When it comes to the world of professional wrestling, few names are as iconic as Bret “The Hitman” Hart. A legend of the squared circle, the Canadian wrestler’s impact on the industry remains unparalleled. To truly understand wrestling’s rich history, students should be familiar with Bret Hart’s career and influence. This article will explore how educators can teach students about Bret Hart in a fun and engaging manner.
Bret Hart’s Career:
The first step to teaching students about Bret Hart is to provide an overview of his illustrious career. Born into the famous Hart wrestling family in 1957, Bret began his journey in his father’s promotion, Stampede Wrestling. Over time, he honed his skills and eventually signed with World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now known as WWE.
During his tenure in WWF/WWE, Bret Hart won numerous championships and headlined several high-profile events. He’s a five-time WWF World Heavyweight Champion, two-time WWF Intercontinental Champion, two-time WWF Tag Team Champion, and played a crucial role in establishing WrestleMania as an iconic event.
Teaching Lessons from Bret Hart’s Career:
1. Commitment to Excellence:
Bret Hart was known for his technical prowess in the ring and commitment to putting on the best possible performance. Educators can use his example as a lesson on perseverance and ambition. Students can be encouraged to approach their own work with the same dedication and strive for excellence.
2. Sportsmanship:
Despite being a part of an industry built on theatrics, Bret Hart consistently displayed good sportsmanship throughout his career. He frequently showed respect for both his opponents and fans alike. Teachers can highlight this aspect of Bret’s character when discussing sportsmanship, integrity, and how these qualities can apply in daily life.
3. Overcoming Adversity:
Bret Hart faced numerous challenges throughout his life and career, including a debilitating stroke in 2002. Despite this setback, he persevered and continued to contribute to the wrestling industry. Educators can use Bret’s story as an example of resilience and overcoming adversity.
Engaging Activities:
1. Watch Matches:
An entertaining way for students to learn about Bret Hart is by watching some of his famous matches. Teachers can select matches that showcase his technical abilities, sportsmanship, and commitment to excellence.
2. Create Art or Essays:
Encourage students to express their creativity through art or essays. They can create portraits of Bret Hart or write essays about the impact he had on wrestling and what they can learn from his career.
3. Role Play Interviews:
A fun interactive activity is to have students role-play interviews as either Bret Hart or a journalist. This allows them to immerse themselves in wrestling history while enhancing their public speaking and critical thinking skills.
