Pereira Seminar a Success!

Successful seminars keep rolling out at GriffonRawl.  The latest was the Jorge Pereira BJJ seminar on Saturday, June 6.  It's rare to have someone the level of Jorge Pereira deliver a seminar, and we have Tony Reel to thank for it.  Tony trained under Master Pereira while on vacation in Miami.  Inspired by the training he spoke to Jason Dent about bringing him to GR. It was a 30 second decision.

The seminar had the good (bad?) luck of falling on one of the best days this summer.  You might expect a poor turnout with so few fine beach days available here, but in spite of the amazing weather 14 students showed for two hours of gi training and 11 for the following two hours of no gi.

The first session started at 11:30.  The size of the group allowed for plenty of personal attention and close observation of the techniques covered.  Because the group included 3 black belts, 3 brown and 2 purple, much of the training was on advanced technique.

The 2 pm session, for no gi, concentrated on the application of BJJ to

mixed martial arts fighting.  A few gi only students left, to be replaced by members of the GR fight team.  Each session ended with a round of applause for Master Pereira.

GR wants to thank Tony Reel for suggesting the seminar to Jason, and Reel's Auto Sales for sponsoring the event.  The turnout was great, and the reaction of the students so positive it’s certain we will have Master Pereira up again soon.

The seminar was also sponsored by Intimidation Clothing and Defense Soap




Written by: Bob Donaghy

GR Muay Thai Instructors Travel for Advanced Training

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Expanding on the GR’s commitment to advance the quality of instruction at the Academy, three of the Muay Thai instructors are traveling to a two day advanced seminar in State College, PA.  Juice Veverka, Russ Herbert and Jason Dent will make the 245 mile trip over the March 29th weekend. Instructors Mark Fredebaugh and Kevin Faraci were invited as well, but their work commitments made it impossible.

Central PA Mixed Martial Arts is is hosting Surachai "Chai" Sirisute for the two day seminar March 29th & 30th in State College, PA! This seminar will be the Thai Boxing installment of CPAMMA's "2014 MMA Seminar Series!"  Ajarn Chai is teaching the seminar.  Ajarn Chai is the President of the Thai Boxing Association of America and is credited with being the person who brought Muay Thai to the United States.

Expenses for this costly training will be covered by long time academy sponsor Reel’s Auto.  If you don’t know, that’s GR’s own Tony Reel.  Be sure to thank Tony for his generous support the next time you see him around the gym.  Also be sure to stop out to Reel’s Auto in Orwell  next time you need a new car.

Reel’s Auto



What: Thai Boxing Seminar
Date: March 29th & 30th (Saturday & Sunday)
Where: Central PA Mixed Martial Arts, 1700 South Atherton St., State College, PA
When:  First Session: 10:30 am to 12:30. Second Session: 1:30 to 4:30
Fee & Registration: See Website

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Dedication Pays Off for Tony Reel

 

About two months ago, long time GR member Tony Reel had a major disappointment.  When Relson Gracie visited GR, he administered belt testing for several members.  Tony was trying for his Black Belt.  Master Gracie felt there were one or two details in Tony's technique that needed polishing before the belt could be awarded.  Rather than dwell on his disappointment and let it turn into useless anger, Tony doubled down on his training and made the suggested adjustments.  This is how progress is made.

In April he broadened his exposure to new technique with a trip to Miami for the Rickson Gracie seminar.  On May 3rd you could find Tony on the mat at the Rodrigo Medeiros Seminar.  May 11th  Tony traveled to Pennsylvania with GR's BJJ coach, Jeff  Starr and he was retested by Relson Gracie.  His hard work paid off and Tony is GR's newest Black Belt.

Congratulations Tony, your dedication is a lesson for all of us.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Gracie Seminar and More Belt Promotions!

With only a week's notice the attendance at the Relson Gracie seminar last Saturday was still impressive.  Over a dozen hard core BJJ practitioners showed up to receive instruction from Master Gracie.

After the seminar both of GR's Steve Hetzel and Dan Vandevender were promoted to Purple Belt, and Jeff Starr was awarded a stripe on his Black Belt. Tony Reel tested for his Black Belt, and Relson felt he needed to review/work on his timing for some of the self defense techniques.  At GR we support our students, and we do things the right way.  Tony will complete his review, re-test in a few months and get the belt he's earned.

Written by: Bob Donaghy