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