Hard Work Pays Off for the Callari Brothers

Sammy and; Joe Callari are two of the most consistent, and hardest working members / fighters at GriffonRawl.  It's hard to think of the last time either missed a practice or failed to show up and support a gym event.  They turn up routinely for open mat, and are always among the first to volunteer to fight on a card, or a smoker. They've also gone outside the academy and participated in grappling tournaments to gain more experience in the sport. On another positive note both are coming off of wins as well.  With all that having been said it is my pleasure to announce that they have a new shirt being produced in next few weeks. Designed by NAAFS chief designer Troy Louis, the shirts will go on presale next week at the GriffonRawl pro shop.

It may be too late for Christmas, but right on time to support Sammy and Joe when they fight on the NAAFS card on January 26th.  Get right with your training and right in style, wear a Callari Bros “Wanted” shirt to Streetsboro on the 26th.

T-shirt details - Front of the shirt is pictured to the left and on the back across the shoulders it will read "Callari Killerz" in brown that matches the front.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Watch the New GR Gym Tour Video

For anyone that has not made it to GR here is a little in house tour of our facility and some of our training. Special thanks to GmonE & Jon Connor for putting this video together for us.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Pros Picks JDS v Velasquez

The Ultimate Fighting Championship’s year-end events are typically anchored by a tremendous main event. That is certainly the case at UFC 155 on Saturday, as Junior dos Santos defends his heavyweight crown against Cain Velasquez at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Dos Santos captured the championship with a first-round technical knockout against Velasquez at UFC on Fox 1 in November. Can the American Kickboxing Academy standout turn the tables and avenge the only defeat of his professional career?

Sherdog.com touched base with a number of professional fighters and trainers to gauge their opinions on the UFC 155 “Dos Santos vs. Velasquez 2” headliner

Jason Dent: JDS will win again. I’d say by TKO late in round three.

The rest of the article is HERE

Adapted from Sherdog.com by: Bob Donaghy

GR Sweatpants Going Fast!

The GR Sweatpants are selling fast in our Pro Sales Shop.  We have been asked for years to make these so here you go.

They make fine last minute Christmas gifts.  Enjoy everyone.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

GriffonRawl - Intimidation co-branded shirts on Sale at the Academy in Time for Christmas!

Swing by the Academy to pre-order our new Co-branded GriffonRawl – Intimidation shirts! The tee is the first co-branded shirt from the two companies and joins the co-branded beanies and bags that have been for sale at the gym over the past three years.

The shirt honors the long relationship Intimidation has had with the academy sponsoring Jason Dent, Donny Walker, as well as top MMA prospect George Comer.  Along with sponsoring the gym’s pro fighters, Intimidation has been a sponsor of GriffonRawl amateur fighters for the past three years.  GriffonRawl is also an official Intimidation Clothing dealer, and along with the new GriffonRawl tee, both Jason Dent and Donny Walker have their own signature tees available for sale at the gym and online at IntimidationClothing.com.

Intimidation Clothing is a fast-growing brand of MMA apparel & training gear based in Ohio with a strong presence throughout the Midwest USA and a growing national presence regularly being featured on multiple sporting events on MTV2, FUEL TV, EpixHD, AXS TV and SportsTime Ohio as well as MMA highlight shows on Spike TV and HDNet/AXS TV. In addition to over 70 styles of high-quality, bold t-shirts and sweatshirts for men, women and children. The company is also becoming known for their premium-quality EliteFighter MMA board shorts, as well as vale tudo shorts, rashguards and more available online at IntimidationClothing.com  Fans can like the Intimidation brand on Facebook and follow Intimidation on Twitter.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Jason Dent on Sherdog Pros Pick - Henderson v Diaz

Many think the UFC lightweight title tilt between champion Benson Henderson and challenger Nate Diaz has “Fight of the Year” potential. The two top-shelf 155-pounders will meet in the UFC on Fox 5 main event this Saturday at the Key Arena in Seattle.

Henderson has recorded 15 wins in his past 16 outings, including five in a row since joining the UFC as part of the World Extreme Cagefighting merger. The 29-year-old MMA Lab export last appeared at UFC 150 in November, when he took a split decision from former champion Frankie Edgar in their rematch at the Pepsi Center in Denver.

