BEAR TRAP
WRESTLING CLUB
- YOUTH WRESTLING PROGRAM -
PROGRAM INFO
Our Friday youth wrestling class is a great way to introduce kids to wrestling in a low-commitment way, or for your child currently enrolled in school wrestling to get supplementary work in and gain an edge over the competition under the guidance of MYWAY-certified coach Derek Tyler!
WHAT AGES DO YOU ACCEPT?
We take students ages 5-12 years old.
WHAT DO KIDS NEED TO WEAR AND BRING TO CLASS?
We follow standard No-Gi jiu jitsu attire:
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Athletic top (rashguard or fitted t-shirt)
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Athletic shorts (no pockets, zippers, or buttons)
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No shoes on the mat (including wrestling shoes)
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL CLASS LOOK LIKE?
Classes typically begin with dynamic warmups, agility drills, and tumbling to get the blood flowing, build body awareness, and improve flexibility. After this, Coach Derek will introduce and break down fundamental wrestling techniques, focusing on proper form for takedowns, controls, and escapes. The technique portion is followed by structured situational drilling (or "live" situational wrestling), where kids can practice their moves in a controlled, safe environment under close supervision.
Because safety and proper development are our top priorities, live wrestling is carefully matched by age, weight, and experience level. A fun team-building game, conditioning challenge, or cooldown stretch rounds out each practice, ensuring the kids leave energized and accomplished.
YOUR COACH
HEAD COACH
DEREK TYLER
Bear Trap Wrestling Club is led by Coach Derek Tyler, whose mission is to take wrestling in West Michigan to the next level through elite coaching, strong fundamentals, and a culture built around hard work and accountability. With over 20 years of wrestling experience and more than 15 years of coaching experience, Derek has dedicated his life to developing athletes both on and off the mat.
At Bear Trap Wrestling Club, our goal is to build confident, disciplined wrestlers while helping elevate the sport throughout the Muskegon area. Team culture is everything to us as we strive to create an environment where athletes support one another through training, competition, and everyday life. We believe success comes from consistency, discipline, and surrounding yourself with teammates and coaches who genuinely care about your growth.
Coach Derek has coached athletes from kindergarten through high school and has found success at every level of competition. Known for his ability to break down techniques and bridge understanding across all age groups and skill levels, he focuses on making wrestling both challenging and approachable for every athlete. Whether someone is stepping onto the mat for the first time or preparing for high-level competition, Derek emphasizes strong fundamentals, mental toughness, and technical precision.
As a certified MYWAY coach, Derek combines traditional wrestling principles with modern training approaches to help athletes become more explosive, confident, and prepared for competition. Practices are designed with safety, skill development, and athlete growth in mind; building not only better wrestlers, but better teammates, leaders, and members of the community day by day.