Pubdate: Wed, 15 Mar 2006 Source: Esquimalt News (CN BC) Copyright: 2006 Esquimalt News Contact: http://www.esquimaltnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1290 Author: Mark Browne WRESTLING, BOXING GUIDE YOUTH TO BETTER CHOICES Wrestling And Boxing Come To The Legion Learning boxing or wrestling is much more productive than getting involved with gangs or illegal drugs. While that idea is a no-brainer for most youth, some young people don't always see it that way. That's why Victoria City Wrestling, Olson's Martial Arts and the Rock Solid Foundation are teaming up to promote boxing and wrestling events on Friday and Saturday at the Esquimalt Legion. "The idea is to provide some positive some positive alternatives to drug use and gangs," said Trevor Davis, professional wrestler and owner of Victoria City Wrestling. Whether it's wrestling, boxing or any of the Asian martial arts, Davis said such activities are an effective way of preventing youth from taking Crystal Methamphetamine or becoming gang members. Training in boxing, wrestling or martial arts such as karate come with numerous benefits. "It teaches you how to avoid fighting. It will teach you the discipline to not only defend yourself but make the right decisions," said Tom Woods, executive director of Rock Solid. Research shows that boxing programs in inner cities across North America are successful in turning troubled youths' lives around. The event on Friday at the legion features an evening of exhibition boxing matches courtesy of Olson's Martial Arts. An open house takes place Saturday where people can drop by to determine if boxing or wrestling is for them. And pro-wrestling will take place on Saturday evening. The pro wrestling event will include David, a.k.a. "Vid Vain" and his wrestling partner Clint Istace who fights under the name, "Vain Rage". "We're a tag team," Davis pointed out. Davis has been committed to working with youth for a number of years. He's worked with scouts and Ventures and more recently has promoted wrestling as a way of steering kids on the right path. "I have kids e-mailing me from Newfoundland to B.C." he said about the response he's received from his younger fans. Davis knows first hand what can happen to youth to travel down the wrong path. He makes a living as a guard at the federal prison in William Head and previously held the same position at the notorious Kent maximum security prison on the Lower Mainland. Getting at-risk youth involved in activities such as boxing or wrestling should be done sooner or later, Davis stressed. "Once you get to the point where you're slapping the cuffs on, chances are that he can't be turned around," he said. The 35-year-old native of Bishop's Falls, Newfoundland didn't pursue his other career as a pro wrestler until he was 31. He started lifting weights when he was 12 before eventually taking up Shotokan karate. Later in life Davis practiced shootfighting before entering the world of pro wrestling. Most of the skills he learned came from actual experience in the ring rather than formal training. In an earlier interview, Davis said while the outcome of pro wrestling matches are predetermined, the amount of choreography is limited as most of the actual wrestling moves are real. People can train in wrestling, boxing or other fighting systems for various reasons. "A lot of people do it for the training and conditioning - you don't necessarily have to fight," Davis said. Olson's Martial Arts, which offers training in karate and boxing, offers a number of programs for kids. "(Nate Olson's) whole dojo is filled with kids," he said. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the shows begin at 7 p.m. for both the pro wrestling event on Friday and the boxing event on Saturday. Cost is $10. The open house on Saturday is free and runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information on various programs, go online to http://www.victoriacitywrestling.com. - --- MAP posted-by: SHeath(DPF Florida)