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The Coach: The Fight For British Wrestling

The Coach: The Fight for British Wrestling" is a documentary that follows Jon Owens, a 61-year-old veteran wrestler and retired police officer, on his mission to restore the once-great sport of wrestling in the UK. With British wrestling in decline due to Olympic failures and poor management, Jon’s free wrestling classes in Kent offer a lifeline to young people struggling with self-esteem and societal issues. Through his teachings, he not only passes on wrestling skills but also wisdom, aiming to transform lives and revive the sport.

  • Vishnu Sreedev
    Director
  • Lakshmi Raj
    Producer
  • Jon Owens
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    24 minutes 44 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 26, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    300 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, 50mm, SONY
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Distribution Information
  • Youtube
    Distributor
    Country: United Kingdom
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - Vishnu Sreedev

Vishnu Sreedev is a self-taught video editor with four years of professional experience, specialising in sports entertainment and wrestling content. For the past two years, Vishnu has been a key contributor to the success of Sportskeeda Wrestling, one of the top brands in wrestling journalism, where he primarily focuses on creating engaging content around WWE. His work has helped grow the channel into a leading platform in its field.

A martial artist himself, Vishnu practises Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and has a deep connection to the combat sports world, having shot and edited videography for both BJJ and wrestling. His passion for storytelling and video editing was sparked during his engineering studies, leading him to pursue a career in filmmaking.

"The Coach: The Fight for British Wrestling" marks his directorial debut, combining his love for martial arts and filmmaking to tell the inspiring story of veteran wrestler Jon Owens. Vishnu is driven by a passion for bringing untold stories to life, particularly those that highlight the resilience and wisdom of extraordinary people.

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Director Statement

When I first met Jon Owens, I knew immediately that I had to tell his story. I had only been in the UK for two days when we crossed paths, and the connection was instant. Jon is not just a wrestling coach—he’s a mentor, a philosopher, and a man with a deep passion for helping others. He has spent the last 30 years teaching wrestling for free, not because it’s his job, but because it’s his mission.

British wrestling has been in decline, plagued by failures at the Olympic level and poor management, but Jon refuses to let it die. His dedication to the sport and the community is something that moved me deeply, and I knew the world needed to see it.

As a filmmaker, I’m drawn to stories that are about more than what’s on the surface. Jon’s journey is a reflection of a broader theme—the idea that one person can make a difference in their community, even when the odds are against them. I wanted to capture Jon’s resilience, his quiet strength, and the profound wisdom he shares with everyone who walks into his gym.

"The Coach: The Fight for British Wrestling" is a testament to the power of mentorship, the importance of self-belief, and the beauty of fighting for what you believe in. My hope is that viewers walk away from this film not only with a renewed appreciation for wrestling but with a deeper understanding of the positive impact one person can have on a community. Jon Owens is a man who is making a difference, one wrestling lesson at a time.