GR Adds Personal Training Program

GriffonRawl grows again with the addition of the Personal Training Program. Jason has named five instructors as sanctioned trainers for the gym. Jason and these five are the only people allowed to use the GR facility for private lessons.

If you're looking for a way to bring your game to the next level, to polish up some detail or just to get in better shape, a personal trainer can be a great investment.  The focused attention of GR's experts can put your training over the top.

In all, there are six trainers:

• Jeff Starr
• Donny Walker
• Chuck Schilling
• Aaron 'Juice' Veverka
• Jason Dent
• George Comer

Three Simple Rules:

1. Anyone can book time with any of the trainers, GR membership is not required.
2. Book your time directly with the trainer, not the gym.  Use email, Facebook or, or book with them face to face at the gym.
3. All lessons are pre-paid, no exceptions.  

Rates: 

All trainers, with the exception of Jeff Starr, are $40 per hour.  Jeff Starr is $60 per hour for GriffonRawl members, and $80 per hour for non-members.

Meet the Trainers:

Jeff Starr may have the deepest experience as a trainer of the group.  Jeff started in martial arts in 1988 and specialized in BJJ in 1993.  He is now a Relson Gracie Black Belt. Dozens of his students have gone on to win awards and accolades in both BJJ and MMA. His private lessons cover not just sport BJJ, also self defense (with and without, weapons). Jeff has been Head BJJ instructor for GR for the past 5 years.

Donny Walker can do it all.  A  pro MMA fighter with several fights in the UFC and titles in several promotions Donny has been Head Boxing instructor for GR for the past 6 years as well as been coaching/fighting for GriffonRawl for since its inception. Donny is a key member of the gym and his training and experience in law enforcement gives him excellent qualifications in self defense.

Chuck Schilling is a member of the GR Amateur Fight Team.  For 10 years Chuck was a coach for the Mentor High Wrestling Team, one of the best in the state.  He is currently Head Coach for GR’s Jr MMA program. Chuck tells us his instruction will  focus on grappling and strength and conditioning.  Chuck’s long background in coaching ensures a careful and complete training experience.


Kru Aaron “Juice” Veverka has been with GR since the “Danny days” (about 15 years)having fought under both Danny and Jason.

He is a certified Muay Thai instructor in Muay Thai in the Thai Boxing Association under Master Surachai Sirisute and has traveled the country to attend training seminars and camps to get his training.

Jason Dent is, of course, the owner of GriffonRawl, and one of the most experienced fighters and instructors in the Academy.  Jason was Head Instructor for the MMA program until turning the day to day responsibilities over to Chuck and George earlier this year. Jason has fought and won pro titles, won on the ultimate fighter, won in the UFC, and is currently a Brown Belt under Jeff Starr/Relson Gracie. Every current member of the gym has experienced Jason’s instruction at some point.  He is famously careful with detail and he remains the most requested instructor.

George Comer runs the GR Adult MMA program.  George, like Donny, can cover all the bases he’s another ‘do it all’ instructor with a formal certificate in personal training to back up his experience in the cage and in the gym. George was a 2x National Amateur NAAFS MMA Champion, is currently a 3-1 Professional MMA fighter, and has an extensive wrestling background both in high school and college.  If you're looking to take your conditioning to the next level, George is your guy.

Written by: Bob Donaghy