February 29, 2008

Brothers Eric and Nick Frick make their MMA debuts at Next Level Fights on Saturday, March 8, at the St. John Arena in Steubenville, Ohio. The brothers grew up in Pennsylvania earning multiple accolades in wrestling. Eric was a 3X Regional Champion, 4X PIAA All-State and 1X PIAA State Champion. He won the Turning Point Award in the Dapper Dan Classic by pinning the US Team member at 2:11. Nick was a PIAA District Champion, Regional Champion and placed 4th in the States his senior year. Both competed internationally, winning the 2003 Freestyle and Greco Roman United States Armed Forces European Championships held in Weisbaden, Germany, in their respective divisions, and also wrestled for the US Army team based out of the US Olympic Center in Colorado. Eric will face Jeb Banovsky at 155 pounds and Nick will face Brian Williamson at 170 pounds. The brothers own and operate Frick's Mat Club in Phillipsburg, with classes Sunday, Monday and Thursday, and in Roaring Spring, with classes Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. Call 814.321.2870 for more information.

February 28, 2008

The York Mixed Martial Arts Academy will host a 3-hour seminar with Danny Ives dedicated to both Gi and No-Gi grappling techniques this Sunday, March 2, starting at 12:00PM. The first part of the seminar with the 15 year veteran of martial arts will be focused on Gi work (I.E. chokes, sweeps, passes), and the second half of the seminar will consist of No-Gi basic, semi-advanced and advanced submissions. Ives holds multiple accolades in the sport, including 2001 Pan-American Games Champion, Purple Belt Pena. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt is a 15X NAGA Champion and Grapplers Quest Gold Medalist. The Philadelphia native currently operates out of the Lloyd Irvin Academy in the Washington, D.C. The cost is just $35 for members and only $50 for non-members. The YMMAA is located in Gold's Gym North at 2340 North George Street. For more information, contact George McGinnis at 717.384.8030 or yorkbushido@aol.com.

February 27, 2008

It has been one year since the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission voted unanimously to "explore regulations" on MMA in PA. I have attended multiple PSAC meetings in the past seven years, and had an opportunity to speak on this momentous occassion. I have talked and e-mailed with Executive Director Greg Sirb during this time and have posted updates here. The latest from Sirb just yesterday is that we are "still in the process" of completing regulations, as the process in Pennsylvania takes many months. It is currently in Governor Edward Rendell's Policy Office. While new MMA schools are opening in Pennsylvania almost monthly, even more martial art schools are now cross-training for the sport of MMA. Although a Philadelphia based promoter is advertising a June 14 card, no date is set for licensing of promoters or fighters, and Sirb firmly states, "there is NO MMA allowed in PA" until legislation is passed.

February 26, 2008

Professor David Adiv is proud to pass on this news from RGDA-PA Instructor Professor Rosendo Diaz. Rising Sun Karate Academy in Exton, under Instructor Marc Unger, is the newest RGDA academy in Pennsylvania. Unger has studied the martial arts for 27 years. He is a decorated competitor and holds rank in multiple disciplines, including Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Unger earned his Bachelors Degree in Philosophy from West Chester University. Rising Sun is located at 333 Gordon Drive in the Lionville Business Center. Contact Unger at 610.524.1460 or Unger@TheRSKA.com.

February 25, 2008

Sports Extreme in Oaks will host a UFC PPV party on Saturday, March 1. UFC 82: Pride of a Champion, featuring Anderson Silva and Dan Henderson, will be seen on their giant 12' screen. Food, snacks and beverages are available at the event. Tickets are available in advance and at the door. Their cost is just $35, $45 and $55 per person. Call Sports Extreme at 484.393.4634 for more information.

February 23, 2008

The RGDA-PA announces the launch of it's new website. This site will feature up to the minute RGDA news and events as well as a complete listing of all RGDA Pennsylvania based academies and its instructors. While still a work in progress, RGDA-PA.com hopes to include interesting articles related to Jiu-Jitsu and the MMA community as well as techniques featuring many of the top RGDA instructors.

February 22, 2008

Get your very own Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell action figure today. Donated by MMAJacked.com to benefit Female Fighters Against Domestic Violence, the 12" poseable action figure is 1 of just 3000 created and produced exclusively for the former UFC light heavyweight champion. It will be a classic. This silent auction is open through March 31. To place your bid, contact FFADV with your name, amount of bid, and contact information. The highest bidder will win. Proceeds benefit Domestic Violence shelters.

February 20, 2008

Mac Danzig, who is in training for his return to the UFC Octagon on April 19 against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expert Mark Bocek, is this week's guest on Carson's Corner. Danzig discusses a variety of matters, including vegetarianism, training with Eddie Bravo, appearing on and winning The Ultimate Fighter television show, training for his upcoming fight, his opinion of Matt Hughes, fighting in King of the Cage, the Brock Lesnar vs. Frank Mir fight, his time at the RAW training center and memories of David Horner, and much more. Yet again, Carson delivers another top-notch interview. He and Danzig talk comfortably and at length. This interview will serve as a tutorial for the other MMA radio shows. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN and now on PODAMATIC.

