Testimonials
Hear from the families and wrestlers who make the Cardinal Wrestling Club & California RTC extraordinary
"My son joined CWC in seventh grade, and in just three years he's achieved remarkable success—on the mat and in the classroom. With so many options in the Bay Area, I wholeheartedly recommend CWC to any family aiming for true excellence. CWC Cardinal Wrestling Club transforms champions—on the mat and in the classroom. Situated steps from Stanford's #16 Division I team, our athletes train daily with Stanford coaches and world-class mentors like Gerry Abas. Every practice fuels elite technique, unbreakable work ethic and the fierce confidence only true competition can forge. I'll never forget hearing my son ask his coach, "How do I get into Cornell or Stanford?" The answer was laser-focused: "Straight A's first—then dominate on the mat." That single exchange sums up CWC's DNA: we push academic ambition as hard as we drill takedowns. Our kids learn that excellence is earned, not given. There are plenty of clubs in the Bay Area, but none offer what CWC does. CWC links sport, school and community seamlessly—partnering with local schools, running clinics for every age and embedding mentorship in every drill. Here, your wrestler hones time management, builds unshakeable character and gains the confidence to conquer high school—and life—with purpose."
"We've been with the Cardinal Wrestling Club for three years and couldn't be happier. Our son has thrived thanks to the many dedicated coaches, supportive community, and good training partners. He has continued to develop his wrestling skills and has made solid friends too. The club's positive messaging and growth oriented environment has made a meaningful difference on our son's character. We highly recommend Cardinal Wrestling Club for top-tier coaching and the great community!"
"My daughter's high school coach suggested that she train with CWC whenever possible, particularly in the girls' program. After attending a girls' workshop, she was immediately hooked! In just a few short months, her wrestling skills have improved significantly. She has made friends from all over who come to train at Stanford, and she works with supportive coaches who provide the challenge she seeks. As my daughter continues to progress in a sport she is truly passionate about, CWC is giving her the opportunity to develop confidence as a wrestler, build relationships, and network with incredible coaches and athletes. She has even begun to gain coaching experience herself. CWC exemplifies the best values in wrestling, and I know it is positively shaping her life. I couldn't be more grateful for the CWC program. I highly recommend that any girl within driving distance join the CWC community whenever possible."
"I've been a CWC parent for 3 years and my child has benefited greatly. The wrestling helps her stay active and healthy. The coaching is kind and encouraging. It also provides a sense of community for our whole family. She feels supported here and enjoys going many times a week. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to give wrestling a go!"
"At a lot of other clubs, it felt like focus was only given to the top few athletes on the team. However, even on my first day at CWC when I was far behind the other kids my age, the coaches welcomed me with open arms and worked to help me improve. Since then I have made great strides in my wrestling, thanks to the amazing CWC coaching staff. Coach Sean Gray and Abbas are Phenomenal. They have such a mastery for the sport and are eager to pass on every technical detail to every wrestler who enters the room. CWC has the grind and tough work ethic that wrestling is notorious for coupled with a strong focus on technique. They don't just teach fancy moves, they work to help each and every wrestler perfect their fundamentals. To anyone interested in wrestling at any level, I can't recommend CWC enough."
"As parents, we have been incredibly impressed and deeply obliged with the growth and development of our sons, Matt and Mason, through their wrestling training at CWC over the last 3~4 years. The dedication and commitment to excellence of the coaches have been instrumental in fostering not just their wrestling skills but also their character and discipline. Matt grew out of his baby chubbiness and became a confident and committed wrestler aiming to become a state champion in high school. Mason took a new interest in soccer now and the 3 years of hard wrestling training at CWC built the physical and mental foundation for him to become the best goalie in the team. We are so grateful for the positive impact CWC has had on them. Thank you to all the coaches for their tireless effort and commitment to these young athletes and families."
"Cardinal Wrestling Club, CWC, has been a game-changer for my daughter. She has grown immensely as a wrestler, and I'm excited to see her growth with her high school team. I'm grateful for Monday's girls-only practice, where she can grow as a female athlete. I highly recommend CWC to all wrestlers. They have the best coaches where wrestlers can learn new techniques and get individualized instruction. We love CWC!"
"We joined CWC almost two years ago and have had a great experience since day one. The staff and coaches are all very welcoming and supportive of wrestlers at all levels. My son is 11 now, and his wrestling absolutely jumped levels after joining CWC and receiving consistent, high level coaching. Just as impressive as the wrestling technique are the off-the-mat skills he's developing here, like how to work hard, stay disciplined, and commit to his goals. Thank you, CWC!"
"The Cardinal Wrestling club has played a huge role in my wrestling career. I joined the club in 2022. I was in 8th grade at the time and was welcomed with open arms. For the past 3 years, I have been able to meet so many other wrestlers and have had some amazing coaches. CWC has really helped me grow as a wrestler. I have been able to really improve my basic techniques with constant drilling as well as learn more advanced techniques like specific leg rides. Another thing I love about the practices is the frequency of live wrestling. We live wrestle almost every practice and this has definitely helped build my confidence in my wrestling. I really appreciate how supportive the coaches are of the wrestlers. There are always coaches at the local tournaments ready to be in your corner coaching. They encourage great wrestling and win or lose, the coaches are just happy that you learn from matches. I would definitely recommend CWC to any wrestler looking to improve their skills under a super supportive coaching staff. The club offers two different practices based on age/skill. So whether you're a 6 year-old just starting, or a high schooler with a goal to be state champ, CWC is the place for you!"