IGC 4: Time to Get Your Grapple On

IGC 1 1st place

It’s nearly time for GR’s own Kumite: the IGC.  Originally conceived as a GR only competition, it quickly evolved into an invitational. Every year Jason and the coaches decide which gyms (and a few individuals) to extend invitations to.  Only the best of the best are invited, making the IGC the most competitive grappling day of the year at GriffonRawl.  This year Jason is inviting even more guest grapplers from other gyms with  bigger and better trophies and two more weight classes.

IGC 2 1st& 2nd

This tournament is so competitive there have been very few repeat winners; the only three-peat Gold medalist is George Comer.  It is hoped, even with his new responsibilities, that he will find time to hit the mat again this year and defend his streak.

IGC 3 1st & 2nd

November 22nd will be here fast, and the brackets are limited.  So sign up now, and get motivated to train.







What: 4th Annual IGC Tournament
Date:  Saturday, November 22, 2014
Where: GriffonRawl MMA Academy 6090 Pinecone Dr Mentor, OH 44060
When: Weigh In: 2 to 3pm, Rules Meeting: 3pm, Tournament to follow Rules.
Register: $30 for early registration, $40 to register at the door.  Call Jason Dent: 440-358-9371 to register.

This event is FREE to fans, family, friend,s and the public.

The tournament format is the same: double elimination, but there are two more weight classes: Flyweight (125 lbs), and Super Heavyweight (265+ lbs).  The full range of classes is listed just below.

 - 125lbs Flyweight
 - 135lbs Bantamweight
 - 145lbs Featherweight
 - 155lbs Lightweight
 - 170lbs Welterweight
 - 185lbs Middleweight
 - 205lbs Light Heavyweight
 - 265lbs Heavyweight
 - 265lbs & up/Super Heavyweight

Every class has trophies for 1st and medals for 2nd.  Weight limits will be strictly enforced.  If you can't make weight, be prepared to fight up, or sit it out.  Brackets will fill up fast, and November is just around the corner, so call and sign up today!

If you're not in GriffonRawl, we want you to come, but it's invitation only so 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.

This year the tournament is sponsored by long time GR friends: Reel’s Auto and Intimidation clothing

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Krav Maga Gun Defense Training Comes to GR

With the success of the ongoing Krav Maga series at GR, Sara Fox and Jason have decided to expand the scope of the program  include some of the special instruction she can provide.  Sarah is specifically trained and expert on dealing with attacks with weapons.  She will impart some of this knowledge in a special two and a half hour seminar dealing with gun defense at GriffonRawl on Friday, October 24th.

All of the Krav Maga seminars have sold out  Don’t be left behind, space will go quickly, so reserve your slot ASAP by calling: 440-358-9371

Fight Fit Krav Maga site is HERE

What: Krav Maga Gun Defense
Date: Friday, October 24, 2014
Where: GriffonRawl MMA Academy 6090 Pinecone Dr. Mentor, OH 44060
When: 6 to 8:30 pm
Tickets: $20 for GR members, $30 for non members.  Add $10 if purchased at the door.



Action Automotive continues its sponsorship of the Krav Maga series.

Written by: Bob Donaghy

October Brings Fall and the Level 2 TBA Clinic

GR continues its ongoing series of seminars in conjunction with the American Thai Boxing Association with its upcoming Level 2 Clinic. On Saturday, October 18th at 1 pm.

Anyone that is already a Student Level 2 or higher under the Thai Boxing Association of the U.S.A.s encouraged to still come and will be FREE of course. The cost of this clinic will be $20 everyone else. This mini seminar/clinic is to designed to improve your knowledge and skill level and to get you ready for your Level 2 test that will be scheduled later this year.

What: Level 2 TBA Clinic
Date: Saturday, October 18
Where: GriffonRawl MMA Academy 6090 Pinecone Dr Mentor, OH 44060
When: 1 pm
Tickets: $20

GR’s own Kru Aaron ‘Juice’ Veverka is the certified TBA instructor for this seminar.  Jason Dent wilI train and assist as well

Anyone can attend.  If you are not even level 1 tested you can come and train and learn but you will not be be eligible for the level 2 test.



Written by: Bob Donaghy

Time to Get Your MT On: Fall Smoker at Vanyo’s

October 10th GR sends another group of fighters South to Stowe to kick off the weekend with an evening of fight fun.  Vanyo’s annual Fall Kickboxing Smoker starts at 7 pm and ends when the last hand has been raised.  This time GR members Rob Rizer, Kaylee Maynard, Matt Perez, & Masda Diaz will carry the GR banner into battle.

