Girls Who Grapple: What to Expect at Your First Practice

Starting Something New Can Feel Intimidating

Trying something new can feel overwhelming.

Especially when it’s a sport like wrestling, where you might not know what to expect.

But your first practice doesn’t have to be as intimidating as it seems.

Here’s What It’s Actually Like

You won’t know everything — and that’s okay.
No one expects you to walk in with experience. Everyone starts from zero.

You’ll learn the basics first.
Simple movements, positions, and drills designed to help you build a foundation.

You’ll be supported.
Coaches and teammates are there to guide you, not judge you.

You might feel tired.
Wrestling uses muscles you might not be used to using — it’s normal.

You might feel awkward at first.
That feeling fades quicker than you think.

What Matters Most

The most important thing is just showing up.

You don’t need to:

• Be strong already

• Be confident

• Know what you’re doing

Those things come with time.

What matters most is allowing yourself to try.

Everyone Starts Somewhere

Because every confident wrestler you see today was once a beginner walking into their first practice.

And they didn’t wait until they felt ready.

They just started.

As Coach Braxton shares:

“Wrestling is a sport that opens doors and helps people achieve things they never thought possible.”

That’s what makes starting worth it — you don’t know how far it can take you until you begin.

Final Reminder

You don’t need to be perfect to begin.
You just need to begin.

Reflection Question

What would help you feel more comfortable trying something new?

Coach Leah and Coach Gen demonstrating a single leg

About Beat the Streets: 

At Beat the Streets, our mission is to advance the education of low-income children and youth in the Greater Toronto Area through fun and unique wrestling, life skills, and employment-based development programs. Since 2015, we have served over 28,000 young individuals through our Wrestle 4 Fun, Level Up, You Grow Girl, Work it Girl, After-School and Open Mat Sessions programs, providing them with opportunities to develop their physical, mental, and social well-being. We believe in empowering the next generation by breaking down barriers and creating pathways to success. 

Join us in our mission to impact youth:

Join us in making a difference by supporting our cause and learning more about how you can contribute to the education and growth of children and youth in need. Together, we can shape a brighter future for all.