#development

UWW partners with FFL to announce INSEP as high-performance center

Friday, September 2, 2022 - 07:42 By United World Wrestling Press

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (September 2) -- As the buzz for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris gathers momentum, the United World Wrestling (UWW) has entered into a partnership with the French wrestling federation (FFL), the country's National Institute of Sport, Expertise, and Performance -- commonly known as INSEP -- in a bid to grow wrestling in France, assist Francophone athletes and open the doors to world-class training facilities to wrestlers from across the globe.

As per the tri-partite agreement, the INSEP national wrestling network of training centers of Paris, Dijon and Font Romeu will be designated as a UWW World Wrestling Center.

This will enable the centers to hold training camps for selected elite wrestlers, conduct education courses for wrestling coaches, and organize knowledge-sharing activities (e.g. seminars, educational sessions, coach exchanges) that assist referees and coaches in ways that enhance world-class athlete preparation systems as well as ensure experience sharing in particular for female sport. It will also enable them to take active leadership in world wrestling regarding best-practice athlete pathway management.

This will also help the French federation to welcome as many foreign countries as possible to the center to be able to find training partners for the wrestlers. Currently, 26 French wrestlers train at INSEP in the three Olympic styles.

Nenad LALOVICUWW President Nenad LALOVIC at INSEP in Paris. (Photo: INSEP / Isabelle AMAUDRY)

Nenad Lalovic, President of the UWW, Lionel Lacaze, President of the FFL and Fabien Canu, Director of INSEP were present on the occasion.

“INSEP is a well renowned high-performance center worldwide and today we are delighted to sign this agreement to further strengthen our sport in France and abroad," Lalovic said.

INSEP was created in 1975 under the name, the National Institute of Sport and Physical Education. Over the years, it has grown into one of the world’s foremost Olympic training centers.

Spread over 28 hectares, it is home to almost 800 athletes in 27 Olympic and Paralympic disciplines, including wrestling. 

INSEP not only has a state-of-the-art training facility but also provides technical and scientific expertise with genuine respect for the athletes. INSEP is the ideal training center for elite athletes in view of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Development

Divcibare hosts 2025-2026 Educator-Educator Course

Thursday, February 13, 2025 - 12:29 By United World Wrestling Press

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DIVČIBARE, Serbia (February 13) — Nestled in the scenic mountains of Serbia, DivČibare served as the host city for the 2025-2026 Educator-Educator Course, held from January 23-26. This event gathered 28 participants from 17 different countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas, including Olympic and world champions, referees, and experienced coaches, all eager to enhance their instructional skills and contribute to the development of wrestling education worldwide.

The course was expertly led by Vincent AKA (CIV) and Zach ERRET (USA), with the presence of Deqa NIAMKEY, Director of Development at United World Wrestling (UWW). Over four days, participants engaged in a dynamic and interactive learning experience, covering advanced pedagogical concepts such as the 80/20 teaching method, effective feedback techniques (TAG), and innovative use of technology in sports education. Microteaching sessions provided a hands-on approach, allowing attendees to refine their skills by delivering lessons and receiving constructive peer feedback.

4.0Participants go through an on-the-mat training course at Serbia. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

A highlight of the program was the diverse exchange of experiences among participants. “As an Olympic champion, I will definitely incorporate many of the concepts from this course into my future programs,” noted Komeil GHASEMI (IRI). Mo EGYPT, a world champion, emphasized the importance of integrating new technologies and interactive teaching methods into coaching strategies, while Nenad ZUGAJ (CRO) described the experience as “a course where we all participated through various tasks, helping and guiding each other.”

Beyond the classroom, the event fostered camaraderie among educators, strengthening global collaboration for future wrestling education initiatives. Participants enjoyed their stay at a tranquil mountain hotel, enhancing team dynamics and cultural exchange.

srb 2UWW staff walk through the interactive learning experience, covering advanced pedagogical concepts such as the 80/20 teaching method, effective feedback techniques (TAG), and innovative use of technology in sports educatio. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

Deqa NIAMKEY highlighted the significance of this course at the start of a new Olympic cycle, stressing UWW’s commitment to renewing and strengthening its educational programs by involving high-level experts and supporting athletes in their transition to coaching roles.

With a renewed sense of purpose and enriched teaching methodologies, the educators left Divččibare prepared to contribute to the continuous growth of wrestling education worldwide. The course not only elevated professional capacities but also reinforced the shared mission of developing the next generation of wrestling instructors through innovation and excellence.