From first-timers to national-level competitors, the Portage Armwrestling Club is welcoming athletes of all ages, including entire families, to take part in one of Manitoba’s most under-the-radar sports.
Ryan Heron and his wife Ellen travel from Winnipeg to attend practices in Portage la Prairie. Ryan says what started as curiosity quickly became a passion.
“Everyone here is trying to help you learn and grow and become stronger,” he notes. “It’s an individual sport and almost a team sport at the same time.”
The club, which meets bi-weekly or more depending on tournament schedules, is led by master referee Ryan Espey. Participants travel from as far as Brandon and Steinbach to take part.
Ellen says it was her husband who first brought her into the sport, and she’s glad he did.
“I just really like the community,” she says. “It’s a good reason to get out and visit people and just try something new and get fit… there’s lots of different events and things across the country and internationally. It’s just a good reason to get out and enjoy life.”
While women still represent a smaller portion of the armwrestling scene, she says their presence is growing, especially in the U.S. and Europe. She hopes more women in smaller communities take an interest and “want to show their strength.”
Even their 8-year-old son, Beckett, has taken up the sport, and already has the medals to show for it.
“It’s fun and it’s a lot of like strength,” he says. His training method? “Monkey bars. I've got lots of blisters.”
Beckett recently brought home two gold medals from the Manitoba Provincials, earning him a provincial champion title in his youth division.
Tournaments are separated by age and weight categories, making the sport accessible to everyone, including youth and senior competitors. Ryan recently took silver and bronze at nationals in Regina in the Masters division.
“There’s really no reason to not give it a try,” he adds. “There’s this sort of stigma around armwrestling that it’s a bunch of drunken guys in a bar, but in reality, it’s a heavily regulated sport and it’s a fun sport.”
To get involved, visit the Manitoba Arm Wrestling Association Facebook page or look for posters around Portage promoting the local club.
Anyone interested can reach out to club organizer Jerry (204-871-4536) or send a message through social media.
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