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Health & Fitness

American Eagle MMA & Kettlebells Congratulates Ho-Ho-Kus' National Wrestling Champion A.J. Lonski

Ho-Ho-Kus Native, A.J. Lonski, traveled to the National Wrestling Competition in Iowa recently. He came home with the GOLD!

American Eagle MMA & Kettlebell's Congratulates 

Ho Ho Kus' A.J. Lonski on his 

National Wrestling Title

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Most Northern NJ 12 year olds spend their birthday weekend at other than in gym filled with wrestling mats in the middle of Iowa. Not so for Ho Ho Kus resident A.J. Lonski. AJ, accompanied by his father Dan, a former Princeton University wrestler, headed to the USA Wrestling 2011 Preseason Schoolboy Nationals held at the UNI-Dome of the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. 

There were 28 mats in the 1 day tournament. There were wrestlers from all over the country ages from 8 to 18. A.J., representing NJ in the Elementary School Division, Grades 5/6 at the 95 pound weight class.

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I asked A.J. a few questions about his experience at the National Tournament and what he did in preparation for his National Wrestling Championship.

What was your toughest match?

David Carr (Ohio). He was a strong and fast wrestler on his feet and on the mat.  His dad, Nate Carr, is a multiple time NCAA champ as well as an Olympic Bronze Medalist.

How many days was the tournament?

The tournament was completed in one day, October 22nd.  Some of the high school kids were competing past 10pm.

How did you handle the stress of a National Wrestling competition?

Because of prior experiences competing in national tournaments, I knew what to expect; so, I wasn’t nervous. For me, it wasn’t any more or less stressful than any other tournament.


How did you prepare?

In the weeks leading up to the tournament, I wrestled almost every day at 3 different clubs in addition to keeping up with my weight training.  I traveled between NJ, NY, PA and DE competing at various meets and tournaments to get adequate match time.

On tournament days, I prepare to wrestle approximately 30-45min prior to each match.  This includes jumping rope and practicing various moves. 


What is your weekly training regiment?

I train at my wrestling clubs 4 times a week (includes drilling, matches and conditioning). I do kettlebell strength training along with MMA training at American Eagle Mixed Martial Arts (www.americaneaglemma.com Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ) about 3 times a week.

What are your plans for the season?

This year, I’m really going to focus on continuing my strength development as well as perfecting the new techniques I’m learning.  I think I have the best team around me, including my various wrestling coaches and Sabomnim Ross.  My goal this season is to train hard, to compete hard and to leave it all out on the mat each time.  If I do that, I believe success will naturally follow.  My long-term goal is to be a NJ State Champion and to wrestle in college.

Good Luck AJ, with your work ethic and training team, we have no doubt that you'll achieve al of your goals and dreams!

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