Diaz used wins over Takanori Gomi, Donald Cerrone and Jim Miller as a springboard to title contention. The 27-year-old Cesar Gracie protégé won Season 5 of “The Ultimate Fighter” and has been a mainstay inside the Octagon ever since. Diaz has secured more than half (11) of his 16 professional victories by submission.

Sherdog.com touched base with a number of professional fighters and trainers to gauge their opinions on the UFC on Fox 5 “Henderson vs. Diaz” main event:

Jason Dent: Diaz wins by submission in round four.

Click HERE for the rest of the Pro's Picks

Adapted by: Bob Donaghy

GriffonRawl Gains Two New Fighters!

Tony DiSantis and Jon Reeves Join the Official GR Fight Team

With their wins at Roctagon XXII we have 2 new fighters on the team. 

Jon Reeves beat Nico Persaliano by TKO due to strikes in just 1:51 of the third round.

Tony DiSantis earned his team colors even faster TKO'ing Chad Rothgeb at 2:07-second first round call due to strikes.  A dominating win.

Congratulations to Anthony and Jon on their achievements in the cage.  We look forward to many more victories with them.

Here is a link to our Teams full amateur roster. If there not on here there not on the team. http://www.ohio-mma.com/amateur.html

Here is a link to our Teams full professional roster. If there not on here there not on the team. http://www.ohio-mma.com/professional.html

Written by: Bob Donaghy

GriffonRawl Wins Big at Roctagon XXII

GriffonRawl comes home 3-1 from Rocktagon XXII! Congrats to GR's Joe Callari on bringing us home the W as well as we now have 2 NEW GR Fighters in Anthony Disantis & Jon Reeves. Our only loss tonight was Josh Belle who had an amazing fight and only lost by split decision

• Curt Harper verbally submitted to Joe Callari at 1:16 of the second round after a fierce leg kick.
• Tony DiSantis got the TKO against Chad Rothgeb at 2:07 of the first round.
• Jon Reeves defeated Nico Persaliano via TKO at 1:51 of the third round.
• Josh Belle posted GR's only loss for the the night.  Uriah Karkow (Team Bundy) won the split decision against after all three judges scored the back-and-forth battle between the 29-28.  Several people have commented that this was the fight of the night, and could easily been scored either way. Both fighters should be commended for their honorable behavior during and after the fight.

After a long dry spell, GriffonRawl comes out of this event with a set of strong wins.  This should mark a return to our historical path.

If you want to watch our guys win, Rocktagon XXII is set to air on The Comcast Network (TCN) and Comcast Sports (CSN) beginning December 8. Streaming footage of the live event is currently available globally for $9.99 through the Go Fight Live website.

http://www.rocktagonmma.com/

Written by: Bob Donaghy

GR 2nd Annual IGC Official Results

Congratulations to the champions and 2nd place competitors of  GriffonRawl's 2nd Annual IGC tournament .

In the top picture the champions are in the back row while 2nd place is kneeling in the front row.  Left to right Champs - 265 David Farhatt, 205 Landon Khakdoust, 185lbs Brad Bukovics, 170 George Comer, 155 Pito Lagoa, 145 Isaiah Chapman, 135 John Reeves!Left to right 2nd Place - 265 Billy Harmon, 205 Attila Meszaros, 185 David Gray, 170 Anthony Disantis, 155 Daniel Ramacciato, 145 Joe Riley, 135 Jeff Offak!

GR would like to thank all those that competed last night as well as our awesome staff that made everything run super smooth. Win or lose everyone's skill level is bound to go up as long as your willing to learn from your experiences.

It's very likely that GR will try to host our IGC's twice a year and make it a semiannual event. Were hoping to run the next one in May. Our goal is to run an extremely professional in house grappling tournament at an extremely cheap price to give our members or any other participating gyms some valuable experience.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

GriffonRawl Hires a Web Editor

GriffonRawl is pleased to announce that a long time friend of the Academy, Bob Donaghy, has assumed primary responsibility editing the news and events pages on the GR web site.  Bob has been helping out with the editing duties since Sept, 2011.  It's good to have him on board full time.