February 19, 2008

John J Bruno will host a 2-Day seminar with world renowned martial artist in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Jeet Kune Do Professor Roy C. Harris on Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13 at Mercyhurst College in Erie. Day 1 will consist of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Straight Arm Locks, and Day 2 will consist of Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do Concepts: Multiple Assailant Training. Both days will run 10:00AM to 3:30PM with a break from 12:00PM to 1:30PM. The 2-Day seminar will be held in the Wrestling Team Matt Room in the Mercyhurst Athletic Center (MAC). Participation is on a first come first serve basis until the event is sold out. Privates are also available. Harris is an expert in martial arts. He has actively studied more than twenty (20) different styles of martial arts from Brazil, Thailand, the Philippine Islands, Japan, France, Indonesia, China, Russia, and the United States. He is a Senior Instructor in Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do Concepts and the Filipino Martial Arts under Sifu Paul Vunak, a 3rd degree black belt in Sho Shin Ti modes Karate under Sensei Larry Kurtz, a 4th degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Professor Joe Moreira, and a Green Glove in La Boxe Francaise Savate under Professor Salem Assli. Mercyhurst College is located at 501 East 38th Street. Contact Bruno at jbruno@mercyhurst.edu or 814.397.6201 for more information and to register.

February 16, 2008

Quantum Jujitsu at Penn State University in State College is offering a Women's Self-Defense Class starting this Wednesday, February 20, in 106 White Building from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM. Women, have you been interested in training self-defense but... haven't had the opportunity to learn, or haven't found an effective class or martial art, or have only seen co-ed classes available, or classes haven't addressed the psychology of self-defense? Well then the time is now. You have the opportunity to train effective, devastating technique with other women and also learn important psychology of avoiding unnecessary conflict and dangerous situations. Quantum Jujitsu is a study of martial arts and life defense. It develops all modes of combat such as out-fighting, in-fighting, and ground fighting which covers kickboxing, boxing, grappling, throwing, takedowns, positioning, and submissions. Additionally, Quantum Jujitsu trains psychological aspects to help avoid being a target. This Women's Self-Defense Class has been designed specifically for women to fight for their lives against a male attacker. All women are welcome. No experience required. Wear comfortable clothing to work-out in. For more information or directions, go to www.clubs.psu.edu/quantumjujitsu.

February 14, 2008

The Pittsburgh Fight Club offers a Mixed Martial Arts Seminar on Saturday, March 15, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at their Pittsburgh academy. The one-day seminar will introduce participants to MMA training methodology and fighting techniques, covering MMA fundamentals as well as strength & combat conditioning used in the sport of MMA. The lesson plan will include Kicking & Punching, Pummeling & Striking, Punch & Tackle, Striking & Open/Closed Guard Passing, and Submission Wrestling. Any level participant can expect to come away with new insight into their own functional martial arts ability and the PFC system of MMA. The seminar is open to Fight Club members and non-members. Call 412.787.1162 to preregister and reserve your space. The cost is just $50 at the door or $40 preregistration. Required equipment includes a mouthguard and gloves, while suggested equipment includes a jump rope, shinpads and cup, all of which can be purchased in the Fight Club Pro Shop the day of the seminar. The Pittsburgh Fight Club is located at 4573 Campbells Run Road. For more information, hib@pghfightclub.com of call 412.787.1162.

February 13, 2008

Kumite Classic Entertainment presents the 2008 Kumite Classic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Submission Grappling Championships on Saturday, May 24, at the Pittsburgh Expo Mart in Monroeville. Introduced by Joseph Cunliffe in 2002, this Grappling and Jiu-Jitsu tournament is part of a weekend full of fitness and world class martial arts competition. The Kumite Classic is the largest grappling tournament held in Pennsylvania with academies from across the United States, Brazil, Canada and Mexico represented each year. Preregister and save at www.KumiteClassic.com. Call 724.861.5162 or e-mail for more information.

February 12, 2008

Making his debut in the UFC with just 10 days notice and coming off with the win by dominating his opponent, Tim Boetsch of Triple Threat Fighting Systems in Sunbury steps up again on short notice to take on Matt Hamill at UFC Fight Night on April 2.

February 11, 2008

Berks County Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Sinking Spring hosts a workshop with Royler Gracie black belt Rosendo Diaz on Saturday, March 1, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. The seminar will be extended to 3 hours if the attendance warrants. The cost if just $40.00 per person. Please contact Shane at 610.670.5441 or SMock76055@comcast.net to reserve your spot. Berks County BJJ is located at 4453 Penn Avenue.

