January 31, 2008
Bob Carson recorded his show for this week at the January 25 EliteXC show in New Jersey. Carson conducted several great interviews at the show, including one with Eddie Alvarez of Philadelphia based Fight Factory. Now 12 and 1, the former bodogFIGHT welterweight champion is an EliteXC star on the rise. Alvarez discusses his plans for a world title and possible future opponents. Carson provides backstage, behind-the-scenes information that you will only hear here.
January 29, 2008
On Saturday, February 9, Discovery Channel Fight Quest star Doug Anderson will make a special guest appearance at Master Eric Kovaleski Karate USA in Dickson City. There will be a meet and greet for the general public from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Anderson will be available for pictures, autograph signings and to talk about the show. Fight Quest depicts the world travels of two young martial artists as they learn different art styles. They train under a Master in a particular art for five days, then face a challenge to prove what they have learned. There are approximately 10 episodes that span the globe, from China, Japan, and Thailand to the Philippines and ending in the United States. Kovaleski worked with Anderson on the final episode of Fight Quest, and assisted training in the Kajukenbo episode and participated in some of the fight scenes. Master Eric Kovaleski Karate USA is located in the Siniawa Plaza 1, on Route 6. Anderson will also be available to the general public the night before at a viewing of the show at Amore Restaurant in Clarks Summit on Friday, February 8, at 9:00 PM. Amore is located at 223 Northern Blvd., Route 6, in South Abington Township, Clarks Summit. Call 570.343.3359, 510.886.3499 or e-mail for more information.
January 28, 2008
Rocco MMA will officially open on Monday, February 4, in Philadelphia. The school will be open Monday through Friday from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Rocco MMA will have a variety of classes in many styles throughout the day using their Octagon, Boxing Ring and 2000 square feet of mats. You will be able to attend all classes as a member. Rocco MMA will also have a full weight room and cardio equipment. Even if you do not want to take a formal class you can come and just hit the bags or take advantage of their many instructors that will work with you privately. Their standard contract is $100 a month for a year. There are family discounts and 10% off for police and firefighters. Rocco MMA will also give a discount for anyone that signs up prior to their grand opening. Rocco MMA is located at 1810 Grant Avenue at Bustleton. Call 215.778.2517 or e-mail with any questions or if you would like a tour.
January 27, 2008
From www.OctaneMMA.com: "After several months of creative differences and an inability to come to terms on the direction of this organization, Octane Mixed Martial Arts, Inc. is announcing that effective Friday, January 25, 2008, operations will be terminated. While it is difficult for dedicated members of the management team to arrive at this decision, we feel that it is in the best interest of our loyal supporters and prospective Mixed Martial Artists to be proactive in make this difficult decision now rather than extend the life of this product." As a result, Hi-TEST Tryout 2, scheduled for February 17, 2008, is cancelled.
January 26, 2008
On an exciting night that featured solid, non-stop action and entertaining fights, hometown crowd favorite Eddie Alvarez of Philadelphia sent his fans home deliriously happy by knocking out Ross Ebanez of Hawaii, at 2:32 of the second round last night on the 2008 premiere of ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series on SHOWTIME. The exciting 24-year-old from Fight Factory, showed a diverse array of disciplines on his way to the win over the BJ Penn fighter at the Taj Mahal Casino and Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey. In non-televised fights, Matt Makowski of Philly MMA defeated Joe Schilling by rear naked choke at 4:01 of the first round. Wilson Reis of BJJ United in Jenkintown, defeated Zach Makovsky of Fight Factory by side choke at 1:15 of the second round. Charlie Brenneman of Cambria Martial Arts in South Fork defeated Drew Puzon by Split Decision after three rounds. And Mark Getto of Advanced Fighting System submitted to a kimura at 1:12 of the first round in his fight against James Jones.
