Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes at GriffonRawl

Some of you may have noticed that a few of the classes have been ‘over-staffed’ recently.  Specifically that GR Judo ace Mike Lachina has been tag teaming with Chuck Schilling in Chuck’s classes.  And some of you may have heard some rumors, well, one of them is true.  Chuck Schilling is moving on, at least as an instructor.  Starting October 1st, Mike Lachina will take over for Chuck in the Kids MMA on Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 to 6:15 as well as Adult MMA every Tuesday as George Comers assistant and every Saturdays Junior MMA from 11am to 12.

Chuck is not leaving GR, he will still train with us, but he’s stepping back from all official duties.  His departure is not sudden, it’s the result of his working towards a dream job. Aside from being an all around  badass on the mat and in the cage, Chuck is also a gifted musician.  Starting next month Chuck will be recording with The Vic Harris Band and he will tour with the band next Summer.  If you want to know more about The Vic Harris Band, there's a link to their site below.

GR Judo Black Belt/Coaches
Ron Russo & Mike Lachina

Mike Lachina comes in with very impressive credentials.  He is a Black Belt in Kodokan Judo and has more than 10 years experience coaching.  And Mike is a superior coach,  just ask one of his students - Chuck Schilling.  “I've had a great time coaching at GR, all the students and instructors have been awesome. I'm looking forward to coming back to the role of student again, it's been a while. Michael will do a great job with the classes, he's always been one of my favorite instructors and I've learned a ton from him through the years.”

So, no suprises on the 1st, when you come to class and find Mike in charge and perhaps Chuck in the lineup with you.  At least be sure to congratulate Chuck on chasing his dreams.

The Vic Harris Band  performs original modern country music!  We will get your blood pumping and take you on a live musical roller coaster ride! That’s why we were awarded “BEST OF CLEVELAND”  by CLEVELAND MAGAZINE!

Written by: Bob Donaghy

GR Adds Personal Training Program

GriffonRawl grows again with the addition of the Personal Training Program. Jason has named five instructors as sanctioned trainers for the gym. Jason and these five are the only people allowed to use the GR facility for private lessons.

If you're looking for a way to bring your game to the next level, to polish up some detail or just to get in better shape, a personal trainer can be a great investment.  The focused attention of GR's experts can put your training over the top.

In all, there are six trainers:

• Jeff Starr
• Donny Walker
• Chuck Schilling
• Aaron 'Juice' Veverka
• Jason Dent
• George Comer

Three Simple Rules:

1. Anyone can book time with any of the trainers, GR membership is not required.
2. Book your time directly with the trainer, not the gym.  Use email, Facebook or, or book with them face to face at the gym.
3. All lessons are pre-paid, no exceptions.  

Rates: 

All trainers, with the exception of Jeff Starr, are $40 per hour.  Jeff Starr is $60 per hour for GriffonRawl members, and $80 per hour for non-members.

Meet the Trainers:

Jeff Starr may have the deepest experience as a trainer of the group.  Jeff started in martial arts in 1988 and specialized in BJJ in 1993.  He is now a Relson Gracie Black Belt. Dozens of his students have gone on to win awards and accolades in both BJJ and MMA. His private lessons cover not just sport BJJ, also self defense (with and without, weapons). Jeff has been Head BJJ instructor for GR for the past 5 years.

Donny Walker can do it all.  A  pro MMA fighter with several fights in the UFC and titles in several promotions Donny has been Head Boxing instructor for GR for the past 6 years as well as been coaching/fighting for GriffonRawl for since its inception. Donny is a key member of the gym and his training and experience in law enforcement gives him excellent qualifications in self defense.

Chuck Schilling is a member of the GR Amateur Fight Team.  For 10 years Chuck was a coach for the Mentor High Wrestling Team, one of the best in the state.  He is currently Head Coach for GR’s Jr MMA program. Chuck tells us his instruction will  focus on grappling and strength and conditioning.  Chuck’s long background in coaching ensures a careful and complete training experience.


Kru Aaron “Juice” Veverka has been with GR since the “Danny days” (about 15 years)having fought under both Danny and Jason.

He is a certified Muay Thai instructor in Muay Thai in the Thai Boxing Association under Master Surachai Sirisute and has traveled the country to attend training seminars and camps to get his training.

Jason Dent is, of course, the owner of GriffonRawl, and one of the most experienced fighters and instructors in the Academy.  Jason was Head Instructor for the MMA program until turning the day to day responsibilities over to Chuck and George earlier this year. Jason has fought and won pro titles, won on the ultimate fighter, won in the UFC, and is currently a Brown Belt under Jeff Starr/Relson Gracie. Every current member of the gym has experienced Jason’s instruction at some point.  He is famously careful with detail and he remains the most requested instructor.

George Comer runs the GR Adult MMA program.  George, like Donny, can cover all the bases he’s another ‘do it all’ instructor with a formal certificate in personal training to back up his experience in the cage and in the gym. George was a 2x National Amateur NAAFS MMA Champion, is currently a 3-1 Professional MMA fighter, and has an extensive wrestling background both in high school and college.  If you're looking to take your conditioning to the next level, George is your guy.

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