Jesse Roest, Canada: "Mas-wrestling - a simple sport to learn, but a lifetime to master"

At the end of July and beginning of August, the main event of the year for all mas-wrestlers of the world will take place in Mongolia - the world championships among adults and senior youths will be held in the Arkhangai aimag. And on the eve, qualifying national and continental championships in mas-wrestling are held in all participating countries. 

Thus, on July 12, the North American Open Mas-Wrestling Championship will be held in the Canadian city of Calgary, in which athletes fr om about ten countries have applied to participate. A huge amount of work on preparing the continental championship is being carried out by Andrew Bolinger, a member of the Presidium of the International Mas-Wrestling Federation, and his team. The highlight of the championship will be the participation of local high school students, who became winners of large-scale school competitions in mas-wrestling on May 23 as part of the annual Grizzly Games.

The organizer was Jesse Roest, a high school teacher at Bearspaw Christian School, wh ere he has worked for 12 years as a physical education and sports performance teacher. By his own admission, he loves this job. “It’s just great, - exclaims Jesse when talking about his profession, - but what bring me the most happiness is coaching the Bearspaw Barbell club!

I am huge advocate for being strong in body and spirit. As a man of faith, I see how weight room teaches us many life lessons and allows us to influence others in a positive way. I’m humbled and feel a great responsibility to be a role model to any and all of my student-athletes.

Mas wrestling was introduced to me by my good friend Andrew Bolinger of 10 years. A simple sport to learn, but a lifetime to master. A beautiful combination of strength and strategy that fits perfectly into what we do in our barbell club.

I have a deep respect for Mas Wrestling’s rich history and even see elements of mas wrestling in indigenous Canadian culture.

I am currently on the Board of Directors with the Alberta strongman Association as the director of youth development and education. Some of my objectives are to introduce mas wrestling to more students across our city and province here in Canada through free lessons and school day programs. Once you try mas wrestling you quickly become fan and want to get better. It requires physical training, discipline and careful skill practice.

I am supported by my wonderful wife and three young children at home. Thank you Mas Wrestling for sharing your beautiful sport with us.

At Bearspaw Christian School in Calgary Alberta Canada Mas wrestling has become an important part of our high school strength culture for students aged 14 through 18.

Our high school has a strength and conditioning club that is optional for all students. We see 40% of our students join our club and commit for 9 months of physical training.  Both boys and girls.

We mainly lift weights to become stronger and build muscles, however Mas wrestling is included in their programming once per week. It is the perfect sport that combines strength and strategy!

Our school recently was sponsored by local companies to purchase custom mas wrestling tarps, as well as all the supplies to build bases end caps, centre boards and a beautiful steel cart for storage. Together all of these materials cost $6000 CAD.

With the help of Andrew Bolinger from Mas wrestling Canada, we have developed an eight page unit plan for schools to follow our blueprint of mas wrestling training».

There is nothing to add to this wonderful speech by Jesse. This is evidence of his honest attitude to his profession and responsible attitude to the work he does. How wonderful that the circle of his life interests now includes Yakut mas-wrestling. The more such enthusiasts there are around the world, the more confident we are in our future.