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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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
Guys check out 'The Local Deal'!!!! http://wwwthelocaldeal.com They run daily specials for local businesses. They are running a great special today with SBJJ NE sponsor Wah-Bo Grill. Support Wah-Bo Grill & the Team!!! Http://www.wahbogrill.com
Team Simmler Student Justin Mosher competed and took the 1st place title home in the Intermediate no-gi Cruiserweight 199lbs division at the New England Grappler NAGA event held a Twin Rivers Casino on February 6th 2010.
Justin was scheduled to compete in the gi division as well but was suffering from a slight case of strep throat and was not able to. Even with feeling under the weather Justin early felt it was his day to shine. He approached his trainer/coach Dan Simmler right before his first match and said, " I know for a fact I'm going to take this division". Here is video of his first match. Justin is wearing the black top.
Justin's second match lasted just under three minutes and he was victorious via a submission. Here's the video;
For his third and final match on the day after deciding he didn't feel well enough to compete in the gi competion. Justin was weary as it was the finals and he could didn't see any of the Team Simmler coaches. Just recalls the moments before the finals match, "They call me up for finals match and I look around and cant find any of the guys who had been coaching me through my division. So I get a little nervous and think to myself I guess I'm just going to have to make this match quick. Which I did my finals match happened to be the shortest match of the day. But in the very beginning of the match Jay Hammel runs right over to coach me." With Jay there to coach Justin went to work this match ended in just under a minute via submission.
Here's the video
With this NAGA victory Justin adds another title/medal to his resume and hopes to do the same later this year at the Pan-American Games. Congratulations Justin we're all proud of your efforts and achievement at NAGA.
Simmler BJJ student Nick Robinson Captures his second Expert Division Title of the day. Nick took home both the gi and no gi titles and we are all super pumped for him. Here is a great picture of his new hardware and some videos of his excellent matches and efforts from 2010 New England NAGA event which took place February 6th 2010 at Twin Rivers Casino in RI.
No Gi--
Gi--
Again congratulations to Nick for his hard work,dedication and training that surely paid off when he took home 2 titles at the 2010 New England Grapplers NAGA event.
That's right! We have some exciting news coming out out of www.simmlerbjj.com. We have announced our Facebook Group TAP NPO. If you are on FB become a fan today Our Training Assistance Program officially has become a Non-Profit organization and we are very excited about it and you should be too.
TAP is Non-Profit program designed to help raise funds for both our Kidjitsu and Adult Competition Teams. But there's more.
Our Mission is as follows;
To run charitable fundraising channels that will help fund the SBJJNE Kid's After School Athletics Program as well as many other training opportunities for the youth and adult COMP Team. In addition to all in-house events TAP NPO will work directly with other charitable organizations to raise funds and help promote awareness in their respective areas.
Above and beyond that, TAP will not only help fund the COMP Team for both kids and adults but will also be working with other great programs such as MMA4Autism, Jitsu Juniors After School Athletics Program, Give Kids a Fighting Chance, and the Special Olympics. We hope to see as much help and support with our events and fundraising as possible.
This exciting program will help make a difference within our community by helping good causes and it will also help raise awareness about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and its benefits to health and fitness for both kids and adults alike.
We are proud to introduce this and look forward to helping raise money for all parties involved.
(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.
