KCRW: Warriors in Training Program(WiT)
Our Summer 2025 training session has officially wrapped! WiT is a 12-week program designed to welcome brand-new skaters and returning derby athletes alike. Led by experienced Kansas City Roller Warriors skaters and officials, the program covers everything from foundational skating skills to derby-specific gameplay in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Participants build confidence on wheels—learning safe stops, controlled falls, endurance, derby stance, and edge work—while also gaining insight into the sport by observing live gameplay and volunteering in official roles like scorekeeper or penalty-box timer. WiT is open to adults 18+ of all skill levels. Whether your goal is fun, fitness, or a future tryout for the league, WiT is the perfect first step into derby life!
Next Session
The next round of Warriors in Training hasn’t been scheduled yet. Check back here or follow us on socials for announcements when new dates are posted.
Quick WiT Question Links:
Participants build confidence on wheels—learning safe stops, controlled falls, endurance, derby stance, and edge work—while also gaining insight into the sport by observing live gameplay and volunteering in official roles like scorekeeper or penalty-box timer. WiT is open to adults 18+ of all skill levels. Whether your goal is fun, fitness, or a future tryout for the league, WiT is the perfect first step into derby life!
Next Session
The next round of Warriors in Training hasn’t been scheduled yet. Check back here or follow us on socials for announcements when new dates are posted.
Quick WiT 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
WiT: ALL ABOUT GEAR
Gear Required:
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 the KCRW Gear Lending Library. We cannot guarantee all safety gear will be available so please reach out ahead of time via email to [email protected] to ensure the pieces and sizes you need are available!
Other Requirements:
Participants must submit a photo ID and proof of current insurance before participating in any lessons on skates. All participants must submit proof of payment before participating in any WiT session.
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.
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 Legacy Skates KC. While all your gear is important, we know it can be expensive to buy. Listed below are some highlights on what we think is the most important gear to start out with:
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 the KCRW Gear Lending Library. We cannot guarantee all safety gear will be available so please reach out ahead of time via email to [email protected] to ensure the pieces and sizes you need are available!
Other Requirements:
Participants must submit a photo ID and proof of current insurance before participating in any lessons on skates. All participants must submit proof of payment before participating in any WiT session.
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.
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 Legacy Skates KC. While all your gear is important, we know it can be expensive to buy. Listed below are some highlights on what we think is the most important gear to start out with:
SKATESDerby skates are preferred - flat skates (not heeled) that are specifically made for derby. These will provide the most protection for your ankles/feet. Heeled skates (i.e. Moxi Lollys) 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.
KNEE PADSWhen 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,
MOUTH GUARDSProtect those chompers! Most KCRW skaters use brands SISU or Shock Doctor.
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WHEELSWheel hardness (also called "durometer") can vary greatly based on the skating surface. Skate City Wyandotte 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.
HELMETThe 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.
TOE STOPSPlease purchase toe stops that are NOT black. Any other color will work. Black toe stops leave unwanted marks on the rink floor.
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NEED MORE INFO?
Please reach out to our leadership team via email at [email protected] if you need have any additional questions! If you have current derby experience and would like to join KCRW, you can also reach us at [email protected]
