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

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

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

Thai Boxing Association Level 1 Testing and Training Clinic

GriffonRawl’s seminar program keeps on growing.  Saturday, May 10th sees the start of formal clinics provided by the Thai Boxing Association.  This clinic provides instruction leading to certification as a Level 1 boxer.  In the next few months a follow up clinic will feature testing for the certification.

What: Thai Boxing Association Level 1 Testing and Training Clinic

Date: Saturday, May 10, 2014 

Where: GriffonRawl Academy, 6090 Pinecone Drive Mentor, OH 44060

When: 1 pm to 3 pm

Tickets: $20 at the door, or Free to anyone already certified at Level 1 or a member of the GR Professional Fight Team

All of GR's Professional Fighters are URGED to attend. This seminar/clinic will improve your attention to detail and polish up your already lethal abilities so please be there. Sign Ups have started at the counter for this Level 1 training clinic. 

One of our many long term goals is to have Master Ajarn Chai at the GriffonRawl MMA Academy annually to conduct a seminar for us. Lucky for us here at GR our very own Kru Aaron Juice Veverka has been working his way up the ranks for years by training, traveling, and studying up under Master Chai and this can very well become a reality. 

This seminar is sponsored by:

Intimidation Clothing

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Written by: Bob Donaghy

Friday Night is Alright for Fighting

May 30th GR will host its first ever Boxing/Muay Thai open sparring night. This event is open to the public at no charge. The matches will be in our full size Mixed Martial Arts cage and some of the areas best gyms will show up to throwdown.  We expect a full house and this event will be a great experience for both the participants and spectators.

What: GriffonRawl  Public Open Sparring Night
Date: Friday, May 30, 2014
When: 6 pm to 11 pm
Where: GriffonRawl MMA Academy, 6090 Pinecone Dr, Mentor OH
How Much: It’s FREE

The evening will consist of both Boxing & Muay Thai match ups.  With 4 matches set, we need 6 more.  Professional photographer Jack Jones will shoot the event, and New Life Church will set up a table to sell pizza and soft drinks.  It will be an action packed night of intense sparring and fun.

Jason Dent is limiting GR participation to members with experience in Smokers/Thai Fights/MMA Fights.  We are setting this limit for our inaugural event but we will open it up more when we do the second one.

We have 4 matches set so far:

• Thai match - Dave Osborne vs. Dave Awbrey
• Thai match - Brad Bukovics vs. Billy Callabrase
• Boxing match - Tim Stafford vs. Billy Freedson
• Boxing match - Annie Payne vs. Briana Coubrough

Four girls face off

Exhibition Bouts - not official of who is matched with who but the four girls are - Brooke Da Burr, Mariah Maynard, Masda Diaz and Kaylee Maynard

Matches will be refereed by the very experienced Mark Feaks who has done events for both Evolve MMA and the World Kickboxing Academy!

We are looking for match ups for Matt Hopkins 170lbs, Cody Lewis 145lbs, Allan Turner Heavyweight, Nikolai Gionti 135lbs, George Comer 155lbs, Jim Payne Heavyweight, etc, etc.

If anyone with with Muay Thai, Boxing, or MMA experience out there wants to get in some heavy sparring in front of a pretty BIG live audience to add some much need experience to their game please contact Jason Dent as he is handling the matchmaking for this event.

Keep up with updates to this event on its Facebook page HERE

Written by: Bob Donaghy

GR to Host Krav Maga Self Defense Seminar

GriffonRawl will host a practical self defense seminar on April 4th.  It will be a two hour introduction to the street fighting tactics and techniques of Krav Maga by the owner & operator of Cleveland's Fight Fit Krav Maga, Sarah Fox.

Take advantage of this opportunity to add some of the street tested techniques of this great art to your arsenal taught by one to the regions best instructors

This seminar is sponsored by Action Automotive

What: Krav Maga Seminar (ages 10 and up only please)
Date: Friday, April 4, 2014
Where: GriffonRawl Academy
When: 6 pm to 8 pm
Tickets: Members: $20, non-members: $30 (add $10 if you buy at the door)
Call: 440-358-9371 for tickets

Fight Fit Krav Maga Website

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

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

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

GR Sending Five to Evolve Smoker

Evolve is hosting yet another of their popular Kickboxing Smokers.  This time GriffonRawl is sending five into the ring: Allan Turner, Tim Stafford, Cody Lewis, Matt Vaccaerllio, and Jeff Offak will represent the Academy. 

Smoker fights are non-sanctioned fights and so do not appear on a fighters formal record.  It's just for the experience of competing with members of other gyms and informal fun.  All gym members are welcome to compete, not just the fight team.  Please come out and support your teammates and don't forget to wear your GriffonRawl attire to support the academy.

What: Evolve Kickboxing Smoker
Where: Evolve MMA, 387 Medina Road  Medina, OH 44256
When: Friday February 1st, 2013
Cost: Free

We hope to see everyone there!


