Good News for Bad Boys (and Girls)

Last March Jason signed a distributor deal with Bad Boy Clothing.  The first shipment arrived in April and almost at once Bad Boy became the lead seller in the pro shop.   Badboy shirts, shorts, and fight gear flew off the shelves at the front desk

 It’s really not too surprising, Bad Boy won Best Technical Clothing Brand in the 2010 and 2011 World MMA Awards, and Best Lifestyle Clothing Brand in 2012.  They’ve served the MMA community well and have been rewarded with a loyal following among the sport’s elite.

In the mid-90s Bad Boy began working with Rickson Gracie to put on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu seminars which evolved in to a full-fledged Vale Tudo team featuring Wallid Ismail, Renzo Gracie, and Fernando Yamasaki. The team expanded by supporting young fighters in tournaments Like Mark Kerr and Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira before they made it to Pride or the UFC.  Badboy became one of the first official sponsors of the UFC and their support of MMA athletes has continued to this day.


The next shipment arrives this week, and among the arrivals will be the latest designs for Fall 2014.

To visit the Badboy site, click HERE        
For Badboy on Facebook, click HERE    

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Wear Your Love for GR on Your Wrist

The new GriffonRawl Black and White wristbands are in, and for a limited time, they’re FREE.

For as long as they last, we’re handing out FREE GriffonRawl wristbands.  The next 200 students/members to walk through the doors get a FREE GR wristband our treat.

So stop in and get yours.  If no one steps up and and offers it to you, don’t be shy, ask.  If you’re number 201, they’re only a dollar.  What else can you get with a dollar that makes such a fashion statement!

When you hit the gym, hit us up!

Written by: Bob Donaghy

CFC 3 Concluded - Comer Cruises

Saturday night Coveted Fighting Championships launched in Ohio.  The Mentor Civic Ice Arena, a cavernous and modern facility filled with raucous fight fans.  Attendance did not quite make capacity, but it came close.  CFC 3 was well organized, well paced, and considering the plague of last minute drop outs and no shows by fighters, it was very successful.  Jake Digman and Kyle Rozewski did their usual fine jobs handling announcing, pacing and post fight interviews.  We understand from CFC owner Dave Sweeney we can expect to see more Coveted Fighting Championships events in Ohio soon.

Since GriffonRawl is based in Mentor Dave Sweeney approached Jason Dent early about GR fighters forming the backbone of the card.  At one point we had five fighters booked.  Over about two weeks, opponents, who had signed contracts, withdrew.  Bryon McCroskey, Cody Lewis, and Nikolai Gionti, all had and lost opponents before the weekend.  On fight day we had two men standing, Logan Urban and George Comer.  Logan’s opponent showed up for weigh in on Saturday morning, and missed by 5 pounds.  He was given 5 hours to make weight and left. He did not return.  This this was supposed to be Logan’s MMA debut.  So even with a successful event, it was a mixed night for GriffonRawl.

George’s opponent, Joe Lile,  (10-1 overall) is highly ranked and very experienced  He made weight, and showed up as a professional does.  GR wants to thank Joe Lile for being a warrior.  It was clear from early research that Joe Lile was the probably most balanced opponent George had ever faced.  Jason and George took time, did the research, developed a plan, and trained to it. While the result looked like many of George’s other fights, the Devil is in the details.  Lile is a dominant finisher, with only one decision in 11 fights.  Give him an opening, and you’re done for the evening.  He is also 6 inches taller and has a 5 inch reach advantage.  The fight plan was solid, and George executed it perfectly.  George admitted to being nervous in front of a hometown crowd.  How could you not be with several hundred people wearing shirts with your nickname on them, chanting ‘Bonesaw’, and carrying carnival cutouts of your face on sticks?  But the nerves went when the bell rang, and George did what George does.

When you see George around the Academy, be sure to congratulate him on another dominant win.  

GriffonRawl wants to thank The Happy Moose for their long support of George Comer and GriffonRawl, and particularly wants to thank Intimidation Clothing for introducing the new Bonesaw t-shirt at the event. From the number of people wearing the shirts, it was a good idea.

