Wrestling teaches discipline, respect
by Cynthia Petersen Correspondent · November 21st, 2018


Chris Lembeck, owner of Optimized Wrestling Systems, is hoping to produce a whole new breed of wrestlers. And he's doing it with help from a concept that teaches discipline and respect, as well as strategic wrestling moves.

"Everyone always asks, so what's your secret sauce?" said Lembeck. "The one and only is always inspiration. Inspiration is the one. Inspiration is our everything."

Lembeck, who is from Bloomington, Minn., is the author of 90 percent Mental - The Way of a Wrestling Guru.

He teaches boys and girls the importance of working hard to reach their goals, as well as a few good habits along the way.

Lembeck assigns "homework," which requires the kids to make their beds, do their calisthenics, and write in their wrestling journals every day.

"Understanding and honoring that these kids are still very young, one of our aims is still to optimize their training experience ergo their over-all rate of development and evolution."

Lembeck implements the "Plan Stan," which involves fun, engaging, and smart training methods.

"We slowly, but systematically weave many championship attitudes and habits into the training at a time when it's easiest to do so," he said. "The parents seem to enjoy and appreciate that we ask them to make their beds first thing. We can find common ground, work together, and move faster. It's a win/win."

Lembeck said communication is another key to OWS's success.

"We break wrestling concepts down so they can understand it fully," he said. "This feeds the kids' confidence in self, which has more benefits than I can list."

Lembeck said the kids' families have been very supportive and like the idea of requiring the kids to make their beds every day.

Abby Devine said she and her son, Wes, loves the program.

"He loves coming here for practices, and it's really made a difference at home, too." She added that the "homework" the coach gives the kids is a bonus because she doesn't even have to tell Wes to make his bed; he just does it every morning.

"The kids are so interesting and the unique make up has been nothing short of magical, it truly has," said Lembeck. "I'd even go so far as to characterize them as movie-like."

Lembeck offers private and group lessons in the Revolution MMA building at 5309 North Park Place NE.

"Our wrestling room is quite nice, comfortable, inviting, easy color accented with a long stretch of mirrors flanked by some striking wall posters," he said.

The group practices are held twice a week while private lessons are given at various times during the week.

"Our practices aspire to be extra organized, purposeful and powerful," he said. "We try to be spot on with techniques and philosophy and are rigorous in our focus of high standards. Yet at the same time, we try to keep the room light and fun as you will see as kids seem to learn better when they are enjoying themselves."

Lembeck also offers consulting services to all wrestling levels including college.

"We offer simple but potent Systems that empower teams and individuals to move further, faster. You'd be surprised at all the ways that there are to achieve this task. There's a whole world of tools and tactics to be discovered out there. We're just getting going but so far we have an NCAA, Big Ten school, a Division lll College, and several high schools that we currently serve."

Lembeck said that one thing he does differently than any other coach is that he also incorporates life coach techniques.

"I've researched philosophies, tactics, mind sets and mind hacks on how to be effective and efficient, successful, and happy and believe that focusing on doing your best, no matter what that might be, not only raises your self-esteem, but your self-worth, as well."

Lembeck graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education and a Master's degree in Education Administration.

He has been recognized for his coaching abilities by several publications, including USA Today and coached five Iowa High School Individual State Champions.

"Coaching these kids is literally the best part of my days."

For more information, visit owswrestlingclub.com or call Lembeck at (319) 491-1235.