These fight nights are always fun and competitive, with the biggest benefit being the experience of fighting in front of a live crowd (not composed solely of friends and family).  It’s a different experience for the fighters, and a lot of fun to watch.  Spread the word and make the trip!

What: Vanyo Kickboxing Smoker
Date: Friday, October 10, 2014
Where: Vanyo Martial Arts 19748 W 130th St Strongsville, OH 44136
When: 7 pm
Tickets: FREE

The last smoker we sent a large contingent, we should be able to match or beat that number easily this time.



Written by: Bob Donaghy

Ahmad Douglas Gets Ready to Rumble for NAAFS

One of GR’s most active and aggressive young fighters, Ahmad Douglas, will work to add a fourth win to his record on October 4th at NAAFS “Rock N Rumble 8’  Ahmad takes his winning record into the cage against undefeated Adli Edwards from Ronin MMA Fight Team.  This fight is a semifinal in the NAAFS 145 lb National Tournament  The winner will contend for the belt in December.

What: NAAFS “Rock N Rumble 8”
Date: Saturday, October 4, 2014
Where: Canton Memorial Civic Center 1101 Market Ave N Canton, OH
When: 6:30 pm
Tickets: Contact Ahmad Douglas on his Facebook page HERE

“Rock N Rumble 8” will feature musical guest Mike Owens performing live during intermission. But it’s the loaded fight fans will be wanting see. The main event features a rescheduled super fight between former NAAFS champion Cody “The Wolverine” Stevens (11-7) and current champion Frank “The Tank” Caraballo (13-7) who will put his featherweight title on the line.

Be sure to see Ahmad for tickets to this outstanding event.

Ahmad’s record is HERE
Adli Edward’s record is HERE



The entire card for the event is below:

Undercard

• 135 lbs – Chris Varner 2-1 (Mad Dog Fight Team) vs Dalton Brady 3-0 (Team Ascension)
• 185 lbs – Shane Holbert 6-3 (Independent) vs Dan Stevenson 6-0 (Independent)
• 155 lbs – Corey Dulaney 5-1 (Disabito MMA/Ronin) vs Jeffrey Pelton 3-1 (Evolve MMA)
• 145 lbs – Adli Edwards 4-0 (Ronin) vs Ahmad Douglas 3-1 (GriffonRawl)
• 170 lbs – Paolo Gallo 3-1 (Team Ascension) vs Izzy Wiliam 6-2 (Evolve MMA)
• 155 lbs – Nick Foxhuber 8-2 (Ronin MMA) vs Devonte Smith 6-2 (Evolve MMA)
• 115 lbs – Jessica Dinch 1-3 (Independent) vs Meghan Joyce 2-1 (Art of Karate/Instigator)
• 145 lbs – Tyler Lucas-Walsh 3-0 (Rock Hard MMA) vs Tobiaus Taylor 5-1 (Rising Dragon/Cal Crowell MMA/Rio Pro)
• 185 lbs – Darion Peterson 3-0 (Strong Style Fight Team) vs Devon Kelleher 3-0 (Evolve MMA)

Featured Professional Card

• 265lbs – Daniel James 1-1 (Midwest Training Center) vs Jeff Hughes 0-0 (Evolve MMA)
• 265 lbs – Bobby Brents 14-4 (The Garage) vs John Hawk 9-5 (Strong Style Fight Team)
• 145 lbs – Wes Hanson 3-0 (Leon Ramsey’s Dawg House) vs Matt DiMarcantonio 5-4 (Team Ascension)
• 145 lbs – Eric Bledsoe 1-0 (Bullpen) vs RJ Buck 1-0 (Strong Style Fight Team)
• 135 lbs – Charles Stanford 5-2 (G-Force) vs Cody Garbrandt 4-0 (Team Alpha Male)
• 135 TITLE – Antonio Castillo Jr 8-4 (Midwest Training Center /Strong Style Fight Team) vs Bryan Goldsby 18-14 (Team Gurgel)
• 145 TITLE – Cody Stevens 11-7-1 (Strong Style Fight Team) vs Frank Caraballo 13-7 (Cal Crowell MMA Training Center)

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Jorge Pereira Returns

Jorge Pereira is back!  As he promised after Pereira’s very popular June seminar, Jeff/Jason moved quickly to secure Prof, Pereira for a second time this year.  For those of you who missed the first opportunity to learn from the legendary Prof. Pereira you have your chance to make up for it.

