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Recap of John Layfield & Honky Tonk Man Seminars at IWF Pro Wrestling School: Wrestling Legends Give Advice to IWF Students & Graduates in West Paterson, NJ

Posted: May 1st 2008 By: mikeiles

(WEST PATERSON, NJ)- Hard work, desire and dedication was the theme at Superstar Seminars conducted this April by Pro Wrestling Legends at the Independent Wrestling Federation Training School in West Paterson, NJ.

On April 30, MamaJuana Energy and 418 Energy presented a Pro Wrestling Seminar with John Layfield, current Raw Superstar and Former WWE Heavyweight Champion. Mr. Layfield's lecture to nearly 50 IWF students and graduates touched on all aspects of this business, from in-ring basics and fundamental skills, to developing an interesting and memorable persona.

"The main thing you need to learn as a performer is you must put fans in the seats," said Layfield. "Make the fans be interested in you. What are you going to do different to get the people to notice you?"

Mr. Layfield, who served as guest instructor alongside 13-year pro Kevin Knight, also discussed the importance of in-ring practice and being in proper physical condition.

"You must be in shape and you must be ready at all times," Layfield stressed. "If the WWE ever scouts you, you cannot tell them 'give me 30 days to get in shape.' Your body and in-ring cardiovascular levels must be at their peak right now here at the School."

Top IWF stars then took to the ring to participate in matches evaluated and critiqued by Layfield, including Biggie Biggs, Travis Blake, Tony Torres, Franciz, Chris Steeler, Mike Jenkins and Jana.

"I was impressed by the matches and the excitement," Layfield commented during his critique to the class. "Solid basic matches, good personality, and great energy. But always room for improvement."

With the registration fee, all participants received a 12-pack of MamaJuana Energy and 418 Energy Drinks. MamaJuana Energy is available at www.MamaJuanaEnergy.com and soon at stores everywhere. 418 Energy is available at pro shops nationwide and available at www.418Energy.com.

On April 16 and 17, WWE Legend Honky Tonk Man, the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all-time, returned as guest instructor at IWF Pro Wrestling School. Honky Tonk Man conducted a two-day Pro Wrestling Clinic that covered everything from in-ring training and practice ethic, to basic mat skills, to character development.

"Maintain your body, build strong legs, do some running, and get in proper ring shape by practicing as much as you can," Honky Tonk Man said. "If you look good, you will feel good. Looking good, coupled with a solid knowledge of the basic holds and fundamentals will help build your self-confidence and establish your believability with the fans."

Honky Tonk Man, one of the most memorable wrestling characters ever, also addressed the student body about his keys to success.

"You must have the desire. It comes from the heart," Honky added. "You must be dedicated...both mentally and physically, and work hard everyday to improve in the ring as a performer, as well as out of the ring as a person."

IWF graduates then competed in a series of matches under the watchful eye of Honky Tonk Man, who provided feedback and advice for improvement.

"You guys have a fantastic state-of-the-art training facility with air conditioning and heat, a weight-room, running water and two bathrooms," Honky exclaimed. "I was trained in a barn with no toilets and no running water...if we wanted some water we had to drink out of the same water trough as the horses!"

This marked the fifth time Honky Tonk Man served as guest instructor at IWF Pro Wrestling School. Honky Tonk Man was also featured in the Main Event at the IWF's 11th Annual Anniversary Reckless Abandon Live Events on April 18 and 20 in West Paterson.

"IWF Wrestling School continues to bring in top Legends and Superstars to help guide our students and graduates," said trainer Kevin Knight. "Most students think they are a superstar after their first match and most graduates think they are a legend after their third year in the independents. Wrong! Honky Tonk Man is a Legend. John Layfield is a Superstar. I am nothing...the students and graduates are nothing. We are all learning and we are all pupils."

Next up this summer, former WWE Tag Team Champion and WWE Developmental Talent Trainer Dr. Tom Prichard returns for a 3-Day Pro Wrestling Clinic and Seminar. This will mark the 10th session Prichard has hosted at IWF Pro Wrestling School. For more information regarding IWF Wrestling School, visit www.WrestlingIWF.com or call 973-345-7745.

Established in 1999, IWF Wrestling School trains hundreds of wrestlers and managers from 16 states and six countries that perform in bouts around the globe. IWF Commissioner Rich Ross recently joined the management team at USA Network & NBC Universal, partnering with WWE supervising Raw and ECW programming. Former WWE Diva Dawn Marie trained at IWF and had her first-ever match with us in 2001. Former IWF Tag Team Champion Marc Verow works for the UFC Event Production Staff. Damian Adams is training in Ohio Valley Wrestling, and IWF graduates make frequent appearances on Raw, SmackDown and Heat. So far, 17 home-grown IWF talents made WWE appearances.

IWF Wrestling School hosts periodic Clinics with current stars and legendary performers. In addition to John Layfield and Honky Tonk Man, WWE's Steven Richards, WWE's Nunzio, WWE Hall of Famer Tito Santana, WWE Developmental Trainer Dr. Tom Prichard, WWE legend Ricky Steamboat, former UFC and WWE Champion Ken Shamrock, former WWE Diva Dawn Marie, former WWE star Tom Brandi (Sal Sincere), former ECW Champion Steve Corino, and TNA's Simon Diamond hosted clinics.

Independent Wrestling Federation produces family-friendly live events and hosts children?s Birthday Parties. IWF Pro Wrestling School, recognized as the premiere training facility in the Northeast by countless media outlets, hosts Open House Tours every Saturday and Sunday afternoon and Tuesday and Wednesday evening.

Tags: Honky Tonk Man, WWE