Bonesaw shirts are available HERE

George Comer vs Joe Lile full fight in HD

Quick Results from CFC 3

Main Event

- Chris Curtis Defeated Tiawan Howard Rd.2 Via submission (Catchweight 180)

Co-Main Event

- George Comer defeated Joe Lile, Jr. via decision (lightweight)

AMATEUR CARD

- Tony DiPiero defeated Michael Schimek via decision (185 Middleweight)

- Easton Johnson defeated  George Murphy via TKO ref stoppage Round 2 (145 Featherweight)
- Todd Liberati defeated Andrew Morrow  via decision (165 catchweight)
- Cristian Carreras defeated Joey Anderson via KO round 2 (Hvy)
- Anthony Scalina defeated Harrison Watkins via decision (160 lb catchweight)

Many thanks to Mike Wrobel for permission to use his photographs of the event.  Please visit this talented photographers site: Shoot It MMA

Written by: Bob Donaghy

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

GR Invades Pittsburgh: NAGA Results and Review

GR NAGA Warriors: Rob Rizer, Cody Lewis, Josh Belle, Craig James Jackson, Scott Jackson, Matt Hopkins, Nikolai Gionti, Jacob Myers Propst, Tony Reel, William Sutton, Andrew Franetic, Michael Frenk and Alex Frenk.  (Picture courtesy of Alex Frenk)

Last weekend a crew set out from GR to the Pittsburgh Indoor Sports Arena for the NAGA Pittsburgh Grappling Championship.  NAGA, (North American Grappling Association) is the largest and most active competitive grappling association in the world.  NAGA grappling tournaments consist of gi and no-gi divisions. No-Gi competitors compete under rules drafted by NAGA. Gi competitors compete under standardized Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu rules.  Competitors are classed by age (Kids, Teens, Adult, Master, Director and Executive), experience and skill level.  The group GR sent ranged from  from Kids to Masters in both Gi and No-Gi.  The team did very well with 8 first place finishes, 4 second, and 4 in third place. 

The trip was inspired by Ahmad Douglas’ recent entry in the Lyndhurst Spring Open.  Suddenly the gym had open competition fever and plans were drafted to make a group outing to the next available event within a day’s driving distance.  NAGA Pittsburgh was it.  Once the date and destination was settled the crew grew quickly and all told 13 members made the trip.

Tony Reel No Gi

It’s great to see this kind of spontaneous travel for the gym, it demonstrates what a family GR has become.  Many thanks to the gym members who provided transportation, cornered the matches and shepherded the youngest members.  There are many more grappling events this Spring/Summer and getting out of the academy to expand your competitive range, testing yourself against new people, can only improve your grappling.

Full event results are HERE

NAGA Home page is HERE

Gi Results

Mens GI White Belt Fly Weight	1st	Nikolai Gionti
Mens GI White Belt Cruiser Weight	3rd	William Sutton
Mens GI Blue Belt Fly Weight	1st	Jeffrey Offak
Mens GI Blue Belt Cruiser Weight	2nd	Jacob Propst
Mens GI Brown / Black Belt Welter Weight	1st	Antonio Reel

No Gi Results

Mens NO-GI Beginner Bantam Weight	1st	Nikolai Gionti
Mens NO-GI Intermediate Bantam Weight	2nd	Jeffrey Offak
Mens NO-GI Beginner Cruiser Weight	1st	William Sutton
Masters NO-GI Intermediate Light Weight	1st	Alex Frenk
Mens NO-GI Expert Middle Weight	2nd	Antonio Reel

Kids & Teens Results

Kids NO-GI Beginner 70 to 79.9 lbs 11 yrs old	1st	Andrew Franekic
Kids NO-GI Intermediate 70 to 79.9 lbs 10 & 11 Year Old	3rd	Andrew Franekic
Teen NO-GI Beginner Cruiser Weight 13 to 15 yrs old	1st	Craig Jackson
Teen NO-GI Beginner Cruiser Weight 15 & 16 yrs old	2nd	Craig Jackson
Teen NO-GI Intermediate Cruiser Weight 16 & 17 Year Old	3rd	Rob Rizer
Teen GI Intermediate Cruiser Weight 16 & 17 yrs old	3rd	Rob Rizer

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Something New for Bad Boys in the Pro Shop

The GR Pro Shop is growing again.  After months of consideration (research and feedback from the academy members), Jason has signed a distributor deal with Badboy.  Starting immediately Badboy shirts, shorts, and fight gear will be displayed along with the other carefully selected brands in the Pro Shop at the front desk

Badboy is a leading sport clothing brand, with a worldwide presence and long history of support for MMA and its athletes.  Bad Boy won Best Technical Clothing Brand in the 2010 and 2011 World MMA Awards, and Best Lifestyle Clothing Brand in 2012.  Bad Boy started in the early 1980s as a local surf and skate brand based in Southern California.

