Do the students in your household need some stress relief? Do you dread the onset of cabin fever this winter?

By Jon Craig

 

Do the students in your household need some stress relief? Do you dread the onset of cabin fever this winter?

 

A wrestler from Rye has the solution. Glenn Rodriguez is stretching his seven-year-old Grapplin’ Gorillas wrestling program from New York City to Rye. He’s offering group classes for youngsters and teenagers in local homes.

 

“My long-term goal is to focus on Rye classes and maybe merge into tournaments with the New York program,’’ he said.

For the youngest children, the classes focus on fitness and stretching games rather than physical contact and competition. They concentrate on wrestling positions and stance early on. Games include “flag wrestling” or jogging obstacle courses that include climbing through tunnels made of rolled-up mats. “I definitely try to keep these kids flexible and stretched.”

 

Rodriguez, who teaches Spanish and linguistics at Allen-Stevenson School, a private boys school in Manhattan, said he also hopes to get children interested in wrestling as a sport early. Many of his students have gone on to compete for high school and college teams.

 

Rodriguez may offer three-day-a-week camps during school vacations. If his program continues to grow, he plans to rent space in Rye and offer regular evening sessions. Right now, all of his lessons are by appointment only.

 

“My program has something to offer that’s different,” said Rodriguez. “I’m trying to empower them through wrestling. It’s the ultimate character builder. I gear it more toward fun.’’

 

Competition is optional; Rodriguez said some of his athletes train for years without competing formally. Several of his former clients have come back to help him coach.

 

One of Rodriguez’ coaching partners is a tumbler who performs halftime shows for the New Jersey Nets.

 

Rodriguez offered a summer camp the past two year with Rye Country Day School Wrestling Coach Rich Knazik. Knazik said Rodriguez is “great with kids. He does an excellent job coaching wrestling for all levels.’’

 

The Long Island native wrestled for East Islip High School and began coaching at the age of 18. He and his wife Ligia have lived on Purchase Street for nearly three years. They have an 11-month-old son Tobias. “We love Rye. We love being here.’’

 

For more details, go to www.grapplingorillas.com or call 917-273-1931.