NAAFS Rock 'n Rumble 8 is in the Books

 Saturday night saw the 8th edition of NAAFS end of Summer spectacular: Rock n Rumble.   Due to a scheduling conflict the event was delayed a month, and moved from its traditional venue in the Flats to Canton Civic Arena.  Next year, Rock n Rumble will return to Cleveland.

As usual for this event it was a stacked card.  Sixteen fights in all, with pro fighters brought in from other states to fill the top of the card and many special guests.  It’s a tribute to the quality of our home grown talent the many of the guests (UFC stars Stipe Miocic and Jessica Eye), are actually local, and the main event, Cody Steven v Frank Caraballo, featured two local fighters.

What was not usual, was that Ahmad Douglas was GriffonRawl’s sole representative on the card.  Normally we have a least three, but moving the event a month made for irreconcilable conflict with the schedules of the fighters we had lined up.   Rather than see GR completely absent from the biggest NAAFS event of the year for the first time, Ahmad Douglas stepped up on relatively short notice to fill the gap.  Ahmad’s fight was a semi-final in the NAAFS Flyweight Amatuer National Tournament.  The winner will fight for the belt in December.

Unfortunately, Saturday was not Ahmad’s night.  He fought a tough, grinding fight against a wrestling specialist in undefeated Adli Edwards from Ronin Fight Team.  Ahmad demonstrated the superior striking skills, but often had to fight moving backward to stymie Edwards’ relentless takedown attempts.  Ahmad was successful in doing damage, but in the end the judges saw Edwards’ efforts as deserving the unanimous decision win.

Ahmad Douglas told his coach and corner George the loss does not discourage him, but will fuel his fire for additional training.  He finished by saying to George,  “I'll see you Tuesday at practice”.

George Comer said while he was disappointed with the loss, he  is not disappointed in his young student.  “Ahmad  is only 19 years old and was in the semi finals for the NAAFS amateur title which is nearly 7 years younger than I  was when I competed.  Ahmad’s  got a ton of potential.”

Ahmad will be fighting again sooner rather than later.  Be sure to congratulate him on his gritty effort when you see him on Tuesday.

Main Card Results

• Frank Caraballo def Cody Stevens  by UD
• Cody 'No Love' Garbrandt def Charles 'The Trinity' Stanford byTKO round 1 @ 1:37
• John 'Big' Hawk def Bobby 'Zombie' Brents by DQ (Groin Strike) round 3  @ 3:07
• Matt 'The Cat' DiMarcantonio def Wesley 'Wild Wild' Hanson by UD
• Eric Bledsoe def Ronald 'R.J.' Buck by Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) round 1 @ 3:36
• Jeff 'Lights Out' Hughes def Devon Wilson by Submission (Guillotine Choke) round 1 @ 3:52

Special thanks to Mike Wrobel of ShootitMMA.com for getting these pictures to us ahead of his own publication date.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes at GriffonRawl

Some of you may have noticed that a few of the classes have been ‘over-staffed’ recently.  Specifically that GR Judo ace Mike Lachina has been tag teaming with Chuck Schilling in Chuck’s classes.  And some of you may have heard some rumors, well, one of them is true.  Chuck Schilling is moving on, at least as an instructor.  Starting October 1st, Mike Lachina will take over for Chuck in the Kids MMA on Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 to 6:15 as well as Adult MMA every Tuesday as George Comers assistant and every Saturdays Junior MMA from 11am to 12.

Chuck is not leaving GR, he will still train with us, but he’s stepping back from all official duties.  His departure is not sudden, it’s the result of his working towards a dream job. Aside from being an all around  badass on the mat and in the cage, Chuck is also a gifted musician.  Starting next month Chuck will be recording with The Vic Harris Band and he will tour with the band next Summer.  If you want to know more about The Vic Harris Band, there's a link to their site below.

GR Judo Black Belt/Coaches
Ron Russo & Mike Lachina

Mike Lachina comes in with very impressive credentials.  He is a Black Belt in Kodokan Judo and has more than 10 years experience coaching.  And Mike is a superior coach,  just ask one of his students - Chuck Schilling.  “I've had a great time coaching at GR, all the students and instructors have been awesome. I'm looking forward to coming back to the role of student again, it's been a while. Michael will do a great job with the classes, he's always been one of my favorite instructors and I've learned a ton from him through the years.”

So, no suprises on the 1st, when you come to class and find Mike in charge and perhaps Chuck in the lineup with you.  At least be sure to congratulate Chuck on chasing his dreams.

The Vic Harris Band  performs original modern country music!  We will get your blood pumping and take you on a live musical roller coaster ride! That’s why we were awarded “BEST OF CLEVELAND”  by CLEVELAND MAGAZINE!