January 24, 2008
There will be a free question and answer clinic tonight from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Balance Studios in Philadelphia. Gi and No-Gi questions will be answered by instructor, Tim Hart. Then, starting Thursday, January 31, Hart will teach a 4 Week 1/2 Guard Class fm 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, focusing on sweeps, transitions to positions, taking the back, submission and defenses. The cost is just $50.00 per person. Class in limited to 16 people. Balance Studios is located at 108-114 Bonsall Street.
January 23, 2008
Pennsylvania will be well represented this Friday, January 25, as Eddie Alvarez of Philadelphia based Fight Factory headlines the ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series at the Taj Mahal Casino and Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Also featured on the card is teammate Zach Makovsky, Wilson Reis of BJJ United, Matt Makowski of Philly MMA, Charlie Brenneman of Cambria Martial Arts and Mark Getto of Advanced Fighting System.
January 22, 2008
Tim Boetsch received an early birthday gift this week when the UFC announced he would face David Heath in a light heavyweight bout at UFC 81: Breaking Point on Saturday, February 2, at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The prominent Lock Haven University wrestler started MMA just 15 months ago and has already massed an impressive 6-1 record, earning Reality Fighting, Extreme Challenge Northeast, and USKBA championships. The owner of Triple Threat Fighting Systems in Sunbury has dominated his opponents, and pulled out the win even when he himself was getting dominated. His only loss was a Decision in August 2007 to Vladimir Matyushenko in a Semi-Finals fight in the IFL.
January 21, 2008
Pedro Sauer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Allan "Zé Bonitinho" Hopkins of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu of Mississippi will be conducting a 3-hour seminar on Friday, February 15, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Golden Lotus Kung Fu Academy in Hamburg. Allen has been involved in Martial Arts for more than half his life. He has earned Black Belt and or Instructor status in several styles, including Wing Chun, Kung Fu, Kali, Japanese Kempo, Tai Kung Fu and three styles of Japanese Ju Jitsu, before becoming involved in Gracie Jiu Jitsu in 1991. Allen is the only certified Gracie Jiu Jitsu Black Belt in MS. The cost if just $50.00 per person. All are welcome to attend. Golden Lotus Kung Fu Academy is located at 112 South 4th Street. For more information, e-mail 69CCack@msn.com.
January 20, 2008
The 2007 ADCC Trials “Most Technical Fighter” will offer 2 seminars in Pittsburgh this coming weekend. Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Rick Macauley of Balance Studios in Philadelphia is an accomplished submission grappler. On Friday, January 25, Macauley will offer a FREE No-Gi seminar for every member of the Panther Grappling Club and Pitt students starting at 7:00 PM. On Sunday, January 26, Macauley will don the Gi at South Hills Judo starting at 1:00 PM. The cost is just $35.00 per person. Whatever grappling level you are, beginner, advanced or anything in between, this is a rare and great opportunity to learn from a world-class instructor. It will definitely be beneficial to everyone who attends. For more information and to reserve your spot, e-mail Pat at pwd3@pitt.edu.
January 19, 2008
The Ultimate Fighter Season 6 winner Mac Danzig faces Mark Bocek on April 19 when the UFC makes its Canadian debut at the Bell Centre in Montreal. Danzig is coming off a first round submission win over Tom Speer at TUF 6 Finale in December.
January 18, 2008
Jeremy Drenning will host an open training session at Hollidaysburg Family Fitness in Hollidaysburg on Saturday, January 26, starting at 12:00 PM. The American Sombo Academy black belt is a 2X National Combat Sombo champion with 17 years of combined martial arts and wrestling training. The gym is fairly good sized with 4 sections of wrestling mats. The cost is just $5.00 per person. Call Drenning at 814.635.0484 or 814.931.0340 for more information. Hollidaysburg Family Fitness is located at 301 Allegheny Street.
January 17, 2008
Eddie Alvarez will hold an open workout and press conference for his upcoming ShoXC fight this Tuesday, January 22, starting at 12:00 PM at City Fitness Gym in Philadelphia. This is open to the public. Everyone in attendance will have a chance to win 2 tickets to watch the Fight Factory stand out make his cage fighting debut on January 25 at the Taj Mahal Casino and Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey. There will also be an open buffet. City Fitness Gym is located at 200 Spring Garden Street.
