PLAYFIGHT SUMMER SCHOOL 2025

Monday 18th – Sunday 24th August

This August, step into the ring for a week-long, high-octane wrestling experience, unlike any other. Whether you’re a few months into training, or already taking bookings on the indies, the Playfight Summer School is your chance to sharpen your skills, expand your toolkit, and immerse yourself in the world of professional wrestling. Hosted by some of the biggest names in UK, at the most well-equipped pro wrestling facility in the country, this is your all-access pass to the Playfight experience.

WRESTLING BOOTS LACED? DREAMS READY? IT’S TIME TO LEVEL UP.

Playfight London is the UK’s leading pro wrestling school - a vibrant, welcoming community where fun, progress and performance are always in the spotlight. Whether your dream is to main event Wrestlemania, tour Japan, or simply become more confident in your body, we’ve got your back. Our values are simple: equality, safety, ambition. We want you to feel like you belong the moment you walk through our doors, and take that confidence with you wherever you go in wrestling.

MEET THE SUMMER SCHOOL COACHES

  • Cara Noir

    Thomas Dawkins (A.K.A Cara Noir) is a world-renowned independent professional wrestler and co-founder of Playfight. Famed for his creative storytelling, encyclopaedic wrestling knowledge and in-ring insanity, he originally studied martial arts, gaining his first of two black belts in Ren-Shin-Kai Karate in 2004. He then went on to study Jujitsu, Aikido, Muay Thai & Shoot Wrestling before taking part in a series of amateur MMA fights. As a Professional Wrestler, he has 13 years experience and performs internationally in Japan, North America and Europe. As well as working as a perfomer, he has also worked as a fight choreographer for TV and theatre and teaches the Grade Two, Grade Three and pro-level classes at PlayFight.

  • Nina Samuels

    Nina Samuels has been wrestling for over 10 years, performing all over the UK, mainland Europe, and in the US. She was an original member of the NXT UK roster, where she worked for WWE for 4 years. During this time she trained at the WWE UK Performance Centre, main evented against Toni Storm, and created "The Nina Samuels Show". In Japan, she has worked for Sendai Girls Pro Wrestling with time spent at the Sendai Girls Dojo training under Meiko Satomura. In 2024 she held 10 championships simultaneously, the most ever by a female in history worldwide. Before becoming a Professional Wrestler, Nina trained in musical theatre for 3 years at Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts and worked professionally as a dancer, singer and actress for 5 years.

  • Spike Trivet

    Simon James (A.K.A Spike Trivet) is one of the best known heals in Europe. He has a reputation for being involved in some of the most interesting indie storylines of the past few years. With a bunch of acting credentials to his name and a first class degree from one of London’s top drama schools, expect plenty of tips and tricks on delivering great promos. He has wrestled for WXW and is a former Progress world champion. At PlayFight he teaches Grade One, Grade Two Pro Wrestling & Performance Skills.

  • SunShine Machine

    TK & Mambo are one of the loveliest and well developed tag teams around. Over the past 5 years they have honed their act to become a main stay of the Indies, banging out main event level matches that entertain the crowds whereever they go. Their tag team sessions are fun, engaging and provide you with the specialist insights and ideas you need to get a foot hold on the Indies. At PlayFight they teach Grade One, Grade Two and Tag Team wrestling.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Across 10 expertly designed sessions, you’ll train with our legendary coaching team including:

  • Cara Noir: Master of movement, creativity and character

  • Spike Trivet: King of psychological warfare and persona development

  • Nina Samuels: Former NXT UK star and queen of promo delivery

  • Danny Black: The high-flying, no-fear sensation

  • Plus special guest workshops from the best the UK has to offer!
    You’ll cover:

  • In-ring technical wrestling fundamentals

  • High-flying Lucha Libre and movement skills

  • Match structure, power dynamics & storytelling

  • Developing and embodying a wrestling character

  • Tag team psychology vs singles matches

  • Cutting killer promos & working to the camera

  • Training for longevity & injury prevention

Each session blends practical drills, live demonstrations, creative exercises and match practice, helping you connect the dots between physical skill and powerful storytelling.

If you’ve been training for a few months or are in the early stages of your pro-wrestling career, this one’s for you. Perfect for wrestlers who:

  • Want the Playfight experience but live outside of London

  • Are in London for AEW’s Forbidden Door and want to train at the best school around

  • Are looking to stand out to promoters as the polished, full package

  • Want expert feedback in a fun, collaborative environment

  • Existing Playfight students who want to cram for our September Grade One Grading or October Grade Two Grading


Not a beginner? No problem. You’ll be grouped by experience level to ensure you’re pushed and supported in just the right way.

(If you're brand new to wrestling, check out our August New Starters Course!)

WHO IS IT FOR?

SCHEDULE & STRUCTURE

Monday 18th – Friday 22nd August 10am - 5pm:
Two 3-hour sessions per day (up to 30 hours of training total). Sessions will be held at Playfight London – our custom-built facility in Woolwich, complete with pro ring, lighting rig, tumble tracks, landing beds, trampoline, gym equipment, lounge area, and more. Sessions are tailored to your level and led by expert coaches. You'll work in small groups, receive personalised feedback, and explore every side of being a pro wrestler, from movement and mindset, to character and cardio.


Friday 22nd August: Playfight Night Out
At the end of the week i’s party time! Grab a ticket to Riot Cabaret, and join the Playfight Crew for a night out at the best indie wrestling show in London. Spend your Saturday 23rd recovering and seeing more shows across the capital, before a double helping of fun on Sunday 24th.

Also on in London: Fri 22th: Riot Cabaret & Rev Pro, Sat 23rd: Rev Pro & Eve, Sun 24th: AWE x NJPR, Mon 25th: Progress


Showcase Sunday 24th

On Sunday it’s time to show the world what you’ve learned. If you’ve demonstrated that you’ve got what it takes to put on a great show, you’ll be invited to showcase your skills at our Summer School Showcase. Followed by a BBQ to makes sure you’re fully fulled for the main event - AEW Forbidden door - a 10 min bus ride away, at the O2 Arena in Greenwich!

DON’T MISS OUT!

There’s nothing else like this in the UK - one week. All the tools you need to evolve as a wrestler. Spaces are limited, and this WILL sell out. Book your place today and step into the ring with confidence.