Our approach here at the GriffonRawl Academy is simple, "if it doesn't work, we don't teach it". All
of our programs are not only designed to benefit those who intend to compete, but are also
designed to teach Self-Defense while getting you in shape. Mixed Martial Arts is currently one of the fastest growing sports in the world
today! However, do not be fooled, the styles we teach have proven their effectiveness inside and outside
of the ring time and time again. Competing is not a mandatory requirement for attending any of our
classes. Competitions we currently compete in are Muay Thai, Boxing, BJJ, & MMA.
Here is a little about our Academy. We are about 5,000 square foot. We have a 30'x40' section of Zebra Mats, a 20' Boxing Ring, a 20' Competition Cage, plenty of heavy bags, and pads. Last but not least we have mens and womens shower rooms available.
Offering classes in Muay Thai, MMA, Judo, Boxing, Wrestling, & Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu !
| GR Latest Results | GR Upcoming Events |
NAAFS "Full Contact Kickboxing 3"
April 26, 2008
Euclid, Ohio
Euclid Sports Plant
While Team GriffonRawl has made a name for itself in the MMA world, Dan Rawling originally started the academy as a Muay Thai studio. On April 26, 2008, four memebers of GriffonRawl showcased the team's roots at the third edition of NAAFS Full Contact Kickboxing. What follows is a recap of GriffonRawl warriors Adam Sadny (170lbs), Aaron Veverka (155lbs), Anton Jackson (265lbs), and Mark Fredebaugh (155lbs).
Mark Fredebaugh was first up for the team...Read More |
Jiu-Jitsu Seminar with Robin Geisler
On Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 7:30pm in lieu of the regular BJJ class, Team GriffonRawl will be hosting a Jiu-Jitsu seminar. Robin Geisler, who received his black belt from Relson Gracie in 2006, will be conducting the two hour seminar. Robin will also be available throughout the day for private lessons. Privates may be done one-on-one or with a small group.
QUICK BIO:
-Started training in Gracie Jiu-jitsu in 1994.
-Competed in the first Gracie Jiu-jitsu tournament in Ohio.
-Competed in every...Read More |
Wreckroom Fight Series "Mansfield Mayhem 5"
March 22, 2008
Mansfield, Ohio
Richland County Fairgrounds
On March 22, 2008, Wreckroom Athletics held it’s fifth installment of “Mansfield Mayhem” in Mansfield, Ohio. Three GriffonRawl warriors entered the cage this night. For the second fight in a row, Kevin Doyle was unable to compete due to an opponent backing out. Look for Kevin to be in action in the very near future. What follows is a recap of Paul Keeney (135lbs), AJ Carl (155lbs) and Brian McCroskey (170lbs).
Paul...Read More |
Superior Cage Fighting: Round 1 Read More |
NAAFS "Midwest Combat Challenge 4"
March 15, 2008
Akron, Ohio
Chapparell's Community Center
The NAAFS treated MMA fans to an exciting night of action on Saturday night at the sold out Chapparell's Community Center in Akron, Ohio. Team GriffonRawl sent three veterans into action and what follows is a recap of each team member.
Tom Lutz was pitted against Mark Strickland of Kombat MMA at 205lbs for his NAAFS debut. Tom looked excellent on his feet to start the first round, landing two beautiful combinations before Mark...Read More |
NAAFS "Kickboxing 3"
The NAAFS returns to the Euclid Sports Plant on April 26, 2008, only this time it's NAAFS Kickboxing! Team GriffonRawl will be sending a good amount of warriors into action on Saturday night.
More may be added, but currently Aaron "Juice" Veverka, Adam "The Cleveland City Psycho" Sadny, Paul "Str8outta" Compton, Anton Jackson, and Mark Fredebaugh are set to compete.
While Team GriffonRawl boasts an impressive MMA resume, Muay Thai Kickboxing is what started it all. I look forward to...Read More |
Who are the Instructors?
Griffonrawl Ohio Academy
Griffonrawl Florida Academy
Jason "Dynamite" Dent
Owner, Head Instructor, and driving force behind our Muay Thai and Mixed Martial Arts programs. Jason has
been involved in the Martial Arts for well over a decade getting his start in traditional Karate achieving his black belt
before moving into Muay Thai & MMA. He has about 17 amateur Muay Thai fights and currently competes Professionally in MMA.
Jason has fought internationally and in large events such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, King of the Cage, SuperBrawl,
and Apex just to name a few.
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Jeff Starr
Head Instructor of our Gracie Jiu-Jitsu program here at the GriffonRawl Academy. Jeff is a member of the Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Association and is currently a Brown Belt. Jeff has plenty of BJJ competition experience and still currently competes. Jeff
prepares those wishing to compete in grappling tournaments and MMA fights. Jiu-Jitsu classes are adaptable to both Gi and No-Gi.
Even if you are not looking at competeing these classes are great for self defense as well.