January 15, 2008
Quantum Jujitsu at Penn State University in State College starts for new interested students on Wednesday, January 23, at 8:30 PM in the Intramural Building (IM Building) Wrestling Room. Quantum Jujitsu is a study of martial arts and life defense. They develop all modes of combat such as out-fighting, in-fighting, and ground fighting which covers kickboxing, boxing, grappling, throwing, takedowns, positioning, and submissions. Additionally, they train psychological aspects of avoiding unnecessary conflict. Besides regular training, Spring '08 will also offer -- intensive martial art seminars, optional gym membership, open mat training, competitions, extra-curricular activities and Warrior Yoga classes. The schedule is Monday and Wednesday from 8:30 PM to 10:30PM and Friday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM (106 White Building). All are welcome. No experience required. Wear comfortable clothing to work-out in. Come with an open mind and check your ego at the door. For more information or directions go to www.clubs.psu.edu/quantumjujitsu.
January 14, 2008
The 2007 Budweiser Jiu-Jitsu World Cup took place over the weekend in the outskirts of Charlotte, North Carolina. This prestigious event has quickly become one of the marquee jiu-jitsu events in the United States since its inception in 2001. A highlight of this year's tournament was the finale of the Over 185 Pound Professional division, which featured Pennsylvania grapplers James Brasco of Team Popovitch and Ricardo Migliarese of Team Balance. In the opening round, Brasco defeated a 260-pound opponent 5-0. Migliarese won his match by submission. The two met in the Semi-Finals, where it was West v. East with the Division 1 wrestler defeating the accomplished Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt 4-0. Brasco went on to meet 2X ADCC champion and UFC veteran Jeff Monson of famed American Top Team in the Finals. Their regulation match ended in a 0-0 tie. The two went into OT where the match went scoreless again after a few good scrambles. Brasco had a takedown attempt in the last 20 seconds of the match, but it was Monson who ended up in an advantageous position and received the Referee's nod in the end. Brasco had wars leading into the Finals and gave up over 50 pounds to The Snowman who received a by first round and faced a 130-pounder in the Semi-Finals. Rick Macauley of Team Balance in Philadelphia took second in the Under 185 Pound Professional division.
January 13, 2008
Yoga for fighters is back at Balance Studios in Philadelphia. Try a FREE class this Tuesday, January 15, at 7:15 PM with Phil Migliarese. The full 12-Week course starts Tuesday, January 22, at 7:15PM, and meets for 1 hour each Tuesday. The cost if only $150 for Balance members and just $175 for non-members. This class is for eveyone -- you do not have to be a fighter. Beginners are welcome. Call Josh Vogel 215.636.9661 for more information and to secure your spot. Balance Studios is located at 108-114 Bonsall Street.
January 11, 2008
Philadelphia native Eddie Alvarez (11-1) steps into the MMA cage for the first time on Friday, January 25, in ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series at the Taj Mahal Casino and Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The Fight Factory stand out makes his ShoXC debut on Showtime against Ross "The Boss" Ebanez (16-5) of BJ Penn MMA in Hawaii. The former bodogFIGHT welterweight champion is coming off a Unanimous Decision win over Matt Lee in July 2007. Alvarez is a local hero who is excited to be fighting in front of his hometown fans and on Showtime. For tickets, call 215.316.9693.
January 9, 2008
Members of Quiet Storm Fight Team from The Cage MMA in Bernville will compete this Saturday, January 12, at Combat in the Cage in Newark, Delaware. Founder and Lead Instructor Dave Concepcion, Nolan Armpriester, Jorge Ortiz, wrestling instructor Eric Koller and Devin Eby are scheduled in individual fights.