Bob has extensive professional experience as writer and editor, and in Mixed Martial Arts.  His first contact with GriffonRawl, came at Jason Dent's 2004 KOTC fight in Canton, OH where Bob was head judge for the event.  Shortly after that meeting Bob joined the academy and began to train intermittently.  Now more of a fan of the sport than a participant, Bob is in a long inactive period in his training while he devotes time to the business side of MMA. 

Written by: Jason Dent

GriffonRawl goes 6-2 at US Muay Thai Nationals

 

 GriffonRawl had a SOLID showing at the Mauy Thai Nationals. Our fighters went 6-2, our team won the 1st Place Cup for most "Dominant Team" and also won the $200 cash prize for having the most competitors as well. HARD WORK - PAYS OFF!

Team GriffonRawl had 6 of our members and 2 of our Team Fighters travel down to Dayton, Ohio to compete in the 3rd Annual US Nationals Muay Thai Kickboxing Belt Championship/Team Cup. We pretty much almost had a PERFECT showing. We went 6-2 overall and the 2 losses were only by decision. We won both major Team awards in most supporting school in attendance and we won the 1st Place Team Cup for having the team with the most wins.

John Reeves, Ahmad Douglas, La Shaun Ali Garrison, Mike Iacovone, Alex Frank and Joe Callari all posted wins to their records.   Alex Byron and Sammy Callari lost, but both by decision in great battles.  You have to try to succeed.

Congrats guys your team and coaches are super proud of you.

John Reeves may have fought the best of everyone tonight. He mixed his hands, feet, and knees into great combos and had excellent ring movement.

Mike Iacovone and  Iron La Shaun Ali victory picture.  La Shaun actually came back from being rocked twice and get his own TKO. That's all HEART and you can't teach that.

We won most supporting school - prize $200 bucks.  The prize money will be put towards the purchase of a new Thai bag for GR. We also won the 1st place trophy award for Team scoring the most wins at the Kickboxing Nationals. Was a great night.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Four More Belt Promotions at GriffonRawl

Last Sunday after the seminar, and before dinner, Master Relson Gracie promoted five GriffonRawl members another level in belt rank.

Phil Schenk & Donny Walker were promoted to Purple Belts and GR assistant Jiu-Jitsu Instructor Paul Rehbergar and GR Owner Jason Dent were elevated to Brown Belts.  When you see Phil, Donny, Paul and Jason, be sure to congratulate them on their hard work and achievement.

It's been a great Summer for promotions at GriffonRawl.  Showing up to class and doing the work pays off!

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Another Great Gracie Seminar is in the Books

Relson Gracie returned to GriffonRawl last Saturday for another great seminar.  This is his first visit to GriffonRawl since Head Jiu-Jitsu Instructor Jeff Starr was awarded his Black Belt.  Eighteen attended the two hour session.  It was good to see one or two members who have been absent for too long.

Master Gracie opened with self defense techniques and ended with material any pro fighter would want to have in their arsenal. 

Following the seminar part of the group headed to Cleats in Mentor for some grub and hung out.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

George Comer off NAAFS Streetsboro Card

The injury bug has bitten George Comer's fight career again.  George is fine, but another opponent goes down without a fight. 

George's career may set a local record for fights not happening; he had three different opponents just for this event.  The most recent was badly cut using a chain saw three days ago leaving NAAFS scrambling to find a replacement.  They were unable to do it, and with only 48 hours before weigh in, they had to notify the commission that the fight was scrubbed from the card.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Ramacciato and Callari Win Big at NAAFS

A great night for GR last night. We went 3-0 all together for the night. Well 2-0 actually but Jay Wadsworth did a little training with us and we cornered him so we’re going to enjoy that win with him. Congrats to Dan Ramacciato & Joe Callari on solid performances. 

Joe and Dan finished their opponents in the first round, Joe by Standing Guillotine in 55 seconds and Dan by Rear Naked Choke.  Joe said that Jason had reviewed that exact guillotine just last week in class, and that if it hadn’t been that fresh in his mind, he probably wouldn’t have gone for it.

Dan saw a little more action.  Dan took his opponent down quickly directly into side control, then moved to crucifix. His opponent gave up his back, and Dan finished him with the RNC.  GR's Dan Ramacciato post victory shot. Coach Walker & Dent are very pleased

Jay Wadsworth makes a successful return to the Pro ranks in the NAAFS and both coach Walker & Dent were more than happy to be there to see Jay on to VICTORY!