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Welcome Two More Warriors to the Team!

Wednesday night, Sept 17, Jason Dent had the all too rare pleasure of inducting a new member to the fight team, and this time not  one, but two fighters had made the cut.  Kevin McCallion and Nikolai Gionti won their fights at the Sept 6th Explosive  Fight Promotions show in Ridgewood, OH fulfilling the requirements for team membership.

This was Kevin’s second cage fight, but his first under the GR banner.  He won by utter domination and GnP in the firts round.

Nikolai had to overcome some seriously bad luck with opponents backing out at the last moment, but the 4th time was the charm and his man stood his ground (only to lose by RNC in the 3rd round), and Nickolai has finally had his name added to the fighter roster.

Unlike many MMA gyms, membership on the GR fight team is not granted by simply keeping up with membership dues, you not only have to fight your right to try out, but but win in the cage as well.  Be sure to congratulate Kevin and Nikolai when you see them around the academy on their accomplishment.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

GR Rumbles to Wins at Ridgewood

A good number of the GR family made the near two hour drive to Ridgewood HS, and those that did were rewarded with a well organized and run all amateur event.  They also were treated to three GR warriors making their cage debut for the academy.  All three faced men with more experience.  Jason felt it was necessary to take the chance of such unequal matchups because we’ve had some bad luck this year with opponents backing out at literally the last minute.  The gamble paid off: all three fights happened, and two out of the three went in our favor.

Kevin McCallion was up first for GR against Tyler Cavalear (145)  McCallion opened aggressively, landing several good shots, his opponent covered up and McCallion took the opening to move in for a takedown, gets full mount and opens up with hard punches. Cavalear verbally taps moments later.

William Sutton fought Criston Williams (205).  It was described as a real dogfight.  Very competitive.  Advantage was traded back and forth several times in each round, and the fight nearly went the distance.  Scott Corbin has to be congratulated on good matchmaking. Sutton was caught in a Rear Naked Choke midway through round 3.  Jason says he will be placed in another fight sooner rather than later as he is ready for the cage.

Nikolai Gionti vs Aaron Woods (135) finished the evening on a strong note for GR.  Woods has 3 fights to NG’s 0.  Nick dominated the stand up, but Woods is very tough and athletic.  Nick  ran through a textbook of submissions and Wood would not tap.   He kept escaping and dumping Nick in spectacular throws, Nick would spin through to place another submission, or try a submission from the bottom, every time Wood would escape and stand again.  In round 3 Nick had top position, instead of going directly to submission, decided to Ground and Pound, Wood turned and gave his back and Nick sinks the Rear Naked Choke for the win.

These three GR youngbloods are proof that you don’t have to wait for the academy pros to be matched up to make a drive to see exciting fights.  Expect to see Kevin and Nick inducted to the GR Fight Team this week - but don’t forget you have to be at the academy to see it happen.

Our thanks to Explosive Fight Promotions for inviting us to compete, every event has been better than the last and we look forward to fighting on more cards soon.  Special thanks to Scott Corbin, the EFP matchmaker, for his perseverance in getting these matchups done.  And finally thanks to Mike Wrobel for letting us use his images in this article.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Gionti Wins by Intimidation Choke at Caged Madness

Caged Madness was, by all accounts, a very successful event.  Well attended, well run, professional job by all - except one person.  GR’s Nikolai Gionti was left standing at the threshold of fighting once again.  This time his opponent had the stones to at least make the venue, weigh in, and show up to fight.   But as his entrance music played he was seen exiting the building, leaving Nick standing in the cage.  They say a win is a win, but this can’t feel good.  Nick had this to say on his Facebook page.

Warming up

Well, I can't make this up. We weighed in and he was heavy. I agreed to fight him at 139 lbs. It took me being fully dressed and stuffed with items in my pockets in order to get that heavy. We got back to the venue and he was there. We both showed up to the fighter meeting and I got fully wrapped. Our fight was announced and his entrance music played, but he didn't show up. We waited through his entire song for him to come, but he never did. Instead he was out in the parking lot refusing to fight. I like to respect my opponent, but this is absurd. Steve Paugh should never be allowed to fight again in any commission in any state. That is all. I'll be back and hopefully I'll have an opponent.

Nick is one of the hardest training of the new blood in the gym.  He’s earned and deserves his shot at being a full team member.  Jason will move quickly to find him another fight.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

GR Team Smokes it in Stowe

WKA’s first smoker of 2014 was another well run event.  The fighters were well matched and all the fights were competitive making for a great night for everyone.  GR’s longtime friend, Ryan Madigan did a great job organizing and running the event.

