NBC Local Affiliate WKYC "Mixed Marital Arts Surges in Popularity"

In mid-March NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC, visited the GriffonRawl MMA Academy in preparation for a piece they were preparing on the sport of mixed martial arts. The piece aired on the 11pm news. From the WKYC website:

MENTOR -- It's a sport that not only has become a TV ratings powerhouse, kids of all ages are lining up to learn their mixed-martial arts, or MMA.

"A lot of people think we just grab these people off the street, and go at it," says Jason Dent, owner of GriffonWral MMA Academy in Mentor. "MMA is the furthest thing from street-fighting you're going to find."

Channel 3 recently visited the academy to see what the sport is all about.

We wanted to find out why kids and adults, men and women are getting in the cage to duke it out, rid themselves of stress and get a good workout all at the same time.

Click the link for the full story: http://www.wkyc.com/news/article/182317/45/Mixed-martial-arts-surges-in-popularity

UFC "The Ultimate Fighter 14 Tryouts"

On March 21, 2011, Donny 'Eagle Eye' Walker, along with GriffonRawl's head coach and long time friend Jason 'Dynamite' Dent, made the trek to Newark, New Jersey in hopes of being selected as a participant for the popular television show "The Ultimate Fighter." Utilizing the valuable experience Jason had on 'TUF 9" Donny prepared himself well for the tryouts. Donny performed well in the opening round of grappling by defending a submission attempt, going for submissions himself, and kept busy throughout the grappling phase. After the striking phase, he was again passed on to the next stage--the interview portion. Donny said the interview went well mainly because he was himself. Not trying to play to the producers or putting on a show, Donny let his magnetic personality shine through. At this point, the producers are in the selection process, and only time will tell if Donny will be cast. TUF 14 will feature featherweights and bantamweights. Although Donny typically competes as a featherweight, he put himself into the mix at bantamweight, a drop he has been considering for some time. Whether he is selected, not selected, or chosen as an alternate, we wish to say congratulations and best wishes as Donny waits on the selection process.

NAAFS "Midwest Combat Challenge 13"

On Saturday, March 12, 2011, five GriffonRawl warriors made their way to Akron, Ohio for the NAAFS' Midwest Combat Challenge 13.
Brad Bukovics made his debut at 170lbs against Julius Bello. Brad took the fight to the ground in both rounds one and two. In round one Julius was in trouble, but the round came to the end with Brad landing nice ground and pound. In round two Brad again had the fight on the ground, moved to the mount and Julius was unable to buck him off as Brad continued to strike from the top, forcing the referee to stop the contest.
Zoran Laden took on Jesse Greenhalgh in his second MMA fight. After a back and forth round one, Zoran opened up round two with a nice leg kick. Jesse attempted a takedown, but Zoran stuffed the attempt and got to Jesse's back. After an unsuccessful attempt at a choke, Zoran resorted to heavy strikes and tactic paid off as the referee was forced to stop the contest at 2:55 of round two.
Dan Vandevender made his debut at a catch weight of 150 lbs against Brian Brooks. Dan looked to keep the fight standing early, but Brooks landed a takedown and after a scramble they get back on their feet. Brooks secured another takedown, but Dan hit a nice sweep to get on top. Dan was a little too over anxious, looking to land heavy ground and pound, but Brian chained two submission attempts together, securing an arm bar at 2:25 of round one. Dan gained valuable experience in his debut for the team.
Mike MacDonald went up a weight class to lightweight to take on Pat Callaway. Both fighters exchanged nasty leg kicks and heavy shots throughout the contest. Callaway was busier in round one, but Mike went for a series of submissions including a deep arm bar late in round one. Round two and three were again back and forth. Mike was clearly rocked from a low-blow in round two and took quite a bit of time to recover. In round three Callaway landed a nice uppercut that dazed Mike, and the referee was forced to stop the contest in the latter part of round three.
Chuck Schilling made his way back to the cage after a long layoff against Nate Mango. After an initial leg kick by Mango, Schilling secured a takedown from the cage wall, but Mango was anticipating it, as he had a guillotine locked as they hit the ground. The contest ended at :33 of the first round. Chuck had a long layoff and this experience will only make him better.
For full results visit http://naafs.biz/news/2011/03/14/midwest-combat-challenge-13-play-by-play-results/

Bryon McCroskey "NAAFS Fighter of the Month"

After his impressive TKO victory in his professional debut at NAAFS' Caged Fury 14 on February 26, 2011, Bryon McCroskey was selected as the NAAFS Fighter of the Month. Bryon has 9-4 overall MMA record and was the 2009 welterweight NAAFS co-champion. Congratulations to Bryon! Bryon clearly proves hard work and dedication pays dividends. For further information visit http://www.naafs.biz/fighterofweek/index.html

Ryan Barnard "Blue Belt Promotion"

3/11/11: Ryan Barnard has been steadily improving his jiu-jitsu skills, and head of the Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy at Team GriffonRawl took notice. Jeff Starr recently promoted Ryan Barnard to the rank of blue belt. Ryan's hard work and dedication earned him the promotion, and promptly after being promoted, Ryan took his skills to the Arnold Classic No-Gi Competition in Columbus, Ohio. Ryan won three out of four matches, earning himself a silver medal in his division. Take a moment to congratulate Ryan when you see him at the academy. Congratulations again, Ryan!

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.