In the mid-90s Bad Boy began working with Rickson Gracie to put on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu seminars which evolved in to a full-fledged Vale Tudo team featuring Wallid Ismail, Renzo Gracie, and Fernando Yamasaki. The team expanded by supporting young fighters in tournaments Like Mark Kerr and Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira before they made it to Pride or the UFC.  Badboy became one of the first official sponsors of the UFC and their support of MMA athletes has continued to this day.

The first shipment arrives this week, and among the first arrivals will be several pair of GnP gloves, a special gift from Jason to the GR Pro Fighters on the Fight Team.

To visit the Badboy site, click HERE          
For Babboy on Facebook, click HERE      

Written by: Bob Donaghy

GR Growth Means Change - Junior MMA Grows Up

Kids (top), Juniors (bottom)

There’s been a change in the Jr. MMA program at GR.  It’s been apparent for a long time that mixing 7 year olds with 15 year olds wasn’t ideal.  The little one tire quickly, and lose focus; wrangling them detracts from teaching, and it is unreasonable to expect them to keep up with the older students.  

The obvious solution is to separate the groups into two classes, and with the growth of the academy that is now practical.

Jason reworked the schedule and added instructors to accommodate the change.  The new schedule separates the younger members into two groups: Kids MMA for age 5 to 9, and Junior MMA for ages 10 to 15.  16 and up still train with the adults.  Both groups get full stand up training, and ground fighting, and occasional sessions on self defense and anti-bullying techniques.

There are three primary instructors and two assistants.  UFC veterans Jason Dent and Donny Walker the leads, GR instructors and Fight Team member Chuck Schilling work with them.  The two assistant instructors, Alex Frenk and Scott Jackson who are both active members and currently train in the adult programs.

The new classes are up and running.  As always member feedback is needed and appreciated.

For more detail look HERE:

Class Schedule

• Jr. MMA (ages 10-15):  Monday, Wednesday at 5:30 to 6:30 pm, Saturday at 11 am to Noon
• Kids MMA (ages 5 to 9): Tuesday, Thursday at 5:30 to 6:15 pm, Saturday at 10 to 10:45 am

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Ahmad Douglas Competes in the Lyndhurst Spring Open

GR’s newest Amateur Fight Team member, Ahmad Douglas has a reputation for hard work and going the extra mile for his training.  He reinforced that reputation on March 8th by stepping away from the relative comfort of GR and entering the very tough annual open wrestling tournament in Lyndhurst, OH.  There were 14 weight classes in his division (age 15 to 19), using modified scholastic rules.  It was round robin style, meaning everyone wrestled everyone.  He did well, going 3-2 for the day.

Ahmad is never one to rest on his laurels, this June he fights again for NAAFS (no opponent yet),  A win there will bring his MMA record to 4-0 and make him one of the top ranked fighters in the NAAFS Featherweight Division.  Jason hopes to put Ahmad in the chase for the NAAFS National Title this December.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Logan Urban Wins Gold

Last weekend, while the attention of most of GriffonRawl was on Canton, a lone member of the Academy was in Columbus at the American Grappling Challenge.  Logan Urban won Gold  as a middleweight in a very tough no gi intermediate division.

This was his first grappling tournament.  In his on and off 5 years with GR, Logan has also competed in one Muay Thai Smoker (which he won by TKO).  Jason Dent has been eager for Logan to return to GR full time and log his first official fight for the gym.

Logan had this to say about his win: Big shout out to GriffonRawl MMA Academy for teaching me so much of what I know. I won the finals with an Anaconda choke and it was probably the very first submission I was ever taught back when I started! I couldn't have done it without the awesome knowledge and experience of Jason Dent and the rest of the gym. I am so excited to get back to GR this summer to train and continue to get better with such great coaches, training partners and friends!

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

The website for the American Grappling Challenge is HERE

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

IGC 3 Results and Review

The third GriffonRawl InterGym Grappling Tournament is in the books, and it was a huge success.  While it was planned, of course, to be bigger and better than the previous two events it exceeded all expectations. 

