KCRW: Warriors in Training Program(WiT)
Warriors in Training 2026 | Bootcamp Edition
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WiT – Bootcamp Overview:
Bootcamp is geared toward adult skaters with 1 year or less experience in derby, people interested in joining roller derby, former skaters looking to test the waters again, and for people who are interested in meeting other really rad people! Each participant will be able to attend a 3 hour, on-skates lesson, a 1.5-hour strategy session, and hours of at-home content to crosstrain your body and mind for the sport of roller derby. These sessions are designed to provide an introduction to the sport and to the Kansas City Roller Warriors for potential new recruits, and also help to prepare interested participants for our 12-week long Warriors in Training program that will begin in May 2026. Remaining 2026 Bootcamp Dates: Participants have the ability to mix-and-match dates to allow for a learning experience that best suits your schedule.
Price: $40 payable via PayPal to [email protected] (includes: 1 on-skates session + 1 off-skates session) Learning Outcomes: Participants will learn fundamentals skills for safe skating and derby game play such as:
Requirements:
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Warriors in Training 2026
Warriors in Training – Full Program Overview:
WiT is a 12-week (24 total training sessions) skills program that teaches everything from basic skating skills, the rules of roller derby, and game play techniques. WiT is open to any adult (18+) at any skill level. From beginner skaters to rusty derby vets, our program walks through every step needed to become a Warrior. Whether you come for fun, fitness, or to prep for a KC Roller Warriors tryout, we are so excited to skate with you! Sessions will be led by some of our very own talented and experienced KCRW skaters and officials.
Warriors in Training 2026 – Full Program Dates:
Training sessions will take place Sundays (9:00AM to 10:30AM) and Thursdays (8:15PM to 9:45PM) in Kansas City, KS. Times may be subject to change; participants will be notified in advance if changes occur. We do understand if you cannot attend every training date, but we highly encourage you to attend as many as possible! Each session has a dedicated lesson plan that will be a part of your skill-learning experience.
Price:
We are offering multiple payment options for this year's WiT program:
Learning Outcomes:
Participants will learn fundamentals skills for safe skating and derby game play such as:
Requirements:
WiT is a 12-week (24 total training sessions) skills program that teaches everything from basic skating skills, the rules of roller derby, and game play techniques. WiT is open to any adult (18+) at any skill level. From beginner skaters to rusty derby vets, our program walks through every step needed to become a Warrior. Whether you come for fun, fitness, or to prep for a KC Roller Warriors tryout, we are so excited to skate with you! Sessions will be led by some of our very own talented and experienced KCRW skaters and officials.
Warriors in Training 2026 – Full Program Dates:
Training sessions will take place Sundays (9:00AM to 10:30AM) and Thursdays (8:15PM to 9:45PM) in Kansas City, KS. Times may be subject to change; participants will be notified in advance if changes occur. We do understand if you cannot attend every training date, but we highly encourage you to attend as many as possible! Each session has a dedicated lesson plan that will be a part of your skill-learning experience.
- MAY | Sunday 5-31-2026 | 9:00AM–10:30AM
- JUNE | Thursday 6-4-2026 | 8:15PM–9:45PM
- JUNE | Sunday 6-7-2026 | 9:00AM–10:30AM
- JUNE | Thursday 6-11-2026 | 8:15PM–9:45PM
- JUNE | Sunday 6-14-2026 | 9:00AM–10:30AM
- JUNE | Thursday 6-18-2026 | 8:15PM–9:45PM
- JUNE | Sunday 6-21-2026 | 9:00AM–10:30AM
- JUNE | Thursday 6-25-2026 | 8:15PM–9:45PM
- JUNE | Sunday 6-28-2026 | 9:00AM–10:30AM
- JULY | Thursday 7-2-2026 | 8:15PM–9:45PM
- JULY | Sunday 7-5-2026 | 8:15PM–9:45PM
- JULY | Thursday 7-9-2026 | 8:15PM–9:45PM
- JULY | Sunday 7-12-2026 | 8:15PM–9:45PM
- JULY | Thursday 7-16-2026 | 8:15PM–9:45PM
- JULY | Sunday 7-19-2026 | 8:15PM–9:45PM
- JULY | Thursday 7-23-2026 | 8:15PM–9:45PM
- JULY | Sunday 7-26-2026 | 8:15PM–9:45PM
- JULY | Thursday 7-30-2026 | 8:15PM–9:45PM
- AUGUST | Sunday 8-2-2026 | 8:15PM–9:45PM
- AUGUST | Thursday 8-6-2026 | 8:15PM–9:45PM
- AUGUST | Sunday 8-9-2026 | 8:15PM–9:45PM
- AUGUST | Thursday 8-13-2026 | 8:15PM–9:45PM
- AUGUST | Sunday 8-16-2026 | 8:15PM–9:45PM
- AUGUST | Thursday 8-20-2026 | 8:15PM–9:45PM
Price:
We are offering multiple payment options for this year's WiT program:
- $20/week via automatic Paypal payment plan: KCRW WIT 2026 PAYMENT PLAN SIGN-UP
- $200 bulk payment ($40 savings) for full program sign-up via direct payment to [email protected]
- Please reach out to [email protected] if you would like to use an alternative payment method or have any additional questions about payment
Learning Outcomes:
Participants will learn fundamentals skills for safe skating and derby game play such as:
- How to play roller derby
- The roles of blocking, jamming, pivoting, and overall game play
- Safe forms of falling, getting up, and controlled stopping
- Controlling edges of skates
- Proper derby stance for stability
- Growing speed and endurance skills
- Learning about our essential non-skating official roles
- Helping to facilitate scrimmage
- Watching derby in real time to see effective strategies
Requirements:
- Participants must be age 18 or over.
