Grapple & Grow

Free youth wrestling program fostering fitness, discipline, and emotional resilience.

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Spring Enrollment

Now Open

Schedule

Fridays, 5:00 PM – 8 PM

April: 18th, 25th

May: 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th

June: 6th, 13th 20th

Location: Norwalk Art and Sports Complex, 13000 Clarkdale Ave, Norwalk, CA 90650

Grapple & Grow is our free Friday evening program focused on mentorship, fitness, and family connection through wrestling.

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Grapple & Grow seeks to transform the lives of young people and strengthen family connections through wrestling.

Grapple & Grow is a flagship program of The Gateway Project that harnesses the power of wrestling to promote healing, discipline, and emotional resilience in youth affected by trauma and community violence.

Far more than a sport, wrestling becomes a path for self-discovery, confidence-building, and learning how to navigate conflict in healthy, constructive ways.

Through trauma-informed coaching and mentorship, participants develop both physical strength and emotional intelligence in a supportive, safe environment. Grapple & Grow helps young people channel their energy, build community, and grow into their best selves—on and off the mat.

Your Questions, Answered

  • Friday Night Grapple and Grow is a community-based wrestling and wellness program hosted by The Gateway Project. It offers youth structured physical activity, mentorship, and life skills every Friday evening. At the same time, parents and caregivers can attend workshops on healing, parenting, and community-building.

    • Youth ages 12–16 who live in or near Southeast Los Angeles

    • Parents and guardians of participating youth

    The program includes all gender identities and welcomes beginner skill levels. No wrestling experience is needed!

  • The Norwalk Arts and Sports Complex is located at 13000 Clarkdale Ave, Norwalk, CA 90650

    Click Here for Directions

  • Fridays, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM

    • 5:30 PM – Check-in 

    • 6:00 PM – Youth Wrestling & Parent Workshops

    • 7:15 PM – Group Reflection

    • 7:30 pm Dinner

    • Wrestling instruction by trained coaches

    • Mentorship and social-emotional learning

    • Wellness & parenting workshops for adults

    • Nutritious meals for youth and parents

    • Opportunities to build community connections

  • The program is 100% FREE for all participants thanks to the generosity of supporters and community partners.
    🙏 Donations are welcome to help sustain and expand the program.

    • Comfortable athletic clothes (t-shirt, shorts, leggings) and a change of clothes for after practice. 

    • Clean socks

    • Refillable water bottle

    Wrestling mats and basic gear are provided for first-time participants.

  • Yes! A dinner will be provided after each practice and is served at each session for both youth and adults.

  • Absolutely! Our coaches are experienced in working with beginners. We focus on safety, teamwork, and personal growth. Everyone starts somewhere—and this is a supportive space to learn.

  • We strongly encourage parents and guardians to stay and join the adult programming. While youth are on the mat, adults have space to connect and grow together.

  • Yes. We prioritize participant safety and well-being at all times.

    • All staff and volunteers are trained

    • We follow health and safety protocols

    • A code of conduct is enforced for both youth and adults

  • Email: miguelperla@gateway-project.org or sign up via our online form

    Phone: (818) 280-9034

    Website: www.gateway-project.org

    Registration is easy—and spots fill up fast, so early sign-up is encouraged!

  • We welcome:

    • Donations

    • Volunteers

    • Partnerships

    📩 Reach out to us directly or visit our website to get involved or contribute.

We are thrilled to announce that the City of Norwalk has extended its support to the Friday Night Grapple & Grow program, a collaborative initiative by The Coalition for Engaged Education, The Gateway Project, and Dog Pound MMA.

This free program offers youth aged 12–16 an introduction to wrestling and fitness in a safe, structured environment, fostering confidence, discipline, and teamwork. While participants engage in training, parents have access to interactive workshops, resources, and community connections.

The City of Norwalk's endorsement underscores a shared commitment to empowering local youth and families through community-driven initiatives.

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