Archives for August 2013
Coach’s Corner: The Black Belt Way of Life
August 21, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Last month we had the pleasure of hosting Professor Pedro Sauer here at The Academy for an all day seminar. Jiu jitsu students from all over the state came to learn from Professor Sauer.
Among those students were students from The Academy that had the opportunity to test for their next belt rank. These are students who care deeply about being a martial artist and becoming a black belt. The dedication and focus that these students have shown throughout the years has inspired this topic of “the black belt way of life.” What does that mean and why is it important?
The black belt way of life is not just about dedication and discipline, it’s about your character off the mat too. Black belts shouldn’t just be masters of their art, but they should be humble, kind, willing to help others who aren’t as skilled or as experienced, they put the needs of others in front of their own. They are leaders who take on challenge with pleasure, and seek to make jiu-jitsu fun and accessible to all people.
Sometimes we forget that martial arts is not just for the strong, but for the weak. It’s because of martial arts that those who seem weak, frail, insecure, or uncoordinated become strong, determined, and confident. Becoming a black belt is about encouraging those who need it the most. We all have stories of feeling insecure or nervous when we first started training, but there was probably someone who was a higher rank that took time to be patient with you, to teach you what they know, to help you work through certain moves and techniques. Right?
As you continue on your journey of becoming a black belt (it doesn’t matter whether you do Muay Thai or BJJ) think about what kind of black belt you want to be… Think about why becoming a black belt is important on and off the mat.
If you’re reading this and you’re thinking that becoming a black belt isn’t one of your goals, ask yourself how come? Are you afraid of the commitment and the discipline it takes? aRe you nervous about the testing? What’s holding you back?
Achieving a black belt should be a goal of yours if it’s not already because the skills and tools that you learn, the experiences you gain are priceless and unique to this form of martial arts. As coaches, the time, money, blood, sweat, and memories that we’ve gained have made us better people in more way than we could have ever imagined. We believe that no other sport can make a more well rounded human being that the martial arts. Physically and mentally – martial artists learn to master and control their bodies and mind in ways that most people never learn how to do in their lifetime.
Sometimes life gets busy and maybe it takes us away from training and testing regularly. We want to remind you that training and testing regularly is critical to your progress as a martial artist and we strongly urge you to make testing a priority. Training prepares you for testing and testing is a way for you and us (as your coaches) to measure your progress towards becoming a black belt.
So whether becoming a black belt is a definite goal of your or you’re still on the fence about it, we want to challenge you to think about your own definition of a black belt and what it means to you. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by continuing your training here so keep up the great work!
Until next time,
Your Academy Coaches
Meet: Phil Hawes
August 18, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Phil Hawes a New member of The Academy fight team, as of last weekend is 4-0 as an Amateur. He normally fights at 185 lbs. but went on to win Driller promotions HWT title.
1. Where are you from?
“I’m originally from Little Ferry ,New Jersey a small suburb in North Jersey..”
2.What is your background in athletics/ mma experience?
“I’m a division 1 wrestler.. I’m a 3-0 amature in mma..”
3. What made you move and join the academy/What do you like most about the Team/gym/program?
“I liked the feel of the gym it’s intensity is very similar to the feel you get in high level wrestling rooms. I know rooms like this breaks you and when you break and keep going is when you jump levels and that’s happening everyday at practice , also I feel the technique being taught is top notch and is going to put me where I want to be which is number 1 in the world”
Meet: Clarence Jordan
August 17, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Clarence Jordan with a nice head kick.
Clarence has made the Move to Minnesota to train at The Academy, here’s a little bit about him.
1. Where are you from?
Waterloo Iowa (same town as wrestling legend Dan Gable)
2. What is your background in athletics/ MMA experience?
I wrestled in high school and college , then I started training for MMA my Junior year of college. (Clarence is now 2-1, in his Pro career)
3. What made you move and join The Academy?
I was invited by my manager Jeremy Bjornberg to come visit the gym and after one practice I knew this was where I needed to be. Tough training partners and great coaching.
4. What do you like most about the Team/gym/program?
I like being around like minded individuals. I want to be a champion and it helps me stay motivated to be around others who have the same mind set and work ethic that I do. Iron sharpens iron!
Academy MMA results from The Myth night club 8/10/13
August 17, 2013 by Leave a Comment
“Mixed results” is a term that could best describe the night for The Academy at Driller promotions’ “Mecca at The Myth” MMA event Last Saturday.
135 — Dustin Murphy (Academy) def. Sam Khom by submission due to arm triangle choke at :56 of third round.
Murphy was able to use a slick ground game to Dominate almost the entire fight until he was able to find the finish in the third Round. His opponent appeared to be the stronger of the two physically, but Murphy’s technique won that battle. Both showed minimal striking but nevertheless it was a solid start to a big fight card.
175 — Ben Lindau (academy) def. Otis Hamilton by unanimous decision (29-28 on all three).
Lindau, A college student at MSU-Mankato & BJJ Blue belt, was able to out do the Strong heavy handed wrestler in Otis Hamilton with a great bottom ground game and ability to take the fight to the ground when he needed to. Each round started out with heavy shots on the feet by both but then would go to the ground for a majority of the time. Lindau has several near finishes by submission.
170 — Chris Hugh def. Jesse Midas (academy) by TKO at 4:57 of first round.
Both Guys came out throwing leather, Midas the noticeably smaller fighter was able to put Hugh against the cage at will but ultimately was caught by a bad elbow and was dropped, the ref quickly maybe even pre maturely jumped in.
Heavyweight — Phil Hawes (Academy) def. Tom Krenzel by TKO at :15 of first round.
Academy new comer Phil Hawes a Huge middleweight jumped up to HWT for the Driller HWT title. His opponent former Academy member Krenzel was aggressive but was on the wrong end of a big Hawes Right hand.
170 — Bill Finn def. Clarence Jordan (Academy) by KO at 4:32 of first round.
Bill Fin came out swinging…and kept swinging…for the fences. After stuffing a quick takedown attempt from Jordan, Finn discouraged Jordan from attempting any more. In the Battle of who landed the bigger shots Finn won. Knocking his opponent out cold with a nasty Uppercut to Hook combo. This won him $500 cash for KO of the night.
135 — Mike Hernandez def. Carl Deaton by KO at 3:53 of first round.
In the Nights Co- main event, Carl Deaton was out done by Michagan’s Hernandez’ in dominating fashion. Deaton was dropped early in round 1 and was never able to find his groove against a very aggressive game from Hernandez. After stuffing the only takedown attempt from Deaton, the 135lb force throw a combo that ended the fight for good.
More News and notes to come on upcoming Academy fight dates!
