Training in OC with Team Next Generation

Los Angeles, California

GriffonRawl globe trotters Jason Dent and Richard Catalano recently headed west to visit Chris Brennan’s Next Generation Team located in OC, CA. After battling two hours of LA traffic during rush hour we knew the hitting the gym would be a would be a much needed break and stress reliever.Russ Miura, a recent brown belt taught an advanced Jiu-Jitsu class Wednesday evening. Jason had no problem keeping up with the advanced boys from OC. Later that evening we crashed at Zack and Jakes Brennan’s place.We got up early Thursday and met Chris Brennan at his Lake Forest Gym and finalized the details of our seminar NOW set for Feb 25&26th, 2005 right here in MENTOR! (Book your space NOW as the seminar is limited to just 30 students each day). Chris and Jake plan to sell NoGi wear (http://www.nogiindustries.com/) at King of the Cage Friday the 25th at the CSU Convocation Center as well as during seminar hours at GriffonRawl. Our first class was kickboxing covering many combination and blocks taught by Chris. Right after class Jason spared with Adam Lynn a Next Generation Team member from Pittsburgh, PA. The second class also taught by Chris, Jiu-Jitsu we did a few drills, escapes and counters. Later rolled with Chris and other students of the Next Generation team. That afternoon we headed to the Pacific Coast Highway to what Chris refers to as 1000 Steps… www.chrisbrennan.com/steps.htm . Steps so steep when you look down from the top you can’t see the bottom step. It’s a challenge everyone should try given the opportunity. After the “Steps” some relaxation was in order. We headed over to Venice Beach to check out the vendors, other tourists and So. Cal sights. Later that evening we went to Hollywood and Vine to see the ECC fights in the Henry Fonda Theater. Congrats to Josh Smith of Next Generation on his 27 second KO win in the cage. Early Friday morning we headed back to Cleveland after an action packed few days in OC. Thanks to the Brennan family for their hospitality. Written by:Richard Catalano