#development

UWW sends experts to Hungary to run a high-performance coaching course

By United World Wrestling Press

BUDAPEST, Hungary (November 10) – The Hungarian Wrestling Federation organized the first-ever high-performance regional coaching course.  In all, 32 coaches who participated in the course from seven different countries. The course was conducted on 2-5 November with the support of the Olympic Solidarity, United World Wrestling, the Hungarian National Olympic Committee and the Hungarian Wrestling Federation. The course was held at the KIMBA Wrestling Academy which is a premiere training facility in Budapest where they recently organized an international Greco-Roman training camp with over 100 participants. “HWF was pleased to host the first-ever high-performance coach course in Budapest in our new Kozma István Wrestling Academy. Our federation is always open to new initiatives which helps us improve our skills and improve on the wrestling mat. We are thankful for UWW to allow us to hold this advanced course for our coaches and referees,” said Peter Bacsa (HUN) – UWW Bureau Member and Vice President of the Hungarian Wrestling Federation.

HUN1Attendees of the high-performance regional coaching course come together at the KIMBA Wrestling Academyduring an off-the-mat session. (Photo: Gabor Martin/ United World Wrestling)

This course was conducted by several wrestling experts from around the world. 

The experts included Dr. Bahman Mirzaei (IRI) and Dr. Mario Baic (CRO) who are both members of the UWW Scientific Commission along with data expert Dr. Milorad Dokmanac. The technical experts were Arsen Julfalakyan (ARM) and Zac Dominguez (USA). Leading the course programme were Vincent Aka (CIV) and Zach Errett (USA) from the UWW Development Department.  These experts led many sessions throughout the week.

The session topics included performance data analysis from the past world championships and Olympic Games, preparation and periodization of elite wrestlers, physical fitness preparation of top wrestlers, creating a system for measuring the physical preparedness of their athletes, how to transition from a successful wrestler to a successful coach, stages of complex technical/tactical development, competition manipulation and athlete safeguarding. In addition to these sessions, the coaches had practical sessions where they worked with the experts on technical skills for each style.  They also had to lead training sessions that focused on the energy and attitude of the trainer.  The course finished with collaboration among the referees.  Both groups worked side-by-side to better understand the rules and their roles. This session was led by Prof. Dr. H.Ibrahim Cicioglu (TUR). “The high-performance coaching course in Hungary was unique because it was the first time ever that coaches, referees, and recently retired athletes came together for a four-day seminar.  This course was full of specific scientific information theoretical, and practical sessions designed specifically for high-level coaches.  What was also very important during the whole process was that you could feel the interaction as most of the participants were very excited and had fun during the course,” said Arsen Julfalakyan (ARM) – Olympic silver medalist.

HUN3Participants of the course break down film together. (Photo: Gabor Martin/ United World Wrestling)

“The coaches that participated in the course were some of the best wrestlers in the world and recently began their coaching careers.  It was great to see them embrace the course and want to continue to improve.  By the end of the course, the coaches were working together and sharing ideas.  It was very clear to see why the Hungarian Wrestling Federation is one of the leaders in wrestling,” said Mr. Zach Errett (UWW Education Manager). “We had a very strong four-day course with excellent lecturers from their own fields such as science, education, and refereeing. Our coaches learned a lot during these days, and I hope it has opened new areas for them in their field to grow up top wrestlers for our country. Even though our wrestling culture and education are high in Hungary we learned many new things to be more professional and focused,” said Peter Bacsa. “We would like to thank all the organizers of the UWW for the opportunity to organize the UWW Level 4 coaching training in Hungary. It was educational for everyone. We will try to pass on the knowledge acquired here to as many coaches as possible. Special thanks for answering all our questions outside of the lectures. It was a great honor to spend the week with qualified professionals, Olympic and world champions,” said Bábszky Gergely (HUN) - Director of the College of the Hungarian University of Physical Education.

HUNParticipants from the Introduction to Refereeing Course pose together for a photo. (Photo: Gabor Martin/ United World Wrestling)

Also, during the week, the Hungarian Wrestling Federation organized an Introduction to Refereeing Course. This was conducted by Prof. Dr. H.Ibrahim Cicioglu, a member of the UWW Referee Commission and a referee educator.  The course was conducted over three days.  During that time, the participants learned the foundations of being a great referee.  Their topics included referee team duties, evaluation of holds, referee mechanics, proper positioning and movement, and controlling the bout.  The participants also had the opportunity to referee simulated matches during their sessions to apply what they learned practically. "It was a very productive event for the high-performance coaches and referees.  Our primary goal in this course was to enable the coaches to look at the evaluation of actions and holds with the eyes of the referee and to have them have a different vision on this issue.  During the course, we received much positive feedback from the coaches that will contribute to the development of our referees," said Ibrahim Cicioglu (UWW Referee Commission).

