Canyon Academy Youth Wrestling Club
About
Canyon Academy Youth Wrestling Club in San Diego offers both MMA and wrestling training with a focus on youth development. The coaching team brings impressive credentials, including Head Coach Mikey Garcia's background as a former high school wrestler and firefighter/paramedic, Assistant Coach Angie Petschek's championship experience including training under Olympic medalists, and Assistant Coach Dennis Fernando's multiple state and national wrestling achievements. This combination of competitive success and real-world experience creates a well-rounded training environment.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the passionate, knowledgeable coaching staff, particularly highlighting Head Coach Mikey Garcia's understanding of children and focus on long-term development over instant results. Parents report significant improvements in their children's confidence, skills, and overall performance in both sports and academics, with many noting wrestling training has enhanced performance in other activities like soccer. Reviewers describe the atmosphere as super kid-friendly while maintaining appropriate intensity for serious training, with multiple families having several children who love attending. Specific coaches receive frequent mention for their caring, consistent approach that builds both strong minds and bodies.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (4)
Amanda Foster
2 years ago
The Coaches here are really passionate and love what they do. We have multiple kids in the program and they absolutely love coming. We saw improvements in their skills and confidence since day one. The best Wrestling Academy around.
Memo Garcia
a year ago
My daughter started in Canyon Club this past year and we have seen an incredible improvement in her confidence. She is actually a soccer player first and foremost but wanted to try it out in order to improve her fitness, flexibility, and mental toughness. Coach Mikey knows what makes these kid tick. He is very passionate about the process and not so much about the 'instant' results. When I asked my daughter what she attributed to her improvement in soccer this season, she quickly said that wrestling made her so much more confident! That's all I could ever ask for!
Alan Casas
2 years ago
Coach and classes are awesome! The staff is very knowledgeable and passionate about wrestling. Super kid friendly without lacking the intensity you need for the sport! Definitely recommend Canyon Academy and Coach Mikey if you’re interested in getting your youngster into wrestling!
Woolley's Gutter Experts
a year ago
Coach Mikey, (head coach of program) - Ive given reviews before both good and bad. I can honestly say that this program is BEYOND 5 STARS! . Passionate, Caring, Consistent, Strong Mind and Body, Courageous, Genuine, amd KIND These are the characteristics that come to mind when I try to sum up the Program and the performamce of the Coaches . I dont know about you, but thats how I want my son Coached and Mentored. My son is 7 and since weve began our wrestling journey w Coach Mikey, his overall performance in and out of school has IMPROVED SIGNIFIGANT. Im confident that so long as this guy (MIKEY GARCIA) is Coaching. My son will be under HIM! O and to boot mikey is a FULL TIME FIREFIGHTER!
scheduleHours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Friday: 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Mikey Garcia
Head Coach & Founder
Former High School Wrestler, Assistant High School Coach, Firefighter/Paramedic
Started wrestling in 2000. Assistant coach for Steele Canyon High School. Founded Canyon Academy to pass on wrestling values to future generations.
Angie Petschek
Assistant Coach
CIF Champion (2015), 2-time CIF placer, 8th in State, trained under Olympic medalists
Brings a wealth of high-level competitive experience. Her positive energy influences the entire wrestling room.
Dennis Fernando
Assistant Coach
2-time VAR Hawaii State Champ, 4x AAU Jr. Olympic Gold/Silver medalist, 2x USA Wrestling Nat'l Gold/Silver medalist
Decorated wrestler specializing in Folkstyle, Freestyle, and Greco-Roman. Competed at the 2010 Qualified World Games in Europe.