February 10, 2008

"The Hitman" Josh Carlson of Team Ovo in Dunbar, quickly dispatched Shannon Peoples of IronCity MMA in Pittsburgh last night in their amateur welterweight fight in the debut of Demolition Promotions No Escape Cage Fighting at McMenamy's Amphitheater in Niles, Ohio. The KO came at just 0:10 of Round 1 when Peoples threw a kick at Carlson, dropping his hands and leaving himself open for an overhand right. Carlson caught Peoples with a few fast hard shots and the left hook that ended the fight. Up next for Carlson is Cage of Chaos on February 23 and Next Level Fighting on March 8.

In the Co-Main Event, Bill Vucick of Ultimate Fighting & Fitness in Pittsburgh defeated Tim Nixon of USA Muay Thai in Michigan, by TKO Referee Stoppage in the first round of their professional middleweight fight. This victory earned Vucick the No Escape Cage Fighting Middleweight Championship. Donnie Kaecher of Personal Training Tactics in Baldwin defeated his opponent by Verbal Submission in the first round of his fight.

February 9, 2008

John Doyle of Team Round 1 in Emmaus heads to Miami, Florida, next week to take part in EliteXC on Saturday, February 16. The 29-year-old Extreme Challenge and Ring of Combat veteran will be featured in a light heavyweight preliminary bout as he takes on IFL veteran Rafael Feijao of Rio de Janerio, Brazil, on the Kimbo vs. Tank card at the United Bank Center.

February 8, 2008

The 2008 Pennsylvania State Judo Championships is confirmed for Saturday, March 8, at the Marshall Middle School in Wexford. Click Here For Registration Information. An Open Practice is scheduled Sunday, February 10, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Kanokoshi Judo Center located at 2701 South Front Street in Steelton. For more information, info@pajudo.com or call 717.939.4987.

February 7, 2008

Sonny Achille of Steel City Martial Arts in Pittsburgh was recently awarded his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt by Professor Pedro Sauer.

February 6, 2008

Dave Klick Enterprises presents Cage of Chaos: Genesis on Saturday, February 23, at the Carnes Convention Center in St. Clairsville, Ohio. The card of 12 to 15 amateur MMA matches features fighters from the greater Pittsburgh area, including Anthony Bafile, Bob Bianchini, Kasher Vue and Cory Weight of the Pittsburgh Fight Club, Tim Miller and Nathan Shearer of Team Ovo, Anthony Holder of Youngstown Ground and Pound, and Independents Tony Bugno, JD King and Mike Peters. For more information, contact promotions@cageofchaos.com.

February 5, 2008

Rosendo Diaz Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Telford is offering a boxing class tomorrow night starting at 7:30 PM with "Joltin" Joey DeMalavez. The Manayunk boxer has a combined record of 34-3, and is a 3X Tough Man champion. As a trainer, DeMalavez teaches his students the basics of the art of boxing, which includes throwing and blocking punches, skipping rope, working the heavy bag and speed bag. In this class, you can expect to focus on putting together punching combinations with mitt drills. This is a good opportunity for anyone interested in getting some solid hand skills down. The cost is just $25.00 per person. Rosendo Diaz Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy is located at 137 North Main Street. Please e-mail Eamon to reserve your spot.

February 4, 2008

The Grindhouse MMA Academy in Feasterville is a full-service mixed martial arts academy offering everything you need to train MMA and Combat Sports Conditioning in a fully matted 2500 square foot area. Classes are held Monday through Thursday from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and Saturday from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday classes offer beginner and advanced kickboxing/standup with grappling, and bag and sparring work. Tuesday and Thursday classes offer ground work, including grappling and BJJ. Instructors, which include amateur cage fighters, are schooled in various martial arts, including kickboxing, striking, BJJ, grappling, and Muay Thai. A no contract school, classes run just $25.00 each or students can buy a monthly membership for only $100.00, and take advantage of all classes. Whether you are looking to become a cage fighter or get in shape with combat sports conditioning, check out The Grindhouse today and receive a free introductory group MMA class. The Grindhouse MMA Academy is located inside B & R Family Fitness Center, an 80,000 square foot fitness facility, featuring a wide range of beneficial services, including quality cardiovascular machines, weight training equipment, and supportive personal training, at 1040 Mill Creek Drive. For more information, e-mail or call 215.479.9662.

February 3, 2008

Pittsburgh based Demolition Promotions presents No Escape Cage Fighting this Saturday, February 9, at McMenamy's Amphitheater in Niles, Ohio. Their debut card offers more than 12 amateur and professional fights, featuring Khristian Geraci of Iron City Mixed Martial Arts in a featherweight fight and Bill Vucick of Ultimate Fighting & Fitness in a middleweight fight. McMenamy's is located at 325 Youngstown Warren Road. For more information, e-mail or call 412.403.3648.

February 2, 2008

Taking the fight on just 10 days notice and not having been training for a fight had no negative affect on Triple Threat Fighting Systems owner and lead instructor Tim Boetsch of Sunbury tonight in his UFC debut against David Heath. The breaking point came at 4:52 of round 1 when the 27-year-old earned the "W" by TKO, as Referee Herb Dean was forced to stop the fight as Boetsch uploaded a barrage of unanswered punches on Heath after continuous action by both fighters.