Nurkozha Kaipanov (70kg) World Senior Freestyle Champion traveled to Kingston to drill with Coach PeterHammerandmembers oftheWarHammerWrestling Club.
Kaipanov, along with 6x Uzbek National Champion, Mirzo Khayitov made the drive from Stillwater, Okla., where they have been training together at Oklahoma State University. Along for the journey was Kaipanov’s Head Coach of the Kazakhstan Senior Freestyle Wrestling Team, Madiyar Kuramysov.
Under Kuramysov’s leadership, Kazakhstan has been making history in freestyle wrestling, including Nurkozha Kaipanov’s 2024 World Championship victory in Tirana, Albania. He defeated Japan's Yoshinosuke Aoyagi in the 70kg final.
ClubmemberChaseSaba, graduate of the University of North Texas and Head of their club, was all smiles noting his excitement to train with Kaipanov.
“I’m just so grateful for the opportunity to train with literally the best in the world,” Saba said.
For his part, Coach Hammer washumbledbyhowgracious KaipanovandKhayitov were inviting himself and club members to live drill with them and compliment their strengths.
Hammer himself is training for the Pan-American Championships to take place in May in Coralville, Iowa. He will be representing his native country of Costa Rica.