Why I Train BJJ- Dan Fontaine

Taken from http://www.scoop.it/t/brazilian-jiu-jitsu


Training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has tremendously changed my life. I have been training for a year now and at 36, I am in the best shape of my life. Around the academy I hear and see countless stories of how BJJ changed peoples' lives. 

BJJ is not just " another " martial art, it is a brotherhood, a way of life and if you get bit with the bug ( which I have ) it becomes a part of your identity. I say that with pride. Pride for what I have accomplished already in 1 year, pride for what I plan to accomplish in 2011 and beyond. 

The teammates I train with are there for different reasons. Some are trying to get in better shape as I was, others are looking to round our their game for MMA, and there are others who want to compete at the highest levels of BJJ. We have all goals and work with each other to achieve those goals. 

A good academy is a tight-knit group with a strong sense of community and looking out for one another. I see this every time I get on the mats. Whether it is the guys that have been around for years or the people that are just starting up. We all have a common goal, to see each other and help each other get better. 

I will admit BJJ is not for everyone. I have had several of my friends and peers say, 
" I don't know how you do it. " or 
" you really roll around and get all sweaty with strangers and choke each other? ".
I simply tell them that I don't expect them to fully understand, until you step on the mats it is tough to understand. 


I started this by saying that BJJ has tremendously changed my life. I would like to end this by stating just how it has;

Came in weighing 204, Currently weigh 184, Goal weight 175-178.

Came in with poor cardio, ran out of breathe wrestling with my then 3 year old son. Now I can wrestle with adults my own size for extended periods of time without " gassing out ".

I used to be run down and tired all the time and carried a great deal of the stresses of my career in my back, in my stomach in the form of eating a poor diet. Now I eat healthy and my time on the mats 2-3 times a week alleviates the stresses my back seemingly used to carry. Sure I have some other " dings " and " dents" but the stress is all but gone.

Due to the stress I just mentioned I used to have significant mood swings and both my co-workers and wife and have said that I much more " even keeled " since finding BJJ. 

My family sees a healthier me, a happier me, a more confident me and much, much more... I owe this all to finding Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and I am so thankful I did.

If you have ever considered training BJJ or MMA but have reservations for whatever reason. Give it a go. You may get bit with the bug as I have or you may find it is not right for you. Better to try and fail than to never have tried at all. 

Roberto 'Cyborg' Abreau Seminar & SBJJ News!

Sunday, February 20th Simmler BJJ hosted a seminar with BJJ World Champion Roberto 'Cyborg' Abreu where he shared some of his favorite techniques and philosophy on Jiu Jitsu. 

In other news from the seminar, John Saari and Charlie Salmon, both well-seasoned SBJJ Blue Belts were promoted to Purple Belt under Dan Simmler. Both John and Charlie have shown dedication to sport and to those who follow in their footsteps at SBJJ!


Congrats to John and Charlie for their hard work and dedication!

Allaire Tournament Results!

The SBJJ competition team had a strong showing on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011 at the Allaire Fitness Tournament in Woonsocket, RI with Marc Berman (2nd) and Dale Kline (1st) rounding out the top 2 respectively. SBJJ competitors Jesse Burns and Nick Aboe also had some excellent performances in the Open Division. Congrats to our competitors! 
Check out some clips from the tournament:


Marc Berman:

Jesse Burns:

Nick Aboe:

Dale Kline:

NAGA : New England SBJJ Results! (Updated!)

Big shout out to all our SBJJ competitors and teammates who represented at the recent NAGA New England held on January, 29-30 at Twin River Casino in Lincoln, RI.

