Grappling For Gifts: A Jiu-Jitsu Charity You Should Know About

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BJJ World
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Grappling For gifts Ju-CHARIy
Grappling for Gifts is a Jiu-Jitsu-based public charity that supplies gifts to the kids of the Children’s Hospital of Illinois, every December, for their annual Toy Drop Off Day. The charity collaborated with a local gym, Strategic BJJ on a fundraising leg locks seminar this fall.

Grappling for Gifts is a Jiu-Jitsu charity created by black belt Ryan Prouty, who heads the Peoria Athletic Club. After having health issues with his daughter in 2013, including emergency surgery when she was only 4 days old, and a few years of follow-ups at the Children’s Hospital of Illinois, Priytry decided to give something back.

During the hospital’s annual 12 Days of Giving for the holiday, he decided to offer private lessons at his gym for $100, hoping to raise a few hundred dollars to get some gifts for the kids in the hospital. The interest in his classes was enormous so they turned into seminars, and eventually into an annual thing that gave birth to the Grappling for Gifts public charity.

“It started off as a way for me to use the martial art of Brazilian Jiu-Jistu as a way to raise money to buy Christmas presents for the kids in the Children’s Hosptial of Illinois,” Ryan told RiverBender. “It started off pretty simple and then just kind of bloomed into something a little bit bigger, where now I’m doing charity seminars, doing charity events, and it’s just gotten a lot bigger the past seven seasons.”

Grappling for gifts founder met the Strategic BJJ head coach, fellow black belt Keith Steinacher through the Jiu-Jitsu community and they decided to do a charitable fundraiser at the gym for the first time last year (fall of 2021).

Grappling for gifts BJJ charity fundraiser for sick kids

“After doing this for a few years and Keith got his own place, he asked if I wanted to come down and do a donation-based charity [event], and of course, I jumped at the chance,” said Prouty.

We’ve done it the last couple of years and basically, I show up and his students – or anybody, really … can show up and we kick back, and I show some of my favorite techniques, and we just have a good time.”

“This year was all leg locks,” added Ryan. “I did two hours on how to attack people’s lower extremities – it was kind of fun!”

All the proceedings go toward funding gifts for the kids currently in the Children’s Hospital of Illinois. Ryan has contacts inside that provide him with exactly what is required at the hospital.

According to one of his sources, the hospital was out of vibrating pads that help newborns sleep, so those ae going to be the main focus of this year’s Grappling for Gifts event funds.

If you’d like to help the cause, you can find a donation link at http://grapplingforgifts.com/.

Kickboxer Andrew Tate: “BJJ Is Useless”

By
Filip Zanki
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Anderw Tate Claims BJJ is Useless
World kickboxing champion Andrew Tate has been making headlines lately with statements like ‘BJJ is useless in a street fight“, even though he has a submission loss in one of his few MMA fights to date.

Andrew Tate is clearly not a fan of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, despite blatantly obvious proof (getting choked out) that it is an efficient martial art. In a YouTube video posted on his channel, the kickboxer said:

“Newsflash, BJJ is useless outside of the cage. And when I say this, a whole bunch of BJJ players get triggered. They start going ‘you’ve never messed with a BJJ guy’. Actually wrong, I’ve been in the cage 6 times. I understand Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, I’ve trained Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, I’ve fought Brazilian Jiu Jitsu professionally.”

Andrew Tate goes on to elaborate on his view by stating the obvious arguments that someone who has neve truly trained brings up:

“The number one rule of the street is do not go to the ground. You don’t know if your opponent has a knife, you don’t know if he has a friend who will come along and kick you in the face. You need to be on your feet at all times, ready to run to preserve your life.

Rolling around on the floor with some guy is not some good idea. A lot of these BJJ moves are ineffective against the rules of the street. An armbar is not going to work if they’re taking a chunk out of your skin.”

He even went as far as issuing a challenge to grapplers, saying: You, and one of your friends, come along, and try and fight me, and I’ll just use what I know, and we’ll see how the fight goes down.”