Thanks to all those that came out to support our boys! Lets keep this momentum and keep moving forward everyone.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Private Lessons Available for All GR Members

In addition to the full program of group classes available, GriffonRawl provides access to expert level one-on-one training.

Private lessons are available for any of the programs we offer but they are by appointment only. Private lessons enable you to get one on one instruction and will help you excel at a much faster level. Privates are available Mon-Sat at various times depending not only on your schedule, but ours as well. Only five instructors are available for privates:

• George Comer - GR Pro Fighter, Head Coach Adult MMA, 2X NAAFS National Amateur Champion in two different weight classes.
•  Jason Dent - GR Owner & Operator, GR Head MMA & Muay Thai coach, GR Pro Fighter, Former NAAFS Lightweight Champ, fought and won on the Ultimate Fighter, fought and won in the UFC, 20 years of Martial Arts experience.
•  Donny Walker - GR Pro Fighter, GR Head Boxing Coach, 2x UFC Vet, Former NAAFS Featherweight Champion, 1st NAAFS Pro Fighter to ever win and successfully defend a NAAFS Title.
•  Jeff Starr - GR Head Jiu-Jitsu Instructor, Black Belt under Legendary Relson Gracie, has trained w/Rickson Gracie, over 20 years experience in Martial Arts training.
• Tommy Salvatore - Head Coach Combat Conditioning.  Degrees & Certifications: Bachelor Science Exercise Physiology. NPTI ( National Personal Training Institute) certified. American Red Cross CPR/AED Certified. Pirvates with Tommy are available ONLY at his facility YDM Fitness on Tyler Blvd in Mentor. Click the link in yellow for details.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Follow GriffonRawl on FaceBook and Twitter

It seems hard to believe, but some of our members don't know there are official GriffonRawl Facebook and Twitter accounts. 

Jason Dent's famously asocial nature aside, the Academy is very active in Social Media, as are many of the members.  From time to time we will publish the accounts of the GR Fight Team

Here are the GR Facebook and Twitter accounts:

Facebook

Twitter

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Our Biggest Throwdown Thursday Ever

Every Thursday is heavy sparring at GriffonRawl.  But this week "ThrowDown Thursday" was something special.  There was a HUGE turnout as head coach Jason Dent invited both Rising Dragon MMA and Brick House MMA in to play. Lots of talented Pro's & Ammy's scrapped it out all night. Too much fun and a great experience for everyone.

On top is a group shot of GR, Brick House, & Rising Dragon MMA after a night of Muay Thai sparring. Was good to have so many experienced Pro's and Ammy's all mixing it up in one night.

GR head coach and Rising Dragon's head coach get all giggle knowing they finally get to punch each other in the face after all these years. Left Jason Dent and right Tiawon Howard.

GR's Ahamad vs Tiawan Howard of Rising Dragon. George Comer sparring Tony Diperio in the back ground.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

More Advanced Belt Promotions - Two This Time

Last Wednesday GR Jiu-Jitsu head coach Jeff Starr had the pleasure of a double belt promotion. Paul Rehdbergar and Jason Dent were promoted, both adding a 4th stripe to their Purple belts.  In a brief ceremony after class on Wednesday night the stripes were added to their belts and the class recognized their hard work and dedication to the sport.

This is Paul's second promotion this year and Jason has 19 submission wins in his pro MMA career.  Both are consistent in class and taking privates with Jeff Star.  Mat time + focus is the winning formula for BJJ.

If you get a chance, take a moment to congratulate them on their hard work and achievement.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Jr MMA Throwdown Thursday

GR's Jr. MMA class had it's own "Thursday ThrowDown" last night. After warm ups, stretching, and some instruction we matched the kids up according to size and experience and let them have some FUN!

GR's Jr. MMA program is for kids between ages 7 - 14years old. Usually if they’re 14 years old and up we put them in one of our adult programs with a parents consent of course.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Madigan Seminar Brings a Crowd Ready to Fight

We always bring in top level fighters and instructors from around the world to share their knowledge and experience with everyone here at GR, and this weekend's  Advanced Boxing/Advanced Muay Thai seminar was no exception.  This was Ryan Madigan's second  GR seminar, and it was as successful as the first.  The photos show the great turnout, and everyone benefited from the detailed training Ryan provides.

