What Our Students & Alumni Are Saying
Michael Mauro
02:55 16 Nov 23
Jane Martin
01:20 01 Nov 23
Since our son joined Empire, his skills have grown by tremendous leaps and the experience has transformed his game. But most importantly, his development as a young man has been incredible. Through his training with Empire he has found grit and determination and reserves of strength he never knew he had, and his maturity has advanced tremendously as well. He has a newfound seriousness of purpose which has infused every area of his life. This is the "wrestling mindset" you hear so much about, and this creates the mental habits which generate success in all aspects of life. This is what my son earned at Empire, and it has changed his life.In practical terms, all the coaches are fantastic and the kids get the personal attention they need to advance their skills in group training. There are regular clinics offered with outstanding NCAA champions and coaches. There are also two team camps in the summer to train with legends at Penn State and NC State. The techniques from these clinics and camps are then incorporated into regular training so you master them. For athletes who are committed to achieving personal best performance and earning attention from college coaches, Empire offers an outstanding travel program where wrestlers compete every month off-season in regional and national tournaments. Wrestlers who distinguish themselves may get introductions to John Degl's connections at NCAA programs across the country, which we have found to be very helpful. Our experience with Empire has been nothing but superlative and we recommend it without hesitation.
Henry Martin
20:22 23 Oct 23
My experience at Empire Wrestling Academy has been excellent. After my freshman wrestling season I wanted to improve myself as a wrestler, I tried out two clubs in the area and Empire was the one I chose because of its amazing coaching staff and wrestling partners. Now I am beginning my junior wrestling season and I can say that the club has exceeded any expectations I could’ve had when I was a freshman. Empire’s relationship with colleges has made it the an extremely valuable resource. I am able to visit colleges and meet with their coaching staff because of the connections that Empire has created over the years. The club puts emphasis on being an elite wrestler and an excellent student, Coach Degl often says to wrestlers that being a student comes first, then wrestling.If you want a wrestling club that has superb collegiate connections, a world class coaching staff, and elite partners, Empire Wrestling Academy is the right choice to make.
Kevin Francese
16:41 23 Oct 23
Kosta Koufalis
02:21 29 Aug 23
Empire Wrestling has changed my wrestling career for the better. Like many of my teammates I left GPS and it was one of the best choices I ever made. My brother and sister stayed at GPS for a year after me, but soon they saw my progress and how fast I was making gains and they too left for Empire and we all agree there is no comparison. Other clubs coach wrestling and that’s all but Empire has so much more. Empire regularly has Elite college coaches from Williams to NC State. EWA has had athletes go to prestigious schools to wrestle like Cornell, Harvard, Upenn, Princeton, Brown and Columbia as well as dozens and dozens of other amazing schools. EWA has a lots of great connections to coaches from top programs. This was so helpful in my recruiting process as many coaches know and respect John and the other staff. I can't say enough about how my entire life has changed for the better because of John and Empire Wrestling Academy. I truly recommend this club to all athletes who wish to make massive gains and be surrounded by a rich wrestling culture.
Brian McLaughlin
23:24 13 Aug 23
An outstanding facility with world class coaches
Krista Falardo
17:03 18 Jul 23
My Son is 5 and just started training at Empire! There were so many boys there training of all ages! I think it's great to have the little ones there training along side the older ones bc it gets them focused and serious about the sport! There was no fooling around and everyone there including the parents were dedicated to the sport! It's very professional and we are excited for our son to join such a great team!
Cristian Pote
23:41 17 Jul 23
Love this place
Joe Mastro
18:39 17 Jul 23
John has grown one of the premier training clubs over the last 20+ years. He cares about his athletes and facilitates their success on the mat and in the classroom at a higher level than anyone else. His level of commitment to the young men and women he coaches has led to success at all levels within the national and international scale. There is no better place to send your kid than to empire wrestling academy and their team of coaches.
Angely Frdz
11:54 08 Oct 22
Everyone is very friendly and I love that they make classes fun for kids and they still learn valuable skills. Both of my boys love it, so I’m very happy!