This is the first year there was a real effort to attract teams from other gyms, and it really paid off in increased attendance and competition. Six gyms sent teams, a total of 55 competitors.  Special thanks to Strong Style, Rock Hard MMA, World Kickboxing Academy, Evolve and Rio Pro for stepping up and sending so many strong competitors.  They made the day shine.  And all those competitors brought friends and family to cheer them on.  The gym parking lot was filled to capacity by 2:30, people had to get creative and were parking down by the gymnastics school.  With results like this it’s a sure bet that planning for the 4th annual IGC will begin soon.  Jason has already put out the idea of hosting smaller smoker style events during year.  Be sure to give him your feedback when you see him at the gym.

The double elimination tournament was set out on two mats to determine 7 weightclass champions.  GR fielded nearly 20 competitors from its membership, of them, George Comer, Joe Callari, Josh Zivic, Steve Hetzel, Dan Ramiaciatto and Nikilai Gionti finished in the top two of their respective weightclasses.  Details are below.

GR Team: George Comer 1 @ 170, Jeff Offak 1 @ 135,  Joe Callari 2 @ 185, Josh Zivcic 2 @ 155, Steve Hetzel 2 @ 145 behind Isaiah Chapman  Dan Ramiaciatto 1st @185 something like 20 GR members competed.  Nikilai Gionti 2nd @ 135 trained GR for months and is now away at college.


Participating Gyms
StrongStyle - Marcus Marinelli
Rock Hard MMA - Brain Walsh
World Kickboxing Academy - Ryan Madigan
Evolve - John Cook
Rio Pro - Mike Riedel


Division Results
135:1st: Jeff Offak, 2nd: Nikilai Gionti
145:  1st: Isaiah Chapman, 2nd: Steve Hetzel
155: 1st: AJ Bondurant, 2nd: Josh Zivcic
170: 1st: George Comer, 2nd: Jeffrey Butkovich
185: 1st: Daniel Ramacciato, 2nd: Joe Callari
205: 1st: Josh Lasiich (Action Automotive Most Submissions prize), 2nd: Rusty Lockhart
265: 1st: William Harmon, 2nd: Rodney Wells

Special thanks to our tournament sponsors:

Written by: Bob Donaghy 

GriffonRawl MMA Respects Wrestling!

Do you miss the competitive atmosphere of the high school wrestling room? Are you looking to get back to your old fighting weight? Do you want to take the skills you learned in wrestling and begin a new career in MMA? GriffonRawl MMA Academy NEEDS YOU! The mental and physical toughness that you developed on the wrestling mat is the solid foundation needed to compete in MMA.

GriffonRawl MMA Academy, located in Mentor, is kicking off the wrestling season with a free offer for ex-wrestlers looking to take their wrestling skills into the MMA world. During the month of November, Jason Dent and the GriffonRawl MMA Academy, are offering ex-wrestlers a chance to see if MMA is for them! Jason Dent, owner of GriffonRawl, who trained under Legendary Wrestler/ UFC Star Dan Henderson on Season 9 of the Ultimate Fighter is offering a free intro class and free MMA for the rest of November to ex-wrestlers in the Greater Cleveland area. Bring your cauliflower ear and your old wrestling shoes to 6090 Pinecone Drive in Mentor, Ohio to see if you have what it takes to make it in the world of Mixed Martial Arts.

Please contact Jason, Chuck or George to start your free training in the month of November at (440) 358-9371 . See the list below of former wrestlers who have trained at GriffonRawl and have taken their wrestling skills to a new level! See the link below for contact information and to learn more about this FREE MMA offer right here in Mentor, Ohio.

Here is list of GriffonRawl's Official Fight Team Pro Fighter Page
http://www.ohio-mma.com/Programs/professionals ,
as well as the Amateur Fighter Page - http://www.ohiomma.com/Programs/amateurs

Fighter Wrestling History!

