WKA Kicks off the Holidays with a Smoker

Ryan Madigan's World Kickboxing Academy will host their second Smoker to round out 2013. Back in July GR sent a five man team to their first Smoker, this time around Erica Brooke joins Khalil Joseph Khalil, Jim Payne, Joe Callari, & GR Pro Bryon McCroskey to compete for GriffonRawl. Make the trip with us and support the GR Team!

Smokers are for fun and experience. They are free to the public, the results are not recorded, and not part of the fighter’s record. Members use them to get experience and practice outside the familiar surroundings of the academy.  Fight team members use them the same way. Smoker fights are a pro tool available to every member of the academy.

What: World Kickboxing Academy Smoker
When: December 20, 2013
Where: 3301 Kent Rd., Stow, Ohio 44224
Time: Weigh in at 6 pm.  Fights start: 7 pm
Cost:  Free

Written by: Bob Donaghy

3rd Annual GriffonRawl Christmas Party

2013 is nearly done, and yes, that means it time for the 3rd Annual GriffonRawl Christmas Bash. The first two parties were huge successes, but that’s no reason not to set the bar even higher this year!  Round up your friends and celebrate the season with your GR Family!

2013 was amazing, it's time to celebrate our good fortune and gratitude for the Season. Bring your Holiday cheer, wear an ugly sweater (optional), and bring your friends (or just a sweater and bring your ugly friends). This year the party will have something for everyone. Of course there will be Christmas music, and lots of food (Bring Food - it’s Pot Luck). Last year the Corn Hole Tournament was a big hit. This year there will be three boards running, and a PS3 setup for the gamers. If you’re not feeling so competitive so close to the Holidays, we have a 50-50 raffle. So before you get off the couch, reach back and find some change for a good cause. But if you are feeling really competitive, we have that covered too: The GriffonRawl Christmas Brawl. What is more on the mark for the Season of Joy than two friends trading punches in the the ring? This event is for current GR members only: One round of regulation boxing - wearing a Santa (or Elf) hat. The rules are simple: You lose your hat, you lose the match. We will take a list of those wanting to spar and draw names to determine match ups. These are just matches for fun and not actually fights.

Who: You (and everyone else)

What: Christmas!

Where: GriffonRawl Academy: 6090 Pinecone Drive, Mentor, OH

When: December 21st (Saturday) at 6 pm

Why: Really, Scrooge?

How Much: It's FREE.. but bring food please, it's pot luck

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Written by: Bob Donaghy

Ahmad Douglas Fights Again on December 7th

December 7th Ahmad Douglas gloves up again for GriffonRawl, this time as a member of the Academy Fight Team. Ahmad is coming off of a 1st round TKO victory this past October 5th over Jason Stull. NAAFS Night of Champions 2013 will take place at Chapparell’s Community Center in Akron (details below).  Ahmad will be sponsored by Intimidation clothing. Though most of the card is set as of this posting, the card is always subject to change. The all amateur card features a bout to decide the 2013 NAAFS Amateur Middleweight title with JT Miller (5-0) facing Cody Tominack.


Other matchups announced:

Mario Micale (7-5) v Seth Shaffer (5-0).
RJ Buck (12-4) v Jerrell Hodge (9-1).
Nick Browne (9-1) v Nick Foxhuber (7-1).
Josh Krizan (7-1) v AJ Dobson (6-0).

Also: Dave Lastafka, Nick Dowe, Katlyn Chookagian, Dave Bever and Scottie Moritz.

Tickets are available either through Ahmad or Jason Dent (contact info below).

What: Night of Champions 2013
Date: December 7, 2013
Where: Chapparell’s Community Center, 2418 S. Arlington Rd Akron OH 44319
When: Doors Open at 5:00 PM, Event Starts at 6:30 PM
Contact: Call Jason @  440-358-9371 or contact Ahmad Douglas  (links to FaceBook)
Price: See NAAFS website: HERE

Full fight card to be announced


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Written by: Bob Donaghy

Get Ready for the Third Annual IGC Tournament

It's nearly time again for the GriffonRawl IGC Nogi Submission Tournament.  Even bigger than last year,  it will be 7 weight classes, double elimination, everyone gets a chance to compete multiple times.

