Welcome to the Lions Wrestling Club!


Powered By: Leo Palaestra -The Lion Wrestling School.

Leo in Palaestra, Fortiores in Vita - “A Lion in the Wrestling School, Stronger in Life.”
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   Be Part of Our LWC Squad!

Who Is LWC?

The Lions Wrestling Club is dedicated to promoting wrestling in Northeast Florida, supporting its athletes in achieving their educational and athletic goals, and instilling a championship lifestyle on and off the mat.

We strive to provide a safe, inclusive environment where everyone is welcome. Wrestling is fun—but it’s also one of the most challenging and demanding sports. Anyone willing to show up, work hard, and embrace the LWC process is part of our pride. We’re proud to welcome all who want to grow with our community.
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'25-'26 Youth Wrestling Season

Registration is open - Season ends on 02/15/2026 (IOF Championships).

Wrestling room (114 Canova Rd, Fleming Island, FL 32003).

Open to kindergarten - 8th graders. Separated by skill level / age.

Click below to register:

Register Now!

You will be redirected to WrestlingIQ to register.

Young Simbas / Little Nalas

Tuesdays from 5:15–6:15 PM.

Wrestling room.

Open to kindergarten - 2nd graders / beginners.

$100 (Four monthly installments of $25or $85 (pay nowper wrestler. Also,15% sibling discount.

Register Now!

You will be redirected to WrestlingIQ to register.

Blue Lion Pride

Tuesdays from 6:20–7:20 PM and Fridays (Friday Night Live) from 5:20–6:50 PM.

Wrestling room.

Open to 3rd - 5th graders / intermediate.

$150 (Four monthly installments of $37.50) or $127.50 (pay now) per wrestler. Also,15% sibling discount.

Register Now!

You will be redirected to WrestlingIQ to register.

Gold Lion Pride

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (Friday Night Live) from 5:20-6:50 PM.

Wrestling room.

Open to 6th - 8th graders / advanced.

$200 (Four monthly installments of $50or $170 (pay now) per wrestler. Also, 15% sibling discount.

Register Now!

You will be redirected to WrestlingIQ to register.

Drop-in Session The Nomad Lion

Look at the schedule for the session you'd like to drop in and train with us.

Wrestling room.

Open to any youth wrestler with an active AAU membership.

$12 per wrestler, per drop-in session.

Register Now!

You will be redirected to WrestlingIQ to register.

Staff

Come Meet Our Coaches!

Coach Kody Kersten

Coach Kody brings over 30 years of wrestling experience and a deep background competing and coaching within some of the nation’s top wrestling programs.

- A native of Logan, Iowa, Coach Kody wrestled for Logan-Magnolia High School. As a four-year varsity starter, he helped lead the program to the 2005 Iowa State Championship and four State Duals podium finishes (2nd, 3rd, 2nd, 2nd). During his high school career, he became a three-time state qualifier, two-time state place winner, and Midwest Classic All-American, finishing with 152 varsity wins. He was coached by Iowa Hall of Fame Coaches Kent Kersten, Kirk Kersten, and K.C. Kersten (father).

- At the collegiate level, Coach Kody joined Iowa Central Community College, where he was part of the 2009 and 2010 NJCAA National Championship and National Duals Championship Teams. Individually, he was ranked 4th nationally at 174 lbs, earning honors as a Regional Champion and National Qualifier (R12). His 2010 team was formally recognized by the Iowa House of Representatives for its historic success by winning five consecutive National Championships, and his 2009 team was recently inducted into the Iowa Central Wrestling Hall of Fame (2024). He was coached by National Hall of Fame Coaches Luke Moffitt, Troy Bennett, and Justin McClintock.

- In 2010, Coach Kody received a scholarship to Midland University, joining their first-year wrestling program and helping the team achieve Top-10 National Duals and Top-10 National Championship finishes in its inaugural seasons. During his time there, he was ranked No. 1 nationally at 184 lbs, set the single-season pin record (21), and became the first to earn back-to-back National Wrestler of the Week honors. He was a two-time National Qualifier (R12) and a two-time All-Conference selection, culminating over 100 collegiate wins. He was coached by MVC Hall of Fame Coach Beau Vest.

