Meet the Staff

Welcome to Diesel Wrestling Academy – Where Champions Forge Their Path

At Diesel Wrestling Academy, our story isn't just about wrestling; it's about resilience, determination, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Founded by Coach Nicolas Cabrera, a veteran and educator with a passion for molding young athletes into champions both on and off the mat, our academy stands as a beacon of innovation and excellence in the wrestling community.

Our unique approach combines rigorous physical training with mental and emotional development, ensuring our wrestlers are prepared for every challenge. With a curriculum designed around the principles of leverage, efficiency of movement, and strategic control, we empower our athletes to master the art of wrestling, embodying strength, agility, and unyielding perseverance.

Behind every drill, technique, and match is a story of a wrestler overcoming odds, pushing limits, and achieving greatness. Diesel Wrestling Academy is more than just a training facility; it's a family, a community, and a place where legends are born.

Explore Our Programs - Dive into our diverse range of wrestling programs tailored for every age and skill level. From foundational training for beginners to advanced tactics for competitive athletes, discover how you can elevate your wrestling journey with Diesel Wrestling Academy.

Nicolas Cabrera

Head Girls & Youth Coach & Owner

At the helm of Diesel Wrestling Academy stands Coach Nicolas Cabrera, a beacon of dedication and expertise in the wrestling community. With a rich tapestry of experiences, Coach Cabrera brings a unique blend of skills to the mat. As a licensed New Jersey teacher and a proud veteran, his approach to coaching transcends the physical aspects of wrestling, embedding academic ethos and a mindset geared towards relentless success.

Certified as a Strength Coach through the prestigious Underground Strength Gym founded by Zach Even-esh, Coach Cabrera ensures that every athlete under his guidance benefits from top-tier strength and conditioning programs. His commitment to excellence is not just limited to physical training; as a mentor, he offers invaluable college and career counseling, preparing his athletes for success beyond the mat.

At Diesel Wrestling Academy, Coach Cabrera’s vision is clear - to forge not just great wrestlers, but well-rounded individuals ready to tackle life’s challenges with the same fervor they bring to the sport. Join us, and experience a program where passion meets precision, and every wrestler is poised for greatness.

Nick Daza

Head Boys Coach

Diesel Wrestling Academy is proud to announce the appointment of Nick Daza as the new Head Boys Coach. Nick Daza brings a wealth of experience and passion for the sport, making him an invaluable addition to our coaching staff. Born in Bogota, Colombia, Nick immigrated to the United States with his parents at the young age of three. He grew up in South Brunswick, New Jersey, where he made a name for himself in the wrestling community. During his time at South Brunswick High School, Nick was a District Champion, a 3X region qualifier, and a 2X County All-Star. His dedication and talent on the mat earned him a spot on the wrestling team at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania. At Muhlenberg, Nick's achievements extended beyond the wrestling mat. He was recognized as an NCAA Scholar All-American and showcased his skills on an international stage, securing third place at the Copa Sparta Invitational in Puerto Rico. Academically, Nick excelled, earning a degree in Political Science with a double minor in Business and Religion Studies.

Following his collegiate career, Nick continued to contribute to the wrestling community. He volunteered as a coach at Muhlenberg College and founded a nonprofit organization aimed at providing opportunities for wrestlers from underserved communities. Nick's commitment to giving back is rooted in his own experiences and the transformative impact wrestling has had on his life.“Wrestling changed my life and provided me with the opportunity to be a first-generation college graduate and make my family proud. I know I wouldn’t be the person I am today without it, and that’s why I am so passionate about giving back to the sport,” Nick shares.

Before joining Diesel Wrestling Academy, Nick served as an assistant coach at Washington and Jefferson College, further honing his coaching skills and contributing to the development of young athletes. We are thrilled to have Nick Daza lead our boys' program and look forward to the positive influence he will have on our athletes. His dedication, expertise, and passion for wrestling align perfectly with our mission at Diesel Wrestling Academy.

Dayana Hoyos

Assistant Female Coach

Dayana Hoyos is a North Brunswick Township High School Graduate where she obtained 6th place at the Female NJ State Championship in 2022 and 1st in GMC 2022. Dayana wrestled for East Stroudsburg University before suffering an injury. Dayana seeks to assist us in growing our female program by guiding young ladies to success through mentorship. She is currently in school to obtain her associates degree at MCC.

Yarinel Peralta

Assistant Boys & Youth Coach

During his high school years, Coach Peralta was a formidable competitor on the wrestling mat. Across three seasons, he secured an outstanding record of over 90 wins, reflecting his skill, determination, and deep commitment to the sport. He earned the prestigious honor of being a three-time Region 5 qualifier, a distinction that underscored his status as an exceptional wrestler.

Now, as a coach, Coach Peralta channels his personal achievements into fostering the next generation of wrestling talents. His coaching philosophy is firmly rooted in the belief that champions are crafted through rigorous hard work, resilience, and a constant pursuit of excellence. Under his guidance, wrestlers not only hone their technical abilities but also develop the mental toughness and discipline essential for success in and beyond the arena.

With a proven track record and a passion for wrestling that continues to burn intensely, Coach Peralta is committed to making a lasting impact on the wrestling community, shaping each wrestler’s journey toward greatness, one at a time.

Gerard Perez

Joker Wrestling (Drop in Clinician)

Gerard Perez is a highly accomplished wrestling coach and mat official with extensive credentials, including being a USAW Bronze Level Wrestling Coach, USAW M1-C Level Wrestling Mat Official, NCAA Wrestling Official, NJSIAA Wrestling Official, and Tyrant Wrestling Official. With a coaching career spanning over two decades, Gerard has served as a private coach and freelance technician since 1997, an online wrestling content creator since 2020, and has contributed to various wrestling clubs, including Escape Wrestling Club, Hightstown Wrestling Club, Joker Wrestling Club, Strategic MMA Fight Club, Montclair State University Wrestling Club, CJA Wrestling Club, Hazlet Recreation Wrestling Club, and Hammer Wrestling Club. He has also been part of the NJUSAW Freestyle & Greco National Team Coaching Staff in 2005 and 2019. Gerard's competitive accomplishments are equally impressive, featuring his status as a 2x All Navy Champion in the US Navy World Class Athlete Program, NJ USAW Freestyle State Runner Up, member of the NJ USAW Freestyle Cadet National Team, and NJSIAA District Champion. His extensive experience and dedication to the sport make him a valued member of the Diesel Wrestling Academy, where he continues to provide top-tier coaching and mentorship.

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