granville county gladiators

Our Mission

Step into the room of Gladiator Wrestling, where we're on a mission to shape the next generation of champions right here in Granville County, NC, and beyond. Our passion fuels our drive to make Granville County the ultimate wrestling destination throughout The Carolina’s and the Southern United States. From igniting the spark in young wrestlers to honing the skills of seasoned athletes with top-notch coaching and rigorous training, Gladiator Wrestling is dedicated to propelling the sport forward and elevating Granville County standing on both state and national stages. Join us as we pave the way for wrestling excellence and put Granville County on the map for all the right reasons.

open hours

Tuesday 6 PM - 7:30 PM | Thursday 6 PM - 7:30 PM

LOCATION

3595 Old 75 Hwy, Stem, NC 27581

CONTACT

Coach Jackson: 919-909-8790 (Text Only)

suggested Donation

We will use all donated funds and sponsorship support to cover 100% of participation needs, including gear, uniforms, and tournament entry.

This structure ensures that every child has access to the full program experience regardless of financial circumstance, and that no child is turned away due to lack of funds.

$80/MONTH or $20/WEEK

Are you eager to dive into the world of wrestling? At Gladiator, our beginner program is tailor-made for newcomers like you. Beyond just mastering the basics, we're all about igniting your passion and excitement for the sport. Geared towards wrestlers as young as 8, our program promises to unravel the rules, impart essential techniques, and, most importantly, infuse every session with the sheer joy of wrestling!

FAQ

How does my wrestler get started with Gladiators?

We highly recommend that all wrestlers attend one of our practices to ensure that Gladiator Wrestling aligns with your expectations. If you find that it's a good fit for you, the next step is simple. Just visit our Member Registration page and fill out a registration package, and don't forget to obtain an USA WRESTLING Membership. Bring both of these to your first practice, and you'll be all set to join us on the mat!

Ok, I tried it, I liked it, now what?

We're thrilled to have you on board! If you've already taken the steps to fill out a waiver and acquire an USA WRESTLING card (found on the Registration page), you're already ahead of the curve. Just make sure to complete the registration package and submit it at your next practice. Welcome to the team!

What age groups are currently practicing at Gladiators?

We cater to wrestlers of all levels, including high school, middle school, youth, and beginners. If you have a wrestler and are considering Gladiators, please don't hesitate to reach out to us via our contact page. We're committed to promptly responding to your inquiries and ensuring that Gladiators is the perfect fit for both you and your wrestler. We look forward to hearing from you!

How much does Gladiators cost?

All Memberships

Wrestling with the Gladiators is free.

We have a suggested donation amount of $20 per week, which allows us $80 per month to support more athletes, but it is not required.

How does my wrestler get to wrestle on the Gladiator ‘team’?

We participate in two types of tournaments: Individual and dual team. Any Gladiator wrestler is not only welcome but encouraged to compete in our scheduled and sanctioned individual tournaments. Dual team tournaments resemble those of high school or middle school teams. The lineup for dual team tournaments is determined by coaches through practice sessions and wrestle-offs. It's important to emphasize that earning a spot on the dual team lineup requires dedication and hard work from our wrestlers.

What other opportunities will my wrestler have to compete if they don’t win a dual team spot?

First and foremost, our practice sessions are highly competitive environments. Simply attending practice will provide your wrestler with ample live wrestling opportunities. Additionally, individual tournaments offer valuable "mat time" to gain experience. When possible, we aim to bring multiple dual teams to tournaments where we believe we can field competitive squads. This approach not only creates more opportunities for wrestlers to compete for Gladiators but also opens up additional spots for participation.

Another phone question. “My son has a goal to wrestle in college, what can Gladiators do to help him reach that goal?”

First and foremost, it's crucial to acknowledge that your son will be the driving force behind achieving his goals. Becoming a college wrestler demands more than just exceptional wrestling skills; it requires excellence both on and off the mat, particularly in academics. Our coaching staff is committed to supporting aspiring college wrestlers by not only refining their wrestling abilities but also fostering the necessary focus and performance mindset for success at the collegiate level. Transitioning to college wrestling is one thing; maintaining that level of performance is another challenge entirely. However, it will ultimately require unwavering dedication from your wrestler to ensure readiness for collegiate competition. At Gladiators, we are fully committed to providing the support and resources necessary to facilitate this journey.