HUN2Olympic silver medalist Arsen Julfalakyan (ARM) shows a move during his time in Hungary. (Photo: Gabor Martin/ United World Wrestling)

“This course was very intense, and the commitment of all the coaches and referees lives up the world rank of Hungary. Also, this course was a good opportunity for Hungary coaches and referees to work together to strengthen the Hungary Wrestling Federation,” Said Vincent Aka (UWW Development Officer and Trainer).

#WrestleBudapest

Amine downs Kurguliev, USA wins three #WrestleBudapest gold

By Vinay Siwach

BUDAPEST, Hungary (July 13) -- The 86kg weight class in wrestling has long revolved around two superstars, Hassan YAZDANI (IRI) and David TAYLOR (USA). These two athletes have been trading World Championships and Olympic gold for the past five years.

However, their dominance is being challenged by a rising group of wrestlers, including Myles AMINE (SMR), the 2022 European champion. Amine, who won the Tokyo Olympic bronze medal, won a historic first European title for San Mario in Budapest last year and added silver at the 2023 edition.

Three months after their intense European Championships final, Amine and Kurguliev faced off again in the Budapest Ranking Series final on Thursday. It seemed like a déjà vu for Amine as he found himself trailing 1-1, with Kurguliev threatening to score a takedown and take the lead, much like in the European final.

Amine recognized the importance to attack and he executed a single leg takedown. Kurguliev countered and came close to securing a takedown before Amine escaped and earned two points by taking Kurguliev down. That was all Amine needed and he knew he had done enough.

Although Amine did give up a stepout in the remaining minute of the bout, it didn't matter much as he held on to win 3-2, seeking revenge for his loss in Zagreb.

"I wanted to remain locked in for six minutes," Amine said. "It was really simple -- a takedown or scramble."

Amine, who trains at the Cliff Keen Wrestling Club at the University of Michigan, looked like being on a mission on Thursday, beginning with a 4-2 win over Sebastian JEZIERZANSKI (POL) in the opening round. He followed that with an 11-1 technical superiority win over Nurzhan ISSAGALIYEV (KAZ) and a 5-0 win over  Lars SCHAEFLE (GER) in the quarterfinals.

In the semifinals, Osman GOCEN (TUR) posed a threat by leading 4-2. However, Amine managed to score every time he fell behind and secured a 9-8 victory.

Similar to the European final, the Budapest Ranking Series final began slowly with both wrestlers receiving penalties for inactivity. Kurguliev even took two injury timeouts for his ankle. Despite their attempts to maintain control, it was evident that a scramble was imminent.

"I think it [Thursday's bout] was similar to the European Championships final," Amine said. "My execution was better as I wanted to remain locked in for six minutes."

Perhaps Kurguliev felt the heat of Amine's constant pressure that even though he got behind Amine in a scramble but failed to finish.

"I was not thinking anything during that scramble," Amine said. "I've pulled the rabbit out of the hole a few times in my career and I attribute that to not thinking too much. I wrestle every day and I am in these situations so."

Amine's win puts the focus back on the 86kg field for the World Championships. Wrestlers have been trying to catch up with Taylor and Yazdani and the Belgrade World Championships could be the first when both can be challenged.

"Those guys [Taylor and Yazdani] have earned the place with consistent results," Amine said. "But that's what we all are trying to do now [and catch them]. I treat it as one bout at a time."

The University of Michigan had a field day as Mason PARRIS (USA) won gold at 125kg after beating local star Daniel LIGETI (HUN) in the final.

Ligeti got the crowd with a four-point arm throw, but he was forced to forfeit the bout due to a leg injury. At that point, Parris was leading 9-4.

Kyle SNYDER (USA) added another gold medal for the United States, triumphing in the 97kg weight class after Magomedkhan MAGOMEDOV (AZE) withdrew from the gold medal bout.

Although both wrestlers reached the final, they had a slow start. Magomedov narrowly defeated Vladislav BAITCAEV (HUN) 7-6 in the opening bout, while Snyder secured a one-point victory over Givi MATCHARASHVILI (GEO), winning 3-2.

However, as the day progressed, both wrestlers found their rhythm. Snyder achieved a dominant 10-0 victory over Kanybek ABDULKHAIROV (KGZ), while Magomedov defeated Alisher YERGALI (KAZ) 6-3.

In the semifinals, Snyder continued his impressive form with another 10-0 win, this time against Bekzat URKIMBAY (KAZ), while Magomedov secured a 7-2 victory against Erik THIELE (GER).

Zahid VALENCIA (USA) won gold at 92kg after he defeated Matthew FINESILVER (USA) 10-0 in the final.

Valencia experienced a setback in Round 1 with a 6-3 loss against Amirali AZARPIA (IRI), but he composed himself and bounced back to win the gold against Finesilver.