Prof. Jorge Pereira is a Coral Belt - 7th Degree Black Belt (Graduated by Rickson Gracie and Carlos Gracie Jr.) He is Certified by the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation & by the Confederation of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo. For more on Jorge Pereira click HERE

And for all our MMA fighters and no-gi aficionados, Prof. Pereira holds a 9-4 MMA record. All of his wins are first round submissions

As before this is a two part seminar.  The first two hours is No gi, a half hour break, then two hours of gi.  The gym will remain open during the seminar.

What: Jorge Pereira Seminar II
Date: Saturday October 4, 2014
Where: GriffonRawl MMA Academy
When: 12:30 - 2:30 pm Gi, 3 - 5 pm NoGi
Cost:
Pre-pay: $75 for one session, $100 for both
Day of: $100 for one session, $125 for both
Tickets: Contact Jason Dent at GR

Again sponsoring the seminar is Reel's Auto Sales

Brazilian Jiujitsu Black Belt Jorge Pereira shows how to Pass The Guard



Also sponsoring this event:  Defense Soap and Intimidation Clothing

Written by: Bob Donaghy

GR Young Bloods Head Back to High School

Less than a week from today three of GR’s youngest fighters will take to the cage for Explosive Fight Promotions fourth event of 2014: Rumble at Ridgewood.  EFP is new to Ohio, but that hasn’t kept them from making a big impact on the local fight scene.  Each event has been bigger than the last and better attended.

GR’s three entries on the card are William Sutton, Nick Gionti and Kevin McCallion.  All three will make their GR debut in the cage that night, though all have Smoker and tournament experience.  Kevin McCallion has cage time, but this will be his first fight for GR.

What: Rumble at Ridgewood
Date: Saturday, September 6, 2014
Where: Ridgewood High School 602 Johnson Street West Lafayette, OH
When: Doors open at 5:30, first bell at 7:30
Tickets: See William Sutton, Nick Gionti, Kevin McCallion

Be sure to get your tickets from Bill, Nick or Kevin

Fights announced so far are:

• William Sutton vs Criston Williams (205), 
• Nikolai Gionti vs Aaron Woods (135)
• Kevin McCallion vs Tyler Cavalear (145)

Written by: Bob Donaghy

GR Sends Three into Caged Madness 31

This is the second time in two months GR fighters will appear in the EFP cage.  Three of GR’s warriors  are in fight prep this week for EFP’s Caged Madness 31.  Ahmad Douglas returns to the cage, Nick Gionti, who has many smoker fights on his resume, finally makes his cage debut, and Kevin McCallion, who has one cage fight to his credit will fight for the first time for GR.

What: EFP Caged Madness 31
Date: Saturday, August 16, 2014
Where: Tadmor Shrine, 3000 Krebs Dr. Akron, OH
When: Doors open at 5 / First bout at 7
Tickets: Contact Ahmad Douglas, Nick Gionti or Kevin McCallion by clicking their names and messaging them on Facebook

August 16th is coming fast. Mark your calendars and get your tickets to support GR's new blood.

We don’t have solid names yet for opponents, but expect to soon.  This article will be amended as new information is available.

145 Ahmad Douglas (3-1) v TBA
135 Nick Gionti (0-0) v TBA
170 Kevin McCallion (1-0) v TBA



Written by: Bob Donaghy

GR New Blood Featured on WKA Smoker

World Kickboxing Academy in Stowe, OH will hold their first smoker of 2014 on Friday, August 15th. Jason decided this time the GR team will feature the new blood in the gym.  Nearly the entire team will be making their fighting debuts  Smokers are about fun and experience, and that’s exactly what the new fighters need.

Alex Byron, Billy Sutton, Eric Pozun, Kaylee Maynard, Rob Rizer and Matt Perezs have been selected to fight for the academy, and everyone will be properly prepared.  Not everyone is booked so far, but we expect that will be settled by the 15th and the entire team wiil get a chance to scrap.

What: World Kickboxing Academy Smoker
Date: Friday, August 15, 2014
Where: World Kickboxing Academy, 3301 Kent Rd, Stow, OH 44224
When: Weigh in at 6 pm.  Fights start: 7 pm
Tickets: Free

It’s extra important to show our support for these first time warriors, so make the trip to Stowe.  As usual, there will be cars traveling from GR directly to the event.