With so many videos proving how BJJ works not just for self-defense, but also as a great tool of law enforcement, Andrew Tate seems well out of his depth when talking on the subject.

He does have one valid street fighting point though: “Be ready to run at the drop of a hat.”

Jeff Monson Knocked Out With An Illegal Blow! Stretchered Out Of The Ring!

By
Filip Zanki
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Jeff Monson Knocked Out With An Illegal Blow! Stretchered Out Of The Ring!

51-year-old Jeff Monson returned to his fighting roots on Saturday night, taking part in the Draka Boxing/MMA event in Russia. The evening’s fight was between him and Alexandr Ilyasov.

In the second round, things went downhill fast. Monson dove for Ilyasov’s leg and got soccer-kicked right in the neck.

Although Ilyasov immediately and sincerely apologized for his actions, the damage had already been done.

Although the kick didn’t seem very strong, Monson was crawling and unable to stand up.

When Monson was struggling to get up on his own, medical help was eventually called in. They had to carry him out of the ring, and because of that, the contest ended in a draw.

We hope Monson wasn’t seriously injured from the kick to the neck and made a full recovery.

Long-time MMA fans will be familiar with the name Jeff Monson. He turned professional in 1997 and quickly established himself as an ADCC world champion.

He lost to Chuck Liddell in Japan in 2000, and three years later in the UFC heavyweight division, he had a successful three-win streak before being defeated by reigning champion Tim Sylvia.

Monson has fought for a number of global promotions, including PRIDE and Cage Warriors. He has also competed against some notable rivals, such as Ricco Rodriguez, Forrest Griffin, Josh Barnett, Mark Kerr, Roy Nelson, Daniel Cormier, and Fedor Emelianenko.

In 2011, Monson partnered with M-1 Global and started competing regularly in Russia. After a few matches, he decided to give up his US citizenship to become Russian.

He returned to fighting in 2021 after a four-year break to participate in Russian sideshow boxing matches. However, he has lost both of his contests with a record of 0-2. Most recently, he was defeated by Aleksander Emelianenko in February.

Lately, Jeff has been known for his pro-Russian views, and thus he has drawn the ire of many.

GSP Free From The UFC: I”d Improve Fighter’s Salaries

By
BJJ World
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GSP free From the UFC
Georges St Pierre (GSP), one of the most popular and successful fighters to ever fight in the octagon, is finally free from the UFC. His current contract with the promotion ended recently, and as the star himself said “he is glad that he is free.”

GSP, one of the best fighters, although not one of the most exciting ones, to ever fight in the UFC is done with the promotion for the second time, and from the looks of it, for good this time. The 41-year-old Canadian retired from the promotion in February 2019 but his contract obligations ran out just recently.

As GSP to MMA Junkie: “I don’t know the exact date, but I’m glad I’m free. I can do whatever I want. But my days of trying to prove I’m the strongest guy in the world are gone, you know what I mean?

My heart is not there anymore to do this. I just enjoy being here as a promoter.
I’m healthy, which is the most important, wealthy and I don’t need to do it, I do it because I love it.”

George St Pierre’s last match was his comeback victory against Michael Bisping in a title unification bout in 2017, and he did not fight since. While he is now available to sing for other promotions, like Bellator or, more likely, ONE FC, GSP seems to be taking his time and it is doubtful he will compete in MMA again.

“I could do something, but it needs to be something well organized, and maybe something where the risks of injury are to the minimum, not something that’s too crazy because my days of competing are over.

If I do it, I will do it well and train my ass off. You never say never, but it needs to be in the right timing. We’ll see.”

That said, we definitely wouldn’t mind seeing the Firas Zahabi and Danaher black belt in a grappling match of any sort 9WNO, ADCC, EBI). Let’s hope he entertains the idea.

With 13 title wins to his name, he is one of the most prolific UFC fighters ever and a member of the UFC Hall of Fame.