Team Results:

No-Gi Adult Team: 1st Place*

Gi Adult Team: 3rd Place

Overall Adult Team: 2nd Place

Kids/ Teens Team: 1st Place

Day 1 was headlined by some of our veterans (Jiu Jitsu Militia) who did extremely well in their Gi and No-Gi divisions. Here is how they finished:

- Justin Zillman - 1st Bluebelt
- Jay Pope - 2nd Masters Beg. No-Gi
- Jeff Kell - 1st Masters Int. No-Gi, 2nd Bluebelt
- Melissa Ouimet - 2nd Nov. No-Gi
- Jordan Rosario – 1st Adv. No-Gi
- Earl Ebbing – 1st Bluebelt
- Charlie Salmon – 1st Brown/Blackbelt
- Dan Simmler – NAGA Absolute No-Gi Champion

Here's one of Jay Pope's fights:

Charlie Salmon in the Purple Belt Finals:

On Day 2 our SBJJ Kids/ Teens (Mini Militia) picked up where the adults left off with many bringing home new hardware! Congrats to our kids/teens, here's how they finished:
- Fiona Faford – 1st No-Gi, 1st Whitebelt
- Oliva Salmon – 1st No-Gi, 1st No-Gi,1st Whitebelt
- Connor Halloran – 1st No-Gi, 2nd No-Gi
- Leah Halloran – 1st Whitebelt, 2nd No-Gi
- Padraic Halloran – 2nd Whitebelt, 3rd No-Gi
- Emma Halloran – 3rd Whitebelt
- Yanni Paloukas – 2nd Whitebelt
- Diane Robinson – 1st Gi Intermediate
- Nick Robinson – 2nd Expert No-Gi
- Alec Mastrototar – 1st No-Gi, 1st Whitebelt
- Christian Ruiz – 1st No-Gi, 1st No-Gi, 1st Whitebelt, 1st Whitebelt
- Jesse Jacques – 2nd Int. Gi
- Logan Edwards – 3rd Whitebelt

Chris Legacy - Why I started BJJ

This is a part of a guest blogger series that we will be doing in 2011 and beyond. We will be featuring stories and entries from some of the students here at Simmler BJJ. This is our second teammate who's life has been changed by getting involved with BJJ.


Here is what Chris had to say about is his first year training BJJ.

"I knew, by the end of 2009, that I wanted to train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; it was an idea I had thought long and hard about. I also knew I wanted to attend the best academy in the area, one that would challenge me and prepare me for competition. A friend of mine had trained at Simmler BJJ for years, so I knew ahead of time that I would receive the top-notch instruction I was looking for. When I discovered this first-hand, it was no surprise. However, it didn’t take much time for me to realize that this academy had more to offer than just superior training. 


In a matter of only a few months, I found myself stronger and faster than I had ever been; I was eating better, sleeping better, and just living better all around. I was even lucky enough to make some new friends in the process. Because of the friendly encouragement I got from Dan and his students, I quickly lost all reservations I had about being the fighter I knew I could be (not mention loads of bodyfat!) Most importantly, I discovered a deep passion for jiu jitsu that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Stepping through the door at Simmler BJJ was the best thing I could have ever done. I’m very happy to say, in the end, I got more than I bargained for."

Thanks for sharing Chris! It has been great to see Chris' progress at the academy. On any given day you'll find Chris tweaking and working on his techniques. Chris has been a great addition to the team and we are proud of his hard work and representing SBJJ on the mats!


For other SBJJ students reading this, we want to hear your stories of success at the academy. Whether your goal is to get in shape, to compete, to be a champion, we want to hear it. Feel free to reach out to Dale Kline or Dan Fontaine if you are interested in contributing to the team blog.

- Simmler BJJ

Matt Monopoli- My First Year

This is a part of a guest blogger series that we will be doing in 2011 and beyond. We will be featuring stories and entries from some of the students here at Simmler BJJ. This is the first of what we hope will be many.

Thank you to Matt for stepping up when we put out the call for guest contributors. Here is what Matt had to say about is his first year training BJJ and Simmler BJJ.