Written by: Bob Donaghy

GR Hosts the Second Annual Jr MMA Sleep Over

Get ready Jr MMA students, it’s coming fast, the best event of the Summer - the GR MMA Sleepover 2014!  On Friday, August 8 as many Jr MMA’ers as we can cram into GR will gather, train, eat, play games (the new UFC Game on the PS4 is in) and finally bed down in the gym.  This year attendance is limited to Jr. MMA students only (9 to 16 years old).

The sleepover  includes an hour of self defense and anti-bullying training, then food and games.  Jason Dent, and a few of the GR instructors will present the training.

This sleepover is limited to 25 kids so sign up as soon as possible.  We will need parents to volunteer to attend and spend the night with the kids.

Action Automorive is the official sponsor for the sleepover.  Action will provide a grill, food, snacks and softdrinks to the participants.

What: Jr. MMA Sleepover
Date: Friday, August 8, 2014
Where: GriffonRawl MMA Academy
When: 7:30 drop off time.
Tickets: $20

DROP OFF TIME: 8:00PM (FRIDAY NIGHT)
PICK UP TIME: 11:00AM (After SATURDAY'S 10:00AM Jr. MMA class.)
THINGS TO BRING: sleeping bag, pillow, PJ'S, work out clothes, change of clothes, toothbrush, hairbrush, etc...

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
7:30 PM Drop off
9:00-10:00 PM - 1 HOUR Anti-bullying / Self Defense
10:00 - 11:00PM Games and activities
11:00 - 11:30PM - Pizza, hot dogs, snacks and drinks
11:30 - 1:00AM - Open gym / Video games
1:00AM - Attempt to go to sleep
2:00AM - Put all children still awake in sleeper hold (LOL).
9:00AM - Breakfast / clean up / open gym
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Help/Assist Coaches with Kids MMA class
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Morning Jr. MMA class
12:00 PM - Pick up your worn out children

Since Kids MMA will overlap with the pick up time for the Juniors, this is a valuable opportunity for the Juniors to interact with the Kids MMA class and help the coaches.



Written by: Bob Donaghy

GR's Kids/Jr MMA Teams up with TMNT!

 T-U-R-T-L-E POWER!!!

 GR's Kids/Junior MMA programs will be teaming up with the TMNT on Sat Aug 2nd. The studio is sending us some FREE tickets for an advance screening, posters, and other fun novelty/memorvilla. No guarantee on how much stuff they are bringing but last time we worked them they treated us pretty good.

All classes are scheduled for the same times as always and we hope to have a LARGE turnout and hope you can make it even if you have not been around in a while. We will be playing some of the original TMNT movies on the flat screen, possibly theming some classes around the movie, and hope to take some pictures of the classes at the end of each class.

We always train hard but there is no reason we can't have some fun from time to time!



Written by: Jason Dent

Caged Madness Comes to Akron

GR heads South to Akron in July to see two of its newest take to the cage for Explosive Fight Promotions Caged Madness 30.  Cody Lewis, already a Team Fighter at 135 lbs, will gear up to fight Marquis Johnson (1-4) out of Columbus, and Logan Urban will make his long delayed cage debut for GR, against Desmond Ford (1-1), and try to earn his place on the team with a win.

Cody Lewis

What: Explosive Fight Promotions 30 “Caged Madness”
Date: Saturday, July 26, 2014
Where: Tadmor Shrine Center 3000 Krebs Dr Akron, OH 44319
When: Doors open at 5 pm, first bout at 6:30 pm
Tickets: Contact Logan Urban or Cody Lewis on FaceBook for tickets

Logan Urban

Even though Caged Madness is one of the longest running fight series in in the state this is the first time a GR fighter will cross the threshold of its cage.  Make the trip with the GR Fight Team and support these two warriors,



Written by: Bob Donaghy

Level 1 T.B.A. Muay Thai Test

This test completes the series started with the TBA Training Clinic on May 10th.

Anyone that is already a Student Level 1 or higher under the Thai Boxing Association of the U.S.A. is encouraged to still come and will be FREE of course. The cost of this test will be $25 and the test will be 2 hours in legnth. Remember you must also have registered with the Thai Boxing Association of the U.S.A. to even be eligible to test. If you have any questions your should direct them to Kru Aaron Juice Veverka please.

