Dent, Comer and Sam Callari at Fight Night in the Flats IX

Three of GriffonRawl's best will glove up for the NAAFS Summer blockbuster event on June 1st.  NAAFS traditionally pulls out all the stops for the first big show of the Summer and this year does not disappoint.  The card is a Who's Who of fighters who rose through the NAAFS system.  Dent, Petz, Eye, Blackwell, Taylor and Duell are all featured along with many more who are still making their marks.

Sammy Callari (3-1) kicks it off for GR at 155# in the preliminary card against Evolve MMA's Izzie William (4-1).   George Comer (11-1, 155#) goes next on the main card against Brian Camozzi (5-0, Factory X, Denver, CO).  Camozzi is the younger brother of UFC fighter Chris Camozzi.  Jason Dent rounds out the evening for GR, no opponent has been announced for Jason yet.

Fight Nite in the Flats IX will take place at the Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica in downtown Cleveland, Ohio on Saturday June 1st. Doors open at 5 pm with first bell scheduled for 5:30 pm (prelims).

What: NAAFS Fight Night in the Flats
Where: Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica, 2014 Sycamore Street Cleveland, OH 44113
When: June 1st, 2013
What Time: Doors open at 5 pm, first bell at 5:30 pm (prelims)
Tickets: Contact either the fighter or Jason Dent at the Academy 440-358-9371
Website: NAAFS


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Written by: Bob Donaghy

Come to the Jeff Curran Seminar!

GR keeps the seminars coming this April when legendary MMA fighter Jeff 'Big Frog' Curran comes to train with us and share some of his knowledge.  Curran's career has taken him around the world with fights in the UFC, Strikeforce, PRIDE Fighting Championship, WEC, IFL, and KOTC.  He's fought in 4 different weight classes and will bring all that experience to GR on April 6th.  

Jeff holds a rank of 2nd degree black belt under Professor Pedro Sauer.  He is also known as one of the most technical instructors in the Pedro Sauer Jiu-Jitsu Association.

The seminar will consist of two parts: two hours of gi instruction and two hours of no-gi

Pictures & Autographs after the seminar.

What: Jeff Curran Seminar
Where: GriffonRawl Academy
When: Saturday, May 18, 2013
What Time: 2-4pm Gi, 4-6pm NoGi
How Much: Pre Reg Cost: $50 for Gi or NoGi, $80 for both
For More Information:  440-358-9371




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Written by: Bob Donaghy

Five GR Fighters Sign Up for Combat Challenge 24

GR has 5 guys fighting in the NAAFS Cage Fighting event that will be held on Saturday April 27th in Akron.  Two of our fight team and three GR members will glove up and fight the best of the local talent in their weight classes.  Be sure to reserve the day and come out to support the Academy.  Doors open at 6 pm.

Tickets will be on sale at the Academy soon.

• John Burbol v Jonathan Flores at 170lbs
• Joe Callari v Wayne Laurray  at 170 lbs
• Dan Vandevender Kyle Scharsentraub at 145lbs
• Cody Lewis v Terry Smith at 135lbs
• Josh Belle v Nick Rados at 170 lbs

(Card is subject to change depending on the availability of the fighters)

What: Combat Challenge 24
Where: Chaparell's Community Center 2418 S Arlington Rd, Akron, OH
When: April 27, 2013 Doors Open at 6 pm


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Written by: Bob Donaghy

Comer Fights at Caged Vengeance 13

GR has one fighter appearing on the March 30th NAAFS card in Medina, but he's one of our best.  Making his 3rd pro appearance  George Comer (10-1 am/pro) will face Stephen Singleton (9-1 am/pro) who will be making his NAAFS debut.  This will be Singleton's second fight as a pro.  Singleton rides a 7 fight winning streak into Medina, all, with the exception of a split decision,  either by armbar or choke in the first round. 

Be sure to show up to support George.  With so many of his opponents backing out, NAAFS had to go a long way to find someone.  They did their homework.  If George was hoping for a light workout after a long layoff from the cage, he's not getting it on the 30th.

For tickets contact George Comer or Jason Dent at: 440-358-9371

What: Caged Vengeance 13
Where: Stark County Fairgrounds, Wertz Avenue Northwest, Canton, OH
When: March 30, 2013 Doors Open at 6 pm

The fight card:

135 TITLE – Bryan Goldsby 21-15 (Team Gurgel) vs Isaiah
Chapman 16-1 (Rock Hard MMA)

185 lbs – Dominique Steele 14-4-1 (Vision MMA) vs Travis
Clark 12-1 (Evolve MMA)

145 lbs – Anthony Morgan 11-0 (Fit Factory/Gracie Elite)
vs Antonio Castillo Jr 13-4 (Instigator Fight Team)

170 lbs – Nick Duell 20-6-1 (Strong Style Fight Team) vs TBA

150 lbs – Antonio Hervey 21-15 (Stealth Squad) vs Frank
Caraballo 19-8 (Fearless Fight Team)

205 lbs – Ray Lopez 11-3 (Xtreme MMA) vs John Hawk 13-4-1
(Strong Style Fight Team)

155 lbs – Stephen Singleton 9-1 (Vision MMA) vs George
Comer 10-1 (GriffonRawl)

170 lbs – AJ Dobson 3-0 (Team Carlson Gracie) vs Dustin
Wolf 4-0 (Strong Style Fight Team)