" 2010 was a great year for me at Simmler BJJ. It was my first year doing BJJ and I absolutely fell in love with it. When I first started training at the academy I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with it. I signed up because I needed to get into shape and was looking for a different alternative than going to the gym and doing the same mindless exercises over and over again. When I started I was 274lbs, at year’s end I was 211. That’s a pretty big change in a year, considering I went to the gym twice in the last year all of that weight loss came from BJJ. I never expected to fall in love with the sport, but I did. I like the fact that while your still getting an incredible work out it’s something that makes you think and something that you need to stay focused with in order to get better. I’m happy I decided to go and sign up because I’d probably go crazy if I couldn’t train now. I look forward to what 2011 has in store for me at the academy. Lots of hard work I’m sure. "


Thanks for sharing Matt. It has been great to watch you shed the pounds and your progress on the mats.


For other SBJJ students reading this, we want to hear your stories of success at the academy. Whether your goal is to get in shape, to compete, to be a champion, we want to hear it. Feel free to reach out to Dale Kline or me if you are interested in contributing to the team blog.



-- Dan Fontaine

UFC 118/ Grappler's Quest

As most of you know this past weekend was a huge weekend for fans, fighters, and MMA in general in New England. The UFC came to Boston and hosted their first event, UFC 118 at the TD Garden. Also part of the weekend was the UFC Fan Expo which hosted many of the current UFC fighters as well as other events such as the UFC Grappler's Quest.

Serra BJJ NE/ Team Simmler had several guys compete and bring home some hardware. Alex O'Brien had a strong showing during the tournament taking 3rd place in his Blue Belt division. Alex had several tough match ups and did extremely well. 

Justin Mosher took 2nd place in his No-Gi division after another good showing at Grappler's Quest. Mosher won his first fight by a flying darce choke cause his opponent to quickly tap. 

Todd Montgomery took 2nd place in the Master's No-Gi absolute after a very strong showing. Todd beat a Gracie Barra black belt in the Semi's to make it to the finals. Todd brought home 1st place in his No-Gi division and had a strong showing in his Advanced division coming in 4th.

Dale Kline also did well over the weekend taking 3rd place in the Blue Belt absolute division. Dale also took 1st in his No-Gi division and came in 4th in the Advanced No-Gi division with all black belts. Dale wrapped up his No-Gi day going 1-1 in the absolute division which included a arm-snapping kimura.

Jay Pope and TJ Forbes also had very strong showings at the tournament which turned out to be very competitive. Congrats to all Serra BJJ NE/ Team Simmler competitors as well as those who were present to support the team!

3 Glover Seminar Vids on Simmler BJJ Youtube Channel- More to follow!

Yes, that is right. It has taken me a little while but there are now 3 Videos from the Jeff Glover Gi Seminar held at the Academy on May 8th on our Youtube Channel http://youtube.com/simmlerbjj and more will be following. If you were not able to attend take a look and check the channel as more informational videos will be hitting it over the summer. It is a going to to be a great summer to train and there are a good amount of tournaments and seminars planned or in the works. Make sure you check out these great vids!

2010 NY Open

We are proud to announce and Congratulate Ty Moulton and TJ Forbes on their medals at the 2010 NY open held on Saturday May 1st. Heading into the weekend TJ was a bit nervous as it was the first time he was participating in tow tournaments in the same Weekend. NY Open on Saturday and Warriorsincombat.com on Sunday. He was up for the challenge though and and was anticipating and excited and was going to give it his best.

TJ took home the Silver after a somewhat rocky start. His first match was against Galvin Green and in the middle of the match, TJ was trying secure solid side control and accidentally thumbed Galvin in the right eye. Fearing a possible DQ TJ stated to the ref that is was an accident and he wasn't trying to do it. To which the ref replied as the say in your country...," Sometimes... (expletive) happens. " After a brief timeout and a doctor looking at Galvin's eye, the match got back under way. After another take down TJ was able to position himself for an arm-bar and secured it to win the match.

TJ's second match he executed a take down and finished with a loop choke.He was tired and caught up with the excitement of the day and didn't recall too many details. Just that he won...

The third match was against a guy named Ryan who had 6 years wrestling experience but was relatively new to BJJ. Ryan was able to to perform several take downs and hold TJ in a dominant position. TJ was a bit gassed and was not able to get out from underneath Ryan. Ryan ultimately won by points. With that TJ secured a Silver medal at the 2010 NY Open,



Ty Moulton took home Gold Medal in the Super Heavy Weight Division White Belt.