What: Level 1 T.B.A. Muay Thai Test
Date: Saturday, July 19, 2014
Where: GriffonRawl MMA Academy, 6090 Pinecone Dr. Mentor, OH 44060
When: 1 pm to 3 pm
Tickets: $25

Participants are EXPECTED to know the material and will be failed if not prepared. Kru Aaron Juice Veverka has hand outs of the material required and GR's Assistant Muay Thai Coach Russ Herbert is also available Thursday nights to answer questions as well.

#1 requirement is that you are a member of the Thai Boxing association, because they will be the ones holding your international instructor rank after you qualify by taking these classes and work shops.
Log on to www.thaiboxing.com and sign up!



Written by: Bob Donaghy

Coveted Fighting Championships Debuts in Mentor

Coveted Fighting Championships, a successful South Carolina based promotion holds their inaugural Ohio event at the Mentor Civic Ice Arena on June 21st.  The event will feature many local pro and amatuer favorites against talent brought in specifically for this event.

GriffonRawl has signed on as the official sponsor gym for the event and will host the traveling fighters for last minute training.

The weigh in will be at the Happy Moose Bar & Grill open to the public on Friday, June 20, at 5 pm.

What: Coveted Fighting Championship 3
Date: Saturday, June 21, 2014
Where: Mentor Civic Center 8600 Munson Road, Mentor OH 44025
When: Doors open at 5 pm, first bell at 6 pm
Tickets: $25 General Admission.

Always buy your tickets through the fighters.  It will cost you the same, but they get a cut of every ticket they sell.  So pick your favorite and show support . Click on the fighter's name below and message them through FaceBook for tickets.  They all have them in stock now.  Get your tickets now. Cageside seats are already gone, and table space is filling fast..

• Bryon Mccroskey
• Cody Lewis
• George Comer
• Logan Urban
• Nikolai Gionti

The main event sees Chris Curtis (9-3) face off with Tiawan Howard (11-11) at 185# in what is bound to be a stand up war.  Both are Bellator veterans and two of the areas most explosive fighters.

GR’s own George Comer fights in the co main event.  His opponent will be one of the midwest's best, Joe “Superhero” Lile Jr  (5-1 pro, 5-0 amature).  An experienced and successful wrestler, Lile will present a mature challenge to Comer.  Many other GR fighters will grace the card: Cody Lewis, Bryon Mccroskey, Logan Urban, and Nikolai Gionti will all fight, but do not have opponents yet.

The GR lineup for Coveted Fighting Championship 3

Intimidation Clothing will introduce the latest George “Bonsaw” Comer signature shirt.  The new shirts will be available for sale at the event.




Written by: Bob Donaghy

Jorge Pereira Seminar at GR

Save the date, Saturday June 7th for a rare BJJ training treat.  While on vacation in Florida, GR BJJ instructor Tony Reel trained at Rio Hero, one of the best BJJ gyms in the world.  He was so impressed by the training provided by Prof. Jorge Pereira that he decided to convince Jason to bring Prof. Pereira to GriffonRawl.  It didn’t take much convincing.

Master Jorge Pereira is a Coral Belt - 7th Degree Black Belt (Graduated by Rickson Gracie and Carlos Gracie Jr.) He is Certified by the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation & by the Confederation of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo. Former World Champion in different Styles and now instructing in Rio Hero South Beach. For more on Jorge Pereira click HERE

Aside from his BJJ credentials, Prof. Pereira holds a 9-4 MMA record. Not surprisingly, all of his wins are first round submissions.

The seminar will be in two parts.  No gi, and then gi.  Each session will last two hours, with a half hour break in the middle.

What: Jorge Pereira Seminar
Date: Saturday June 7, 2014
Where: GriffonRawl MMA Academy
When: 11:30 - 1:30 pm Gi, 2 - 4 pm NoGi
Cost:
Pre-pay: $75 for one session, $100 for both
Day of: $100 for one session, $125 for both

Tickets: Contact Jason Dent at GR

Reel’s Auto is the primary sponsor for this event

Update May 1st, we've added two sponsors:

Intimidation Clothing

Defense Soap

A sample of Prof. Pereira’s training

By Popular Demand Krav Maga is Back

April 4th GriffonRawl hosted Krav Maga Black Belt Sarah Fox for its first Krav Maga Self Defense seminar.  The event was a big hit with the membership, and Jason resolved then and there to bring Sarah and her years of  teaching experience  back to GR several times per year. 