While we originally had six fighters lined up to fight, only three were able to find matchups.  Jason Dent had this to say about the fights that happened:

Performance of the night of GR guys had to go to William Sutton but both Eric Pozun & Matt Perez both fought more experienced fighters and put on fantastic showings going the distance and doing some great things.

All three fighters will be back in training this week at the gym.  Be sure to stop and congratulate them when you see them.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Krav Maga Comes to GR?

With the terrific response of the GR family to the two Fight Fit Krav Maga Self Defense seminars, Jason is in talks with Sarah Fox and Ryan Hoover (pictured above) about adding the program full time at GR in  the very near future.  Ryan Hoover is the franchiser for Fit to Fight Krav Maga and Saras school is associated through him

The GR program would be affiliated with Sara Fox and work with her academy as she runs the premier Krav Maga school in NE Ohio.  Testing and big seminars would mostly happen at her facility as Krav Maga will be a side program at GR.

Our Krav Maga program would be situational self defense to fill in the missing gaps of all the programs we teach already.  Jeff Starr and Jason will teach as both have over 20 years in various Martial Arts. Jason’s Black Belt in Karate and Jeff’s in BJJ are excellent fits for Krav Maga instruction.  More instructors may be trained at GR as needed.

The program would run twice a week on both Tuesday and Thursday nights for one hour each,  Official times yet or start dates aren’t settled yet.

We will have more details soon! Meanwhile, Sarah's website is HERE

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Don't Sleep on the Juniors

The second Jr MMA Sleepover is in the books.  The sleepover builds camaraderie, and just getting together and having some fun is great for the team.  The last one was 2 years ago, with all the growth we didn’t get to do it last year but the goal is to do it twice a year from now on.   Jason is planning on January and August.

It started off on a serious note.  An hour was spent on situational self defense and how to tie their MMA
skills into it.  Everyone got in a good sweat, but the it was time for some fun: fitness challenges, playing with the PS4 and the cookout.

The fitness challenge winners took home signature shirts from some of our GR Pros.   Michael Frenk (redhead on left) - pushup challenge winner with 70 went home with a classic Intimidation Jason Dent shirt, Colin Rupar (in middle) won the wall sit to collect the new Bonesaw Comer shirt, and Logan Baker won the rope climb challenge with 15 reps on a 20’ rope climb and took home the Intimidation Donny Walker shirt.  These kids are fit!  I wonder if our signature MMA Pros could touch those numbers.

Kevin Jackson and Action Automotive sponsored the sleepover once again.  And once again, Kevin not only supplied the food but he cooked it too.  GR is lucky to have people like Kevin around.

GR also needs to thank Alex Frenk, Mike Baker, and Jacob Siever for stepping up and chaperoning.  These events can’t happen without good people like these going the extra mile.

With the success of the Jr MMA sleepovers, Jason is seriously considering a kids version for the 5 to 9 set. Feedback, ideas and suggestions on how to make this happen is welcome and needed.



Written by: Bob Donaghy

GR Ultimate Training Package Upgraded, Adds Instant Awesomeness

For those of you already members of the gym under the Ultimate Package - here’s great news. You just got a lot more value for your money.

Starting August 1st, everyone already enrolled in the Ultimate Package will also have unlimited access to Judo classes AND the very successful and popular Combat Conditioning.  Yes, that’s right, not only will you learn yet more ways to send someone crashing to the ground, but you’ll be in great shape when you do it.

If you’re not familiar with the Ultimate Package, here’s a quick education:  For one (very discounted) price you get:

• 3 nights of boxing per week (Monday, Wednesday, Saturday)
• 3 nights of Muay Thai per week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday)
• 3 nights of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu  per week (Monday, Wednesday, Saturday)
• 3 nights of MMA  per week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday)
• Open Gym on Friday (6 to 8 pm)
  And now
• Judo on Friday night from 6 to 7 pm
  AND 
• Combat Conditioning 3 nights per week. (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday)

So sign up, and show up, and be instantly awesome just for doing it.

Click HERE for the GR Gym schedule

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Kru Aarron 'Juice' Veverka Promoted to Full Instructor

At the closing of the Pacific Northwest Thai Camp 2014, Kru Aaron Veverka was honored with a brief ceremony elevating him to Full Instructor for the Thai Boxing Association.   You can see part of the his instructor test in the video below.  Kru Aaron Veverka is the only certified Full Instructor in the State of Ohio.  In addition to this honor, Juice was recently appointed State Director of Ohio for the Thai Boxing Association.

GriffonRawl is very proud of its long association with such a dedicated and talented man and to have Juice as the Co-Head Instructor of the Thai Boxing program.

Congratulations Juice on this latest achievement!



Written by:  Bob Donaghy