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