 Left to right Donny Walker, Steve from Evolve MMA, Jason Dent, & of course Ryan Madigan. 

Very cool of Steve and Ryan to show up to conduct the seminar sporting a Donny Walker & Jason Dent Intimidation Clothing t-shirts.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Two Thumbs Up for the Expendables II GR Outing!

Cleats Crew

Last Saturday GriffonRawl had it's first ever off site party and outing. It was a big success. 

The plan was for GR members, family and friends of the Academy to meet at Cleats in Mentor for dinner and drinks and then head to the Atlas Cinema at Great Lakes Mall for the 8:55 showing of The Expendables II. We had about 50 show up for Cleats, and it was a great time.

Cleats did a tremendous job handling the group.  We were given our own area of the bar, and assigned extra servers to keep the food and drink coming.  They knew our schedule, and kept to it.  Special thanks to Cleats manager Kris Keller for making it all happen.  

Atlas Cinema

When the crew departed for the movie, a few decided to hang back, but were replaced by even more GR's at the theater – which is why we needed two pictures to document the event.

The party was such a success, we're looking for suggestions on how to do something like it again soon. It doesn't have to be sports related, just a fun event everyone can enjoy.  Give Jason your ideas after class.   Jason wanted me to mention, in particular, that The Expendables III is already a possibility.

He also wanted to thank everyone who came out.  "It's good to be able to have fun as a group, not everything has to be tied to fights and training."

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Jason Dent and Donny Walker in the Inaugural Class for the NAAFS Hall of Fame

NAAFS first Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be on August 17th during Rock n' Rumble.  It's a long list of names covering NAAFS first 7 years, but two of GriffonRawl's own figure prominently in that history and are, of course, included.

Jason Dent, is the only member of the inaugural class to be inducted in two categories: Fighter and Trainer. The former NAAFS lightweight champion dominated his division in the NAAFS from 2005 to 2012, brought attention to NE Ohio MMA with his stint on The Ultimate Fighter and competed and won in the UFC.  Dent is also the co-founder and head trainer at GriffonRawl MMA Academy in Mentor, Ohio home of many NAAFS amateur and professional champions.

Donny Walker, is recognized for winning multiple “Fight of the Night” and “Fight of the Year” awards.  The former pro NAAFS featherweight champion, is a UFC veteran and Team GriffonRawl standout with a 7-2 as a professional record in the NAAFS while fighting a Who’s Who of opponents.

The induction ceremony will be held on Friday, August 17, 2012 as part of the 6th Annual Rock n Rumble at Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica.  Induction will begin before the first fight at approximately 5:45 pm.  Inductees will be available for autograph signing of the Official 2012 Hall of Fame Event Program throughout the evening.  Come done the the fights and support MMA and GriffonRawl!

NAAFS Announcement HERE

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Jason Dent on Sherdog's Pros Pick Henderson v Edgar

Frankie Edgar held the Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight crown for 687 days -- until Benson Henderson did what B.J. Penn and Gray Maynard could not and dethroned the man they call “The Answer” in a spirited five-round encounter at UFC 144 in February.

Henderson and Edgar will meet for the second time in six months when they collide in the UFC 150 main event on Saturday at the Pepsi Center in Denver. This time, “Smooth” stars in the role as champion, eager to prove his first victory over Edgar was no aberration.

Sherdog.com touched base with a number of professional fighters and trainers to gauge their opinions on the UFC 150 “Henderson vs. Edgar 2” headliner:

Jason Dent: I’m pulling for Frankie in this one. Frankie always comes back stronger and smarter in all the other rematches he has had in the past. Either way, no matter who wins, I hope both guys have a great showing and represent the lightweight class.

Click HERE for the rest of the Pros Picks

Adapted by:  Bob Donaghy

Sammy Callari Promoted to Blue Belt

Sammy Callari has had a good week.  Saturday night he added to his wins in the cage with a 1st round TKO for the GR Fight Team, and tonight he was promoted to Blue Belt. 

