I started to practice Freestyle wrestling in 1962 , when I was 14 in Dynamo club in Kiev, Ukraine that time part of the Soviet Union. My coaches were top wrestlers, members of the Soviet National and Olympic team. That time the Soviet Union had a wrestling population of 250,000, including Free, Greco and Sambo.  I won 1st, 2nd  and 3rd places in many Junior and Youth competitions, including Greater Kiev Area (population of 5 million) and Ukraine (population of 40 million). 

In 1972 I immigrated to Israel, where I continued to practice wrestling, while studying in University. Between 1972 and 1976 I won 3 National titles and participated in several national and International competitions, including the World Championship in 1974.

In 1982 I came to Canada. I did not have time to practice, because as many other immigrants I had to find a new job and support my family. Three years ago, after intermission of approximately 30 years I renewed my wrestling practice at Kombat Arts with Matmen. I was introduced to the club by Gil Mesina. Later I found many good friends: Elliott, Slava and Greg. We practice together and enrich each other with new moves and strategies. These practices helped me to get in good condition to compete in the US National for Veterans. My age division 56 ++ years old.  I won 2nd place in 2007 and 3rd this year . I believe that Kombat Arts/Matmen has one of the best wrestling facilities in the GTA. It also has good friendly atmosphere and represents the multicultural nature of Toronto.

Click here to see a video of Jeff competing at the US Nationals