GriffonRawl Fight Team Grows by Two

 

Two of GR's most dedicated members, Cody Lewis and Alex Frenk, fought their way onto the Fight Team at Roctagon 27 on June 15th.  Both took on talented opponents and came away with dominating wins.

Cody won by armbar over Dib Haddah in the third round, and Alex KO'd Ben Horton just 45 seconds into the first.  Alex showed amazing maturity in his MMA debut fighting off a guillotine and capitalizing to get the KO so quickly.  Cody took his time, and in the 3rd round worked his ground game perfectly from his back to get the armbar at 1:34.  Training pays off.  Congratulations to both of them.

Alex Frenk stays busy at GR.  He volunteers with the jr MMA program (his son is in the program).   He's also entered (and won) Muay Thai events.

Cody Lewis is 1-0 on smoker fights and is one of the most active GR fighters on the grappling tournament circuit. Cody has two MMA bouts under his belt (a couple of disappointing squeaker decisions), but with this win he gets his first finish and made the team.  Hard work and dedication pay off

Be sure to congratulate Cody and Alex when you see them in class

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Evolve Smoker Results

GR has had better showings at smokers, we went 1-1-3 this time around, but we do this for the fun and experience, and sometimes losing is the experience you get. Smokers are not sanctioned fights and don't count officially on anyones records. GR is always "Together in VICTORY & Together in DEFEAT"

Congratulations to Cody Lewis on the win, and Matt Vaccarellio in pulling out the draw. The three losses were only by decision and competitive.

We had an excellent turnout in support, and everyone fought with skilll and heart.  We walked in proud, and walked out the same way, just knowing more about what needs to be done to improve.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

GriffonRawl at the American Grappling Challenge

GR Team Fighter Steve Hetzel and GR member Cody Lewis traveled to Hamilton, OH on Saturday, January 12 to compete in the American Grappling Challenge Tri-State Grappling Championships.

Steve finished 1st in nogi and 3rd in gi at 140 lbs while Cody took 4th in gi at 155 lbs. It 's great to see our guys stepping up to get out there to broaden their experience.

American Grappling Challenge is the new name for the Ohio Grappling Challenge.  Click on the yellow link to visit their new site.

The next AGC event will be The All-Ohio Open on March 23rd in Canton, OH

Written by: Bob  Donaghy

GriffonRawl Goes 2-2 at Caged Vengeance 11

GriffonRawl went 2-2 tonight at NAAFS Caged Vengeance 11. Dan Rammacciato and Sammy Callari delivered dominating first round wins.  Cody Lewis fought hard and tough and John Burbol came very close to finishing his opponent before suffering a close decision loss.  It was a good night for Team GriffonRawl. 

Thank you to everyone who came for cheering on and supporting the team.  The fighters can hear you in the cage.  When you see Dan, Sammy, Cody and John at the academy be sure to congratulate for stepping up and fighting for the team.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

GriffonRawl Goes to NAGA

GriffonRawl sent eight members to Columbus for the North American Grappling Association tournament. Congrats to Tony Reel, Sammy Callari, Toni Disantis, Cody Lewis, & John Reeves on all placing. HARD WORK - PAYS OFF!!!

Also hats off to Joe Callari, Ryan Barnard, & Matt Vacarrelio for putting it on the line. Win or lose the whole team benefits from all of you competing and coming back more experienced and seasoned.

Placing

• Tony Reel: second for Gi (189lbs. Brown belt).
• Cody Lewis: second in NoGi (149lbs. Intermediate).
• Tony Disantis: first in NoGi and first in Gi (169lbs. Intermediate & Blue belt).
• John Reeves: second for NoGi & first for Gi (139lbs. Novice & White belt).
• Sammy Callari: second for NoGi and third for Gi (159lbs. Beginner & White belt). 

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Four GR Grapplers Place at the Kumite Classic

Congratulations to four GR Grapplers who traveled to Pittsburgh, PA this weekend to participate in the Kumite Classic and brought back enough awards to start their own Wall of Fame.

Ryan Lose and Joe Callari closed out both Gi and No Gi in their weight class.  Jon Reeves and Cody Lewis placed in their classes as well.

Details from Joe Callari: Ryan went 4-0 in gi he won the first 3 by points then beat me in the finals at a rear naked choke, I went 3-1 in gi.  I won first by points, second by armbar, third by points then lost to Ryan in finals. Cody went 1-1 won by triangle choke then lost the next one by armbar. John went 0-2 in gi lost by points then lost by triable to Cody. In no gi Ryan went 3-1 one first by anaconda, won second by armbar, won third by points then lost to me in finals by darce choke. I went 4-0 in no gi won first by kimura, second by armbar, third by guillotine choke then beat Ryan in finals with darce choke. Cody went 2-1 won first by armbar second by armbar. lost in finals by points. Jon went 1-1 lost by triangle then one by rear naked choke.......... Ryan came in first in gi and second in no gi..... I came in second in gi and first in no gi..... Cody came in second in gi and no gi..... John came in second in no gi

Next year it would be great to send an even bigger group down, and collect some more gold!

For videos, try Joe Callari's YouTube Channel here

Written by Bob Donaghy