RAT PACK'S WINTER BELT TESTING SESSION
Sunday November 25th was the date of the most recent belt testing session at Rat Pack and, once again, the event was a smashing success.
Those in attendance were privileged not only to watch the testing sessions of several Rat Pack members but, also, to participate in a mini-seminar put on by triple black belt (Judo/Sambo/BJJ) JAMES SIMRELL of Scranton and Renzo Gracie black belt and BJJ phenom BRIAN MILLER.
Congratulations go out to those who tested that day including Rat Pack instructors Jr. Ortiz who earned his long overdue Blue Belt as well as a stripe; Todd Teele who earned a stripe on his Blue Belt; Bubba "Bubba-Licious " Naratil who earned his Blue Belt; and Matt "The Answer" Riddle who earned a well deserved Purple Belt. Congrats also to Rat Pack members Brent Yoder and Jeff Johnson who also garnered Blue Belts on this occasion.
Great job guys!
A special thank you to our friend and director of our BJJ and MMA programs, MR. SIMRELL without whom none of this would be possible, to CHUCK GLASS, owner of Reality Martial Arts, the newest member of the Simrell MMA Association, for attending and for sharing his skills with us so generously over the past several months (we hate to loose you brother!) and to BRIAN MILLER for taking the time to work with the Rat Pack gang both during and after the testing session.
On August 4-5, 2007, the Rat Pack again descended upon Wild Wood, NJ for the North American Grappling Association's (N.A.G.A.'s) 8th Annual "Battle at the Beach" submission grappling tournament.
Once again Team Rat Pack/Simrell MMA, put on one hell of a display earning 12 medals against competitors and teams from throughout the entire eastern seaboard.
On Saturday, we picked up 5 awards with Don Celoso taking second in the over 40 lightweight division, which he followed up with an impressive showing in the open division defeating two competitors nearly half his age! Dennis "Iron Man" Ringler, only 1 week back in training following an injury forced absence of two months, put on an awe inspiring show by fighting a total of 8 matches, and winning the first seven (5 by tap-out) to garner a Gold medal in the Master's and a Silver medal in the open 160lb class.
Nick Masington managed to squeak out a last second submission in order to earn a second in the Master's 190-200lbs division and the day was highlighted by Matt "the Answer" Riddle's show stopping performance in the Advanced 190-200 lbs class which earned him the admiration of all in attendance, and the Rat Pack/Simrell team, it's first NAGA Championship Belt!
On Sunday, the Rat Pack kid's again put on a dominant display with Domenic, after only three weeks of training, earning the Bronze in the children's beginner division. Jake Christman, in his first major tournament, surprised everyone with two tap-out victories paving the way to a Bronze medal in his division, which feat was equaled by Spencer Wahlmark who also captured Bronze in his weight class.
The tandem of Dillon Masington and Dallas Miata again impressed the crowd with Dallas earning silver in the 90-100lbs Beginner division and with "D" taking silver in the 80-90lbs Intermediate division via a "superman" guard pass to a spinning Achilles lock which, for the third year in a row, left his opponent complaining to the referee through a veil of tears.
Capping off the event were two of the most dominate performances of the weekend when Joey Bubble decimated 4 opponents (3 via submission) on his way to capture the Gold in the 80-90lbs Beginner division and with Shannon Masington, in her first NAGA appearance, capturing Gold via arm-bar against the BOYS!
The only disappointment of the day was the decision by tournament officials to "bounce" Zach Meyer up two divisions following his 15 second arm bar submission victory in his first match of the day, which decision, undoubtedly, cost him and Rat Pack another Gold Medal. Take it as a compliment Zach!
All in all, it was a great weekend for those who attended and for Rat Pack and the James Simrell MMA Association in general. As always, we would like to thank the competitors and their families who devoted their time and money to the effort and we hope you all had a wonderful time. Congratulations to all of the winners and a special thank you to those team members who placed out of the running this year. We will expect each of you back next year and want you to know that your efforts are both noted and appreciated.
MATT "THE TERROR" SERRA
On October 1st, 2006 RPFS welcomed Matt Serra for a MMA seminar. Check out some pictures from the seminar!
Since opening it's doors in January 2005, RPFS has sponsered several successful seminars with such notable athletes as Muay Thai Champion Eric Utsch; Pennsylvania Wrestling coach of the Year Todd Herzog; Sambo Specialist and BJJ Black Belt, James Simerell; Professor Marcos Santos and BJJ Master Rigan Machado; and, Grand Master Francisco Mansur, one of only three Brazillian Jiu Jitsu Red Belts in the world today! Below are a few shots from these events.
Please check this site periodically for more information regarding upcoming events.
