**** WE ARE
NOW ACCEPTING NEW APPLICANTS FOR 2006 ****
Trainers:
The Head Trainer of the IwW Training School is Bingo Ballance. Bam Katraz and the Ballymun Bruiser are the School's Assistant Trainers.
Guest Trainers:
In the past IwW has used Guest Trainers, from around the world, such as:
* D-Lo Brown - WWE/TNA
* AJ Styles – TNA/ROH
* Alex Shane - UK Indy
* Vid Vain - WWE
* Doug Williams – ROH/Pro Wrestling NOAH
* Raven - WWE, TNA, ECW
* CJ Summers - USA Indy (ACWA)
* Jody Fleisch - UK Indy
* Chad Collyer- ROH
Training Fee’s:
*One Years Membership & Insurance is €50
(To be paid in full before your training commences).
*The training fee is €10 per class.
Training Times:
Monday to Friday: 18.00-21.00
(subject to change-- consult this page frequently for updates)
Saturday: 12.00-18.00
(there are two 3hour classes within this time slot: a full day's training is €20)
Sunday – 14.00 - 17.00
(subject to change-- weekend shows often mean the School is closed on Sunday.)
FAQs---> Frequently Asked Questions.
(Please read this section carefully to avoid multiple posts with the same questions.)
1) How do I get to the IwW Training School?
A: One can access the School by bus or by train as follows:
DART – This is a 15-minute journey on the DART from Connolly or Tara St. Station, Dublin City. You will get off at Howth Junction, where the school is a 5 min walk, from the centre platform. Shortcut through a lane into the Industrial Estate, walk straight on past the first left turn (opposite the Fás building), and take the next left. The IwW School (Unit 61A) is the second building on the right-hand side.
BUSES - The 32B and 29A, both leave from Eden Quay (near the Laughter Lounge.) Approximate 30 minute journey.
2) What are the age limits of the school?
A: The minimum age of potential applicants is 14 years old. Applicants under the age of 18 must also have signed parental permission to participate. There is no upper age limit for trainees.
3) Does the school have weight limits?
A: No. Whether you're 8st or 28st, the school accommodates all sizes. Head Trainer Shéamus O'Shaunessy assists trainees with diet plans, and workout logs to help them get into shape.
4) Can I just come down and have a look around while a training session is on?
A: Certainly. Just send a private message (PM) to "IwW Gym" and let us know when you're coming down, so we can ensure you're looked after.
5) What do I need to start up?
A: If you wish to start straight away, you need: (1) to pay the €50 insurance fee; (2) signed parental permission (applicable to those under 18 only); (3) comfortable gear to train in. (See below for more information.) Applicants are also requested to provide (4) a passport photo to affix to their application for records. Trainees should bring plenty of water, as well, to prevent dehydration.
6) What kind of gear will I need and where can I get it?
A: The basic requirements are-- kneepads. (These are absolutely essential for any prospective trainee. Kickboxing kneepads, or "FightRite", are available from Mullen's Sports on Capel St. (at the end of Henry St. in Dublin City) or Sportsmith (on Cathedral Street: the street to the right of the Burger King near the Savoy Cinema on O'Connell St. in Dublin.) Professional wrestling kneepads are also available from Highspots.com, who stock Trace and AMA kneepads.) Trainees will also need flat-soled runners for wearing in the ring. Loose, comfortable clothing is recommended. Elbow pads are also recommended, and should be available from the places mentioned above.
7) My friends and I have done backyard wrestling and feel we're ready to be booked on actual shows-- can you make this happen?
A: IwW in no way, shape or form endorses backyard wrestling. Every prospective trainee who walks into the Training School begins from scratch, and is taught the basics by our training team. How many Canadian Destroyers or 630 Splashes off your shed you've done is utterly irrelevant- every trainee begins with a blank canvas. Backyarders who think they know all about wrestling do not last.
8) I have some great ideas for a character and moves-- can you help me develop them?
A: The Training School nurtures everyone's strengths, be it moves, promo skills or whatever. However, trainees are encouraged to learn the basics first, before getting ahead of themselves with ideas for characters and moves.
9) I'm a girl. Can I join the school?
A: Absolutely. IwW heartily encourages applications from female trainees. Just this year, Ireland's own Mary McCarthy made her début on a number of shows. We also have a number of female trainees in training at present.
10) Can I get Private Lessons with one of the Head Trainers or Assistant Trainers?
A: You can indeed. If you feel that trying to get the basics learned in a group environment is too daunting, then a private lesson, one-on-one might be what you need. Private classes can be arranged with any of the Trainers. Just PM "IwW Gym" with what time would suit, and we'll try to sort you out. Private lessons are €15 per hour, but are an invaluable expense if you need to learn the basics.
11) What does training involve?
A: The IwW Training School provides a wide education in not only the mechanics of wrestling, but also in professional conduct and ettiquette. Along with the structured wrestling-based training, work on cardio and stamina ,and training in promo skills, trainees are also taught how to help with refereeing, ring announcing and how to set up the ring. New trainees are encouraged to make themselves available for shows to help backstage, and in the set-up of the show.
12) What facilities does the IwW Gym have?
A: The IwW Gym has a 16x16 professional wrestling ring, brought in direct from the United States. Along with this, there is a full matted area for workouts, a kitchen area, and a private toilet.
13) I have a medical condition-- do I need to state this on the application form?
A: Yes. The health and safety of our trainees is paramount-- your illness will be kept in the strictest of confidence, of course, but must be disclosed to our training team in case of an emergency. Any condition that affects your ability to participate in exercise (asthma, for example) should be mentioned.
Any other relevant questions should be PM'd to IwW Gym. |