January 8, 2008
BJJ United instructor Wilson Reis returns to MMA on Saturday, January 25. The undefeated San Paulo native will face Zach Makovsky in ShoXC at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
January 7, 2008
The Revolution Academy of Martial Arts & Fitness proudly presents World Championship and 4X Pan American Championship Carlson Gracie 4th Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Professor Rodrigo Medeiros for two seminars on Saturday, February 2, starting at 11:00 AM. Medeiros has studyied submission arts since the age of five. In the 2004 Pan-Ams, Medeiros confirmed his status as one of the best finishers in the game - he not only repeated as champion, but did it in spectacular fashion with all wins by submission. Come learn from the 3X US Nationals Coach for the BJJ Revolution Team and Fighting Master's 2006 Instructor of the Year. Session 1 will be with the Gi and Session 2 will be without the Gi. These seminars are open to all academies and students. The cost is $30 for one session or $60 for both sessions at the door. Save with early registration. The Revolution Academy of Martial Arts & Fitness is located at 5909 Emilie Road in Levittown. Call 215.586.0108 to learn more about the seminar or check out Medeiros Seminar.
January 4, 2008
Panther Grappling at the University of Pittsburgh has developed a new and improved Spring 2008 grappling schedule. All classes are currently held in Trees Hall. No-Gi will be Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM in the Mat Room. Gi will be Friday from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM in the Multi-Purpose Room. An Open Mat will be offered on Saturday from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the Mat Room. Wednesday is going to be a strictly fundamentals day. Sometimes in the heat of the moment, we like to get all fancy and get away from our roots. This day will be nothing but basic moves, which drilling over and over will help improve ALL aspects of our game(s). If you are new to grappling or simply looking to work back into grappling without having to endure long lessons on complicated techniques, you are highly encourage to attend this day. Saturday's open mat is wide open -- Gi, No-Gi, practice, drills, rolling, sparring (maybe some MMA?), you name it. Check out www.panthergrappling.com or contact pwd3@pitt.edu for more information.
January 2, 2008
Congratulations to Pittsburgh native James Brasco on winning the Brown Belt division No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu World Championship recently in Carson, California. The 2X NCAA qualifier entered the competition as a purple belt in the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation, but competed up a class. The Florida based Team Popovitch wrestling coach won his three matches defeating Alfred Prado of Paragon Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Agoura Hills, California, 11-0 in the opening match. He then went on to defeat Steve Gable of Gracie Barra 2-0 in the semi-finals. Brasco finished the day defeating Clark Gracie of BJJ Revolution Team in California, 6-2 in the finals. With this title, Brasco was promoted to Brown Belt by Master Pablo Popovitch. Brasco was one of some 200 mixed martial artists that answered open tryout call for Season 7 of The Ultimate Fighter in November as reported by ESPN.com. He is 1-0 in MMA. Read more about Brasco here.
January 1, 2008
Many are anxiously awaiting the legalization of the sport of MMA in PA. It has been a long journey. At least 7 years for me. During that time, I have attended multiple Athletic Commission meetings, and had an opportunity to speak at two. One of which when the Commission unanimously voted to explore regulations on MMA in PA. That was February 2007. There have been several updates on the progress of legislation written here since that vote. All included insite from Greg Sirb, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission.
While new MMA schools are opening in Pennsylvania, even more martial art schools are now cross-training for the sport of MMA. More fighters are being developed. More promotions are forming. Some of these promotions are holding try outs in anticipation of the day MMA in PA comes to fruition. What are we hearing today? Well, the latest word from Sirb is that we may be looking at the Summer of '08. Why? As we've heard before -- the process takes a while.
It is unclear what exactly is delaying the sport, and Sirb is okay with it. He wants to make sure it is done right the first time. Huh? We know MMA is legal in multiple states, including the bordering states of New Jeresy and Ohio, where MMA has out numbered boxing events. MMA continues to thrive in other states like California, Florida and Nevada, to name a few. Guidelines, more commonly known as the Unified Rules of Conduct, already govern professional MMA, and many of those states have an amateur level too. We are hearing be patient.
