Massive Turnout for GriffonRawl Open Sparring Night

GR was packed, there’s really no other way to say it.  It was beyond standing room, it was stand sideways and suck in your gut full.  The parking lot filled quickly, and cars were lined up on the curb down Pinecone well past the gymnastics school.  As big as the crowd was, it was well behaved and enthusiastic for the efforts of the fighters.

Jason reached out to local gyms, and each responded by sending talented and aggressive competitors.

Thanks to RockHard MMA, the World Kickboxing Academy, Rising Dragon MMA, Evolve MMA, Vanyo Martial Arts, Cal Crowell Fitness, Athletic & MMA Training Center, and the Wrestling Facotry for sending their warriors.  They made the evening possible.

Chins were tested, first time nerves put to rest, and while there were officially no winners in these fights, it’s clear that anyone who stepped up and put themselves on the line in front of peers, friends and family should put a W next to this day in their calendar.

Thanks to everyone who fought, helped out, and watched. In particular to thanks Rob Drago for all the great pictures, Jake Digman for the very professional announcing job, Mark Feaks for the great job refereeing the fights and keeping our fighter safe and New Life Church for providing food and drinks.  We WILL do this again.

For Rob Drago's gallery on the GR Facebook page click HERE

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Tim Stafford Wins at Battle of the Ballroom VII

 Tim Stafford wins again, adding to his collection of first place trophies from the annual ‘Battle in the Ballroom’ event   Tim is one of those daring GR members who regularly ranges outside the comfort of the academy to test himself, and it pays off.

This year he picked up first as a result of a split decision.  He was cornered, again, by GR Assistant Boxing Coach, Ron Connolly.

As one of the more seasoned members of GriffonRawl, Tim knows the importance of regular, consistent, training and makes a point of training not just when he has a competition pending but year round.  He’s a fixture in class, and can always be relied on to support other fighters in their preparations.

Be sure to congratulate Tim on his win next time you see him at GR.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Thai Boxing Association Level 1 Training Clinic Review

The Thai Boxing Association Level 1 Training Clinic is in the books.  The class was very well attended and enthusiastically reveived by the students.  The two hour clinic, led by Kru Aaron “Juice” Veverka, provided instruction leading to certification as a Level 1 boxer.  Level 1 testing will be scheduled for this summer, and there will be follow up seminars as well.

We want  to have Master Ajarn Chai at GriffonRawl MMA Academy annually to conduct these seminars. Fortunately “Juice” has been working his way up the ranks for years by training, traveling, and studying under Master Chai and through his efforts this can very well become a reality.

Thank you to Kru Aaron “Juice” Veverka for spearheading the effort to create this very exciting new seminar series.

Written by: Bob Donaghy