• George Comer (GR Professional Fighter) - Ledgemont High School, Mount Union-Freshman of the year-team captain.
• AJ Carl - Mentor-state qualifier
• Chuck Schilling - Mentor
• Jim Payne - Perry High School, 3 years at Baldwin Wallace
• Matt Hopkins - Madison
• Miguel Defina - Geneva, Lakeland CC Wrestling Club.
• Thomas Salvatore - Madison
• Daniel Ramacciato - 2 years St. Ignatius, 2 years at St. Joes
• Alex Frenk - Brush
• Cody Lewis - 3 years Ravenna Southeast, 1 year Grand Valley
• Ahmad Douglas - 1 year Riverside
• Paul Compton (GR Professional Fighter) - Madison-state qualifier, Heidelberg college
• Donny Walker (GR Professional Fighter) - 1 year Ledgemont, 1 year in the Army
• Brad Buckovics - 5th & 6th grade 
• Jason Dent (GR Professional Fighter) - 1 year Ledgemont, has traveled to Oregon to train in seminar with Legendary Wrestler/UFC Champion Randy Couture, trained under Legendary Wrestler/UFC Star Dan Henderson on Season 9 of the Ultimate Fighter.

Adapted from an original article by:  Bob  Donaghy
Original article on Mentor High Wrestling: HERE

Happy 10th Anniversary GriffonRawl!

Ten years ago this October Jason Dent opened the doors of 6090 Pinecone Drive and declared it the new home of the GriffonRawl Academy.  Just two years earlier when Jason took over the operation of GriffonRawl from Dan Rawlings and started its transformation, it was sharing space with a Karate School to make ends meet.  Jason grew GriffonRawl, along the way learning the lessons needed to create an independent school, and executed his plan.  Ten years on, growth in size, in services, in hard won experience, and most importantly, in members and friendships have built the academy we know today.  

 A great gym is more than equipment, mats, solid walls and a roof.   The key is the solid relationships forged inside.  Starting with the first members, who brought in family and friends, who became friends of the Academy, and later friends with those who joined afterwards at the urging of their friends.  Today there are literally hundreds of people connected through their past or ongoing association with GriffonRawl.  Even members who have dropped away, are influenced by their time with the Academy, and so they're still part of the GriffonRawl family.

One of the highlights is the development of the GriffonRawl Fight Teams, which are among the most accomplished in the state.  Few schools this size can claim of two UFC fighters, a TUF finalist, 4 national amateur champions and more regional champions than we have room for on the Wall of Champions.  And not just in MMA, GriffonRawl has an enviable record in Muay Thai as well, largely thanks to the efforts of Kru Aaron "Juice" Veverka.  This Saturday two of GriffonRawl's amateur fighters will make their debut on the NAAFS Combat Challenge card in Akron.  Take a moment to wish good luck to Jeff Offak & Ahmad Douglas when you see them.

Recently Jason stepped up the pace adding even more seminars and events to the Academy calendar, and that's a trend that will continue.  The Dan Rawling seminar from last weekend was very successful, and is only most recent.  Relson Gracie, Jeff Monson, Kit Cope have all taught on the GriffonRawl mats.  This November marks the third annual IGC tournament, bigger and better this year with the addition of more invited competitors.  GriffonRawl is growing, and getting better, and will continue to grow and change in response to the needs of it's members, family and students.

*To celebrate the 10th anniversary month, and give something back to the members, Jason has decided to put all merchandise on sale, even the new colors and sizes just arrived for Fall.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Combat Challenge 25 Review

Ahmad Douglas Makes a Knockout Debut

Last Saturday, October 5th, NAAFS held the 25th show in their Combat Challenge series.  The event was in Akron's Chapparell's Community Center and featured 14 amateur fights.  At least that was the plan.  JJ Offak and Ahmad Douglas were to fight for GriffonRawl on the all amateur card, but JJ had the misfortune of seeing three opponents come and go before fight night.  In the end, with only 48 hours notice, he was left without an opponent, and Ahmad became the sole representative of GriffonRawl.  But Ahmad fought brilliantly, winning his debut fight by TKO at 1:00 of the first round.

This is what cornerman Chuck Schilling had to say, (Ahmad) "was winning the standup, then hit a double, lifted and brought him to our corner.  Mounted until he rolled, put in hooks and punched until it ended"   The picture says it all.

Congratulation Ahmad on a terrific debut and welcome to the GriffonRawl Fight Team.

