Team Training Day at GR Academy

Mentor, Ohio
GriffonRawl MMA Academy

A team challenge? Well, not quite…On Sunday, January 27, 2008 Team Griffon-Rawl hosted an open gym with members of Team DNA, Wreckroom Athletics and Team Playland in attendance. The day started a little awkward with guys stretching and keeping to their roots until a few started rolling. The purpose of the day quickly took hold as fighters from different teams partnered with each other for free rolling and frequently changed partners. Egos were checked at the door and everyone grappled hard but with control. Eventually fighters turned their attention to the boxing ring for Muay Thai sparring rounds and finally to the cage for controlled MMA sparring. It was great to see guys who’ve faced each other in the cage and members from “rival” camps helping the other prepare for their next fight, sharing techniques and offering strategies. Dan Swift and Donny Walker come immediately to mind. It was fun to watch champions roll around (Paul Compton & Cody Stevens), professionals spar (Jason Dent & Dominic Qurazzo) and the established help the up and comers (Joe Lewis & Tom Lutz).All told, it was a great day of training with new and old friends coming together. Thanks to all who attended from Team DNA (Dan Swift), Wreckroom Athletics (Matt Trukovich, Cody Stevens, Joe Lewis, Mitch Whitesel, Seth Cole, Brian Lewis), Team Playland (Dominic Qurazzo, Dan Jones) and Team Griffon-Rawl (Jason Dent, Donny Walker, Jeff Starr, Tony Groys, Jim Payne, Dan Farnsworth, John Strmac, Tom Lutz, Paul Compton, Adam Sadny, Kevin Doyle, Nick Kilian, Jordan Smith, Chuck Schilling, Matt Hopkins, Dominic McGhee, Chad Mullins, Miguel Defina). If anyone was forgotten, our apologies…there was a lot of fighters present.We hope to see everyone again soon and best of luck to those competing in the future.Written by:John StrmacPictures by:Tim Payne