IGC 3 Results and Review

The third GriffonRawl InterGym Grappling Tournament is in the books, and it was a huge success.  While it was planned, of course, to be bigger and better than the previous two events it exceeded all expectations. 

This is the first year there was a real effort to attract teams from other gyms, and it really paid off in increased attendance and competition. Six gyms sent teams, a total of 55 competitors.  Special thanks to Strong Style, Rock Hard MMA, World Kickboxing Academy, Evolve and Rio Pro for stepping up and sending so many strong competitors.  They made the day shine.  And all those competitors brought friends and family to cheer them on.  The gym parking lot was filled to capacity by 2:30, people had to get creative and were parking down by the gymnastics school.  With results like this it’s a sure bet that planning for the 4th annual IGC will begin soon.  Jason has already put out the idea of hosting smaller smoker style events during year.  Be sure to give him your feedback when you see him at the gym.

The double elimination tournament was set out on two mats to determine 7 weightclass champions.  GR fielded nearly 20 competitors from its membership, of them, George Comer, Joe Callari, Josh Zivic, Steve Hetzel, Dan Ramiaciatto and Nikilai Gionti finished in the top two of their respective weightclasses.  Details are below.

GR Team: George Comer 1 @ 170, Jeff Offak 1 @ 135,  Joe Callari 2 @ 185, Josh Zivcic 2 @ 155, Steve Hetzel 2 @ 145 behind Isaiah Chapman  Dan Ramiaciatto 1st @185 something like 20 GR members competed.  Nikilai Gionti 2nd @ 135 trained GR for months and is now away at college.


Participating Gyms
StrongStyle - Marcus Marinelli
Rock Hard MMA - Brain Walsh
World Kickboxing Academy - Ryan Madigan
Evolve - John Cook
Rio Pro - Mike Riedel


Division Results
135:1st: Jeff Offak, 2nd: Nikilai Gionti
145:  1st: Isaiah Chapman, 2nd: Steve Hetzel
155: 1st: AJ Bondurant, 2nd: Josh Zivcic
170: 1st: George Comer, 2nd: Jeffrey Butkovich
185: 1st: Daniel Ramacciato, 2nd: Joe Callari
205: 1st: Josh Lasiich (Action Automotive Most Submissions prize), 2nd: Rusty Lockhart
265: 1st: William Harmon, 2nd: Rodney Wells

Special thanks to our tournament sponsors:

Written by: Bob Donaghy 

Pros Pick Hendricks vs St. Pierre

Every UFC PPV Sherdog runs Pros Pick, an article in which pro fighters are polled for their opinion on the outcome of the upcoming PPV's main event.  Jason Dent is a frequent contributor to these polls.

From Sherdog.com:

Georges St. Pierre has held sway over the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s welterweight division for more than five years.

St. Pierre will defend his title against the once-beaten Johny Hendricks in the UFC 167 main event on Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The 32-year-old champion will enter the Octagon on a career-best 11-fight winning streak, having already established himself as the greatest welterweight in UFC history in the minds of many.

Sherdog.com touched base with a number of professional fighters and trainers to gauge their opinions on the UFC 167 headliner: 

Jason Dent: Pulling for GSP to retain his title yet again. I believe GSP is more well-rounded and a smarter, more technical fighter than Hendricks. Even if Hendricks keeps GSP standing, I still think GSP can pick him apart with this being a five-round fight.

The rest of the article is HERE

Adapted by: Bob Donaghy

George Comer Elevated to Head Coach for MMA

 As GriffonRawl grows, it becomes necessary from time to time to make changes to the gym operations.  With all the different hats Jason wears it becomes impossible to do an effective job without spreading out some of the work.  So, starting immediately, George Comer will take over daily operations for the MMA program.  George's background as a certified trainer, and his great success in both Amateur and Pro MMA fights, make him eminently qualified for this new role.  This doesn't mean that Jason will be walking away entirely, he will still be teaching some of the classes. He will also be available for doing privates, and as always to corner, train, and mentor fighters. As the gym grows, more positions will open up, and Jason will always try to promote from within.  Gym members will always have the edge in the coaching positions at GriffonRawl.