Sammy has been steadily improving his jiu-jitsu skills, and head of the Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy at Team GriffonRawl took notice. Tonight, after class, Jeff Starr promoted Sammy to the rank of blue belt. Sammy's hard work and dedication earned him the promotion.

It's showing up and doing the work that pays dividends in the cage and on the mat.  Be sure to congratulate Sammy on his hard work when you see him in class.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Dan Ramacciato Inducted to GR Fight Team

Saturday night Dan Ramacciatto, after months of preparation, won at NAAFS Caged Vengeance 11 by TKO in the first round, earning his place on the Team.  Congratulations Dan on your achievement and welcome to the  GR Fight Team!

GriffonRawl is different from most gyms. Most places just expressing interest in fighting will get you, more or less, on a fight team. At least sort of a fight team.

That's not how we do it. At GriffonRawl, anyone with interest and dedication can ask to train with the Fight Team. It's up to Head Coach Jason Dent to decide if you're ready. If he thinks you are, and you can hang, and convince Head Coach, Jason Dent to risk the team's reputation on you, you'll be placed with a promotion for a debut fight. When you win, and only if you win, you will be officially inducted into the GriffonRawl Fight Team.

At GR we are looking for individuals who are willing to take the steps necessary to achieve their goals. If you're looking to get on the GR fight team here are some steps to that would get you there 1) Be willing to spar/roll on a regular basis. 2) Achieve rank in our Jiu-Jitsu program. 3)Step up and do a Smoker Kickboxing fight. 4)Bring a strong wrestling base to the table. It's usually a combination of 2 or more of these steps that will get you your shot.

Official GR Amateur Fight Team - http://www.ohio-mma.com/amateur.html

Official GR Professional Fight Team - http://www.ohio-mma.com/professional.html

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Ryan Barnard Picks up First Stripe in Jiu Jitsu

Just a little over a year ago we had the pleasure of reporting that Ryan Barnard was promoted   to Blue Belt.  Ryan has been working hard on the mat, attending classes, and free-rolling in a constant effort to improve his skills. 

Keeping up with training and attendance has paid off again; after class on  Monday head of the Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy at Team GriffonRawl, Jeff Starr, added the first stripe to Ryan's belt.

Take a moment to congratulate Ryan when you see him at the academy. Congratulations again, Ryan!

Written by Bob Donaghy

GriffonRawl Goes 2-2 at Caged Vengeance 11

GriffonRawl went 2-2 tonight at NAAFS Caged Vengeance 11. Dan Rammacciato and Sammy Callari delivered dominating first round wins.  Cody Lewis fought hard and tough and John Burbol came very close to finishing his opponent before suffering a close decision loss.  It was a good night for Team GriffonRawl. 

Thank you to everyone who came for cheering on and supporting the team.  The fighters can hear you in the cage.  When you see Dan, Sammy, Cody and John at the academy be sure to congratulate for stepping up and fighting for the team.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Jason Dent on Sherdog Pros Pick UFC 149

A knee injury to Ultimate Fighting Championship bantamweight kingpin Dominick Cruz set in motion the events that led to an interim title bout between Urijah Faber and Renan “Barao” Pegado in the UFC 149 headliner on Saturday at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Faber has recorded three wins in his past four outings. The 33-year-old Team Alpha Male founder last appeared at UFC 139 in November, when he submitted Brian Bowles with a second-round guillotine choke. A former WEC champion at 145 pounds, Faber wrestled collegiately at the University of California at Davis. In 31 professional appearances, he has never been submitted. Faber views “Barao” as a different kind of threat than the man he was originally booked to meet....

Jason Dent: Picking and pulling for Faber. To be honest, I’m not that familiar with Renan just yet. I have to believe Faber has fought the tougher competition, though.

Click Here to visit Sherdog and read the rest of the article

Written by: Bob Donaghy

George Comer Named NAAFS July Fighter of the Month

Every month NAAFS selects on fighter to single out and honor with the Fighter of the Month accolade, this month it's GR's own George Comer.

It's not widely known that 'Bonesaw' was a reluctant enrollee at GriffinRawl.  He didn't want to get involved with fighters, and it took the intervention of his lifelong buddy (and already a GR fighter) Ryan Lose to convince him that it was a good idea.  Turns out it was a very good idea.

