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!
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:
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
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.
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
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-JitsuChampionship 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.
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.
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
Serra BJJ NE/Team Simmler would like to say congratulations to Dan Simmler on his promotion to Black Belt on Sunday, February 28, 2010. Dan has been training hard and was awarded his black belt by Matt Serra at Serra BJJ in Long Island, NY over the weekend.
It was a great day for Serra BJJ NE/Team Simmler as Dan’s promotion represents years of hard work and dedication to the sport and to the team. Several team members joined him on the trip to Long Island, NY and were able to capture some great clips from the day.
ABOUT DAN:
Dan is the head instructor at Serra BJJ NE/Team Simmler. Dan has been a active competitor since 1999 and has been a top five nationally "RANKED" competitor in the USA for seven years. (Including four years at #1.)
Dan is known for his competition background and experience on both the North American Grappling Association (NAGA) and Grappler's Quest circuits which are currently the two largest grappling circuits in the USA.
Dan currently cross trains his jiu-jitsu with judo under 4X Olympian and World Champion Jimmy Pedro. Jimmy has been instrumental in taking Simmler's throws and takedowns to a whole new level.
Dan currently is very active in grappling competition internationally and also competes regularly in MMA.
If you are interested in checking out Serra BJJ NE/Team Simmler in Worcester, MA you may contact Dan at 508-839-9562 or email him at simmlerbjj@yahoo.com for more information (including: privates, group lessons, and seminars).
Blog Entry written by Dale Kline, pics by Jeremiah Monge & Scott Robinson. Video by Scott Robinson
(SBJJ) is Massachusetts' premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training center. Located in Worcester Massachusetts by Union Station and the rotary, Simmler Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers top quality training in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Judo, Wrestling, Thai kickboxing and MMA/NHB to the Worcester and Central Massachusetts area.
Whether your goal is self defense, getting in shape, stepping into the ring for a MMA or kick boxing bout, or simply to try something new, Simmler Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is here to help each student achieve their goals and meet their individual needs. Conveniently located just off Exits 14 and 17 of RT 290 in Worcester, the academy is a 10 minute ride from almost every point in Central Massachusetts. The academy is easy access off Routes 146, 290,20,9 and the Mass Pike.
