Two Thumbs Up for the Expendables II GR Outing!

Cleats Crew

Last Saturday GriffonRawl had it's first ever off site party and outing. It was a big success. 

The plan was for GR members, family and friends of the Academy to meet at Cleats in Mentor for dinner and drinks and then head to the Atlas Cinema at Great Lakes Mall for the 8:55 showing of The Expendables II. We had about 50 show up for Cleats, and it was a great time.

Cleats did a tremendous job handling the group.  We were given our own area of the bar, and assigned extra servers to keep the food and drink coming.  They knew our schedule, and kept to it.  Special thanks to Cleats manager Kris Keller for making it all happen.  

Atlas Cinema

When the crew departed for the movie, a few decided to hang back, but were replaced by even more GR's at the theater – which is why we needed two pictures to document the event.

The party was such a success, we're looking for suggestions on how to do something like it again soon. It doesn't have to be sports related, just a fun event everyone can enjoy.  Give Jason your ideas after class.   Jason wanted me to mention, in particular, that The Expendables III is already a possibility.

He also wanted to thank everyone who came out.  "It's good to be able to have fun as a group, not everything has to be tied to fights and training."

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Jason Dent and Donny Walker in the Inaugural Class for the NAAFS Hall of Fame

NAAFS first Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be on August 17th during Rock n' Rumble.  It's a long list of names covering NAAFS first 7 years, but two of GriffonRawl's own figure prominently in that history and are, of course, included.

Jason Dent, is the only member of the inaugural class to be inducted in two categories: Fighter and Trainer. The former NAAFS lightweight champion dominated his division in the NAAFS from 2005 to 2012, brought attention to NE Ohio MMA with his stint on The Ultimate Fighter and competed and won in the UFC.  Dent is also the co-founder and head trainer at GriffonRawl MMA Academy in Mentor, Ohio home of many NAAFS amateur and professional champions.

Donny Walker, is recognized for winning multiple “Fight of the Night” and “Fight of the Year” awards.  The former pro NAAFS featherweight champion, is a UFC veteran and Team GriffonRawl standout with a 7-2 as a professional record in the NAAFS while fighting a Who’s Who of opponents.

The induction ceremony will be held on Friday, August 17, 2012 as part of the 6th Annual Rock n Rumble at Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica.  Induction will begin before the first fight at approximately 5:45 pm.  Inductees will be available for autograph signing of the Official 2012 Hall of Fame Event Program throughout the evening.  Come done the the fights and support MMA and GriffonRawl!

NAAFS Announcement HERE

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Jason Dent on Sherdog's Pros Pick Henderson v Edgar

Frankie Edgar held the Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight crown for 687 days -- until Benson Henderson did what B.J. Penn and Gray Maynard could not and dethroned the man they call “The Answer” in a spirited five-round encounter at UFC 144 in February.

Henderson and Edgar will meet for the second time in six months when they collide in the UFC 150 main event on Saturday at the Pepsi Center in Denver. This time, “Smooth” stars in the role as champion, eager to prove his first victory over Edgar was no aberration.

Sherdog.com touched base with a number of professional fighters and trainers to gauge their opinions on the UFC 150 “Henderson vs. Edgar 2” headliner:

Jason Dent: I’m pulling for Frankie in this one. Frankie always comes back stronger and smarter in all the other rematches he has had in the past. Either way, no matter who wins, I hope both guys have a great showing and represent the lightweight class.

Click HERE for the rest of the Pros Picks

Adapted by:  Bob Donaghy

Sammy Callari Promoted to Blue Belt

Sammy Callari has had a good week.  Saturday night he added to his wins in the cage with a 1st round TKO for the GR Fight Team, and tonight he was promoted to Blue Belt. 

Sammy has been steadily improving his jiu-jitsu skills, and head of the Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy at Team GriffonRawl took notice. Tonight, after class, Jeff Starr promoted Sammy to the rank of blue belt. Sammy's hard work and dedication earned him the promotion.

It's showing up and doing the work that pays dividends in the cage and on the mat.  Be sure to congratulate Sammy on his hard work when you see him in class.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Dan Ramacciato Inducted to GR Fight Team

Saturday night Dan Ramacciatto, after months of preparation, won at NAAFS Caged Vengeance 11 by TKO in the first round, earning his place on the Team.  Congratulations Dan on your achievement and welcome to the  GR Fight Team!

GriffonRawl is different from most gyms. Most places just expressing interest in fighting will get you, more or less, on a fight team. At least sort of a fight team.

That's not how we do it. At GriffonRawl, anyone with interest and dedication can ask to train with the Fight Team. It's up to Head Coach Jason Dent to decide if you're ready. If he thinks you are, and you can hang, and convince Head Coach, Jason Dent to risk the team's reputation on you, you'll be placed with a promotion for a debut fight. When you win, and only if you win, you will be officially inducted into the GriffonRawl Fight Team.

At GR we are looking for individuals who are willing to take the steps necessary to achieve their goals. If you're looking to get on the GR fight team here are some steps to that would get you there 1) Be willing to spar/roll on a regular basis. 2) Achieve rank in our Jiu-Jitsu program. 3)Step up and do a Smoker Kickboxing fight. 4)Bring a strong wrestling base to the table. It's usually a combination of 2 or more of these steps that will get you your shot.

Official GR Amateur Fight Team - http://www.ohio-mma.com/amateur.html

Official GR Professional Fight Team - http://www.ohio-mma.com/professional.html

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Ryan Barnard Picks up First Stripe in Jiu Jitsu

Just a little over a year ago we had the pleasure of reporting that Ryan Barnard was promoted   to Blue Belt.  Ryan has been working hard on the mat, attending classes, and free-rolling in a constant effort to improve his skills. 

Keeping up with training and attendance has paid off again; after class on  Monday head of the Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy at Team GriffonRawl, Jeff Starr, added the first stripe to Ryan's belt.

Take a moment to congratulate Ryan when you see him at the academy. Congratulations again, Ryan!

Written by Bob Donaghy

GriffonRawl Goes 2-2 at Caged Vengeance 11

GriffonRawl went 2-2 tonight at NAAFS Caged Vengeance 11. Dan Rammacciato and Sammy Callari delivered dominating first round wins.  Cody Lewis fought hard and tough and John Burbol came very close to finishing his opponent before suffering a close decision loss.  It was a good night for Team GriffonRawl. 

Thank you to everyone who came for cheering on and supporting the team.  The fighters can hear you in the cage.  When you see Dan, Sammy, Cody and John at the academy be sure to congratulate for stepping up and fighting for the team.

Written by: Bob Donaghy