After the initial loss, Valencia defeated Denys SAHALIUK (UKR) 8-2 in Round 2 and overcame world bronze medalist Miriani MAISURADZE (GEO) 5-3 to secure a spot in the semifinals, where he defeated Rizabek AITMUKHAN (KAZ) 10-0.

Tumur Ochir wins again

Tulga TUMUR OCHIR (MGL) maintained his exceptional performance this year by claiming another gold medal in the Ranking Series. He previously won in Zagreb and Bishkek and secured a silver medal at the Asian Championships. His only loss this year came against world champion Rahman AMOUZAD (IRI).

Tumur Ochir's impressive performance in Budapest included victories over Iszmail MUSZUKAJAEV (HUN) and Nicholas LEE (USA). Notably, Lee, who will represent the US at the World Championships this year, suffered a surprising 10-0 loss in the final.

After defeating Ikromzhon KHADZHIMURODOV (KGZ), Tumur Ochir faced Muszukajaev once again and utilized his underhooks effectively to keep the Hungarian wrestler at bay. Muszukajaev struggled to mount an attack and lost 3-0, marking his second loss to Tumur Ochir this year, following their encounter in Zagreb.

Lachlan MCNEIL (CAN) met a similar fate as Tumur Ochir dominated their semifinal, winning 10-0 and securing a place in the final against Lee, who achieved a commanding 10-0 victory against Joshua FINESILVER (ISR) and Alibek OSMONOV (KGZ).

Lee had no business winning the semifinal against Islam DUDAEV (ALB) but pulled off a buzzer-beating takedown to win 6-4.

However, Tumur Ochir wasted no time in asserting his dominance in the final, executing a big four-point move using underhooks and nearly pinning Lee. As Lee defended, Tumur Ochir capitalized with two gut wrenches to take an 8-0 lead. A final takedown sealed the victory for the 2021 world bronze medalist.

At 57kg, Wanhao ZOU (CHN) surprised everyone by claiming the gold medal with an 11-3 victory over Almaz SMANBEKOV in the final.

Zou began his campaign with a 5-0 win over Kamil KERYMOV (UKR) and proceeded to defeat Roberti DINGASHVILI (GEO) 3-1 in the quarterfinals. He then shut out Ahmad MOHAMMADNEZHADJAVAN (IRI) with a 5-0 win to secure a spot in the final against Smanbekov, who advanced with a 2-2 victory over Zane RICHARDS (USA).

fh

RESULTS

57kg
GOLD: Wanhao ZOU (CHN) df. Almaz SMANBEKOV (KGZ), 11-3

BRONZE: Kamil KERYMOV (UKR) df. Ahmad MOHAMMADNEZHADJAVAN (IRI),8-4
BRONZE: Zane RICHARDS (USA) df. Niklas STECHELE (GER), 5-2

65kg
GOLD: Tulga TUMUR OCHIR (MGL) df. Nicholas LEE (USA), 10-0

BRONZE: Islam DUDAEV (ALB) df. Alibek OSMONOV (KGZ), 11-5
BRONZE: Ikromzhon KHADZHIMURODOV (KGZ) df. Lachlan MCNEIL (CAN), 10-0

74kg
GOLD: Murad KURAMAGOMEDOV (HUN) df. Nurkozha KAIPANOV (KAZ), 5-2

BRONZE: Krisztian BIRO (ROU) df. Byungmin GONG (KOR), 8-7
BRONZE: Feng LU (CHN) df. Mitchell FINESILVER (ISR), 8-3

86kg
GOLD: Myles AMINE (SMR) df. Dauren KURUGLIEV (GRE), 3-2

BRONZE: Rakhim MAGAMADOV (FRA) df. Tariel GAPHRINDASHVILI (GEO), 2-0
BRONZE: Osman GOCEN (TUR) df. Lars SCHAEFLE (GER), 8-0

92kg
GOLD: Zahid VALENCIA (USA) df. Matthew FINESILVER (ISR), 10-0

BRONZE: Rizabek AITMUKHAN (KAZ) df. Amirali AZARPIRA (IRI), via inj. def.

97kg
GOLD: Kyle SNYDER (USA) df. Magomedkhan MAGOMEDOV (AZE), via inj. def.

BRONZE: Givi MATCHARASHVILI (GEO) df. Bekzat URKIMBAY (KAZ), 9-0
BRONZE: Alisher YERGALI (KAZ) df. Erik THIELE (GER), 3-1

125kg
GOLD: Mason PARRIS (USA) df. Daniel LIGETI (HUN), via injury (8-4)

BRONZE: Zhiwei DENG (CHN) df. Abraham CONYEDO RUANO (ITA), 6-1
BRONZE: Yurii IDZINSKYI (UKR) df. Gennadij CUDINOVIC (GER), 7-6