- Participants must submit a photo ID, proof of current insurance, and proof of payment before participating in any sessions.
- All participants are required to wear proper safety gear at all training sessions including: a helmet, quad skates, wrist guards, elbow pads, knee pads, and a mouth guard. Gear can be purchased via local or online retailers, or borrowed from our KCRW Gear Lending Library. Read more about required gear below.
ALL ABOUT YOUR DERBY SAFETY GEAR
Required Gear:
All participants are required to have a helmet, quad skates, wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads. Gear can be purchased from local stores such as Legacy Skates, via online retailers, or borrowed from our KCRW Gear Lending Library. We cannot guarantee all needed safety gear will be available for lending. If you would like to check out what gear we have available to train with, please reach out early to [email protected] to ensure the pieces and sizes you need are available!
Other Requirements:
All participants must submit a photo ID, proof of current insurance, and proof of payment before participating in any sessions.
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). Roller blades are not permitted.
3. Safety Gear: Helmet, elbow pads, knee pads, wrist guards and mouth guard.
Need some derby skates, pads, wheels, or other gear – but don't want to order online? Visit Legacy Skates KC and let them know we sent you! While all your gear is important, we know it can be expensive to buy. Please remember that our KCRW Gear Lending Library is available by reaching out to [email protected] before your sessions begin.
All participants are required to have a helmet, quad skates, wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads. Gear can be purchased from local stores such as Legacy Skates, via online retailers, or borrowed from our KCRW Gear Lending Library. We cannot guarantee all needed safety gear will be available for lending. If you would like to check out what gear we have available to train with, please reach out early to [email protected] to ensure the pieces and sizes you need are available!
Other Requirements:
All participants must submit a photo ID, proof of current insurance, and proof of payment before participating in any sessions.
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). Roller blades are not permitted.
3. Safety Gear: Helmet, elbow pads, knee pads, wrist guards and mouth guard.
Need some derby skates, pads, wheels, or other gear – but don't want to order online? Visit Legacy Skates KC and let them know we sent you! While all your gear is important, we know it can be expensive to buy. Please remember that our KCRW Gear Lending Library is available by reaching out to [email protected] before your sessions begin.
MORE GEAR INFO:
SKATES
Derby skates are flat skates (not heeled) that are specifically made for roller derby. These will provide the most protection for your ankles/feet. Heeled-skates are not preferred because derby skaters sit back on their heels for most of their power, and heeled skates make this harder. Derby skates will usually have a stronger metal plate and are made of sturdier leather for protection and durability. Chaya, Antik, Jackson, Riedell, and Sure-Grip are all good brands to research. Check out some local options here: legacyskateskc.com/collections/derby-skates
About Toe Stops: Your new derby skates will come with toe stops, but please ensure you have toe stops that are not black, as they can leave marks on the rink floor. Any other color is fine!
About Toe Stops: Your new derby skates will come with toe stops, but please ensure you have toe stops that are not black, as they can leave marks on the rink floor. Any other color is fine!
WHEELS
Wheel-hardness (also called "durometer") can vary greatly based on the skating surface. Skate City Wyandotte (our practice space) is a polished wood and is great to skate on. League skaters use anything between 88A-100A durometer. Wheel height, width, hub material, and even the weight of the skater impacts what hardness of wheel you will want. With this many factors finding the right wheel can be confusing. This helpful article might help you learn a little bit more about what wheels you should get: www.derbywarehouse.com/learningcenter/WheelsBuyingGuide.html
PADS
When learning to skate, we will teach the proper way to fall. We recommend investing in some solid pads for your journey! Knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards are required pads for all skaters. Brands to look for: 187 Killer Pads, TSG, S1,
HELMET
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. Many KCRW skaters wear S1 brand helmets.
MOUTH GUARD
Protect those chompers! Most KCRW skaters use brands SISU or Shock Doctor.
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
Please reach out to our leadership team via email at [email protected] with any additional questions. We will be happy to help you!
If you have current derby experience and would like to join KCRW, reach us at [email protected]
If you have current derby experience and would like to join KCRW, reach us at [email protected]
Quick Question Links:
- Have a junior skater interested in derby? Visit our KCJRW Junior page for youth opportunities.
- Questions about the program overall? Email [email protected]
- Questions about cost/payment? Email [email protected]
- Follow us on Social Media for regular info posts
- Sign up for our Newsletter for updates straight to your inbox
