Adult Wrestling Classes in Wildomar, CA
The Most Proven Base for MMA — Taught the Safe, Technical Way.
If you’re serious about MMA, self-defense, or just want a powerful, athletic way to get in incredible shape, wrestling is one of the best things you can train.
Under the guidance of owner and former Division-1 wrestler Tim Rennick, our adult wrestling program is built to be:
Highly Effective: Learn the takedowns and control that dictate the pace of a fight.
Technical: We focus on leverage and mechanics, not just brute force.
Safe: Designed for long-term progress, keeping you on the mats and injury-free.
Fun & Welcoming: A positive environment where new students are supported.
Fitness-Driven: Get an incredible workout without it becoming a miserable “grind-fest.”
Whether you’re brand new or experienced, you’ll be able to train hard—without getting hurt.
Why Wrestling Is So Effective (Especially for MMA)
Wrestling is widely considered the best base for MMA because it grants you control over the fight’s location and pace. If you can wrestle, you decide the outcome. Our program teaches you how to execute dominant takedowns, defend against attacks, and control the clinch, giving you the ability to impose your will in any scenario.
Unlike traditional wrestling rooms that prioritize grinding intensity over safety, our program is built for longevity. Under the guidance of former Division-1 wrestler Tim Rennick, we offer a technical, fitness-driven environment that is welcoming to beginners and experienced students alike. You will build athleticism and skill in a safe, ego-free room, eventually combining these tools with BJJ and Muay Thai for a complete martial arts skillset.
Coached Under Tim Rennick’s Leadership
Our wrestling program is coached by Tim Rennick’s instructor team, under his direct leadership and shared values.
Tim isn’t just a BJJ Black Belt World Champion — he was also a Division 1 wrestler, meaning he understands wrestling at the highest competitive level and how to adapt it for real MMA and real people.
But what Tim is most respected for is how he trains:
- relaxed, technical coaching
- high standards without ego
- safety-first intensity
- a culture of looking after teammates
Tim proved you can reach the top without crushing your training partners.
He became a world champion while being known for calm, considerate, intelligent training — and that philosophy shapes every class we run.
So while a trusted coach leads the day-to-day sessions, you’re getting a program held to Tim’s world-class standard.
What Adult Wrestling Class Is Like Here
Wrestling often carries a reputation for being brutal, but at Carlson Gracie Inland Valley, our approach is fundamentally different. We believe that you don’t need to accumulate injuries to get good. Instead, we teach wrestling in a way that is highly technical, pressure-tested, and structured specifically for learning, ensuring that the environment remains controlled for your safety at all times.
When you step into class, you can expect a session designed for longevity. We begin with warm-ups that build real athletic movement before moving into drilling takedowns and defenses step-by-step. As you get comfortable, we introduce positional sparring with clear goals and controlled live rounds, all under coaching that keeps you progressing safely. You will undeniably work hard, but you’ll leave the gym feeling better, not broken.
Who This Class Is For
This program is built to serve a wide range of students, from MMA-minded athletes building a serious competitive base to everyday people looking for a fun, tough skill to master. It is the perfect environment for BJJ students who want to stop pulling guard and start securing takedowns, as well as strikers who need to understand clinch control to round out their game.
However, you don’t need to be a competitor to join. We welcome complete beginners, parents, and working professionals who simply want a challenging workout that builds real confidence. We have stripped away the intimidation factor—there are no tryouts and no egos, just a supportive culture focused on good training with good people.
What You’ll Learn
We have stripped away the “fluff” to focus on the techniques that actually matter in a fight. You will build a foundation on proper stance and motion, learning how to launch effective attacks like level changes, single legs, and double legs. For close-quarters situations, we teach body locks, trips, and clinch takedowns, alongside the wall wrestling techniques essential for modern MMA.
Defensively, you will learn to stay safe and heavy with sprawls, takedown defense, and front headlocks. We also cover the “in-between” moments, teaching you scramble fundamentals, top control, and escapes so you are comfortable in every position. Our goal is to give you a skillset that works in high-pressure situations, but is trained safely enough that you can practice it every week without burning out.
Fitness That Actually Means Something
At Carlson Gracie Inland Valley, you will get in incredible shape, but not through random burnout workouts that have no purpose. Wrestling fitness is unique because it translates directly to performance; it builds explosive power, iron grip strength, and the specific type of cardio required to function under pressure. Beyond the physical changes, you will develop heightened coordination, body control, and a mental toughness you can trust in any situation. And because we prioritize training smart, you get to keep those benefits without the constant nagging injuries that make people quit other programs.
A Team Environment You’ll Want to Come Back To
At Carlson Gracie Inland Valley, we are more than just a place to sweat; we are a family. When you step onto the mats, you will be training with teammates who genuinely want to help you improve and coaches who actually care about your personal progress. We have cultivated a room that is welcoming from day one, fostering a culture that prioritizes technical skill over blind aggression. It is a unique environment where you will be challenged to push your limits and supported by your team at the same time.
FAQ
Do I need wrestling experience?
Not at all. Beginners are welcome and coached carefully from the ground up.
Is this class safe for adults?
Yes. We keep training controlled, technical, and progressive — no “gym wars.”
Will this help my Jiu Jitsu?
A ton. Better takedowns and balance change everything in BJJ.
Is this good for MMA?
Wrestling is one of the most proven bases for MMA, and we teach it with MMA transfer in mind.
Come Try a Class
Your first class is on us.
No pressure, no contracts, just come see what it’s about.