Congratulations George, you've earned it.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Pacific Northwest Muay Thai Camp

Two weeks ago GR's Mauy Thai instructor, Kru Aaron Veverka (aka Juice), and George Comer traveled to the woods outside Portland, OR for a five day Mauy Thai training camp.  By invitation only, the The Pacific Northwest Muay Thai camp provides an immersion training  experience unlike any other in Martial Arts.  Five days of nothing but intense training in  conditioning and technique.  No phones, no TV, no Internet, just Mauy Thai.

At the end of the camp Kru Aaron was awarded Associate Rank in the Thai Boxing Association of America.  The very interesting video of his Associate test is below.  Congratulate Juice when you see him at the Academy on his achievement.

Kru Aaron and George wrote about their experience:

Kru Aaron Veverka: The Pacific Northwest Muay Thai camp was an invigorating yet tiring event. It happens over a 5 day period. Four days of intensive training followed by a day to get everything together and wish everyone well.

You start with a 1 to 3 mile run in the morning followed by stance drills, then an hour for breakfast. Then it is time for extreme drills and/or station training, then an hour for lunch. We received boxing training that took up between 1 to 2 hours a day immediately followed by station training. Stations are as follows: Heavy bags, Shadow Boxing, Thai Pads, Timing sparring and Plum (clinching). Often some of the stations were doubled or tripled.  Thai Pads were at least doubled daily, other times tripled. Every station was a minimum of four rounds at 3 minutes a piece. Other days it was 8 rounds per station. You can see where this gets a bit tiring after a while. After that we often did 3 on 1 drills followed by 8 count body builders. We did 140 8 count body builders alone at the end of the day after our workouts.

Classes were all taught by the highest professionals, including but not limited to : Grandmaster Surachai Sirisute(Founder), Ajarn Bryan Dobler, Ajarn Bryan Popejoy, Ajarn Rex, Ajarn Kim, Ajarn Greg Nelson, Khun Khru Scott Elliott, Khun Khru Sam Adams, Khun Khru Natalie Roy Brown, Khun Khru Scott Anderson

George Comer: The Thai practices were long and grueling with minimum break in between.  The coaches broker all movements down so you can lean from the bottom up. Favorite parts was kick-boxing in the pouring rain and doing knees up the hill and 140 straight 8 count body builders.  The camp included 6 am mountain runs and 7-9 hours of practivce and starting with fundamental and working to more advanced techniques and combos.

The camp is held annually; Juice has been invited for the past 7 years, he's allowed to bring 'guests', which is how George came to go.  Next year the event will be in Portland again, anyone thinking about upping their game in Mauy Thai should think hard about attending. 



Written by Bob Donaghy

IGC II Delayed to September

Due to time pressure it's been found necessary to postpone the IGC II Tournament.  The Academy is disappointed at this development and will do everything possible to get the tournament back on track as soon as possible.

As soon as the details can be worked out, we will announce the new date, most likely in September.  Please contact Jason Dent  if you have any questions.

Thank you for your patience.

Written by Bob Donaghy

Jason Dent on Sherdog: Pros Pick Silva vs. Sonnen 2

Edited from Sherdog

Their first bout was epic, complete with an ending even the best scriptwriter could not have crafted.

Chael Sonnen had trounced middleweight champion Anderson Silva in every facet of the game at UFC 117, and it looked like the middleweight title was going to leave the Octagon with someone else. Nothing Silva tried seemed to work against the American wrestler. Then came the fifth-round triangle choke that forced a stunning Sonnen tapout and kept “The Spider” on top of the 185-pound division.

In the nearly two years that have passed since, Sonnen has only increased the personal venom with which he has attacked Silva. The two men will meet again in the UFC 148 “Silva vs. Sonnen 2” headliner on Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Sherdog.com touched base with a number of professional fighters and trainers to gauge their opinions on the UFC 148 main event:

Jason Dent: I’m going with Anderson to win once again. Chael caught him by surprise the first match, and I just don’t see it happening again. Anderson has too many tools for Chael to deal with. I respect Chael as a fighter, but I’m not a fan of his antics at all.

Click here for the rest of the article on Sherdog

Written by Bob Donaghy