Full card results:

Josh Paulus defeats John Mumaw, TKO round one (1:00)
Ahmad Douglas defeats Jason Stull, TKO round one (1:00)
Scottie Moritz defeats Geoff Salyers, unanimous decision
Seth Shaffer defeats Ray Gillies, unanimous decision
Cody Tominak defeats Hassan Crutcher, unanimous decision
Nick Foxhuber defeats Fadi Shuman, RNC round two (1:20)
Jeff Hughes defeats James Bunn, RNC round 2 (1:17)
Josh Krizan defeats Caleb Fickert, unanimous decision
Jerrell Hodge defeats Cheyne Jenkins, arm triangle round two (0:55)
JT Miller defeats Cory Bresson, TKO round one (1:24)
Nick Browne defeats Izzy William, unanimous decision
RJ Buck defeats Tobiaus Taylor, armbar round 3 (2:43)

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Dan Rawlings Seminar Sells Out!

Last Saturday the founder of GriffonRawl came back to his roots and delivered back to back sold out seminars.  The Dan Rawlings seminar last Saturday delivered elite level instruction to all who attended.

Though the mats were full for both two hour sessions.  Each student had time with Dan, getting one on one training in Muay Thai and boxing.  Those who couldn't make it missed out on great training opportunity.  But do not despair, the plan is to have Dan back again in  May, June, or July.

After the seminar much of the group went to GriffonRawl's sponsor sports bar The Happy Moose for drinks and dinner.  As usual the Moose provided a good time for all.

SPECIAL THANKS to our sponsors for this weekends Dan "Tanis" Rawlings Boxing & Muay Thai seminar. Thank you Happy Moose Bar and Grill, Intimidation Clothing, Rock House, Action Automotive, & East Mentor Family Chiropractic!!!

 Written by: Bob Donaghy

World Kickboxing Academy Smoker Results

Five GriffonRawl members made it to Stow for the World Kickboxing Academy’s first Smoker.  We came away 3-2.  Joe Callari, Ahmad Douglas and Logan Urban all won, Rex Briggs and Nice Pruter came away on the losing end of their fights.  All the fighters were warriors and fought well. 

While WKA is new facility the smoker was well run and very well attended.  GriffonRawl members, friends and supporters easily outnumbered all other groups at the event.  Thanks to everyone who came.  It's a great way to support  the Academy and your fellow members.

Smokers are for fun and experience.  The results are not recorded, not part of the fighter’s record and Smoker do not affect in any way consideration for the  Fight Team.  The experience is important and practice outside the familiar surroundings of the academy prepares the fighter for the world of professional competition.  Smoker fights are a pro fighter tool available to every member of the academy.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Jeff Curran Seminar a Big Hit

It took Dent, Swift and Walker together
to do it, but they 'submitted' Curran

Jeff 'Big Frog' Curran actually delivered two seminars on Saturday.  The first, a two hour gi session brought 22 onto the mat, and the second, a two hour no-gi session brought out 24 with about 50% overlap in attendance. 

Both seminars were very detailed with lots of direct coaching.  Jason said, “Jeff's hands on approach went over really well with the classes.  It was very technical, and the guys learned a lot.  It's clear why his seminars are so popular.  We will try to get Jeff back here again for sure.”
With the great support shown for this seminar Jason intends to continue the GR tradition of bringing in big name famous fighters to meet and train with our members.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Comer Wins at Caged Vengeance 13

George Comer extended his winning streak impressively last night at NAAFS Caged Vengenance 13 by submitting BJJ ace Stephen Singleton with a head - arm choke in the second round of their three round fight.

Comer and Singleton came into the fight with nearly identical records (Comer 10-1, Singleton 9-1), though Singleton had been far  more active over the last 12 months, with 4 of his 7 consecutive wins coming in 2012.  Six of those wins were by submission in the first round of the fight.  Singleton also boasted a significant height and reach advantage, which figured prominently in Jason Dent's fight strategy.

GR Boxing Coach Donny
Walker wrapping Comer's hands

Comer got the takedown early in the first round, and dominated the round in top position with Singleton attacking from his back.  The second round was the same story with Comer getting the takedown and establishing control early.  From there it was a back and forth submission battle with Comer nearly caught in a deep triangle thrown up from the bottom by Singleton. In the end though Comer's dominant positioning allowed him to snag an arm and lock in the choke.  Comer's pro record is now 2-1, with a perfect record of finishes.

This win marks the end of Comer's exclusive contract with NAAFS, and the beginning of his time as a free agent.  His manager and head coach, Jason Dent says "We intend to keep George busier this year.  He's ready to fight away from his home turf."

The GR Team showing how to support a fighter

George was sponsored for this fight by Intimidation Clothing, Action Automotive, and the Happy Moose Bar & Grill

Written by: Bob Donaghy