Bob Carson recorded his show for this week at the January 25 EliteXC show in New Jersey. Carson conducted several great interviews at the show, including one with Eddie Alvarez of Philadelphia based Fight Factory. Now 12 and 1, the former bodogFIGHT welterweight champion is an EliteXC star on the rise. Alvarez discusses his plans for a world title and possible future opponents. Carson provides backstage, behind-the-scenes information that you will only hear here.
January 29, 2008
On Saturday, February 9, Discovery Channel Fight Quest star Doug Anderson will make a special guest appearance at Master Eric Kovaleski Karate USA in Dickson City. There will be a meet and greet for the general public from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Anderson will be available for pictures, autograph signings and to talk about the show. Fight Quest depicts the world travels of two young martial artists as they learn different art styles. They train under a Master in a particular art for five days, then face a challenge to prove what they have learned. There are approximately 10 episodes that span the globe, from China, Japan, and Thailand to the Philippines and ending in the United States. Kovaleski worked with Anderson on the final episode of Fight Quest, and assisted training in the Kajukenbo episode and participated in some of the fight scenes. Master Eric Kovaleski Karate USA is located in the Siniawa Plaza 1, on Route 6. Anderson will also be available to the general public the night before at a viewing of the show at Amore Restaurant in Clarks Summit on Friday, February 8, at 9:00 PM. Amore is located at 223 Northern Blvd., Route 6, in South Abington Township, Clarks Summit. Call 570.343.3359, 510.886.3499 or e-mail for more information.
January 28, 2008
Rocco MMA will officially open on Monday, February 4, in Philadelphia. The school will be open Monday through Friday from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Rocco MMA will have a variety of classes in many styles throughout the day using their Octagon, Boxing Ring and 2000 square feet of mats. You will be able to attend all classes as a member. Rocco MMA will also have a full weight room and cardio equipment. Even if you do not want to take a formal class you can come and just hit the bags or take advantage of their many instructors that will work with you privately. Their standard contract is $100 a month for a year. There are family discounts and 10% off for police and firefighters. Rocco MMA will also give a discount for anyone that signs up prior to their grand opening. Rocco MMA is located at 1810 Grant Avenue at Bustleton. Call 215.778.2517 or e-mail with any questions or if you would like a tour.
January 27, 2008
From www.OctaneMMA.com: "After several months of creative differences and an inability to come to terms on the direction of this organization, Octane Mixed Martial Arts, Inc. is announcing that effective Friday, January 25, 2008, operations will be terminated. While it is difficult for dedicated members of the management team to arrive at this decision, we feel that it is in the best interest of our loyal supporters and prospective Mixed Martial Artists to be proactive in make this difficult decision now rather than extend the life of this product." As a result, Hi-TEST Tryout 2, scheduled for February 17, 2008, is cancelled.
January 26, 2008
On an exciting night that featured solid, non-stop action and entertaining fights, hometown crowd favorite Eddie Alvarez of Philadelphia sent his fans home deliriously happy by knocking out Ross Ebanez of Hawaii, at 2:32 of the second round last night on the 2008 premiere of ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series on SHOWTIME. The exciting 24-year-old from Fight Factory, showed a diverse array of disciplines on his way to the win over the BJ Penn fighter at the Taj Mahal Casino and Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey. In non-televised fights, Matt Makowski of Philly MMA defeated Joe Schilling by rear naked choke at 4:01 of the first round. Wilson Reis of BJJ United in Jenkintown, defeated Zach Makovsky of Fight Factory by side choke at 1:15 of the second round. Charlie Brenneman of Cambria Martial Arts in South Fork defeated Drew Puzon by Split Decision after three rounds. And Mark Getto of Advanced Fighting System submitted to a kimura at 1:12 of the first round in his fight against James Jones.
