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IWF Wrestling School
Private Training Camp, Nutley, NJ
Nationally-Accredited Training since 1999
Apply Below Now for 2024
TRAINING PROGRAM DETAILS:
Aspiring wrestlers ready to rumble into sports-entertainment and be a superstar can now fulfill their dream. The nationally-accredited IWF Wrestling School, based in Woodland Park, NJ (formerly West Paterson) from 1999 to 2012, and Nutley, NJ from 2014 to present, had 60 graduates receive WWE, NXT, AEW, IMPACT, NJPW, ROH and NWA tryouts with 15 receiving full-time employment.
IWF School offers first-rate instruction in a friendly and safe environment, and trains hundreds of wrestlers, referees and managers from 20 states and 9 countries that perform in bouts worldwide. Head Coach is 25-year pro Kevin Knight, who worked for major companies including WWE and NWA, battling countless Hall of Famers and Legends since 1996. He has experience in all aspects of sports, entertainment and marketing, and combines his knowledge into formulating a strategy for success.
Semester length is 12-weeks, with small group classes 2 days a week Sunday morning & Thursday night. We offer wrestler, referee and manager training, whether it’s a hobby or your career aspiration. Classes cover basic holds, fundamentals, mat wrestling, character development and interview skills to help you reach maximum potential. You'll build self-confidence, learn discipline, feel energized and get into great shape. Top trainees wrestle at Live Events, and we assist you in making valuable industry connections.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
To be considered, you MUST be at least 18 years old, in good physical and mental health with no pre-existing medical conditions, and have a sports or fitness background. No previous wrestling experience required, but you must be an athlete and commit to weight-training and healthy-eating lifestyle.
To apply for 12-Week Semester 2024, submit application below if you meet ALL requirements. A decision will soon be made regarding your approval, and you will be notified by e-mail with tuition info and the link to make payment. To expedite approval process after applying, EMAIL US photos documenting sports or fitness background, plus short video telling us about yourself.
60 IWF Graduates worked for WWE, NXT, AEW, IMPACT, NJPW, ROH & NWA with 15 signed:
* Tasha Steelz joined IMPACT in 2020.
* Fallah Bahh (Franciz in IWF) joined IMPACT in 2019.
* Shawn Bennett joined WWE as a Referee in 2013.
* Danilo Anfibio (Dangerous Dan McGuire in IWF) joined WWE as a Referee in 2013.
* Kevin Crawley (Kev Kage in IWF) joined WWE Creative Services in 2012.
* Dante Dash (Flex Freeman in IWF) joined WWE in 2011.
* Angelina Pivarnick from MTV's Jersey Shore joined Impact in 2011.
* Fahd Rakman (Fady The Arabian Bull in IWF) joined WWE in 2010.
* Robert Stone/Robert Strauss (Robbie E. Eckos in IWF) joined Impact in 2010 & WWE in 2019.
* Darren Young/Fred Rosser (Fred Sampson in IWF) joined WWE in 2009.
* Rich Ross supervises WWE Program Operations for USA Network & NBC Universal since 2008.
* Vladimir Kozlov joined WWE in 2005.
* Dawn Marie had first-ever match at IWF in 2001 before joining WWE.
TESTIMONIALS & ENDORSEMENTS:
"Kevin Knight does a great job of training future stars of sports-entertainment. To make it in professional wrestling today is tough because there are no more minor leagues...this is why what Kevin does is the future of the sport. Kevin has the best facility and methods for training I have seen...I wish I had this when I started." - WWE Hall of Famer John Bradshaw Layfield (2009)
“If you want the best school to become a professional wrestler, it’s all about the IWF. From learning how to wrestle, from learning how to do interviews. There have been many wrestlers who have had the door opened for them in the WWE, why, because they know what they are doing in the IWF. They give you the time and the training that you need. The number one school is the IWF, and I am a part of the IWF. I guarantee you, the students do learn.” - WWE Hall of Famer Tito Santana (2011)
"IWF School continues to provide top-notch training necessary to become a successful professional wrestler. Desire comes from the heart and Kevin Knight is passionate about making sure these students are aware of the dedication you must possess…both mentally and physically…to work hard every day to improve in the ring as a performer." - WWE Hall of Famer Honky Tonk Man (2009)
"IWF impresses me in many ways. Kevin Knight and everyone involved are constantly looking for ways to improve and help their students be the best. I enjoy doing clinics at IWF because I know the students are hungry and looking to better themselves. Kevin has taught these students the respect for the business and this is why I would recommend his people for extras and training partners for WWE Superstars." - Legendary WWE Head Coach Dr. Tom Prichard (2015)