Friday, July 11th Jason makes good; Sarah will conduct another 2 hour session on the main mat at GR.  The focus of the training will be practical, effective and efficient techniques to end trouble before it escalates.

What: Krav Maga Self Defense 

Date: Friday, July 11, 2014

Where: GriffonRawl Academy 6090 Pinecone Drive, Mentor OH

When: 6 pm - 8 pm

Tickets: Paid in advance: Members $20, Non-members: $30.  Add $10 to pay at the door.

The first seminar sold out, with over 40 attendees.  Don’t be left out, space will go quickly, so reserve your slot ASAP by calling: 440-358-9371

Fight Fit Krav Maga site is HERE

As before this seminar is sponsored by Action Automotive

Written by: Bob Donaghy

Ahmad Douglas v Tobiaus Taylor at FNF 10

Ahmad Douglas climbs in the cage for the 4th time in less than a year this time to face off with Tobiaus Taylor, the younger brother of former NAAFS Lightweight Champion Torrance Taylor.  Ahmad has kept a busy schedule.  Running his record to 3-0 since his MMA debut last October, he’s also managed to squeeze in a couple of wrestling tournaments and a smoker or two (and he doesn’t miss classes).  One of the youngest members of the GR Amateur Fight Team (he’s actually still under some age restrictions), Ahmad, faces different challenges from his older team members.  Aside from a full study schedule at Lakeland Community College, Ahmad puts in long hours at his family’s restaurant.

What: Fight Night in the Flats 10
Date: June 7, 2014
Where: Jacobs Pavilion, 2014 Sycamore St Cleveland OH 44113
When: Doors Open at 5 PM, Event Starts at 6 PM
Tickets: Contact Ahmad Douglas through GriffonRawl or on Facebook HERE

Ahmad’s opponent is Tobiaus Taylor, a 4-1 lightweight out of the very tough Rising Dragon camp.  A striker like his older brother Torrance, Tobiaus likes to grind out the wins, working a careful and technical game.  Three of his wins are Unanimous Decisions, the other being a 2nd round TKO.  His sole loss was a late 3rd round armbar to the much more experienced RJ Buck (11-4 at the time).  This will be a very competitive fight.

GR always sends a strong contingent to Fight Night in the Flats.  We’ve been the main event there more than once.  Be sure to contact Ahmad either at GR or on his Facebook page for tickets

Intimidation Clothing will sponsor Ahmad for this fight:



Written by: Bob Donaghy

Where There's Smoke There's Fire

GriffonRawl will host it’s first Open Sparring Night on Friday, May 30th at GriffonRawl Academy.  Jason has invited teams from Vanyo’s Martial Arts, Evolve, World Kickboxing Academy, Marvin William's Fearless All Stars and Rockhard MMA.  He’s already received confirmation on some of the participants and made matchups with GR members.  Check out the event page on Facebook for updates.

Public Open Sparring Night HERE

What: GriffonRawl Open Sparring Night
Date: Friday May 30, .2014
Where: GriffonRawl MMA Academy 6090 Pinecone Dr, Mentor OH
When: 8 pm to Whenever
Tickets: It’s FREE!

What, exactly, is a Smoker?

Ask ten people and get ten answers, but the one that matters most in Ohio (and for our purposes) is what the Ohio Athletic Commission says.  To them, a Smoker (can’t be called a Smoker!) is a competitive exhibition
of skills conducted for the entertainment of the public within the rules of a specific combat sport as overseen by a qualified representative of the Commission.  In practical terms, the gym owner has to inform the commission of the Smoker, can’t call it a Smoker when advertising it, must provide a qualified referee, though the referee must not declare a ‘winner’ in any of the competitions, and the gym owner may not charge admission to the public.

For the rest of us non-combatants a Smoker (known from now on as  “Public Open Sparring Night”), is a fun evening out.  For the fighters the results of the fights are not recorded and do not appear on their record.  Since these aren't official fights, it is not necessary for a participant to be a member of a formal fight team.  It is, however, full contact fighting in front of an audience, making it excellent experience for a novice fighter to get used to public performance without the pressure of full event preparation.  More experienced fighters use Open Sparring Nights to stave off ring rust in the long lags between fights.  It’s also a great way to get exposure to other fighters and other skills.  It’s too easy to become complacent when you spar with only your friends week in and week out.

Fearless All Stars

Written by: Bob Donaghy