January 24, 2008
There will be a free question and answer clinic tonight from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Balance Studios in Philadelphia. Gi and No-Gi questions will be answered by instructor, Tim Hart. Then, starting Thursday, January 31, Hart will teach a 4 Week 1/2 Guard Class fm 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, focusing on sweeps, transitions to positions, taking the back, submission and defenses. The cost is just $50.00 per person. Class in limited to 16 people. Balance Studios is located at 108-114 Bonsall Street.
January 23, 2008
Pennsylvania will be well represented this Friday, January 25, as Eddie Alvarez of Philadelphia based Fight Factory headlines the ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series at the Taj Mahal Casino and Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Also featured on the card is teammate Zach Makovsky, Wilson Reis of BJJ United, Matt Makowski of Philly MMA, Charlie Brenneman of Cambria Martial Arts and Mark Getto of Advanced Fighting System.
January 22, 2008
Tim Boetsch received an early birthday gift this week when the UFC announced he would face David Heath in a light heavyweight bout at UFC 81: Breaking Point on Saturday, February 2, at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The prominent Lock Haven University wrestler started MMA just 15 months ago and has already massed an impressive 6-1 record, earning Reality Fighting, Extreme Challenge Northeast, and USKBA championships. The owner of Triple Threat Fighting Systems in Sunbury has dominated his opponents, and pulled out the win even when he himself was getting dominated. His only loss was a Decision in August 2007 to Vladimir Matyushenko in a Semi-Finals fight in the IFL.
January 21, 2008
Pedro Sauer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Allan "Zé Bonitinho" Hopkins of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu of Mississippi will be conducting a 3-hour seminar on Friday, February 15, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Golden Lotus Kung Fu Academy in Hamburg. Allen has been involved in Martial Arts for more than half his life. He has earned Black Belt and or Instructor status in several styles, including Wing Chun, Kung Fu, Kali, Japanese Kempo, Tai Kung Fu and three styles of Japanese Ju Jitsu, before becoming involved in Gracie Jiu Jitsu in 1991. Allen is the only certified Gracie Jiu Jitsu Black Belt in MS. The cost if just $50.00 per person. All are welcome to attend. Golden Lotus Kung Fu Academy is located at 112 South 4th Street. For more information, e-mail 69CCack@msn.com.
January 20, 2008
The 2007 ADCC Trials “Most Technical Fighter” will offer 2 seminars in Pittsburgh this coming weekend. Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Rick Macauley of Balance Studios in Philadelphia is an accomplished submission grappler. On Friday, January 25, Macauley will offer a FREE No-Gi seminar for every member of the Panther Grappling Club and Pitt students starting at 7:00 PM. On Sunday, January 26, Macauley will don the Gi at South Hills Judo starting at 1:00 PM. The cost is just $35.00 per person. Whatever grappling level you are, beginner, advanced or anything in between, this is a rare and great opportunity to learn from a world-class instructor. It will definitely be beneficial to everyone who attends. For more information and to reserve your spot, e-mail Pat at pwd3@pitt.edu.
January 19, 2008
The Ultimate Fighter Season 6 winner Mac Danzig faces Mark Bocek on April 19 when the UFC makes its Canadian debut at the Bell Centre in Montreal. Danzig is coming off a first round submission win over Tom Speer at TUF 6 Finale in December.
January 18, 2008
Jeremy Drenning will host an open training session at Hollidaysburg Family Fitness in Hollidaysburg on Saturday, January 26, starting at 12:00 PM. The American Sombo Academy black belt is a 2X National Combat Sombo champion with 17 years of combined martial arts and wrestling training. The gym is fairly good sized with 4 sections of wrestling mats. The cost is just $5.00 per person. Call Drenning at 814.635.0484 or 814.931.0340 for more information. Hollidaysburg Family Fitness is located at 301 Allegheny Street.
January 17, 2008
Eddie Alvarez will hold an open workout and press conference for his upcoming ShoXC fight this Tuesday, January 22, starting at 12:00 PM at City Fitness Gym in Philadelphia. This is open to the public. Everyone in attendance will have a chance to win 2 tickets to watch the Fight Factory stand out make his cage fighting debut on January 25 at the Taj Mahal Casino and Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey. There will also be an open buffet. City Fitness Gym is located at 200 Spring Garden Street.
