Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes at GriffonRawl

Some of you may have noticed that a few of the classes have been ‘over-staffed’ recently.  Specifically that GR Judo ace Mike Lachina has been tag teaming with Chuck Schilling in Chuck’s classes.  And some of you may have heard some rumors, well, one of them is true.  Chuck Schilling is moving on, at least as an instructor.  Starting October 1st, Mike Lachina will take over for Chuck in the Kids MMA on Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 to 6:15 as well as Adult MMA every Tuesday as George Comers assistant and every Saturdays Junior MMA from 11am to 12.

Chuck is not leaving GR, he will still train with us, but he’s stepping back from all official duties.  His departure is not sudden, it’s the result of his working towards a dream job. Aside from being an all around  badass on the mat and in the cage, Chuck is also a gifted musician.  Starting next month Chuck will be recording with The Vic Harris Band and he will tour with the band next Summer.  If you want to know more about The Vic Harris Band, there's a link to their site below.

GR Judo Black Belt/Coaches
Ron Russo & Mike Lachina

Mike Lachina comes in with very impressive credentials.  He is a Black Belt in Kodokan Judo and has more than 10 years experience coaching.  And Mike is a superior coach,  just ask one of his students - Chuck Schilling.  “I've had a great time coaching at GR, all the students and instructors have been awesome. I'm looking forward to coming back to the role of student again, it's been a while. Michael will do a great job with the classes, he's always been one of my favorite instructors and I've learned a ton from him through the years.”

So, no suprises on the 1st, when you come to class and find Mike in charge and perhaps Chuck in the lineup with you.  At least be sure to congratulate Chuck on chasing his dreams.

The Vic Harris Band  performs original modern country music!  We will get your blood pumping and take you on a live musical roller coaster ride! That’s why we were awarded “BEST OF CLEVELAND”  by CLEVELAND MAGAZINE!

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Welcome Two More Warriors to the Team!

Wednesday night, Sept 17, Jason Dent had the all too rare pleasure of inducting a new member to the fight team, and this time not  one, but two fighters had made the cut.  Kevin McCallion and Nikolai Gionti won their fights at the Sept 6th Explosive  Fight Promotions show in Ridgewood, OH fulfilling the requirements for team membership.

This was Kevin’s second cage fight, but his first under the GR banner.  He won by utter domination and GnP in the firts round.

Nikolai had to overcome some seriously bad luck with opponents backing out at the last moment, but the 4th time was the charm and his man stood his ground (only to lose by RNC in the 3rd round), and Nickolai has finally had his name added to the fighter roster.

Unlike many MMA gyms, membership on the GR fight team is not granted by simply keeping up with membership dues, you not only have to fight your right to try out, but but win in the cage as well.  Be sure to congratulate Kevin and Nikolai when you see them around the academy on their accomplishment.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

GR Rumbles to Wins at Ridgewood

A good number of the GR family made the near two hour drive to Ridgewood HS, and those that did were rewarded with a well organized and run all amateur event.  They also were treated to three GR warriors making their cage debut for the academy.  All three faced men with more experience.  Jason felt it was necessary to take the chance of such unequal matchups because we’ve had some bad luck this year with opponents backing out at literally the last minute.  The gamble paid off: all three fights happened, and two out of the three went in our favor.

Kevin McCallion was up first for GR against Tyler Cavalear (145)  McCallion opened aggressively, landing several good shots, his opponent covered up and McCallion took the opening to move in for a takedown, gets full mount and opens up with hard punches. Cavalear verbally taps moments later.

William Sutton fought Criston Williams (205).  It was described as a real dogfight.  Very competitive.  Advantage was traded back and forth several times in each round, and the fight nearly went the distance.  Scott Corbin has to be congratulated on good matchmaking. Sutton was caught in a Rear Naked Choke midway through round 3.  Jason says he will be placed in another fight sooner rather than later as he is ready for the cage.

Nikolai Gionti vs Aaron Woods (135) finished the evening on a strong note for GR.  Woods has 3 fights to NG’s 0.  Nick dominated the stand up, but Woods is very tough and athletic.  Nick  ran through a textbook of submissions and Wood would not tap.   He kept escaping and dumping Nick in spectacular throws, Nick would spin through to place another submission, or try a submission from the bottom, every time Wood would escape and stand again.  In round 3 Nick had top position, instead of going directly to submission, decided to Ground and Pound, Wood turned and gave his back and Nick sinks the Rear Naked Choke for the win.

These three GR youngbloods are proof that you don’t have to wait for the academy pros to be matched up to make a drive to see exciting fights.  Expect to see Kevin and Nick inducted to the GR Fight Team this week - but don’t forget you have to be at the academy to see it happen.

Our thanks to Explosive Fight Promotions for inviting us to compete, every event has been better than the last and we look forward to fighting on more cards soon.  Special thanks to Scott Corbin, the EFP matchmaker, for his perseverance in getting these matchups done.  And finally thanks to Mike Wrobel for letting us use his images in this article.

Written by: Bob Donaghy