It isn't generally known, but when George came to GriffonRawl five years ago he had no intention of fighting; he was attracted first by the conditioning classes (and by the one month free offer).  He was with the gym for several months before being tempted to even try the fight classes, but it was instant
love and he was hooked.  It didn't take long for Jason to recognize raw talent, and George saw his first Amateur action on 9/5/2008.  Two years and a 9 fight unbeaten streak later, George collected titles in two weight classes and two promotions and earned the right to go Pro.  George now holds a 3-1 pro record and is one of the highest regarded lightweights in the country.  The single biggest impediment to his career at the moment is finding him qualified willing fight opponents.  All of which is good news for the GriffonRawl MMA program.  In George Comer we have a smooth continuation of the excellent training Jason provided, though with his own flavor.  George is justly famous for his wrestling based strong top game, Jason is better known for a near invulnerable bottom defense based on BJJ.  On the face of it, their styles couldn't be  more different, but having both available to teach pros at the gym gives a balance to the the MMA program that other gyms can't match.

 When you see George be sure to congratulate him on his new position, then go sign up for MMA.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

GriffonRawl MMA Respects Wrestling!

Do you miss the competitive atmosphere of the high school wrestling room? Are you looking to get back to your old fighting weight? Do you want to take the skills you learned in wrestling and begin a new career in MMA? GriffonRawl MMA Academy NEEDS YOU! The mental and physical toughness that you developed on the wrestling mat is the solid foundation needed to compete in MMA.

GriffonRawl MMA Academy, located in Mentor, is kicking off the wrestling season with a free offer for ex-wrestlers looking to take their wrestling skills into the MMA world. During the month of November, Jason Dent and the GriffonRawl MMA Academy, are offering ex-wrestlers a chance to see if MMA is for them! Jason Dent, owner of GriffonRawl, who trained under Legendary Wrestler/ UFC Star Dan Henderson on Season 9 of the Ultimate Fighter is offering a free intro class and free MMA for the rest of November to ex-wrestlers in the Greater Cleveland area. Bring your cauliflower ear and your old wrestling shoes to 6090 Pinecone Drive in Mentor, Ohio to see if you have what it takes to make it in the world of Mixed Martial Arts.

Please contact Jason, Chuck or George to start your free training in the month of November at (440) 358-9371 . See the list below of former wrestlers who have trained at GriffonRawl and have taken their wrestling skills to a new level! See the link below for contact information and to learn more about this FREE MMA offer right here in Mentor, Ohio.

Here is list of GriffonRawl's Official Fight Team Pro Fighter Page
http://www.ohio-mma.com/Programs/professionals ,
as well as the Amateur Fighter Page - http://www.ohiomma.com/Programs/amateurs

Fighter Wrestling History!

• George Comer (GR Professional Fighter) - Ledgemont High School, Mount Union-Freshman of the year-team captain.
• AJ Carl - Mentor-state qualifier
• Chuck Schilling - Mentor
• Jim Payne - Perry High School, 3 years at Baldwin Wallace
• Matt Hopkins - Madison
• Miguel Defina - Geneva, Lakeland CC Wrestling Club.
• Thomas Salvatore - Madison
• Daniel Ramacciato - 2 years St. Ignatius, 2 years at St. Joes
• Alex Frenk - Brush
• Cody Lewis - 3 years Ravenna Southeast, 1 year Grand Valley
• Ahmad Douglas - 1 year Riverside
• Paul Compton (GR Professional Fighter) - Madison-state qualifier, Heidelberg college
• Donny Walker (GR Professional Fighter) - 1 year Ledgemont, 1 year in the Army
• Brad Buckovics - 5th & 6th grade 
• Jason Dent (GR Professional Fighter) - 1 year Ledgemont, has traveled to Oregon to train in seminar with Legendary Wrestler/UFC Champion Randy Couture, trained under Legendary Wrestler/UFC Star Dan Henderson on Season 9 of the Ultimate Fighter.

Adapted from an original article by:  Bob  Donaghy
Original article on Mentor High Wrestling: HERE

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