January 15, 2008
Quantum Jujitsu at Penn State University in State College starts for new interested students on Wednesday, January 23, at 8:30 PM in the Intramural Building (IM Building) Wrestling Room. Quantum Jujitsu is a study of martial arts and life defense. They develop all modes of combat such as out-fighting, in-fighting, and ground fighting which covers kickboxing, boxing, grappling, throwing, takedowns, positioning, and submissions. Additionally, they train psychological aspects of avoiding unnecessary conflict. Besides regular training, Spring '08 will also offer -- intensive martial art seminars, optional gym membership, open mat training, competitions, extra-curricular activities and Warrior Yoga classes. The schedule is Monday and Wednesday from 8:30 PM to 10:30PM and Friday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM (106 White Building). All are welcome. No experience required. Wear comfortable clothing to work-out in. Come with an open mind and check your ego at the door. For more information or directions go to www.clubs.psu.edu/quantumjujitsu.
January 14, 2008
The 2007 Budweiser Jiu-Jitsu World Cup took place over the weekend in the outskirts of Charlotte, North Carolina. This prestigious event has quickly become one of the marquee jiu-jitsu events in the United States since its inception in 2001. A highlight of this year's tournament was the finale of the Over 185 Pound Professional division, which featured Pennsylvania grapplers James Brasco of Team Popovitch and Ricardo Migliarese of Team Balance. In the opening round, Brasco defeated a 260-pound opponent 5-0. Migliarese won his match by submission. The two met in the Semi-Finals, where it was West v. East with the Division 1 wrestler defeating the accomplished Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt 4-0. Brasco went on to meet 2X ADCC champion and UFC veteran Jeff Monson of famed American Top Team in the Finals. Their regulation match ended in a 0-0 tie. The two went into OT where the match went scoreless again after a few good scrambles. Brasco had a takedown attempt in the last 20 seconds of the match, but it was Monson who ended up in an advantageous position and received the Referee's nod in the end. Brasco had wars leading into the Finals and gave up over 50 pounds to The Snowman who received a by first round and faced a 130-pounder in the Semi-Finals. Rick Macauley of Team Balance in Philadelphia took second in the Under 185 Pound Professional division.
January 13, 2008
Yoga for fighters is back at Balance Studios in Philadelphia. Try a FREE class this Tuesday, January 15, at 7:15 PM with Phil Migliarese. The full 12-Week course starts Tuesday, January 22, at 7:15PM, and meets for 1 hour each Tuesday. The cost if only $150 for Balance members and just $175 for non-members. This class is for eveyone -- you do not have to be a fighter. Beginners are welcome. Call Josh Vogel 215.636.9661 for more information and to secure your spot. Balance Studios is located at 108-114 Bonsall Street.
January 11, 2008
Philadelphia native Eddie Alvarez (11-1) steps into the MMA cage for the first time on Friday, January 25, in ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series at the Taj Mahal Casino and Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The Fight Factory stand out makes his ShoXC debut on Showtime against Ross "The Boss" Ebanez (16-5) of BJ Penn MMA in Hawaii. The former bodogFIGHT welterweight champion is coming off a Unanimous Decision win over Matt Lee in July 2007. Alvarez is a local hero who is excited to be fighting in front of his hometown fans and on Showtime. For tickets, call 215.316.9693.
January 9, 2008
Members of Quiet Storm Fight Team from The Cage MMA in Bernville will compete this Saturday, January 12, at Combat in the Cage in Newark, Delaware. Founder and Lead Instructor Dave Concepcion, Nolan Armpriester, Jorge Ortiz, wrestling instructor Eric Koller and Devin Eby are scheduled in individual fights.