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Written by: Bob Donaghy

GR Sends Five to Combat Challenge 23

Five GR fighters will suit up for the NAAFS 2013 opener in Streetsboro, OH on January 26th. 

NAAFS has another packed card for the Combat Challenge series.  Dan, Tony, Joe, Jon, and Sammy have all been busy in the cage this year and are all coming off of wins so come out and support the GR TEAM in action!

Card is subject to change:

• 170 lbs – Anthony Disantis 1-0 (Griffon Rawl) vs Dave Honzu 0-0 (Academy of Shorin-Ryu Karate)
• 170 lbs – Joe Callari 4-5 (Griffon Rawl) vs Devontai Moore 2-3 (True Roots MMA)
• 155 lbs – Dan Ramacciato 2-1 (Griffon Rawl) vs Gabriel DeLaCerda 1-2 (Garcia MMA)
• 155 lbs – Sammy Callari 2-1 (Griffon Rawl) vs Scottie Moritz 1-0 (East Coast/Instigator)
• 135 lbs – Jon Reeves 1-0 (Griffon Rawl) vs Chris Varner 1-0 (Mad Dog Fight Team)

Date/Time: January 26, 2013 6:00 PM
Location: 1543 Streetsboro Plaza (Ohio 303) Streetsboro, Ohio United States
Tickets: Contact either the fighter or Jason Dent at the Academy 440-358-9371
Website: www.NAAFS.tv


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Written by: Bob Donaghy

2nd Annual GriffonRawl Christmas Party!

Yes! You and you, and you are invited.. Bring your family and friends to the 2nd annual GR Christmas Bash.

Who: You!
What: Christmas Bash
Where: GriffonRawl Academy: 6090 Pinecone Drive, Mentor, OH
When: December 21st (Friday) at 7 pm
Why: Really, Scrooge?
How Much: It's FREE.. but bring food please, it's pot luck

Bring your Holiday cheer, wear an ugly sweater, and bring your friends.  It's been a great year and it's time to celebrate our good fortune and gratitude for the Season. There will be a corn hole tournament, a PS3 set up with some versus games, some light Cristmas music playing in the back ground, food & drinks, etc. Looking forward to celebrating with everyone.


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Written by: Bob Donaghy

GriffonRawl IGC II

Team GriffonRawl prepares takes to the mats for the second IGC Nogi Submission Tournament.  Bigger and better than ever,  we will have 7 weight classes, and use double elimination format so everyone will have a chance to compete multiple times.

Brackets will fill up fast, and November is just around the corner, so call and sign up today!

Every class (135, 145, 155, 170, 185, 205, 265) has 1st and 2nd place trophies.  Weight limits will be strictly enforced.  If you can't make weight, be prepared to fight up, or sit it out.

If you're not in GriffonRawl, we want you to come, but it's invitation only so contact Jason Dent: 440-358-9371to make arrangements.  You can't just show up the day of the tournament and expect to be seeded.

Many champions from the first IGC will return to defend their belts.

(watch out for the little guy on the end, he's jumped classes)

We're proud to announce that Intimidation Clothing will once again sponsor the tournament! 

What: GR IGC II
Date: 11/17/2012
Where: GriffonRawl Academy, 6090 Pinecone Drive  Mentor, OH 44060 (see map)
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



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Written by Bob Donaghy

US National Muay Thai Kickboxing Championship

October 27th, just 20 days away, Dayton, OH is invaded by the 3rd Annual US National Muay Thai Kickboxing Championship!  This is about the biggest event of the year on the kickboxing calendar and should not be missed by any serious competitor (or fan), so sign up fast.  Everything you need is linked below.

GR's own Jason Dent is a featured guest at the tournament and Jason plans to corner each and everyone from GR both member and or team fighter. The gym suggests that our members team up to car pool down to Dayton.  Remember to register as GriffonRawl MMA Academy so you don't end up facing any of your teammates. This is not a GR Official Fight Team event.

This tournament is just for fun and experience, so no worries about a bad result affecting your team ranking or standing in the gym.  As a bonus, the gym bringing the most competitors will take home $200.  If GR should happen be awarded the money Jason intends to use the prize money to get a new Thai bag.

Please follow the link below if you need more info about this event like rules, weight classes, etc.

Jason Dent "Do not compete unless you have at least 6 months of experience in the gym and have participated in heavy sparring.  This is not a novice event, it's the National Championships."

Where: TAMA Martial Arts Building 1753 Woodman Drive Kettering, 0hio 45420 USA
When: October 27, 2012 -
How Much: Prereg: $65. Day of: $75
More Info: http://www.daytonfights.com/More_Info.html
Website (everything else is available here): http://www.daytonfights.com/
Register Here: http://www.daytonfights.com/US_Nationals/2012/registration2012.php

How to get there (the gym will car pool):


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Written by: Bob Donaghy