Happy 10th Anniversary GriffonRawl!

Ten years ago this October Jason Dent opened the doors of 6090 Pinecone Drive and declared it the new home of the GriffonRawl Academy.  Just two years earlier when Jason took over the operation of GriffonRawl from Dan Rawlings and started its transformation, it was sharing space with a Karate School to make ends meet.  Jason grew GriffonRawl, along the way learning the lessons needed to create an independent school, and executed his plan.  Ten years on, growth in size, in services, in hard won experience, and most importantly, in members and friendships have built the academy we know today.  

 A great gym is more than equipment, mats, solid walls and a roof.   The key is the solid relationships forged inside.  Starting with the first members, who brought in family and friends, who became friends of the Academy, and later friends with those who joined afterwards at the urging of their friends.  Today there are literally hundreds of people connected through their past or ongoing association with GriffonRawl.  Even members who have dropped away, are influenced by their time with the Academy, and so they're still part of the GriffonRawl family.

One of the highlights is the development of the GriffonRawl Fight Teams, which are among the most accomplished in the state.  Few schools this size can claim of two UFC fighters, a TUF finalist, 4 national amateur champions and more regional champions than we have room for on the Wall of Champions.  And not just in MMA, GriffonRawl has an enviable record in Muay Thai as well, largely thanks to the efforts of Kru Aaron "Juice" Veverka.  This Saturday two of GriffonRawl's amateur fighters will make their debut on the NAAFS Combat Challenge card in Akron.  Take a moment to wish good luck to Jeff Offak & Ahmad Douglas when you see them.

Recently Jason stepped up the pace adding even more seminars and events to the Academy calendar, and that's a trend that will continue.  The Dan Rawling seminar from last weekend was very successful, and is only most recent.  Relson Gracie, Jeff Monson, Kit Cope have all taught on the GriffonRawl mats.  This November marks the third annual IGC tournament, bigger and better this year with the addition of more invited competitors.  GriffonRawl is growing, and getting better, and will continue to grow and change in response to the needs of it's members, family and students.

*To celebrate the 10th anniversary month, and give something back to the members, Jason has decided to put all merchandise on sale, even the new colors and sizes just arrived for Fall.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Ahmad Douglas Inducted to Fight Team

GriffonRawl has a new fight team member!  On Saturday October 5th Ahmad Douglas fought for GriffonRawl on the NAAFS card in Akron.  By winning his fight, (by TKO in the first round), Ahmad earned his way onto the team.

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

Making the GR team isn't easy but it is simple: just win a state sanctioned fight.  The hard part is earning backing by the Academy and fighter support team, earning the right to wear GR's colors. 

Ahmad's path to making the team wasn't quick or easy.  In his roughly two years with GriffonRawl,  he's had a nearly perfect record in classes.  He's represented GR in Smoker fights, fought in the GR IGC tournament and even outside grappling tournaments.  Winning his  NAAFS fight debut was just the last barrier to cross.  We're all very proud of Ahmad's dedication and growth.  When you see him, be sure to congratulate him on his accomplishment.

Written by:  Bob Donaghy

Pros Pick: Velasquez vs. Dos Santos 3

Adapted from Sherdog.com

The two best heavyweights on the planet will converge in the center of the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s Octagon for a third time, as champion Cain Velasquez battles Junior dos Santos in the UFC 166 main event on Saturday at the Toyota Center in Houston.

Dos Santos dethroned the American Kickboxing Academy ace with a 64-second knockout at UFC on Fox 1 in November 2011. Velasquez, however, reclaimed his title with a lopsided unanimous decision at UFC 155 a little more than a year later. Now, they meet again to settle the score.

Sherdog.com touched base with a number of professional fighters and trainers to gauge their opinions on the UFC 166 headliner:

Jason Dent: I’m going with Cain on this one. Cain’s striking is just as good as JDS’s. However, his wrestling and intense pace will be too much for Junior in the rubber match. The first match ended too quickly, but their second meeting showed who the better fighter was, as Cain dominated from start to finish.

For the rest of the pro's picks, click HERE

Adapted by: Bob Donaghy

Combat Challenge 25 Review

Ahmad Douglas Makes a Knockout Debut

Last Saturday, October 5th, NAAFS held the 25th show in their Combat Challenge series.  The event was in Akron's Chapparell's Community Center and featured 14 amateur fights.  At least that was the plan.  JJ Offak and Ahmad Douglas were to fight for GriffonRawl on the all amateur card, but JJ had the misfortune of seeing three opponents come and go before fight night.  In the end, with only 48 hours notice, he was left without an opponent, and Ahmad became the sole representative of GriffonRawl.  But Ahmad fought brilliantly, winning his debut fight by TKO at 1:00 of the first round.

This is what cornerman Chuck Schilling had to say, (Ahmad) "was winning the standup, then hit a double, lifted and brought him to our corner.  Mounted until he rolled, put in hooks and punched until it ended"   The picture says it all.

Congratulation Ahmad on a terrific debut and welcome to the GriffonRawl Fight Team.

Full card results:

Josh Paulus defeats John Mumaw, TKO round one (1:00)
Ahmad Douglas defeats Jason Stull, TKO round one (1:00)
Scottie Moritz defeats Geoff Salyers, unanimous decision
Seth Shaffer defeats Ray Gillies, unanimous decision
Cody Tominak defeats Hassan Crutcher, unanimous decision
Nick Foxhuber defeats Fadi Shuman, RNC round two (1:20)
Jeff Hughes defeats James Bunn, RNC round 2 (1:17)
Josh Krizan defeats Caleb Fickert, unanimous decision
Jerrell Hodge defeats Cheyne Jenkins, arm triangle round two (0:55)
JT Miller defeats Cory Bresson, TKO round one (1:24)
Nick Browne defeats Izzy William, unanimous decision
RJ Buck defeats Tobiaus Taylor, armbar round 3 (2:43)

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Combat Conditioning Classes Expanding and Moving

In response to popular demand GR's Combat Conditioning program is moving to Tuesday & Thursday nights from 5:30-6:30pm starting the 1st week of October.  It will run in the same time slot as our very popular Jr. MMA program.

Thomas Salvatore, owner of YDM Fitness on Tyler Blvd, is in charge of the expanded classes.  A long time member of the GR family, he will be bringing his expertise and experience to GriffonRawl. 

Combat Conditioning will increase your strength, improve your cardio, burn fat, and improve your overall health. The program is mostly body weight exercises and can be easily modified to your needs if you are limited.  Thomas is fully qualified to make any adjustments you may need.

This is a 'go at your own pace' program, so do not feel the need to push yourself past YOUR Limits. You can make this extremely tough or make it a good workout. It will depend on your fitness level.  Our goal is to to see everyone have a great time and has fun getting fit.

Equipment/Gear needed - Work out clothes that you don't mind getting soaked with sweat.  That's it!

Written by: Bob Donaghy

GriffonRawl Adds Classes to New Life Church

As part of GriffonRawl's commitment to expand it's operations and support in the community.Jason Dent is conducting one hour MMA/Fitness Classes at the  private school operated by the New Life Church in Perry at 11:30 on Tuesdays.  The classes are part of the curriculum of the school and are a mix of general fitness, mixed martial arts and self defense. 

New Life Church
4080 Call Rd, Perry, OH  44081
(440) 259-3850 voice
(440) 259-3849 fax

http://www.newlifeinchrist.com/index.php/contact



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Written by: Bob Donaghy