My name is James Avery and I am the operator and head trainer of the OPWA. I have over 20 years in the business as a performer, trainer and promoter. I have a wealth of knowledge about the wrestling industry that I am ready to pass on to you.
I received my initial training from one of the most respected wrestlers and trainers in the history of the business, Dory Funk Jr. In addition to my initial training, I have been tutored by some of the best in the business.
I take much pride in what I do and I want you to know, with my training course, you will not just become an average Professional Wrestler, you will be above the curve. We have only been open for ten years, and OPWA talent is in demand. If you want to be successful in our business, the OPWA is an excellent first step.
I received my initial training from one of the most respected wrestlers and trainers in the history of the business, Dory Funk Jr. In addition to my initial training, I have been tutored by some of the best in the business.
I take much pride in what I do and I want you to know, with my training course, you will not just become an average Professional Wrestler, you will be above the curve. We have only been open for ten years, and OPWA talent is in demand. If you want to be successful in our business, the OPWA is an excellent first step.
OUR ACADEMY ISN'T JUST ABOUT IN-RING TRAINING, WE COVER ALL ASPECTS OF WRESTLING TO GIVE YOU THE TOOLS NECESSARY TO BE SUCESSFUL. OUR CURRICLUM INCLUDES:
- SAFETY
- In-ring training with strong emphasis on fundamentals
- Ring psychology
- Timing, pacing, footwork and positioning
- Character development
- Promos and interviews
- Etiquette
- Marketing yourself to potential promoters
We do not cover Strength and Conditioning at the OPWA. We encourage all of our trainees to work on their conditioning and "look", however we ask that it be done on the students time so we may devote all of our available time to wrestling. We also do not rely on "blow up" drills, we can pretty much tell right away who has the right attitude and who doesn't.
WHY OPWA?
REPUTATION: We have only been open for a short time and OPWA Talent is already in high demand. Promoters know that before wrestlers get our seal of approval, they will have the right attitude, work ethic and ability to be successful.
OPWA Trained Wrestlers have appeared in promotions all over the United States, Japan, Mexico, AEW and WWE.
GUEST TRAINERS: We frequently have guest trainers. Students pay NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE to attend these clinics.
COST: Feel free to shop around, you will see we are the most reasonably priced. Especially for the quality of training you will receive.
AFTER GRADUATION SUPPORT SYSTEM: You never stop learning in professional wrestling. Once you graduate from your formal training, in addition to having unlimited access to our ring, we have a support network in place that includes the trainers, past students, and veteran wrestlers from the area. In addition to providing advice, we will help you on many aspects of life as a wrestler from organizing carpools to letting you know when there are openings on wrestling events.
WHY OPWA?
REPUTATION: We have only been open for a short time and OPWA Talent is already in high demand. Promoters know that before wrestlers get our seal of approval, they will have the right attitude, work ethic and ability to be successful.
OPWA Trained Wrestlers have appeared in promotions all over the United States, Japan, Mexico, AEW and WWE.
GUEST TRAINERS: We frequently have guest trainers. Students pay NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE to attend these clinics.
COST: Feel free to shop around, you will see we are the most reasonably priced. Especially for the quality of training you will receive.
AFTER GRADUATION SUPPORT SYSTEM: You never stop learning in professional wrestling. Once you graduate from your formal training, in addition to having unlimited access to our ring, we have a support network in place that includes the trainers, past students, and veteran wrestlers from the area. In addition to providing advice, we will help you on many aspects of life as a wrestler from organizing carpools to letting you know when there are openings on wrestling events.
TESTIMONIALS
Ken Anderson (WWE's Mr Kennedy, Head Trainer of The Academy in St Paul, MN)
We recently had James as a guest instructor at my wrestling school in St Paul MN and I can say he's one of the best. His extraordinary knowledge, love for the business combined with a measured, patient style of instruction made for a great session. Everyone, including me walked away from the experience having learned something and we can't wait to have James back!!