Brackets are already filling up, and we're making an effort to bring in outside gyms, so call and sign up today!

2012 Class Winners

Every class (135, 145, 155, 170, 185, 205, 265) will be represented.  Weight limits will be strictly enforced.  If you can't make weight, be prepared to fight up, or sit it out.  This year first place gets a trophy and 2nd gets a medal. 

The tournament is open to all comers, not just GR members.  If you're not a member of GriffonRawl, we want you to come, but you have to call ahead to be seeded. Contact Jason Dent: 440-358-9371 to make arrangements.  You can't just show up the day of the tournament and expect to be seeded.

What: GR IGC III
Date: November 23, 2013
Where: GriffonRawl Academy, 6090 Pinecone Drive  Mentor, OH
When: Weigh Ins 2 to 3pm, Rules Meeting 3pm, Tournament to follow Rules.
Contact: Jason Dent (440) 358-9371
Price: $20 early registration, $30 registration day of the tournament

This year our returning sponsors are:

• Intimidation Clothing
• Action Automotive
• Roctagon MMA

   

And this year we have two new sponsors:

• The Happy Moose Bar & Grill
• Lake County Speedway

 

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Written by: Bob Donaghy

Jason Dent to Main Event for Provincial Fighting Championshps

October 26th Jason Dent breaks out the cold weather clothes early and heads North to trade punches in the main event for the Provincial Fighting Championships of London, Ontario.

His opponent will be Canadian MMA mainstay,  Chris "The Polish Hammer" Horodecki (19-4).  Horodecki has a broad resume with fights in IFL, WEC, Bellator, and several smaller promotions.  Since his release from Bellator in April of 2012, he's recorded a 'no contest' (head wound) and a win.  His most recent fight, one of only 4 submission wins in his career, was on July 20th. 

This fight marks Jason's return to active fighting after 17 months focusing on developing other fighters on the GriffonRawl teams.  In Horodecki Jason faces an opponent who will stand rather than go for takedowns, and will go for the early finish, exactly the kind of fight Jason Dent looks for.  . 

PFC has travel packages available on their site, for fans wanting to make the trip and support their favorite fighter.

What: Provincial Fighting Championships: Unrivaled
Where: London, ONT Canada: Western Fair Agriplex, 845 Florence St., London, N5W 6G6, Ontario, Canada
When: October 26, 2013
Time: First bell at 7 pm, Doors open at 5 pm
Tickets: 888-SIMREN1 or 519-438-6936  $100 VIP, $75 Floor, $50 General
Site: Provincial Fighting Championships





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Written by: Bob Donaghy

GR Debuts Two Fighters at Combat Challenge 25

Two GR amateurs make their MMA debuts on October 5th: Ahmad Douglas & Jeffrey James Offak glove up to test themselves in the NAAFS cage.   Both Douglas and Offak have successful experience in grappling tournaments and smokers and Jason Dent feels both are ready to make the jump to MMA.

JJ Offak says he was supposed to make his debut in June : "...but they were not able to find me a fight. I've had kickboxing smoker and an MMA smoker that I did in Tucson Arizona, grappling tournaments experience. But this will be my first sanctioned MMA fight."

This is more than just a debut fight for both men, a win in the NAAFS cage will qualify them for the amateur team.  Coach Chuck Schilling will be in charge of fight prep as well as cornering both men on the 5th.

What: NAAFS Combat Challenge 25
When: Oct 5, 2013  Doors open at 5 pm, first bell at 6:30 pm
Where: Chapparell’s Community Center, 2418 S. Arlington R, Akron OH 44319
Tickets: Call Jason @  440-358-9371 or contact Ahmad Douglas or JJ Offak (links to FaceBook)

145# Ahmad Douglas, GriffonRawl (0-0) v Joseph Weise, Independent  (0-0)
125# JJ Offak, GriffonRawl (0-0) v Steven Smith


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Written by: Bob Donaghy

Dan Rawlings Returns to GriffonRawl!

