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

World Kickboxing Academy Smoker Results

Five GriffonRawl members made it to Stow for the World Kickboxing Academy’s first Smoker.  We came away 3-2.  Joe Callari, Ahmad Douglas and Logan Urban all won, Rex Briggs and Nice Pruter came away on the losing end of their fights.  All the fighters were warriors and fought well. 

While WKA is new facility the smoker was well run and very well attended.  GriffonRawl members, friends and supporters easily outnumbered all other groups at the event.  Thanks to everyone who came.  It's a great way to support  the Academy and your fellow members.

Smokers are for fun and experience.  The results are not recorded, not part of the fighter’s record and Smoker do not affect in any way consideration for the  Fight Team.  The experience is important and practice outside the familiar surroundings of the academy prepares the fighter for the world of professional competition.  Smoker fights are a pro fighter tool available to every member of the academy.

Written by: Bob Donaghy