Jack Degl
16:34 24 Jul 22
Masoomeh Angooti
14:41 11 Jul 22
Luxor Car Service
16:53 05 Jun 22
Alex Leone
23:46 02 Apr 22
Easily the best club in the surrounding area. No other club has the history and results of not only making fantastic athletes that excel at the next level, but also fantastic people who end up doing great things after their wrestling careers are over. Wrestling at empire for over 4 years I wrestled met and learned from countless section champions, state champions, All-Americans at every level, national champions, and even world and olympic champions.
Jennifer Wendel
13:33 02 Apr 22
Our son has been going to Empire for 6 years. The improvements that have been made are incredible. He is now a state champion as a junior and has goals for his senior year. John has great clinics that are affordable and welcoming to all levels of wrestlers.He traveled with the team to PA last year and he can’t wait to go again this year. There isn’t any other place he’d rather do his non high school wrestling.
Laura Jane Williams
23:02 31 Mar 22
Eric Grant
22:04 31 Mar 22
My son has been wrestling at Empire for a totalof 4 years. John Degl and his coaching staff has brought him up to an exceptional level of wrestling, John has not only shared his coaching skills and vast experience but has and continues to also teach him coping skills and lessons on life, teach him to be self accountable, traits that will be with him eternally. As a consumer I am a hard sell but I am extremely satisfied with the way EWA has paved the way for my son to perform at the highest level and continuing to prepare him for college. If I could give 10 stars I would and will tell anyone that wiling listen, In this sport the clock is always ticking and you are not wrestling at empire your wasting your time.
Chris Weiner
21:07 31 Mar 22
empire is a awesome club coaches work work great with the elementary kids
S. Forde
02:37 10 Mar 22
Max Valera
10:27 25 Feb 22
best decision of my wrestling career. these coaches are passionate about their kids and passionate about wining! life long memories
Kerry McCoy
16:38 27 Nov 21
They do a great job at every level.
Jude O'Grady
15:04 29 Apr 21
I switched to Empire Wrestling Academy from GPS wrestling in Armonk. Although I was not entirely sure about the change at first, I soon realized it was the right call. Between the large and open facility with plenty of space and the numerous coaches devoted to helping us improve as wrestlers, it was evident that Empire was the right choice. Head coach John Degl is personable towards and committed to all members of the club, and his experience and technical wrestle knowledge cannot be matched anywhere else.
Peter Sell
10:29 09 May 18
Top instructors, the best wrestling partners. Can't be beat.
Alan Cohen
23:30 20 Mar 18
New name is Empire Wrestling Academy. Best in Westchester, by far. Coaches really know wrestling and care about developing athletes. Not for the lazy - commitment required.
Journeymen Wrestling
19:36 26 Dec 17
ISW has one of the best track records for producing collegiate All Americans in the country ! The record speaks for itself . Degl does a remarkable job getting the athlete to realize their potential.
Julie Simoes
20:40 05 Oct 17
You can't argue with the outstanding pedigree of ISW. John Degl has developed a wrestling club that is incredibly successful. My son improved dramatically during his 3 seasons at ISW. Now my 12 year old daughter is benefitting from the outstanding coaching provided by Harrison Cooke, Anthony Tortora, and Khaled Dassan.
Bryan Hazard
19:06 05 Oct 17
I coach wrestling and do public address for tournament around the country for the sport, and I see the Iowa style team compete at many of the venues where we compete and I announce. Coach Degl and his group of athletes do an amazing job, and they are as competitive as any club in the country. Year after year, Iowa style puts out collegiate wrestlers to every division, and they are successful. The organization of the club and the passion of each member is evident as they come prepared to compete at an amazingly high level!
joseph Izzo
21:27 15 Sep 17
Amazing experience wrestling here during my high school years. John is addicted to improvement and the club has only gotten better at an exponential rate. Great for learning not just wrestling but life skills alike.
rugbymaul
13:07 07 Sep 17
Best wrestling gym in Hudson valley all ages from 5 years old up to college
Phil Baratta
20:44 11 Apr 17
Patrick Lattimore
18:01 01 May 16
Life changing
