our coaches will be here to help you achieve your goals.