Rich Manwarren comes from a proud lineage of wrestlers & grapplers, with both his father and grandfather having competed in these sports. Wrestling runs deep in his family, and he grew up honing his skills on the front lawns of Jacksonville, Florida, where his passion for the sport began at an early age. In high school, Rich quickly made a name for himself, placing 4th in the Folkstyle state tournament, 1st in the freestyle state competition, and 3rd in the Greco-Roman state tournament. His versatility across different wrestling styles allowed him to develop a broad range of techniques, setting him up for success at the collegiate level.
Rich went on to wrestle NCAA Division 2 in college, where he continued to impress with his skill and tenacity. He finished in 5th place at the Super Region 2 tournament and earned the prestigious “most pins” award at the championship tournament, solidifying his reputation as a formidable grappler.
Today, Rich channels his passion for wrestling & grappling into teaching. He has crafted a unique grappling class designed to benefit both wrestlers and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) practitioners. His class focuses on takedowns, throws, and trips that are effective in both wrestling and BJJ. Rich understands that a successful takedown is only the beginning—if you don’t know how to follow it up or defend yourself on the ground, you’re at risk of being submitted. His approach ensures that students not only learn how to execute powerful and efficient takedowns but also how to transition seamlessly into ground control, minimizing the risk of being caught in submissions.
Rich’s Wednesday night grappling class is open to all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned competitors. He creates a welcoming and inclusive environment, emphasizing the importance of technique and strategy over brute strength. Whether you’re a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner looking to sharpen your takedown game or a wrestler aiming to improve your ground control, Rich’s class offers valuable insights and hands-on experience that will elevate your abilities in both sports. With his wealth of knowledge and experience, Rich is dedicated to helping his students grow as athletes and grapplers.
