Josh Belle Promoted to Blue Belt

On February 3rd, Jeff Starr pulled Josh Belle out of the lineup and promoted him to Blue Belt.   Josh has dedicated himself to his training and it shows in his skills and rapid advancement.  We wish more fighters would spend as much time on their BJJ skills.

Josh fought twice for GR in the cage so far, his first attempt was a war and could have went either way with the judges however  it was in his second  attempt that he made the official GR Fight Team with a beautifully executed triangle choke submission.  Josh is tentatively scheduled to fight again on the April 28th NAAFS card in Akron.

Be sure to congratulate Josh when you see him in class.

Written by:  Bob Donaghy

Alex Frenk Promoted to Blue Belt

Before Wednesday evening BJJ class Head Coach Jeff Starr had the pleasure of pulling GR Fight team member Alex Frenk out of the lineup and promoting him to Blue Belt.

In his two two years at GriffonRawl, Alex has become an integral part of the Academy family.  Aside from his BJJ classes, Alex has competed, and won, in Muay Thai and MMA fights representing GR and volunteers as an assistant coach for the Junior MMA program.

When you see Alex around the Academy, be sure to congratulate him on his accomplishment.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Jeff Offak Promoted to BJJ Blue Belt

GriffonRawl and its Jiu-Jitsu program is pleased to announce that on Wednesday (Sept 4th), Head BJJ Instructor, Jeff Starr, promoted Jeff Offak to Blue Belt.  Jeff has been working steadily towards his belt since joining GriffinRawl.  He comes to class, competes regularly in grappling events, and is diligent and focused in his training.  Jeff's hard work will reward him beyond the BJJ mat, he will be representing GR in MMA as soon as his debut can be arranged.

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

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Brad Bukovics Promoted to Purple Belt

At the start of evening BJJ class on Monday, 4/1/2013, head BJJ Instructor Jeff Starr pulled Brad Bukovics to the front of the class and promoted him to purple belt. 

Purple is the step beyond blue belt, and is the intermediate adult ranking.  Purple belts are qualified to instruct lower ranked students. In other martial arts, students with a similar amount of experience would often be ranked as a black level belt

Be sure to congratulate Brad when you see him at the Academy.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Furious Guerrieri Earns His Blue Belt

We'd like to take a moment to congratulate GR member Furious Guerrieri on his promotion to Blue Belt

At the start of evening BJJ class on 3/27/2013, head instructor Jeff Starr pulled Furious Guerrieri to the front of the class and promoted him citing his dedication to training and rapid progress in the sport.

The promotion to blue belt is an unforgettable milestone, it vindicates the amount of time you’ve put into training and provides an outward indicator of your proficiency.  Be sure to congratulate Furious when you see him at the Academy.

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

Paul Rehbergar Belt Promotion

Paul Rehbergar has been steadily improving his jiu-jitsu; last Monday GR Head Jiu-Jitsu instructor Jeff Starr proudly added yet another stripe to Paul's rank.  Congratulations Paul on your third stripe!

Paul has showed the skill, the attitude, and has been taking private lessons on a regular basis. Make sure the next time you see him you congratulate him on his accomplishment.  Making rank means making sure you attend classes consistently and sticking around to free roll after classes when you can.  Getting ranked requires you to be training and rolling in a gi during classes.  Jeff looks at your skill but also your attendance. Obviously the more time you put on the mat the better you will get.

We've already updated the Wall of Rank (picture), check out the wall next time you're at GR

Written by Bob Donaghy

Three More BJJ Belt Promotions

Team GriffonRawl and its Jiu-Jitsu program is pleased to announce that after class on Thursday, Coach Jeff Starr to a moment to recognize the hard work put  in by three GR team members with the following promotions

• Cody Lewis – Blue Belt
• Joe Callari – Blue Belt
• Anthony DiSantis – Blue Belt

Cody, Joe and Anthony have been consistent in showing up to class and have been working hard on the mat, and free-rolling in a constant effort to improve their skills.

If you get a chance, take a moment to congratulate them on their hard work and achievement.  Belt promotions are the direct result of showing up and doing the work.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Two Belt Promotions at GriffonRawl

Brad Bentley and Matt Vaccariello have been steadily improving their jiu-jitsu skills, and head of the Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy at Team GriffonRawl took notice. On Wednesday night after class Jeff Starr promoted Brad Bentley to the rank of Purple Belt and Matt Vaccariello to the rank of Blue Belt

Matt and Brad's hard work and dedication earned them their promotions. Consistency in training is the key to progress. Take a moment to congratulate Matt and Brad when you see them at the academy. Congratulations again, Matt and Brad

Written by:  Bob Donaghy

Matt Porter Makes Blue Belt

At the begining of class tonight GR Black Belt Jiu-Jitsu Instructor Jeff Star's students had the pleasure of watching a well earned Blue Belt awarded to Matt Porter. Congratulations Matt on your hard work and achievement. This shows the benefit of attending classes on a regular basis.

Make sure the next time you see Matt you congratulate him on his accomplishment. Anyone else looking to obtain rank should attend classes consistently and stick around to free roll when you can. Getting ranked requires you to be training and rolling in a gi during classes. Jeff looks at your skill but also your attendance. The more time you put on the mat the better you will get.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Relson Gracie Seminar a Success

On January 20th Master Relson Gracie visited GR for a second time to deliver a seminar.  This one was a successful and memorable as the first.  In all 19 students benefited from his teaching over 3 hours, and all advanced their game.

GR brings in master teachers like Relson Gracie to expose it's students to advanced techniques not otherwise available without travel.  It's a good idea to take advantage of the opportunity when it's available.

At the end of the seminar 3 GR students, Jason Dent, TonyReel and Paul Rehbergar were all advanced in belt rank.  Congratulations to all three.  Details to follow.



Written by: Bob Donaghy