Dan Rawlings, the founder of GriffonRawl, returns to the academy for the first time in two years for a seminar on September 28th.  The seminar, in two parts over four hours, will hammer home some of Dan's wisdom and experience in the fine art of striking.  Dan's expertise, homed over a 15 year career as a professional Muay Thai fighter, is a important resource for the academy, which we do not get to sample often enough, and should not be missed.  While the GriffonRawl Muay Thai program is rightfully considered to be one of the best in the area, having a guest instructor of Dan Rawlings rank is rare and all academy members with a sincere interest in advancing their striking game are encourage to attend.

After the second session, join us at The Happy Moose in Mentor (formerly Cleats) at the intersection of rt 306 and rt 2.

Many thanks to our seminar sponsors: Intimidation Clothing,  The Happy Moose, , The Rock House Gym, Action Automotive and East Mentor Family Chiropractic in Mentor.



Dan founded GriffonRawl Academy in Ohio in 1997.  He now lives in Florida where he operates two GriffonRawl academies.   Dan is a Pro Muay Thai fighter & a Pro Boxer as well. In Muay Thai Dan has competed internationally for years. He is also a certified Muay Thai Instructor under Kru Vut Kamnark of the U.W.M.T.A.

When: Saturday, Sept 28, 2013
Time: 2-4 pm Boxing, 4:30 - 6:30 Muay Thai
What: 2 hours Boxing, 2 hours Muay Thai
Where: GriffonRawl MMA Academy: 6090 Pinecone Dr. Mentor, Ohio 44060
Call:  (440) 358-9371
Afterward: At 6:30 pm, The Happy Moose 7693 Reynolds Rd  Mentor, OH 44060
Cost: $30 for Boxing seminar, $30 for Thai seminar, or $50 for both
Day of Cost: $40 for Boxing, $40 for Thai, both seminars for $60

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Vanyo Martial Arts Summer Kickboxing Smoker

September 13th marks the second Vanyo Martial Arts Smoker for 2013.  This time the turnout will be better than the first smoker when Khalil Khalil  was the sole representative of GR.  Five GR warriors will travel to Strongsville to glove up.  Make the trip with us and support the GR Team!

Jon Reeves vs TBA 140lbs
Khalil Khalil  vs TBA 125lbs
George Comer vs TBA 165lbs
Russ Herbert vs TBA 205lbs
Paul Compton vs TBA 150lbs
Tim Stafford vs TBA 150lbs

Smokers are for fun and experience.  The results are not recorded, not part of the fighter’s record and Smoker wins will not qualify a GR member for the Fight Team.  Members use them to get experience and practice outside the familiar surroundings of the academy.  Fight team members use them the same way.  Smoker fights are a pro tool available to every member of the academy.

What: Vanyo Kickboxing Smoker
When: September 13, 2013
Where: 19748 W. 130th St, Strongsville, Ohio 44136
Time: Weigh in at 6 pm.  Fights start: 7 pm
Cost:  Free

Vanyo Martial Arts site: HERE



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Written by: Bob Donaghy

GriffonRawl Sends Two to Rock N' Rumble

This weekend two of GR's best up and coming amateurs step back in the cage right here in Cleveland for the 7th edition of NAAFS Rock N Rumble.  Joe Callari (170) takes on Toughman champ Eric Bledsoe of Bullpen and Anthony Disantis (170) fights Zack Trout from Triple Threat who is dropping down from 185 for the event.  Come out and cheer on your fight team on the biggest local fight event of the year.

What: Rock N' Rumble 7
Where: Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica 2014 Sycamore St Cleveland OH 44113
When: August 24, 2013 Doors open at 5, first bell at 6
How Much: $42 General Admission

Tickets are available at the gym or by calling Joe and Tony direct. 


