The MWA, currently run by the Abdo brothers, has been formed to help boost the level of wrestling within Australia. With over 30 years of experience collectively, both Ali and Bill have reached the pinnacle of their sport. Both were exposed to the sport by their father at the tender age of 5 & 6 respectively. It was not until they reached the age of 9-10 that they began to take part in formal classes. In their earlier years they found themselves meeting one another in finals of local, state and national competitions. As teeanagers they moved into seperate divisions and won National titles back-to-back throughout their schoolboy and junior years.
MWA currently runs group classes as well as private sessions of which have been rapidly growing over the past year for different reasons. Most classes consist of students who learn wrestling to compliment their Brazilian Jujitsu (BJJ) and those competing in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Wrestling is a great way for any mixed martial artist to improve his or her takedowns and takedown defense, to build strength and endurance, and to ultimately build confidence through the ability to dictate where the fight takes place.
STYLES
Freestyle wrestling
Is international discipline and an Olympic sport, for both men and women. This style allows the use of the wrestler’s or his/her opponent’s legs in offense and defense. This style involves the wrestler winning being ahead on points or ultimately pinning the opponent with their back on the mat.
Greco-Roman wrestling
Is also an international discipline and an Olympic sport. In Greco-Roman style, it is forbidden to hold the opponent below the waist and to actively use the legs in the execution of any action. Recent rule changes in Greco-Roman increase opportunities for and place greater emphasis on explosive, ‘high amplitude’ throws. Pinning ones opponent to the mat is one way of winning.
Submission wrestling
Is a wrestling style that consists of controlling the opponent with the use of submission holds, it is also referred to as grappling or “submission grappling.” Grappling, plays an important role in the practice of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and can be used as a self-defence technique. It brings together techniques of all grappling and wrestling styles like Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Sambo, Freestyle Wrestling, etc…
INSTRUCTORS
Ali
A three-time Olympian (2000, 2004 & 2008), first competed for Australia as 17 year old at the Junior World Championships in Las Vagas in 1998. Has since been a member of the National team competing at numerous international competitions including world championships. He is still actively involved in wrestling under the watchful eye Sam Parker and has the 2012 London Olympics in sight.
Oustide of wrestling Ali works as a full-time Osteopath (refer to injury management page) in private practice, treating people from all walks of life including many athletes from various sporting backgrounds.
Bill
A promising wrestler in his earlier years, Bill was sidelined in his mid-teenage years due to injury and eventually work comittments. His passion and desire for the the sport he once lived for and breathed was re-ignited allowing him to win State and National titles. His persistence and dedication landed him a spot on the National team at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. Bill continues to train with younger brother, Ali, under Sam Parker and will also be aiming for the 2012 Olympic games.
Along with his training commitments Bill works full-time as an IT specialist in the CBD.
