I get to reading a lot of wrestling books and DVDs. Recently I got a couple DVDs from Ben Askren about his career. It is essentially a compilation of all his matches as an athlete, and some cool behind the scenes stuff, some that I have never seen. I think it is really powerful because rarely do you get to see this kinda raw footage from a guy who has changed college wrestling with his technique, personality and pure confidence in himself. 

One thing I learned from watching this is that Ben Askren never seemed to be on the defensive even if he was locked up in a cradle on his back. You could actually see him working to score from there. It was also cool to see some of the matches that I have heard people talking about. Some of my favorites is his first bout with Chris Pendleton, where he lost, and of course the next favorite is his Freshman year quarterfinals match with Brad Dillon from Lehigh. Before your eyes you see how Ben Askren became the wrestler he became.

This is a guy who totally changed the expectations for college wrestling with his crazy technique and this DVD proves it. Ben also has some high school matches on there but I wasnt into those as much as the college ones. There is also a crazy long 25 minute highlight film (which is cool.)

If you just like wrestling and are interested in the sport the DVD isnt going to be something for you. If you are a student of the sport you are going to want to have these DVDs. IF your an extreme fan of the sport you also will want to have these DVDs. You can get the DVDs HERE.

Watch Chris Pendleton talk about his first match between Ben Askren.

Watch John Messenbrink talk about Ben Askren's first State Title.

You can watch Brad Dillon mention his NCAA Quarterfinal final overtime Bout.