Ronnell Hunt (ROH, Trainer of The Stronghold Wrestling Academy in Pittsburg, PA)
I have been very fortunate over the last 10+ years of my career to surround myself with great minds and wonderful people overall within the Pro Wrestling business. Including my last four years of working with the Ring Of Honor Wrestling. I can now place James Avery within that elite list of people. I had the wonderful opportunity of being present when James stopped by Stronghold Wrestling Academy. The amount of knowledge that he passed to our students opened up another depth of understanding to the great sport that we have all come to know and love. James has a unique way of not only explaining what is being done, but also the why that is behind it. I believe he brings to the table a unorthodox way while still bringing the traditional fundamentals to the table to make any wrestler better than they were the day before. I can say without hesitation that any coach can trust James to instill proper knowledge and further respect into their students that will also grow to the foundation of knowledge that they are receiving from their coach/trainer.
We recently had James as a guest instructor at my wrestling school in St Paul MN and I can say he's one of the best. His extraordinary knowledge, love for the business combined with a measured, patient style of instruction made for a great session. Everyone, including me walked away from the experience having learned something and we can't wait to have James back!!
Ronnell Hunt (ROH, Trainer of The Stronghold Wrestling Academy in Pittsburg, PA)
I have been very fortunate over the last 10+ years of my career to surround myself with great minds and wonderful people overall within the Pro Wrestling business. Including my last four years of working with the Ring Of Honor Wrestling. I can now place James Avery within that elite list of people. I had the wonderful opportunity of being present when James stopped by Stronghold Wrestling Academy. The amount of knowledge that he passed to our students opened up another depth of understanding to the great sport that we have all come to know and love. James has a unique way of not only explaining what is being done, but also the why that is behind it. I believe he brings to the table a unorthodox way while still bringing the traditional fundamentals to the table to make any wrestler better than they were the day before. I can say without hesitation that any coach can trust James to instill proper knowledge and further respect into their students that will also grow to the foundation of knowledge that they are receiving from their coach/trainer.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much are classes?
This is the question that is asked most often. This info can be found on the "PRICING & INFO" page.
Do you require students to be vaccinated?
We would prefer all students be vaccinated however we will allow exceptions on a case by case basis. If you have a vaccination card, please either bring it with you to your tryout or send us an image before.
Am I too fat/skinny/small/short for pro wrestling?
Size and "look" is less of a factor now then it has been at any point in wrestling's history. We will help you develop a character and wrestling style that takes advantage of your physical attributes.
I've started training somewhere else, and now want to train with you. Do I qualify for a discount?
Please contact us directly for details. About a third of our graduates started training elsewhere before coming to us.
What wrestling promotion are you associated with?
Although we operate out of the Wrestlefit Training Center, we are not officially associated with a specific wrestling promotion. We do have a very good working relationship with every independent wrestling promotion in Ohio and may others through the mid-west.
Most wrestling schools are attached to wrestling promotions, we are not. Promotion based schools often have to put the needs of the promotion first, where we are able to put 100% of our efforts into making our students the best wrestlers possible.
How long are classes?
Most students should expect to train for 6-12 months prior to having their first match.
This is the question that is asked most often. This info can be found on the "PRICING & INFO" page.
Do you require students to be vaccinated?
We would prefer all students be vaccinated however we will allow exceptions on a case by case basis. If you have a vaccination card, please either bring it with you to your tryout or send us an image before.
Am I too fat/skinny/small/short for pro wrestling?
Size and "look" is less of a factor now then it has been at any point in wrestling's history. We will help you develop a character and wrestling style that takes advantage of your physical attributes.
I've started training somewhere else, and now want to train with you. Do I qualify for a discount?
Please contact us directly for details. About a third of our graduates started training elsewhere before coming to us.
What wrestling promotion are you associated with?
Although we operate out of the Wrestlefit Training Center, we are not officially associated with a specific wrestling promotion. We do have a very good working relationship with every independent wrestling promotion in Ohio and may others through the mid-west.
Most wrestling schools are attached to wrestling promotions, we are not. Promotion based schools often have to put the needs of the promotion first, where we are able to put 100% of our efforts into making our students the best wrestlers possible.
How long are classes?
Most students should expect to train for 6-12 months prior to having their first match.
