Saturday, September 22, 2012

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

Friday, September 21, 2012

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

Thursday, September 13, 2012

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

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

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

Thursday, September 6, 2012

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

Saturday, September 1, 2012

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