Full Fight Card
Preliminary Amateur Bouts
135 lbs – Jason Alexander 1-0 (independent) vs Floyd Cisco 0-0 (Team DiSabato MMA)
155 lbs – Aaron McGraw 3-2 vs Nick Foxhuber 5-1 (Ronin Training Center)
150 lbs – Adken Torchia 1-0 (Independent) vs Tobiaus Taylor 2-0 (Rising Dragon)
145 lbs – Cheyne Jenkins 5-1 (Mad Dog Fight Team) vs Aaron Neighbors 7-4 (All Out Assault)
140 lbs –Zach Forrester 2-4 (OVMMA) vs Bhrandon Poindexter 6-9 (Evolve MMA)
185 lbs – Steve Stocker 2-0 (Triple Threat MMA) vs Hassan Crutcher 2-0 (Rising Dragon)
170 lbs – Eric Bledsoe 2-0 (Bullpen) vs Joe Callari 6-5 (GriffonRawl)
185 lbs –Rockey Clark 4-7 (Topp Dogg MMA) vs Scottie Weaver 6-3 (Ronin Training Center)
170 lbs – Zack Trout 2-0 (Triple Threat MMA)vs Anthony Disantis 2-1(GriffonRawl)
185 lbs – Lillo General 1-0 (Black Dragon Warlords) vs Darion Peterson 0-0 (Strong Style Fight Team)
155 lbs – Nick Browne6-1 (Uniontown Fight Club) vs Corey Dulaney 5-0 (Team DiSabato MMA)

Featured Professional Bouts
170 lbs – Chris Tucker 5-2 (Reed Academy of MMA) vs Dave Vandevelde 6-2-1 (Wrestling Factory Cleveland)
145 lbs – Antonio Castillo Jr 14-4 (Instigator Fight Team) vs Brett Ewing 12-3 (American Top Team)
145 TITLE – Frank Caraballo 12-5 (Fearless Fight Team) vs Chase Beebe 24-10 (Gilbert Grappling)
185 TITLE – Travis Clark 13-1 (Evolve MMA) vs Elias Theodorou 7-0 (Team Empire/GrantsMMA)
205 TITLE – John Hawk 13-4-1 (Strong Style Fight Team) vs Josh Stansbury 14-4 (Team Impact)


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Written by: Bob Donaghy

Five GriffonRawl Fighters to Compete in First WKA Kickboxing Smoker

July 19th five GR members make the trip to Stow, OH for the World Kickboxing Academy’s first Smoker.  WKA is a new facility owned and run by longtime GR friend and associate Ryan Madigan.  There will be a after party at Chelsea's restaurant/bar located right down the road. Make the trip with us and support the GR Team!

175#     Joe Callari          v     Andrew Law  pro
150#    Ahmad Douglas  v     Ryan Joyce 1-0 (Rising Dragon)
190#    Logan Urban       v    Hassan  0-0 (Rising Dragon)
135#    Nick Pruter          v     RJ McKenzie (Team Scudova)
155#    Rex Briggs          v     Bob Koch 0-0

Smokers are for fun and experience.  The results are not recorded, not part of the fighter’s record and Smoker wins will not qualify a GR member for the Fight Team.  Members use them to get experience and practice outside the familiar surroundings of the academy.  Fight team members use them the same way.  Smoker fights are a pro tool available to every member of the academy.

What: World Kickboxing Academy Smoker
When: July 19, 2013
Where: 3301 Kent Rd., Stow, Ohio 44224
Time: Weigh in at 6 pm.  Fights start: 7 pm
Cost:  Free



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Link to WKA HERE

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Donny Walker Fights for Pinnicle Fighting Championships This Weekend

On June 29th Donny Walker travels to Pittsburgh, PA to glove up and fight for the Pinnacle Fighting Championships this weekend.  His opponent will be Mark Cherico (4-0 Pro).

Cherico is familiar to Cleveland fans for his three quick victories in the NAAFS cage.  One of which netted him the NAAFS 2011 Amateur 145# belt.  If 4-0 seems like a light record to face off with Walker, Cherico's 9-0 amateur record and 100% finishing rate can even the playing field.

Walker and Cherico share one opponent, Billy Vaughn.  Walker finished Vaughn by RNC at 2:58 of the first round.  Cherico submitted Vaughn by armbar at 4:36 of round one. 



Tickets are available through Donny Walker or on the PFC web site HERE

Pinnacle Fighting Championships: Pittsburgh Challenge Series 3
Where: Canonsburg, PA 15317
When: June 29, 2013
Time: Doors open at 6, fight start at 7
Sponsored by Intimidation Clothing


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Written by Bob Donaghy

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