January 8, 2008
BJJ United instructor Wilson Reis returns to MMA on Saturday, January 25. The undefeated San Paulo native will face Zach Makovsky in ShoXC at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
January 7, 2008
The Revolution Academy of Martial Arts & Fitness proudly presents World Championship and 4X Pan American Championship Carlson Gracie 4th Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Professor Rodrigo Medeiros for two seminars on Saturday, February 2, starting at 11:00 AM. Medeiros has studyied submission arts since the age of five. In the 2004 Pan-Ams, Medeiros confirmed his status as one of the best finishers in the game - he not only repeated as champion, but did it in spectacular fashion with all wins by submission. Come learn from the 3X US Nationals Coach for the BJJ Revolution Team and Fighting Master's 2006 Instructor of the Year. Session 1 will be with the Gi and Session 2 will be without the Gi. These seminars are open to all academies and students. The cost is $30 for one session or $60 for both sessions at the door. Save with early registration. The Revolution Academy of Martial Arts & Fitness is located at 5909 Emilie Road in Levittown. Call 215.586.0108 to learn more about the seminar or check out Medeiros Seminar.
January 4, 2008
Panther Grappling at the University of Pittsburgh has developed a new and improved Spring 2008 grappling schedule. All classes are currently held in Trees Hall. No-Gi will be Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM in the Mat Room. Gi will be Friday from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM in the Multi-Purpose Room. An Open Mat will be offered on Saturday from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the Mat Room. Wednesday is going to be a strictly fundamentals day. Sometimes in the heat of the moment, we like to get all fancy and get away from our roots. This day will be nothing but basic moves, which drilling over and over will help improve ALL aspects of our game(s). If you are new to grappling or simply looking to work back into grappling without having to endure long lessons on complicated techniques, you are highly encourage to attend this day. Saturday's open mat is wide open -- Gi, No-Gi, practice, drills, rolling, sparring (maybe some MMA?), you name it. Check out www.panthergrappling.com or contact pwd3@pitt.edu for more information.
January 2, 2008
Congratulations to Pittsburgh native James Brasco on winning the Brown Belt division No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu World Championship recently in Carson, California. The 2X NCAA qualifier entered the competition as a purple belt in the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation, but competed up a class. The Florida based Team Popovitch wrestling coach won his three matches defeating Alfred Prado of Paragon Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Agoura Hills, California, 11-0 in the opening match. He then went on to defeat Steve Gable of Gracie Barra 2-0 in the semi-finals. Brasco finished the day defeating Clark Gracie of BJJ Revolution Team in California, 6-2 in the finals. With this title, Brasco was promoted to Brown Belt by Master Pablo Popovitch. Brasco was one of some 200 mixed martial artists that answered open tryout call for Season 7 of The Ultimate Fighter in November as reported by ESPN.com. He is 1-0 in MMA. Read more about Brasco here.
January 1, 2008
Many are anxiously awaiting the legalization of the sport of MMA in PA. It has been a long journey. At least 7 years for me. During that time, I have attended multiple Athletic Commission meetings, and had an opportunity to speak at two. One of which when the Commission unanimously voted to explore regulations on MMA in PA. That was February 2007. There have been several updates on the progress of legislation written here since that vote. All included insite from Greg Sirb, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission.
While new MMA schools are opening in Pennsylvania, even more martial art schools are now cross-training for the sport of MMA. More fighters are being developed. More promotions are forming. Some of these promotions are holding try outs in anticipation of the day MMA in PA comes to fruition. What are we hearing today? Well, the latest word from Sirb is that we may be looking at the Summer of '08. Why? As we've heard before -- the process takes a while.
It is unclear what exactly is delaying the sport, and Sirb is okay with it. He wants to make sure it is done right the first time. Huh? We know MMA is legal in multiple states, including the bordering states of New Jeresy and Ohio, where MMA has out numbered boxing events. MMA continues to thrive in other states like California, Florida and Nevada, to name a few. Guidelines, more commonly known as the Unified Rules of Conduct, already govern professional MMA, and many of those states have an amateur level too. We are hearing be patient.