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

GR Sends a Big Team to Rocktagon XXII

Six GriffonRawl fighters will be in the Rocktagon cage Wednesday Nov 21st here in Cleveland, Ohio! We are EXCITED to be competing in Rocktagon MMA. GR Official Team Fighters include

• Joe Callari,
• Samuel Callari,
• and Daniel Ramacciato!!!

Three of our members will be climbing in the cage for the 1st time.  If they win, they've earned their way onto the GR Fight Team

• Tony Di,
• Josh Belle,
• Jon Reeves.

Tickets are available from our fighters at our gym during normal gym hours.

When: November 21, 2012
Where: La Villa Banquet Center, 11500 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, OH  44130
Doors Open: 5 pm
First Bell: 6 pm
General Admission Standing $12
Floor Seating $22
Cageside Seating $40
Tickets: Contact Jason Dent at: 440-358-9371



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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

Relson Gracie Seminar at GriffonRawl

GriffonRawl MMA Academy, is pleased to announce a seminar led by Master Relson Gracie

Sunday, October 21st, Master Relson Gracie will conduct a two hour jiu-jitsu seminar at the Griffonrawl MMA Academy. This the first 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.

We've had word that at least five GriffonRawl members will be promoted this time, so please come and support your academy friends. 

After the seminar we will be taking Master Gracie to dinner at Cleats near the intersection of rt 306  and Rt 2.

What: Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Seminar
Where: GriffonRawl MMA Academy
How Much: $60 prepaid, & 70 day of the seminar
When: Sunday, October 21, 2012
Time: 2:00 – 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