Match 1 was against Ben Wood from Renzo Gracie. Ty went for an inside leg trip and was swept into half guard where he reversed position and maintained a dominant position for the remainder of the to win by points.

Match 2 Dan Francis Gracie Humaita.
At the beginning Ty was pulled into guard and was able to establish and maintain dominant position and won by points.

Match 3 Vinicius Machado Kimuru BJJ. Out of the gate Ty pulled guard and in doing so Vini sustained a broken leg. Ty won match by default.




At the end of the day Simmler BJJ students brought 2 medals back from New York and we are all proud of their hard work and efforts at the Open. Congratulation to Ty Moulton for his Gold Medal and TJ Forbes for his Silver!

Summer Special! Get it while it's hot!

Marc and Nick Win at Warriorsincombat.com Event in Worcester MA May 2nd!

We'd like to Congratulate Marc Berman and Nick Robinson for their Wins this past weekend. The tournament was sponsored by warriorsincombat.com and was Sunday May 2nd in Worcester Massachusetts. Here is the video of two of the Serra New England/ Simmler BJJ students in action!

Enjoy the videos. Nice work guys!

Marc's match


Nick's

Great Story about 2 Serra New England/Team Simmler BJJ Students

Aired Thursday 4/29/2010 on NECN and Worcester Charter 3

Video 

(NECN: Katie Daly, Worcester, Mass.) - Jeremiah Monge is at the top of his class at the Serra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy in Worcester. He trains everyday and even helps with instructing a few classes a week. But Jeremiah faces a unique challenge when taking on opponents. He is also deaf. 

Jeremiah's friend L.P. is also climbing the ranks at the academy. He started taking lessons about a year ago, but can take on opponents with more experience and skill level without a problem. Watching him on the mats you may not be able to tell that he is blind.



Dan Simmler is their instructor. He says it's the challenges these two students face that gives them an advantage in the sport.

The combat sport focuses on ground fighting which includes throws, holds and take downs.

Simmler says to be successful at these maneuvers students must sharpen their sense of touch... Which L.P and Jeremiah already have.

When Simmler first started training Jeremiah three years ago communicating was difficult. But Simmler immediately noticed Jeremiah's other strengths..

L.P. admits he does get frustrated not being able to see his opponent approach him. But he's not willing to let his disability get in his way. Like Jeremiah it only means he needs to work a little harder.

The pair compete on a regional level and someday would like to have a career in martial arts. It's a goal that is important for both of them and may not be very far away

Busy times ahead!

Been a while since we've blogged but there is some exciting tourney's coming down the pike this Spring! Serra New England/ Team Simmler plans on having a great number of students participating in all of them.

Here is what is coming up!

 

AGC Tourney on Saturday April 24th  At Biddeford High School Biddeford ME

  
Next up... The 2010 New York International Open Jiu-Jitsu Championship  May 1st in NY!

The last day to register is Saturday April 24! $102 to register. Must register online! Register and learn more here.





Then on May 2nd on the local front there is the 1st Warriors in Combat Cup. A Gi only Tourney right here in Worcester at the Elm Park Community School. Online registration only at warriorsincombat.com

Become a fan of Serra New England/Team Simmler on Facebook by clicking link below.

Serra BJJ NE/Team Simmler on Facebook

Feel free to visit our website at http://simmlerbjj.com

Thanks for visiting and reading. We hope to have more exciting news as we head into summer here at the Academy.  

Don't forget to register for the Jeff Glover Seminar May 8th and 9th

Jeff Glover seminar reminder! Watch this!

Jeff Glover Seminar at Serra New England/Team Simmler at 210 Summer St Worcester on:

May 8: Saturday, Gi 12-3pm

May 9: Sunday, No-GI 12-3pm

Jeff Glover Seminar!

Jeff Glover Seminar May 8 & 9! Don't miss this one. Pre-Register now to save a spot. This Seminar is open to all schools and it WILL sell out.


