HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Years from all of us here at GriffonRawl. The gym will be CLOSED Friday the 24th and Saturday the 25th for Christmas. We will also be CLOSED Friday the 31st. We will be OPEN Saturday January 1st so that everyone can get in here and work off all that holiday food. Thanks to everyone for a great year hear at GriffonRawl. We appreciate all of you who help to make GriffonRawl a success through your dedication and your support. Happy Holidays!

Gray 'The Bully' Maynard & Matt 'The Immortal' Brown "Seminars"

It has come to our attention, that two of 2010 biggest highlights for the academy failed to be published. On Sunday, April 18, 2010 Gray 'The Bully' Maynard held an MMA seminar at GriffonRawl and then on Friday, August 27, 2010, Matt 'The Immortal' Brown followed suit. Both men ran the seminars where a variety of techniques, drills, and positioning were covered. Both stayed after for a question/answer period and for pictures, while Matt even stayed to spar with some of the fighters. In each case, a big "THANK YOU" goes out to both men and GriffonRawl continues to wish them our best in their respective careers!

New Product Available "Defense Soap"

GriffonRawl is pleased to announce that the Team Shop is now carrying Defense Soap: "The Combat Athletes Soap." While we pride ourselves on the cleanliness of our facilities, nonetheless, we face the same predicaments that any gym does. From their website--Defense Soap is infused with nature's most powerful anti-microbial essential oils. These natural ingredients have been clinically proven to have antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties. In combination with the hygiene regimen recommended by Defense Soap our products are an effective, safe way to help guard against MRSA, Ringworm, Impetigo, Staph, and Herpes. Visit their website at http://www.defensesoap.com/

NAAFS "Night of Champions 2010"

Saturday, December 4, 2010 marked the yearly installment of NAAFS' "Night of Champions." GriffonRawl's 'Bonesaw' George Comer and Donny 'Eagle Eye' Walker each had an opportunity to make NAAFS history.
While George was the 2009 Lightweight Amateur Champion, he stepped UP a weight class to Welterweight in 2010 and found himself in the finals for another chance at gold. Not only would George become the first amateur to win two amateur titles, he did so in different weight classes, and the fact he went up a weight class makes his accomplishment all the more remarkable. He was facing a very tough and dangerous Josh Oppenheimer from Evolve MMA. Giving up a considerable height and reach disadvantage, George showcased both his stand-up skills by landing multiple push kicks and leg kicks. But it was his grappling that sealed the victory for George and was rewarded with a unanimous decision victory and the 2010 NAAFS National Amateur Welterweight title.
Donny had the opportunity to be the first pro-series NAAFS champion to successfully defend a belt. He was pitted against the hard hitting and intense Billy 'The Goat' Vaughn, who had been tear as of late. It was after a September victory that Vaughn said he wanted his shot at Walker. Donny weathered an early barrage of strikes from Vaughn, and a heel hook submission attempt. However, Donny reversed positions and let his elbows do the talking. Landing a series of vicious shots, Vaughn turned his back and Walker was quickly able to sink in a rear naked choke, ending the contest at 2:58 of the very first round. That victory marked Donny's 7th consecutive professional victory and will no doubt raise his stock as he looks forward to joining the ranks of the UFC!
For full results visit www.naafs.tv

NAAFS "Kickboxing"

On November 15, 2010, three GriffonRawl warriors were set for action in the yearly installment of the NAAFS' kickboxing show. Kevin Peterson got his first taste of action going up against veteran Tony Dipierio. Kevin looked amazing for his first fight but came up on the wrong side of the judges decision. Ryan 'The Loose Cannon' Lose dominated round one, even landing a flying knee to the delight of the crowd. Early in round two, however, John Rodriguez threw a right hook that found its mark and Lose was unable to continue. In the main event, Bryan McCroskey stepped in for Justin Steave and ended up on the short end of back and forth battle. Although a rough night for the team, each man gained valuable experience by participating. For full results visit: www.naafs.tv

Rhalan Gracie "Seminar"

On Saturday, November 6, 2010 the eldest son of Master Relson Gracie conducted a two hour jiu-jitsu seminar at the Griffonrawl MMA Academy. Rhalan most recently won the 2010 Copa America absolute Gi division in March. This marked the first time Rhalan conducted a seminar at the academy. On behalf of the entire GriffonRawl family, we extend a heart felt "thank you!"

Morning MMA Classes

Team GriffonRawl has begun morning MMA classes. Classes are Tuesday and Thursday's from 9am-10am. The classes have been growing and we look forward to seeing you when you can make it!

Bobish's Ultimate Cage Battles "Raging Bull"

On October 23, 2010, two GriffonRawl warriors made their MMA debut's at Dan Bobish's Ultimate Cage Battles series. Both Zoran Laden and Pito Lagao were victorious, each winning by arm bar in the first round. GriffonRawl's jiu-jitsu program has always been rock solid and ever improving and Zoran and Lagao showed just why. Congratulations to both men. For full results visit: http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/mma.cfm?go=stats.fightCard&eid=c50a208b-a939-4d06-a561-23b59e0d5a67#fight_143213

NAAFS "Caged Fury 12"

On October 12, 2010 Landon Khakdoust and George Comer represented the team at NAAFS "Caged Fury 12" at the historic Gray's Armory in Cleveland, Ohio. Landon started out strong but was clipped by a left hook. With Landon dazed just a bit his opponent was relentless with strikes on the ground until the referee was force to call a stop to the action. Landon kept things in perspective, knowing each fight he'll learn from. George Comer made the move FROM 155 to 170lbs to take on undefeated Nick Kilian in the NAAFS semi-finals. George controlled the entire fight, using a great game plan combined with outstanding athleticism to secure a unanimous decision from all three judges. Comer now has the opportunity to become the first 2x NAAFS amateur champion, and more impressively by going UP a weight class to do it!
For full results visit: www.naafs.tv

Relson Gracie "Seminar"

On Saturday, September 12, 2010 Master Relson Gracie visited the academy and conducted an extensive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu seminar. Relson is the 2nd oldest son of Grandmaster Helio Gracie and it is always an honor to have Relson at the academy. On behalf of the entire GriffonRawl family, we extend a warm "thank you" for another excellent seminar.

UMMAXX "X-treme 11"

On Saturday, September 4, 2010, four members stepped into the cage representing GriffonRawl at UMMAXX "X-treme 11" in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.
Landon Khakdoust came up short in what many were calling the fight of the night. Landon lost a decision to the very tough and well rounded Joey Goyette. Dan Farnworth continued with his fourth win in a row. This time via arm bar submission at :55 of the very first round. Tommy Salvatore continued his unbeaten streak since coming under the GriffonRawl flag with a submission win in the second round. Bryon McCroskey won the UMMAXX lightweight amateur title by soundly defeating a game Kyle Rozewski by unanimous decision.
A great night of fights all around. For complete results visit: http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/mma.cfm?go=stats.fightCard&eid=77a03d51-281f-4cc9-b4bc-32923fd4fedf#fight_137919