Rob "The DutchMan" Kaman Seminar

Team GriffonRawl Members and long time friends Kru Aaron "Juice" Veverka, Jason "Dynamite" Dent and Donny "Eagle Eye" Walker attended the Rob "The Dutchman" Kaman seminar at Evolve MMA in Akron Ohio.

Kaman is a 9 time world Champion in both kickboxing and Muay Thai, and has fought many very notable opponents, winning many of his fights by KO. A pioneer in the sport, he has helped to shape it to what it is today.

Thanks to Evolve MMA for hosting the event, a fun time was had by all and more knowledge gleaned from the veteran gladiator! Thanks also to Rising Dragon as the GR combatants were able to mix it up and have some fun training back and forth with some of the rising stars in their ranks!

More Mat Space

We have recently added 324 square feet of additional mat space to the academy. This addition will better help us to accommodate our growing number of students. We are always trying to better our facility and make this a safer and more comfortable place for you to train.

New Wall of Champions

The academy has recently dedicated a wall to display team members' championship belts. Many of our fighters have brought in their belts to be displayed. Make sure you stop in and take a look at the results of the hard work and determination of our champions. If you have a championship belt at home that you earned under Team GriffonRawl and would like to bring it in to add to the display please let Jason know.

NAAFS "Caged Fury 14"

On Saturday, February 26, 2011 the NAAFS held "Caged Fury 14" at the historic Gray's Armory in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. Three GriffonRawl warriors were set to compete.
Unfortunately John Burbol's (5-2) opponent backed out of the fight stating he had injured his knee the day before. John is currently on a three fight win streak and with his tremendous work ethic, he'll be looking to get back in the cage as soon as he can.
Miguel Defina took on Dave Spadell Jr. in the opening bout of the evening at 170lbs. Miguel was able to fully control rounds one and three and survived a vicious onslaught at the beginning of round two in route to a unanimous decision win. What was discovered later was Miguel had broken the ulna bone in his forearm in the beginning of round one and yet Miguel continued to fight and fight well despite the excruciating pain.
Bryon McCroskey (9-4; 1-0) made his professional debut against the unpredictable John 'Mongoose' Myers at 155lbs. Bryon had a solid round one controlling the pace and rocked Mongoose with a nice shot towards the end of round one. In the scramble that ensued Mongoose injured his knee and was unable to answer the bell for round two, thereby giving Bryon a TKO victory in his professional debut.
For full results visit www.naafs.tv

GR Level 1 TBA Muay Thai Test

Big congratulations are due to the following Nak Muays (Muay Thai fighters) who passed their level one certifications: Kevin Peterson, George Comer, Ryan Lose, Brandon Walukas, Zac Popik and Kevin Faraci!! Awesome job guys, and let this only be the first step you take on your journey to the Thai combat arts!

The test was conducted by Kru Aaron Veverka who is a certified instructor under Ajarn Chai of the Thai Boxing Association. The test consisted Thai philosphy, technique, and even some conditioning as well.

GriffonRawl and Intimidation team up on New Fight Shorts

Intimidation Clothing is pleased to announce they have teamed up with GriffonRawl MMA Academy in Mentor, Ohio to feature Intimidation’s new MMA board shorts. As part of their new agreement, Intimidation and GriffonRawl have chosen to work together to supply board shorts to each of GriffonRawl’s professional MMA fighters. With GriffonRawl’s logo and team colors of red & black, Intimidation red & black MMA board shorts were the ideal choice and feature both the Intimidation logo and GriffonRawl MMA Academy in block letters on the legs.


For more information on Intimidation MMA Board shorts click here: http://www.intimidationmma.com/intimidation-griffonrawl-mma-team-up-on-co-branded-fight-shorts/

Bryon McCroskey Gets His Own Trading Card

To mark the signing of Bryon McCrosky to an exclusive 3 fight deal as a professional fighter the North American Allied Fight Series has issued the Bryon McCrosky trading card.  The signing was in part in response to Bryon winning the 2009 national amateur co-championship at 170.  Bryon’s first pro fight is scheduled for February 26, 2011

Bryon's record is HERE

Byron joins Jason Dent, Donny Walker, George Comer and Paul Compton as GR fighters honored by NAAFS with a card.

Congratulations Bryon!

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Caged Fury 14 - Bryon McCroskey Interview

Here is a link to an interview that was conducted less than a week ago with GR's very own Bryon McCroskey. Bryon is set to make his Pro debut at this Saturday nights NAAFS "Caged Fury 14" at the Gray's Armory in Cleveland, Ohio. Bryon is the first fighter since AJ Pulling to get turned Pro by his head coach & manager Jason Dent. Bryon also just signed a 3 fight deal with the NAAFS as well. Its a quick good read so check it out. If for some reason the link doesn't work just copy and past the URL in your web browser.

http://www.profighting-fans.com/articles/naafs-caged-fury14-bryon-mccroskey_022311.html

NAAFS 2010 AWARD RESULTS

GriffonRawl proudly recieved two awards from the NAAFS 2010 Year End Awards.

Fight of the Year went to the Dent vs. Lozano fight which was held down in the Cleveland flats last June. This was an outstanding fight ending with Lozano taking the win by ref. stopage. The fight was an all out war and we here at GriffonRawl are all very proud of Jason Dent and the heart he showed in this fight. Having went up a weight class himself and Lozano coming down a class in order for this fight to take place Dent faced surmounting odds and made all of us very proud. Congratulations Jason!

Breakout fighter of the Year went to our very own Donny Walker. Donny has worked very hard this past year and has truly shown himself to be a force to be reconned with. We are expecting great things from Donny in 2011. Congratulations Donny!

Once again we would also like to congratulate our other fighter George Comer who was nominated for awards this past year. George came in a close second for Amateur Fighter of the Year. Great Job George.

OK Team it's time to storm 2011! Sweat more! Bleed Less!

McCroskey turns Pro & signs three fight deal with NAAFS!

Congrats are in order for Bryon as he not only is entering the Pro ranks but has also landed a 3 fight deal with the NAAFS. Bryon had a very successufl amateur career as he won the 2009 NAAFS National Amateur Series Welterweight Title and also picked up the 2010 UMMAXX Lightweight Championship shortly after as well. Bryon has shown versatility in not only being able to submit some of his opponents but he has also won by KO as well.

For the official story on the NAAFS official story we have provided a link. Enjoy http://www.naafs.biz/news/2011/02/13/mccroskey-signs-three-fight-deal-with-naafs-new-opponent-announced-for-cf-14/