Jeff Glover Seminar at Serra New England/Team Simmler at 210 Summer St Worcester on:

May 8: Saturday, Gi 12-3pm

May 9: Sunday, No-GI 12-3pm


Register Now!!!!!

Some Jeff Glover highlights from Grapplers Quest

Danny Ives Seminar

On Tuesday night, March 16, 2010 we had a great turn out at Serra/Simmler BJJ NE for the Danny Ives seminar. 

Danny Ives is a world renowned martial arts coach, competitor and martial arts expert. He is a Pan-American games champion, multiple times NAGA champion, and many times superfight champion. Danny was born and raised in Philadelphia, and is one of the first Americans to begin training in MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu back in 1994. He holds a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Master Lloyd Irvin and has many years of Boxing, Thai Boxing, wrestling, and Judo experience.Danny took some time to share various Marcelo Garcia sitting-guard options, half guard sweeps and other concepts he is working on that have been very effective. 

Danny took some time to share various Marcelo Garcia sitting-guard options, half guard sweeps and other concepts he is working on that have been very effective.  

Danny Ives' academy, Ivey League Mixed Martial Arts is the Team Lloyd Irvin training center for the Annapolis, MD area.http://www.iveyleaguemma.com/

Photos courtesy of Teresa Russin & Scott Robinson. 

Dan Simmler takes Silver @ ADCC Pro World Cup North American Trials

One week after receiving his Black Belt under Matt Serra, Dan Simmler wasted no time breaking it in this weekend at the Abu Dhabi Pro-Gi North American Trials in Montreal, Canada placing 2nd at black belt---bringing home a Silver medal. 

Simmler won his first 3 fights by submission via toe-hold, triangle, and armbar from guard respectively. In the finals, Simmler had a tough battle with black belt Josh Griffiths from Alliance losing with the score 0-0 and 2-1 on advantages. 


Congrats Dan on taking Silver!

Chas Tucker wins MA State Wrestling Championship!

Serra BJJ NE/ Team Simmler competitor Chas Tucker (Worcester Academy) won the Massachusetts (MYWA) State Wrestling Title at 91 lbs. on Sunday, February 28, 2010. Chas walked through his bracket with relative ease pinning his first opponent in 0:30, winning his semi-final match 7-0, and winning his finals match by "Technical Fall" (winning by more than 15 pts.) with the score of 18-1. 

Chas also recently competed at NAGA held on February 6, 2010 at Twin River Casino in Lincoln, RI. Chas took 1st place in both his Gi and No-Gi divisions at the tournament.

Chas will be competing this upcoming weekend at the 2010 New England Youth Wrestling Championships held at Lowell High School in Lowell, MA.

Danny Ives Seminar @ Serra BJJ NE/ Team Simmler: Tues., March 16th

Serra BJJ NE/ Team Simmler Seminar with DANNY IVES!!!!! (Two Hour BJJ Workshop) Tuesday March 16, 6:30-8:30pm 


Cost: $20 


"Best seminar I have ever been to!" -John Saari 4 stripe BJJ blue belt


''Danny Ives has been a huge contributor to my game. He helped build my skills in bull fighting, De la Riva, and X-Guard. Don't miss this seminar!'' -Dan Simmler


Danny Ives Accomplishments: 
-BJJ Black Belt under Lloyd Irvin 
-Pan Am Gold Medalist
- 6X Pan Am Medalist, BJJ Black Belt 
-14X NAGA Absolute Champion 
-6X Grappler's Quest Pro Champion 
-Undefeated in MMA 
-2X NAGA Competitor of the Year

Gary LaBreck wins by TKO @ Combat Sports Challenge 29

Congratulations to Serra BJJ NE/ Team Simmler's Gary LaBreck for his TKO (Rd.1) victory at Combat Sports Challenge 29 in Hampton, VA on 02/20/20. Gary has been working hard on all aspects of his game, especially his wrestling. If you check out his fight video (above) you'll see his hard work paid off! Props to Gary!