Registration

  1. All wrestlers must have a current USA membership prior to practicing at Gladiators.

2. This link will take you directly to the page you need to create your child's account with USA Wrestling and register with our club. You need to select the $20 - ATHLETE - LIMITED FOLKSTYLE MEMBERSHIP || You will have to renew your USA membership once every year.

3. After you have completed registration with USA WRESTLING and affiliated your child with our club (Granville County Gladiators), you are good to go!

Wrestling: A Place to Grow, Learn, and Thrive

At Granville County Gladiators Wrestling Club, we offer a place for kids to truly grow, both on and off the mat. Wrestling isn’t just a sport—it's an opportunity for kids to build real connections, develop valuable life skills, and get active in a supportive and engaging environment.

For Parents:

In a world where screens and social media often take up more time than we’d like, our wrestling program is a safe space for your child to step away from their phones and engage in something that will help them grow physically, emotionally, and socially. Wrestling teaches discipline, resilience, and teamwork while promoting fitness and confidence. It's about showing up, putting in the work, and pushing through challenges.

If you're worried about your child not having enough meaningful connections, wrestling provides an opportunity to make lasting friendships. Through teamwork and camaraderie, your child will be part of something bigger—an environment where they can connect with peers who share similar goals and values.

For Kids:

Are you looking for something that challenges you, helps you get stronger, and gives you the opportunity to learn things that will shape your future? Wrestling is not just about learning how to win matches—it’s about learning how to face challenges head-on, how to work hard, and how to never give up, no matter what life throws your way.

Our coaches are here to teach you more than just wrestling moves. They’re here to provide guidance, encouragement, and lessons on life like respect, hard work, leadership, and responsibility. Wrestling can be a place where you find that support, that guidance, and that sense of family.

A Program That Prepares You for Life:

Wrestling is about more than competition—it’s about learning how to handle adversity, managing pressure, and pushing past limits. The skills your child will gain will prepare them for whatever challenges life throws at them. Through hard work on the mat, they will develop confidence, resilience, and the mental toughness needed to succeed in school, at home, and in life.

Why Choose Gladiators?

Build Lasting Friendships:

Join a team of dedicated and passionate athletes.

Get Active:

Step away from the screen and get moving in a fun and structured environment.

Gain Confidence:

Learn the skills that lead to success on the mat and in life.

Life Lessons:

Coaches that serve as mentors, teaching discipline, respect, and perseverance.

No Experience Needed:

Whether you're new to wrestling or have experience, we’ll meet you where you are and help you grow.

COACH

I'm Nahshon Jackson, and I've been deeply ingrained in the fabric of Granville County since 2011, committed to shaping the futures of our youth through the power of sports. My journey began as an assistant football coach at Butner Stem Middle School, where I quickly realized my passion for mentoring young minds extended beyond the gridiron. In 2014, I took on the role of Head Wrestling Coach, recognizing the transformative potential of this sport in instilling discipline, resilience, and determination in our students. Since then, I've continued to pour my heart into this community, serving as both an assistant and head coach at Granville Central High School. But my dedication doesn't stop there. I've carried the lessons of my own upbringing with me, knowing firsthand the impact positive mentorship can have on a young person's life. Born in Morristown, New Jersey, but finding my true home in Granville County, I understand the unique challenges our youth face. That's why my motto has always been "to be there for them where there was no one for me." I've experienced firsthand the power of mentorship and support, and it's a privilege to pay that forward to the next generation. As I enter my third year with the Granville County Gladiators, my mission remains clear: to ignite a passion for wrestling in our community and provide a supportive environment where every child can thrive. Wrestling wasn't just a sport for me—it was a lifeline, offering guidance and structure when I needed it most. My coaches weren't just mentors; they were father figures who believed in me when no one else did. I see that same potential in the youths of Granville County, and I'm committed to nurturing it. Together, with the support of this incredible community, we can empower our young people to reach new heights, both on and off the mat. Join us in building a brighter future, one takedown at a time.

We’re more than just a club—we’re a family. A family that supports one another, pushes each other to grow, and shows up for each other, no matter what.