Four-Time Wrestling Champ Goes From Homeless To Running Youth Training Program

Four-time wrestling champion Jabari Irons from Fort Myers runs a youth training center, inspiring local youth and helping them navigate through life challenges. Wrestling brought solace to Irons — he faced many challenges growing up, including homelessness.

Losing a 2013 Florida state title drove him to work harder. Later, he turned down a full football scholarship to keep wrestling.

"I had that burning desire just kept eating at me every single day, and I never stopped," Irons told Fox 4 News. "I always knew I could become a champion."

Through his Elite Wrestling Club in Cape Coral and Fort Myers, Irons coaches kids ages 5 and up. Students learn wrestling, boxing, jiu-jitsu, and Muay Thai. His victories include the 2024 US Beach Open and the 184-pound Collegiate National Championships in 2019.

"He teaches me how to stay calm in very stressful situations, just kind of how I would like to live my life." Claire O'Donnell, a student, shared her excitement with friends at Canterbury School, saying, "You're going to Jabari Irons? I was like, yeah. They're like, that's so cool."

Irons tells more about his story in his book "When Life Tries to Pin You Down."