145 lbs – Cory Ruthsatz 7-5 (Evolve MMA) vs RJ Buck 9-4 (Strong
Style Fight Team)

145 lbs – Jena Baldwin 2-0 (Eric Hibler’s MMA) vs Jessica
Zomcik 6-3 (Evolve MMA)

265 lbs – Jordan Beverly 5-1 (Walker’s Mauy Thai) vs Jon
English 3-0 (Strong Style Fight Team)

155 lbs – Timmy Bowman 0-0 (Independent) vs Tyler Walsh
0-0 (Rock Hard MMA)

185 lbs – Steve Burton 7-3 (Evolve MMA) vs Stephan
Schlater 6-0 (Walker’s Mauy Thai)

170 lbs – Jon Davis 0-1 (All Heart MMA) vs Kyle Holt 1-0
(Team Impact)


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Seating Chart:Click HERE

Written by: Bob Donaghy

The American Grappling Challenge is Back!

The American Grappling Challenge is back in Ohio with another great event! 

Just 4 weeks away, this is shaping up to be one of the biggest events of 2013

There are No-Gi Open Divisions, & Female No-Gi Open Divisions, the Brown Belt Invitational and some of the regions most well known BJJ competitors & teams have been invited.   Training in the Academy with your friends is great, but never miss a chance for outside competition.  Everyone is encouraged to go and compete, or at least support your friends and teammate who are competing.

Jason Dent will compete in the Brown Belt invitational tournament.

Jason is one of the 8 competitors invited to the Brown Belt Invitational.  He's excited and honored to step outside his comfort zone and compete with all the great Brown Belts in the area.

Here are the competitors in the tournament

• BJ Nelson (Relson Gracie - Columbus)
• Anthony Crites (Saulo - Lima)
• Jon Bobel (Team Chard)
• Josh Souder (Gracie Cincinnati)
• Cameron Knight (Team Jorge Gurgel)
• Dan Swift (Team DNA)
• Darren Branch (Gracie Humaita - Cleveland)
• Jason Dent (GriffonRawl)

What: American Grappling Challenge  All-Ohio Open and Brown Belt Invitational Tournament
Where: Medina High School, 777 E. Union St. Medina, OH 44256
When: Saturday, March 16th  from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM EDT
How Much: Adult Mate: $85; Adult Female/Kids: $65
Contact: Dustin Ware, American Grappling Challenge, Ph: 614-288-0398
dustin@americangrapplingchallenge.com

Or register online HERE:

Do not forget, if you register online BEFORE February, 27, you will save $10 on your registration!


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Written by: Bob Donaghy

Come Help Us Celebrate 15 Years of GriffonRawl!

Join us at the Atlas Cinema on Sunday, March 3rd for the premier of the GriffonRawl Music Video!    We had this produced to celebrate and showcase the Academy's achievements, friends and supporters since our founding in 1997 and thought the big screeen at Atlas was the place to introduce it.  Most of our Academy gatherings have been on site, this year we're going to mix it up - Atlas Cinemas is just the start!

What: Debut of the GriffonRawl Music Video
Where: Atlas Cinema at Great Lakes Mall
When: Sunday, March 3rd, 2013 @ 3 pm
How Much: $3 donation per person at the door. All Pro and Amateur Fight Team members, and all Head and Assistant Instructors are admitted free.

The video covers GriffonRawl from it's founding to today.  With exclusive NAAFS video of every pro fighter and many of our amateurs.  The theater fits 300 so bring your family and friends.  After the video we will have a private screening of one of our favorite old school fight movies.  There will be prizes and giveaways throughout the evening

Special Guests:

• Greg Kalikas, Founder & CEO of NAAFS, the largest MMA promotion in 5 states;
• Rocky Nelson, Owner of The Rock House;
• GmonE, aka: Gregory Baughman, Record Exec/Hip Hop Artist and the voice of the video.

Longtime GriffonRawl sponsor Intimidation Clothing is providing giveaways for the event.


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Written by: Bob Donaghy

Gracie Seminar/Black Belt Promotion

Relson Gracie is back at GriffonRawl for a one hour seminar on February 3rd.  This the second Relson Gracie seminar at GriffonRawl since Jeff Starr achieved Black Belt and we expect a solid turnout.  This is short notice, and may be the only time Master Gracie will be at the academy this year, so it's an opportunity you will not want to miss.  Gi, no-gi, and MMA techniques will be covered. Proper training attire is expected.  You don't have to be a gym member to attend.

At the end of the seminar, Master Gracie will promote our own Tony Reel to Black Belt.  Tony's been training BJJ since 1999, and with GriffonRawl Head BJJ Instructor Jeff Starr for 8 years.  This is a landmark for Jeff as well since Tony is his first GR student to make Black Belt.

What: Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Seminar
Where: GriffonRawl MMA Academy
How Much: $40 prepaid, & $50 day of the seminar
When: Sunday, February 3rd, 2013
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 pm Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the seminar.

Relson Gracie is the second eldest son of the late Grandmaster Helio Gracie. He began learning jiu-jitsu at the tender age of two and was competing by age ten. He reigned as Brazilian National Champion for 22 consecutive years and was entirely undefeated during this period. His popularity grew, and he soon became known to many as “Campeao,” or “Champion.” In 1988, Relson moved to Hawaii to introduce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu to the Aloha State.


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Written by: Bob Donaghy