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

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