About Us
Retro Wrestling is a youth and high school wrestling academy dedicated to helping every athlete grow — not just as a wrestler, but as a person.
How Retro Wrestling Started
We never set out to open a wrestling club. It started when a family friend asked if we could help coach their kids for a season. We said yes, and what happened next changed everything.
We loved it. But more than that, we saw real growth in the kids who showed up — and they were only training two days a week. That got us thinking: if we could see that kind of improvement from two days, what would happen with five? That question became the foundation of Retro Wrestling.
What started as a favor turned into a mission. Today, we run a full training schedule five days a week because we believe consistent, quality coaching is the fastest way to develop young wrestlers.
Meet the Coaching Staff
Anthony Martinez
Anthony has been in combat sports since the age of 11, competing in BJJ, boxing, kickboxing, and wrestling. He traveled across the country training at camps and clinics — including the Olympic Training Center — and finished his senior year ranked in the top eight in the state. His coaching career started young, teaching BJJ to four-to-six-year-olds, giving private lessons to junior high wrestlers during high school, and coaching at several Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academies after graduating. He founded Retro Wrestling to bring that same level of development to every young athlete who walks through the door.
Founder & Head Coach
Illyuana Martinez
Illyuana is our primary coach for the Minis program. She placed second at State her senior year of high school and went on to wrestle at the University of the Ozarks for two seasons. She's been coaching full time for the past three years, specializing in kids wrestling and BJJ for athletes ages 4 through 18, while also coaching adults in BJJ.
Head Minis Coach
CoachGarrett Wing
Garrett was a two-time State Qualifier his junior and senior year before earning an engineering degree from Texas A&M. Even through college, he kept wrestling by staying active in the university's wrestling club. He brings both competitive experience and a disciplined, analytical approach to the mat.
How We Coach
Every session at Retro Wrestling follows an Instruct and Drill method. We teach a technique, then athletes drill it — a minimum of ten reps before moving on. We don't lecture for long stretches. Our coaches keep explanations under five minutes before getting athletes back on the mat and moving.
For athletes who want more individualized development, our private lessons include film review, drilling, and in-depth instruction tailored to each wrestler's specific needs. Athletes receive a notebook, homework, and goals so their growth continues outside the gym.
What We Stand For
Three to four short value statements. Suggestions based on what your materials communicate:
"Growth over everything" — We started this club because we saw kids improve in just two days a week. Five days a week, the results speak for themselves.
"Every rep matters" — Our Instruct and Drill method means athletes aren't just listening. They're doing.
"Family-first environment" — From Minis to High School, we treat every athlete and their family like part of ours.
"Compete anywhere" — Our coaches have trained at the Olympic Training Center, competed at the state level, and wrestled in college. We bring that experience to every practice.
What Families Are Saying
“Whether you’re new to wrestling or experienced, they make everyone feel comfortable and supported. Highly recommend Retro Wrestling to anyone looking for a positive place to train..”
— Current Customer“The coaches push the kids to work hard while still creating a positive, supportive, and family-like environment. We’ve seen huge growth in confidence, discipline, and skill since joining.”
— Current Customer“Great gym environment and even better staff and team. Very family friendly and would highly recommend if you are looking to get into wrestling or if you are experienced. Top notch.”
— Current Customer