"Just wrestled for IWF in West Paterson, NJ, with old ring rival, now amigo, Tom Prichard, and had a great time. Anyone interested in becoming a wrestler in the area, this is the company. They have a great training facility and Tom Prichard, WWE head trainer at FCW in Tampa, frequents the school and does clinics. Check it out mates! The greatest training camp in the world." - WWE Hall of Famer Bushwhacker Luke (2011)
"I've traveled all over the world countless times. I've been in every gymnasium and wrestling school...I've been everywhere. But now, I find the IWF and their training facility. Bar none, this is the finest training facility and wrestling camp that I have ever come across. A tremendous facility with all the potential to be world-class. I have attached myself to the Independent Wrestling Federation, to this facility, and to Kevin Knight, and I will make sure that we produce nothing but champions!" - WWE Legend Young Stallion Jim Powers (2010)
"Tom Prichard (IWF School Guest Coach) can get it done. Wish I could go to IWF. Never too old to learn!" - WWE Hall of Famer Jake 'The Snake' Roberts (2016)
"Everyone here is on the right track. Hopefully one day soon, I'll see some of you students in the big leagues." - WWE Legend & UFC Champion Ken Shamrock (2002)
"Never forget where you came from. Salute to IWF School for giving me my first start." - WWE Superstar & IWF Graduate Darren Young (2018)
"A proper start in pro wrestling is imperative. I am thankful for mine at IWF School." - WWE Referee & IWF Graduate Shawn Bennett (2020)
"It was an honor to work (as a Guest Coach) here. Thanks for your hard work and dedication to pro wrestling. Guys like Kevin Knight don't come along very often. Kevin has run a top wrestling school for 20 years. Hope you get the respect you are due." - Legendary WWE & OVW Coach Rip Rogers (2017)
"Thank you for everything, without you guys I would be lost." - WWE Diva & IWF School Graduate Dawn Marie (2001)
"Camp IWF has a heck of a program. Kevin Knight is doing it right and these other fly-by-night schools should take an afternoon and see how it is supposed to be done." - Former ECW Champion & WWE Producer Steve Corino (2001)
"Good luck with your school, it is one of the better places to learn today." - WWE & ECW Superstar Nunzio (2005)
"I have been to Camp IWF and was quite shocked when I walked in the door. Kevin Knight runs a great operation. He has a great team of people. Everyone is helpful and nobody is full of themselves. It feels like family. Everyone brings something to the table." - WWE Superstar & World's Strongest Female Bodybuilder Nicole Bass (2002)
"In 2000, I began training at IWF. The IWF is in a class of its own when it comes to safety, cleanliness and professionalism. When I first began training at the age of 18, I was unsure of what to expect. I was only 5'3" and not an incredible athlete. My parents were nervous that I was making the wrong decision. All of our concerns were relieved within the first day of training. Kevin Knight is not a fly-by-night "promoter" with a sketchy background. He's a college graduate who truly dedicates his life to the craft. And there aren't many wrestling organizations who provide the community service and philanthropy that the IWF does. The real proof of the school's ability, however, is in the results: at the time of this writing, (several) WWE and Impact stars laid the foundation of their of pro wrestling careers in the IWF. If you are looking for a first-class place to train, in a safe environment by true professionals, the IWF is the place for you." - WWE Creative Services Copywriter & IWF Graduate Kev Kage (2012)
Did You Know?
Since 1999, students from 20 states trained with IWF from Alabama, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. Students traveled from 9 countries, including Canada, England, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Puerto Rico and USA.
IWF hosts Seminars with Hall of Famers & Legends:
* WWE Hall of Famer Honky Tonk Man
* WWE Hall of Famer Tito Santana
* WWE Hall of Famer Bushwacker Luke
* WWE Hall of Famer John Bradshaw Layfield
* WWE Hall of Famer Ricky Steamboat
* WWE Hall of Famer Cowboy Bob Orton
* WWE Legend Dr. Tom Prichard
* WWE Legend Young Stallion Jim Powers
* WWE Legend B. Brian Blair
* WWE & UFC Legend Ken Shamrock
* WWE & OVW Coach Rip Rogers
* WWE Superstar Darren Young
* WWE Referee Shawn Bennett
* WWE & ECW Superstar Stevie Richards
* WWE & ECW Superstar Nunzio
* WWE & ECW Superstar Dawn Marie
* WWE & WCW Legend Chris Candido
* ECW & NWA Legend Steve Corino
* Legendary Coach Mike Hollow
* Legendary Coach Les Thatcher