Wrestling School in New Bern, NC (Near MCAS Cherry Point)

Looking for a wrestling school New Bern families trust? Walters Jiu Jitsu runs a packed, friendly program that builds strong takedowns, balance, and grit for kids, teens, and adults. For ten years we’ve helped local athletes from New Bern, River Bend, Trent Woods, James City, and Havelock learn the basics the right way—stance, motion, hand fighting, shots, finishes, and safe falls—then layer real match skills. Our mats are clean, classes are organized, and coaching is direct and positive. Whether you’re brand new or chasing a varsity spot, you’ll fit right in.

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Professional Wrestling Coaching Close to Home

Dynamic wrestling match in progress, showcasing strength and technique

What makes our wrestling program different

Clear plan each class. Warm-up, one main skill, partner drills, then live goes with coaching in your ear.
Safety first. Neck care, smart sprawls, soft landings, and controlled partners.
Small wins every week. We track goals: first double-leg, first stand-up, first ride time, first takedown in a match.
Year-round options. Off-season skill blocks, pre-season clinics, and in-season tune-ups.
Easy location. 610 Airport Rd, minutes from Hwy 70 and MCAS Cherry Point.

Youth Wrestling (6–12)

Youth classes teach the base that carries into middle school and beyond. Kids learn:

Stance and motion without crossing feet
Level change and penetration step
Double-leg and single-leg with safe finishes
Sprawl, hip pressure, and crossfaces
Breakdown from top: tight waist, chop, spiral, and bars
Stand-up and sit-out from bottom

We coach with short cues kids remember: head up, hips in, hands inside, move your feet. Rounds are short so attention stays high. Drills use games kids love—shark tank takedowns, band-resisted shots, and pummel ladders. Parents say the program builds focus and a “try again” mindset that shows up at school and at home.

Season note: Many families from Bridgeton, Trent Woods, and River Bend join in late summer to get a jump before school teams start.

Middle/High School Wrestling

We combine decades of mat experience with a coaching philosophy built around long-term athletic growth — not burnout.

Older athletes need detail, pace, and match strategy. We cover:

Setups off ties: collar-tie snap, inside tie to single, two-on-one
Finishes at the edge and in scrambles
Chain wrestling: shot → cutback → reshot
Top rides that score: cross-wrist, legs, bar/half chains
Bottom escapes vs. tough riders
Short-time tactics, score and clock awareness

We mix live situations—30-second go-behinds, ride-outs, and last-shot drills—so athletes learn to win the moments that decide matches. If you wrestle for New Bern High, Havelock High, West Craven, or homeschool leagues, this room gives you partners and coaching that push you.

Wrestling for BJJ

Many BJJ students want better takedowns without risking neck or knee issues. This track blends folkstyle and no-gi skills:

Safe entries from collar ties and underhooks
Snatch single, ankle pick, and body-lock to mat returns
Front headlock go-behinds without exposing the back
Stand-up defense vs. guillotines and kimuras
Top pressure that leads into guard passing

These classes are perfect for adults who roll at our academy and for visitors from Jacksonville or Morehead City who want a drilling night that still feels like grappling.

Wrestling Fundamentals (great for beginners)

Brand new? Start here. You’ll learn:

How to move in stance without getting off balance
Hand fighting that wins inside position
Simple finishes from strong positions
Mat returns that keep partners safe
Basic rides and escapes so live rounds feel fun, not scary

Our goal is simple: after four weeks you should hit one clean takedown in live rounds, ride for at least ten seconds, and stand up once from bottom. Clear, doable goals help confidence grow fast.

Private Wrestling Coaching

One-on-ones and small groups are great before tryouts or tournaments. Sessions include video review, goal setting, and a short strength circuit that matches your needs—grip, shots, or core. We can also attend local meets for mat-side coaching when schedules allow.

Pre-Season and In-Season Clinics

Pre-season (Sept–Oct): two-hour blocks on chain wrestling, bottom escapes, and match pace.
In-season (Nov–Feb): quick Sunday tune-ups focused on rides, edge wrestling, and recovery.
Spring freestyle nights: learn turns, push-outs, and fast scrambles that sharpen instincts.

Safety and parent peace of mind

We build strong athletes and protect growing bodies:

Neck and shoulder warm-ups every class
Clear tapping and stop words for kids
Coaches stop rounds for any sign of fatigue or pain
Hygiene talks: shoes never on mats, wipe down after class, wash gear the same day
Concussion protocol and return-to-train steps

Parents are welcome to watch from the lobby or sit matside during youth classes. We keep language positive and keep kids moving.

Directions and service area

We’re at 610 Airport Rd, New Bern, NC 28560. From Downtown, take S Front St to US-70 E, exit toward the airport. From Havelock and MCAS Cherry Point, take US-70 W; we’re a short turn-off near the airport. Students also drive from River Bend, Trent Woods, James City, Bridgeton, Pollocksville, and Vanceboro.

FAQs

Do I need experience?

No. Many start here. We teach the basics step by step.
What age can my child start?

Most kids are ready at 6. If younger, ask about a trial to see fit.
Can girls join?

Yes. We have female athletes in youth and high school groups.
How hard are live rounds?

We scale rounds by age and skill. New students get shorter rounds and clear coaching.
What if I play another sport?

Wrestling pairs well with football, soccer, and lacrosse. Join 1–2 nights a week in off-season.
Do you require headgear?

We recommend it for all youth and for adults on live nights.
Can BJJ students drop in just for takedowns?
Yes—Wrestling for BJJ is built for that.

Walters Jiu Jitsu — The Top Wrestling & BJJ Experience in New Bern and Havelock

We’re more than a gym. We’re a community of coaches, families, and athletes who show up, work hard, and grow stronger — together.

Walters Jiu-Jitsu State-of-the-Art Training Studio

Phone : (252) 515-0180