Warriors in Training (WiT)

WiT is a skills program that teaches everything from basic skating skills and the rules of roller derby to gameplay-style jamming and blocking techniques. WiT is open to adults of all ages and skill levels, from beginner skaters to rusty roller derby vets! Whether you come for fun, fitness or to prep for a KC Roller Warriors tryout, we are so excited to skate with you! ​

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Summer 2022 WiT Session

Thank you for your interest! Our Summer 2022 WiT session enrollment is now closed. 

​If you want to be added to our interest list for future WiT sessions, fill out THIS FORM. Thank you!​

​ANY QUESTIONS?​​
If you have any additional questions shoot an email to recruitment@kcrollerwarriors.com or check out the WiT Facebook page

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Other Things You Need to Know...

Signup Requirements:
1. All participants must be FULLY vaccinated against COVID-19
2. Participants must be 18 years old or older (if you're under 18, check out our Junior Warriors page for signup info) 
3. You must carry your own personal health insurance. Skate at your own risk!
4. All derby protective gear must be worn at all times. This includes helmet, elbow guards, wrist guards, and knee pads. (Mouth guards aren't required until we reach a stage where we'd be doing contact drills, but feel free to wear one if you'd like).

​What Should I Bring?
1. Bring an open mind and a learning spirit. Pack a thick skin and plenty of patience. Accept that you will fall down … a lot!
2. Quad roller skates (4 wheels with toe stops in front - not roller blades)
3. Safety Gear: Helmet, elbow pads, knee pads, wrist guards and mouth guard (needed for contact drills)

If you do not have proper skates, safety gear, or good wheels, please visit Legacy Skates and let them know we sent you! They are located at 2601 Madison Ave, KCMO 64108 or visit https://legacyskateskc.com/. They also have Facebook and Instagram. While all your gear is important, we know it can be expensive to buy. Here's some highlights on what we think is the most important gear (at least at first):

Skates: Derby skates are preferred - flat skates (not heeled) specifically made for derby. They will be the most protective of your ankles/feet. 
Heeled skates (i.e. Moxi Lollys or other high-top cute-sy skates) aren't preferred because derby has skaters sitting back on their heels for most of their power. The heeled skates makes that harder, and distributes your weight more onto your toes (which you don't want). Also with skates like Moxi Lollys, the leather eventually breaks in and is very supple - providing little ankle support. They also come with nylon plates, which I have seen someone SNAP during a derby drill in the most recent WiT session! Derby skates will usually have a stronger metal plate and made of sturdier leather for protection and durability. Brands to look for/research: Chaya, Antik, Jackson, Riedell, Sure-Grip. Legacy Skates carries Chaya but also has other brands of boots to try on.

Wheels: Wheel hardness (called "durometer") can vary a LOT based on the skating surface! Skate City Wyandotte is a polished wood and is great to skate on, and League skaters use anything between 88A-100A durometer. Skater weight also affects what hardness of wheel you'll want, as does wheel height, width, hub material, etc etc etc. This can be confusing, so I apologize if it sounds like a lot! There's a helpful article on Derbywarehouse.com that I tend to share with new skaters to try learn about wheels: https://www.derbywarehouse.com/learningcenter/WheelsBuyingGuide.html 

Knee Pads: When learning to skate, we will teach the proper way to fall. Sneak preview: It involves your knees! We recommend investing in a solid pair of knee pads (as well as elbow pads and wrist guards). Pad brands to look for: 187 Killer Pads, TSG, S1, 

Helmet: If falling properly, it is unlikely you will hit your head, but when you are learning it is very likely you will not always fall properly. The brain is the most important body part to protect and we recommend investing in a quality helmet designed for roller derby or hockey (bicycle helmets or rock climbing helmets are NOT recommended, as they do not have correct cushioning/protection placement). Most KCRW skaters wear S1 brand helmets.

Mouth guards: Protect those chompers! Most KCRW skaters use brands SISU or Shock Doctor.

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​Skate City West
​7838 Washington Ave, Kansas City, KS 66112