Sutton and Porter Advance in Belt Ranking

As of last Monday, add two more names to the ranks of GR produced belt promotions.  Congratulations to Matt Porter on achieving Purple Belt, and William  Sutton for reaching Blue Belt status.

Matt Porter started BJJ training under Jeff Starr at GR in May of 2011.  BJJ was his sole focus. Just a year later he was awarded his Blue Belt (May 2, 2012).  He also competed in the first and second IGCs and once, last year, in the Columbus AGC. He plans to make use of his advanced standing to compete more in 2015.

William Sutton started BJJ at GR as well, putting his Gi on for the first time on New Years Day 2014.  It should be said that making Blue Belt in only 10 months shows both unusual aptitude and dedication to training.  That he’s managed this progress while also taking MMA classes, competing in outside tournaments and even his first cage fight is even more impressive.  Maybe the cross training accelerated his progress towards his Blue Belt.

Be sure to congratulate Matt and Bill when you see them around the Academy, and don’t forget to congratulate Jeff on two more home grown talents.

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