Morning all!

Just wanted to say a huge congratulations once again for passing our beginner course. You should all be proud. Only a third of all assessment takers passed so well done! I thought I'd remind you about a few things (mainly figures I'll be honest) just incase you've forgotten over the weekend. I also appreciate that I gave a lot of information at once and it may have been difficult to keep track of. So here we go:

* We've extended the welcome offer of £50 for your first month until midnight tomorrow for those that aren't aware. Many of you cited Tuesday being payday so we've extended it to help out in that regard. Like I said in person, we really do appreciate the fact you signed up to the course, committed to it right until the end and put the effort in to pass and are determined to kick start your wrestling careers. This is a little reward/thank you. After this, it'll revert to the usual £70 per month should you wish to take it. Also remember, it doesn't HAVE to start today! You can pre-date it, just let me know via email or in the PayPal note what day you'd like to start it. This week's schedule is on our Facebook page to help you plan.


* Other monthly offers... I'd suggest trying just one month first honestly, but if after that you're getting into things and you'd like to commit for even longer, we do offer several bulk buy discounts which are:

£180
- 3 months training
- 1 private one to one session

£350
- 6 months training
- 3 private one to one sessions

£700
- 12 months training
- 6 private one to one sessions

With one to one sessions themselves costing £70 for two hours, these are unbelievably good discounts in return for your commitment.

Should none of this appeal to you at the moment for whatever reason, sessions are just £10 cash on the day - cheapest in London I believe that has a permanent erected ring. Some schools charge £15 per session and it's only on mats!


* Gear... There's no rush, trainers are still fine, but I'd strongly recommend investing in some wrestling boots or trainers. For pro wrestling boots, I'd say look no further than ringsideboots.com - the owner, Richard Bishop has been making wrestling boots for over 60 years and it's often said among wrestlers that it's a bit of a rights of passage to own a pair. They really are that good. They range from £100-200 depending on style but they'll last you a lifetime.

Alternatively, amateur style boots are perfectly fine and worn by the majority of people in training, saving their pro boots for events. My personal favourite brand is ASICS but Adidas & Nike do very good ones too, as do OTOMIX (expensive mind you). I, myself, got a new pair of ASICS off eBay for £30 the other day so I'd recommend looking there rather than high street stores. Lonsdale boxing boots from Sports Direct for £23 are fine BUT... they're boxing boots! And they don't last as long. Did I mention they're boxing boots? You wouldn't turn up to golf lessons in football boots, you wouldn't turn up to basketball lessons in flippers. They're fine, but, y'know?


* Etiquette... It was said in the beginning but it's more crucial now. From here on you're most definitely representing the school, yourselves, your coaches, me & the PROGRESS owners (who you'll likely see more often now). Please greet each other upon arrival to sessions. Hello and a handshake is fine. Introduce yourselves to existing students and while you don't need to try and make friends with everyone, it's good to make the effort to get along. After all, you're trusting each other with your lives here. We're working together to entertain and make a living. Please respect that.

Generally across wrestling, it's expected of everyone to say goodbye as well after sessions. If you can do this, please do, and definitely do it if training elsewhere or helping at a show etc... I'm reasonably laid back on this at my sessions as I understand people have trains to make and whatever else so a room-wide wave and goodbye is fine with me. You don't need to spend 5 minutes making small talk at the end of sessions making sure everyone is said bye to. That's just me though. Don't take it around with you. At minimum, tell your coach you're leaving please.


* Other/Miscellaneous... We tend to have guest training seminars once a month for both abilities and they will usually (although not always) cost a bit more than your regular session. These are with world-travelled wrestlers and provide a great learning experience. The average cost of these is £20 but can fluctuate based on the wrestler in questions fee and whether there's additional costs (ie: flights needed). The average is £20 though & is not included in the monthly pass.

Cleanliness. Please endeavour to keep the gym clean. If we made enough to employ cleaners, we would! But until then, we rely on everyone to keep the place tidy. If you notice the bin needs changing, please change it. If you get to a session early and notice the mats could do with a sweep, please do. This is more of a personal ask than a company-imposed one. If something isn't working (eg; a light bulb, no bin bags, hand wash running low) - let me know! I'm not in everyday so can't always keep on top of things, but if there's anything you think should be sorted or even any suggestions - my inbox is open!


I think that's everything, I'll add as and when if needed and you'll generally learn more as you go on. If anyone has any questions please ask. And honestly, good luck and make the most of it. This career really is the most wonderful journey.

All the best,


Darrell Allen
Head Trainer
Progress Wrestling School
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