RMN Events Feature: Savage House wrestlers fiercely pursuing excellence

Photo: Max Oldenburg (left) credits his family for the success of Savage House.

Editor’s Note: This article appeared in WIN’s Volume 32 Issue 9, which printed on June 25, 2026. 

By Bill X. Barron

Max Oldenburg, coach and founder of Savage House Wrestling in Long Beach, California, began training wrestlers in his backyard — an experience athletes described as “savage,” and which eventually became the team’s name.

“Our wrestling room began outdoors, under tarps, surrounded by a homemade MMA cage. That tough environment instilled the grit that remains a core part of Savage House, even in our new facility.”

Max coached at St. John Bosco High School, a private Catholic school in Bellflower, California, for seven years. During his tenure, the team competed nationwide in top-tier tournaments, resulting in state and national champions and placers. 

“My ‘why’ is my wife, Amanda, and my four children, who are everything to me. I work to be the best version of myself for them, and this dedication is evident in my coaching and the club’s achievements.”

For Max, wrestling also means family. Building on this belief, creating a home-like setting for his athletes felt natural and has become a core part of Savage House.

“Our club’s philosophy centers on faith, discipline, and consistency. As a faith-based club, we pray together and are united in gratitude for our opportunities. We look forward to challenges as opportunities for growth.”

Savage House fosters a success-driven environment by emphasizing hard work, proper technique, and a ‘we-over-me’ mindset. Students are required to record technical moves in notebooks and memorize them. Techniques are taught through visual, physical and mental instruction. Targeted drills help develop resourceful, instinctive and strategic wrestlers.

“Our team is unique because of our culture. We bring together elite and developing wrestlers who share a single goal. The atmosphere is defined by accountability, competition, and support; everyone knows their role.”

This strong culture and approach have helped Savage House Wrestling gain broad appeal in coastal Southern California. The club now draws wrestlers from as far as two hours away, including Hesperia, Orange County and Covina.

“Two main factors that hinder the growth of youth wrestling are exposure and knowledge. Many families aren’t aware of the opportunities wrestling offers or of how to involve their kids in the sport. Introducing kids to wrestling at a young age helps them build the skills and confidence that contribute to a positive experience from the start.”

Reflecting on those who shaped his coaching, Max credits Tim Fader, currently head coach at UW-Eau Claire, with shaping his philosophy. Fader has earned five national coach of the year awards: two during his 11 years coaching the Blugolds, two at UW-La Crosse, and one at UW-Whitewater.

“Another significant influence on me was Steve Sterns, an NCAA champion at Southern Illinois Edwardsville. I later continued my wrestling career in Wisconsin, where I had the opportunity to be coached by Tim Fader, Matt Zwaschka and Joshua Wagner, all of whom continue to coach and impact athletes today.”

As reflected in the club’s name, “savage,” he encourages his wrestlers to take risks and apply constant pressure to score points or pin their opponents. The addition of jiu-jitsu influences their scrambling style.

“We focus on developing the complete wrestler, both physically and mentally. Technical skills are important, but the athlete’s mindset is equally critical. We emphasize controlling what we can control, including attitude, effort and consistency.”

Aligned with this philosophy, athletes are encouraged to apply new techniques and strategies at local tournaments rather than play it safe. Max views these events as crucial for skill development ahead of major competitions.

“When athletes from our area succeed at major events, it increases visibility and motivates younger wrestlers to get involved and pursue the sport at a higher level.”

Savage House values its collaboration with RMN Events. Max considers the summer D-Day 3-day competition on a San Diego beach a “cornerstone” of their program. It suits both first-time and elite wrestlers. The club has won three RMN D-Day team titles in folkstyle and freestyle and has also earned three FreakShow team championships.

“The FreakShow in Las Vegas is a standout event. We end the RMN season at the Rocky Mountain Nationals in Las Vegas. We value RMN events because they offer strong competition and opportunities for our athletes to improve. More competition drives growth. These events let our wrestlers sharpen their skills and continue developing at a high level.”

Max took a 10-year break from wrestling while on the MMA fight circuit. Connecting with coaches Hector Ramirez and Fo Dominguez at Dog Pound MMA and Fitness in Norwalk reignited his passion for wrestling. In 2023 and 2024, Max competed in the Masters Division and earned back-to-back U.S. Open 62-kg freestyle national championships. 

“I was first introduced to wrestling by my father at a young age. I stepped away from the sport for a while but reconnected with it during my first year of high school. That’s when coaches helped me fall in love with wrestling and showed me what the sport could offer.”

Oldenburg values the diversity of age, experience, culture, and goals among Savage House wrestlers. He refuses to give top athletes special treatment, holding everyone to high standards.

“What sets Savage House apart is our systematic approach. We design everything to improve technical skills, wrestling IQ, and positional awareness, and we emphasize mindset training to build confidence, composure and peak performance.”

Given his personal journey, Max recognizes the significant impact a coach can have on a young athlete’s life.

“What motivates me every day is my family, my sense of purpose and the pursuit of excellence. Giving back to the next generation and helping young athletes grow, not just as wrestlers but as people, is what drives me.”