Ninjas Worldwide Wrestling Club: Chris Borba competing to Coaching Beyond the Mat

Chris Borba’s journey into wrestling is one deeply rooted in family tradition. With a lineage that boasts a rich history of wrestlers, from his uncle competing in the 70s to his cousins and brother wrestling in the 90s and 2000s, Chris was destined to step onto the mat. His inspiration came from watching his brother compete, surrounded by the electrifying atmosphere of high school tournaments. The shouts of encouragement from the crowd drew him in, igniting a passion that would shape his life. As soon as he turned five, his mother enrolled him in the youth wrestling club, Wolverine, in his hometown of Watsonville, California. Growing up in a rough neighborhood, Chris recognized that sports offered an escape from the streets, and his talent in wrestling became his saving grace.

Chris faced numerous challenges as he pursued his wrestling career. The practices he endured were rigorous, with coaches who demanded excellence and pushed their athletes to their limits. He recalls the intensity of those sessions, which could make even the toughest kids cry.

However, as he matured, Chris grew to appreciate the tough love from his coaches, understanding that their relentless drive for greatness was what ultimately shaped him into the wrestler he became. Another significant challenge for Chris was the pressure of living up to the high expectations set by his wrestling family. In a household filled with accomplished wrestlers, he felt the weight of needing to carve out his own identity in the sport, an endeavor that required resilience and determination.

Today, Chris is focusing on his short-term and long-term wrestling goals. His immediate aim is to regain his wrestling shape in preparation for the US Open’s masters division scheduled for April 2026. In the long run, he aspires to be remembered as a respected wrestler, with dreams of competing for a world medal in the masters division. Additionally, he hopes to leave a lasting legacy by having his name commemorated on the wall of his high school, a testament to his dedication and achievements.

In the wrestling community, Chris draws inspiration from the legendary Schultz brothers and the Brands brothers. Their wrestling style, which he describes as akin to watching a master painter at work, captivates him. He had the unique opportunity to meet Mark Schultz during his college years, an experience that further fueled his admiration for the sport and its icons.

Outside of wrestling, Chris prioritizes his role as a father to his son, a loving son to his parents, and a supportive partner to his girlfriend. He believes that if he can successfully navigate these personal relationships, he is doing well in life. Striking a balance between his wrestling aspirations and family responsibilities is crucial, and Chris attributes his success in this area to effective time management. He understands that without proper planning and organization, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and neglect one aspect of life for another. His commitment to maintaining balance ensures that he can pursue his passion for wrestling while nurturing his family relationships.

As a coach at Ninjas Worldwide Wrestling Club in Clearwater, Florida, Chris recently conducted a coaching clinic that exemplifies his dedication to the sport and his desire to give back to the wrestling community. His philosophy is clear: he encourages young wrestlers to stick with the sport and not give up, emphasizing that the road to success is fraught with challenges.

According to Chris, the key to winning lies in outworking oneself and maintaining a commitment to improvement. He reminds aspiring wrestlers that the brand of being a wrestler is unique and should be worn with pride. “If it were easy, everyone would do it,” he often tells them, instilling a sense of honor and dedication in his students.

Looking ahead, Chris is eager to return to the competitive arena. Fans can anticipate seeing him compete in 2026, vying for gold at the US Open and aiming for a world medal. He also entertains the possibility of stepping into the octagon, showcasing his versatility as an athlete. With a heart full of gratitude for the support he has received throughout his journey, Chris Borba is committed to inspiring the next generation of wrestlers and proving that hard work and determination are the cornerstones of success.

In every role he takes on—whether as a competitor, coach, or mentor—Chris embodies the spirit of wrestling, reminding everyone that greatness is achievable through perseverance and passion. As he prepares for the future, he encourages everyone to stay great, reinforcing the idea that the wrestling community thrives on camaraderie, support, and shared dreams.