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Ken Curtis
Head Instructor of our Boxing program here at the GriffonRawl Academy. Ken has over ten years experience in the Martial Arts and is a
certified Instructor under the United States Amateur Boxing, Inc. Ken runs classes in the sweet science three days a week and is
also involved with our Muay Thai & MMA programs. Many of our fighters work with Ken to polish their boxing techniques and combos in
addition to everything else we work.
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Chuck Schilling
Chuck started Wrestling at the age of 11, he wrestled varsity for three years at Mentor. During Chucks senior year he was Captain
of the team and also Winter Athlete of the year. Chuck started coaching at Mentor Youth Wrestling while still in high school and
has coached at all levels of the Mentor program since graduation in 99. In addition to training, and fighting for GriffonRawl he
is now currently coaching at Ridge Jr. High in Mentor.
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Ron Russo
Ron started his martial arts training at nineteen years old in 1965. Ron begain his studies in the arts while enlisted in the US
Army. He may have started with Karate and Ju-Jutsu but quickly found a love for Judo and has been with it since. Ron's is ranked
as a Sandan 3rd Degree Black Belt under the U.S.J.A. and also ranked as a Shodan 1st Degree Black Belt by the Kodokan.
Ron competed in Judo tounaments in the 70's and the 80's. Ron will puts his years of experience to work by helping our students
and fighters learn to incorporate Judo takedowns into there games.
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Dan "Tanis" Rawlings
Founder of Griffonrawl Academy here in Ohio back in 1997. Griffon is a mythlogical
creature that serves as our mascot, and obviously Rawl is the begining of Danny's last name, thus our team name GriffonRawl.
He now resides in Brookesville Florida and has continued to spread the GriffonRawl name and open two academies in the area, one
being in Brookesville and the other in Tampa. Dan is a Pro Muay Thai fighter and has competed internationally for years. He is
also a certified Muay Thai Instructor under Kru Vut Kamnark of the U.W.M.T.A. If you would like more info on the Florida schools or
would like to contact Dan, please visit the offical GriffonRawl website at www.griffonrawl.com
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Owner, Head Instructor, and driving force behind our Muay Thai and Mixed Martial Arts programs. Jason has
been involved in the Martial Arts for well over a decade getting his start in traditional Karate achieving his black belt
before moving into Muay Thai & MMA. He has about 17 amateur Muay Thai fights and currently competes Professionally in MMA.
Jason has fought internationally and in large events such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, King of the Cage, SuperBrawl,
and Apex just to name a few.
Head Instructor of our Gracie Jiu-Jitsu program here at the GriffonRawl Academy. Jeff is a member of the Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Association and is currently a Brown Belt. Jeff has plenty of BJJ competition experience and still currently competes. Jeff
prepares those wishing to compete in grappling tournaments and MMA fights. Jiu-Jitsu classes are adaptable to both Gi and No-Gi.
Even if you are not looking at competeing these classes are great for self defense as well.
Head Instructor of our Boxing program here at the GriffonRawl Academy. Ken has over ten years experience in the Martial Arts and is a
certified Instructor under the United States Amateur Boxing, Inc. Ken runs classes in the sweet science three days a week and is
also involved with our Muay Thai & MMA programs. Many of our fighters work with Ken to polish their boxing techniques and combos in
addition to everything else we work.
Chuck started Wrestling at the age of 11, he wrestled varsity for three years at Mentor. During Chucks senior year he was Captain
of the team and also Winter Athlete of the year. Chuck started coaching at Mentor Youth Wrestling while still in high school and
has coached at all levels of the Mentor program since graduation in 99. In addition to training, and fighting for GriffonRawl he
is now currently coaching at Ridge Jr. High in Mentor.
Ron started his martial arts training at nineteen years old in 1965. Ron begain his studies in the arts while enlisted in the US
Army. He may have started with Karate and Ju-Jutsu but quickly found a love for Judo and has been with it since. Ron's is ranked
as a Sandan 3rd Degree Black Belt under the U.S.J.A. and also ranked as a Shodan 1st Degree Black Belt by the Kodokan.
Ron competed in Judo tounaments in the 70's and the 80's. Ron will puts his years of experience to work by helping our students
and fighters learn to incorporate Judo takedowns into there games.
Founder of Griffonrawl Academy here in Ohio back in 1997. Griffon is a mythlogical
creature that serves as our mascot, and obviously Rawl is the begining of Danny's last name, thus our team name GriffonRawl.
He now resides in Brookesville Florida and has continued to spread the GriffonRawl name and open two academies in the area, one
being in Brookesville and the other in Tampa. Dan is a Pro Muay Thai fighter and has competed internationally for years. He is
also a certified Muay Thai Instructor under Kru Vut Kamnark of the U.W.M.T.A. If you would like more info on the Florida schools or
would like to contact Dan, please visit the offical GriffonRawl website at