Mission

The Auburn Takedown Wrestling Club is dedicated to providing a positive environment for the development of character and self-confidence. Our goal is to provide a safe and wholesome atmosphere, where kids can learn to wrestle and practice the ideals of sportsmanship, scholarship, and physical fitness, all while having fun along the way.

Our program stresses learning lessons beyond the athletic arena such as self discipline, teamwork, concentration, friendship, leadership, and citizenship.

The Auburn Takedown Wrestling Club accepts kids regardless of race, creed, athletic ability, or income level. Our safe exercises, drills, and rules are there to ensure that all kids are physically and mentally prepared for the challenges of the sport of wrestling.

Coaches

Jeff “Hawk” Hawkins  - Head Technician
- 35 years: Granby School/System Lead Instructor
- Head/Assistant Coach: Kempsville High School, Virginia Beach, VA 88-90
- Head Coach of Two-Time Youth Virginia State Championships
- Coached over 50 individual state champions
- Coached over 100 individual state placers
- Coached 4X Wisconsin state champion, Wisconsin Badger, and 2016 Olympic Greco-Roman Wrestler, Jesse Thielke
- Coached four-time Colorado state champion, Pan American champion, Junior and Senior World Team member and 2019 Final X Champion Tyler Graff
- Coached NCAA Division 1, 2, and 3 qualifiers, champions and All-Americans.
- Wrestled for UCF (1-year) and ODU for 2 years
- State Freestyle and Folkstyle Virginia State Champion, Kempsville HS

Clem Tanaka - Owner/Coach
- 4-year HS California Wrestler
- Retired Naval Officer
- Started Auburn Takedown Youth Club in 2014
- USA Wrestling Copper and Bronze Coach Certified