- Following his competitive career, Coach Kody served as an Assistant Coach at Midland University (2012–2013) before joining the U.S. Navy, later continuing his service as a first responder. In 2022, Coach Kody sustained a serious injury to his left leg. While recovering, he launched the Lions Wrestling Club and started the wrestling program at St. Johns Classical Academy from a wheelchair. With the strong support of his family and the LWC community, they've built the programs from the ground up into a respected and growing presence in youth wrestling.

-Today, Coach Kody continues to build a culture centered on discipline, integrity, and resilience, instilling in every athlete the importance of doing the small things right, having fun, and living a championship lifestyle.


Coach Brett Morris

  • Coach Brett brings a wealth of athletic and coaching experience to the Lions Wrestling Club program.

  • Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Coach Brett was a successful multi-sport athlete at Winnetonka High School.

  • - Coach Brett went on to play football collegiately at Grand View University from 2018–2021, joining a nationally dominant Vikings program. During this era, Grand View maintained a remarkable record of success, including multiple NAIA National Championships (2013 and 2024), a national runner-up finish in 2021, 12 consecutive conference titles with playoff appearances every year from 2013–2024, and seven undefeated regular seasons from 2019 onward, never ranking lower than #4 nationally.

  • - Individually, Coach Brett earned All-Conference honors and served as Team Captain during his playing career. While at Grand View, he played under Coach Mike Woodley, NAIA National Coach of the Year and Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, as well as Coach Joe Woodley, who recorded the second-highest career winning percentage among active head football coaches from 2019–2024, finishing with a remarkable .935 winning percentage.

  • - Coach Brett earned his degree in Strength and Conditioning, giving him expertise in athletic performance, injury prevention, and functional training. His approach emphasizes proper technique, discipline, and preparing athletes to compete at their highest potential.

  • - After graduating, he joined the Grand View coaching staff in 2021, where his leadership and contributions were highlighted in the Des Moines Register, which showcased his role in developing athletes and fostering a championship culture.

  • - In addition to coaching, Coach Brett served in the U.S. Navy and currently serves in the Florida National Guard—experiences that have reinforced his focus on leadership, teamwork, and resilience.

  • - Coach Brett brings these values into the wrestling room, helping athletes develop strength, confidence, and character while instilling the importance of doing the small things right and living a championship lifestyle.



Coach Josh Lowell

- Originally from Orange Beach, Alabama, Coach Josh grew up working to support his family—from seafood markets to land clearing—learning the value of hard work and perseverance from an early age.

- As a coach, he emphasizes effort, commitment, and attention to detail, helping athletes grow not only as competitors but as well-rounded individuals with a championship mindset.

- Though Coach Josh doesn’t come from a grappling background, he draws inspiration from legendary coaches like Milt Martin, Bob Darrah, and Ed Gallagher—icons who never stepped on the mat as competitors but left an enduring legacy through their leadership and vision. Following their example, he focuses on fundamentals, consistency, and simply being a passionate student and fan of the sport.

- In recent years, Coach Josh has fallen in love with wrestling and fully embraces its power to teach discipline, resilience, and character. He’s also one of the most plugged-in members of the program, always keeping up with the latest events and trends in the sport.

- Outside of coaching, Josh owns and operates Southern Pools of Florida, a successful pool construction business that reflects the same principles of dedication, craftsmanship, and excellence he brings to the wrestling room.


Coach Marc Graham

Coach Marc brings extensive experience in wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and mixed martial arts to the Lions Wrestling Club program.

- A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Coach Marc wrestled at Bishop Kenny High School, where he developed a strong foundation in technique, discipline, and a competitive mindset. Since his wrestling days, he has competed in MMA, earning championship titles in different fight organizations, and holds a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

- Coach Marc’s combined expertise in wrestling and BJJ allows him to bridge the gap between the two disciplines, helping BJJ athletes translate their grappling to wrestling and wrestlers refine their submission awareness and control.

- Off the mats, Coach Marc is a successful entrepreneur, owning and operating Shark Metals, his own metal fabrication business based in Jacksonville.

- As a coach, Marc emphasizes technique, mental toughness, and doing the small things right, helping athletes develop a championship mindset that applies both on the mat and in life.