When asked what he would change if he was king for a day GSP answered:

“The salary. A hundred percent, I would change the salary because I think is unacceptable, and the conditions  after their career. They’d have insurance, or some kind of backup that they can fall on, if something bad happens.”

Chris Hemsworth Brings Kids To Compete in BJJ Tournament

By
Filip Zanki
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Chris Hemsworth kids at first BJJ tournamt
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not just popular among Holywood celebrities, but also their kids. Actor Chris Hemsworth, popular for his role as Thor, was seen recently accompanying his two kids to compete in a BJJ tournament.

Chris Hemsworth (39) was seen supporting his kids at the IBJJF Pan Pacific BJJ tournament last weekend (Oct. 29). His kids, Sasha and Tristan Hemsworth (8) are grey belts and were competing for the very first time, under the tutelage of the experienced Thalison Soares.

The famous actor shared his support and his kids’ accomplishments on his Instagram account, writing:

“Super proud dad moment watching my kids at their first jiu-jitsu tournament.” 

Chris also pointed out how grateful he is to Thalison Soares for his contribution in the kids’ performance by adding: “Big shout out to coach Thalison Soares for his amazing leadership and support with all his students.”

By the looks of it, both Chris Hemsworth kids did great in the BJJ tournament, as they boast medals in the photo that their super proud dad shared on his Instagram account. Other photos in the post-show the kids with their hands raised on the mats, clearly ecstatic to be victorious in their very first tournament.

Tristan and Sasha regularly engage in Jiu-Jitsu, as well as surfing and camping, while the youngest child (India Hemsworth, 10)of Chris Hemsworth and his wife, Elsa Pataky, takes after her mother choosing horseback riding as her main sport.

 

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A post shared by Chris Hemsworth (@chrishemsworth)

Horrific Calvin Kattar UFC Knee Injury In Slow Motion (VIDEO)

By
Filip Zanki
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Calvin Kattar UFC knee injury video
The latest gruesome injury inside the octagon is featherweight Calvin Kattar UFC knee injury. During the bout against Arnold Allen, Kattar landed awkwardly popping his knee, which eventually cost him the fight.

The Calvin Kattar UFC knee injury at UFC Vegas 63 cost the featherweight contender a lot, as he inflicted it himself, after landing very awkwardly from a flying knee attempt. His opponent Arnold Allen, of course, took the advantage, scoring a very important TKO victory in the second round of the fight.

For those that watched the fight live on October 28, it may have been difficult to notice just how serious the knee injury is, but this slow-motion video clearly shows the extent and severity of it. The video is cringeworthy, so consider this to be a clear warning before you hit play.

After a tense start to the main event,  Kattar attempted the flying knee which did not go as planned. The Calvin Kattar UFC knee injury was exaggerated by a low kick to the lead leg (the healthy one) delivered by Allen, which forced Kattar to shift his weight to his injured leg. His knee could not take the pressure and seemed to pop completely out, sending the featherweight contender to the canvas.

While there is not much we can take away from Arnold Allen, the Calvin Kattar UFC knee injury put a quick stop to a fight that was very promising and just began to heat up. It is reminiscent of TJ Dillashaw’s recent outing against Aljamain Sterling with one clear difference – TJ went into the fight already injured, whereas Kattar sustained it inside the octagon.

From the looks of it, there is serious damage to the ligaments in Calvin’s knee, which could keep him outside the octagon for a lengthy period of time, derailing his status as one of the top contenders at featherweight.

Buakaw vs. Saenchai Bare Knucke Fight Officially On

By
Filip Zanki
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Buakaw vs. Saenchai Bae Knuckle Fight Official
Buakaw Banchamek and Suphachai “Saenchai” Saepong, two of the biggest names in Muay Thai have officially agreed and signed the contract for a base knuckle Muay Thai fight at BKFC. Buakaw vs. Saenchai is set for March 18, 2023 and will be held under “special rules”.

Buakaw Banchamek (40), 2X K-1 World Max champion made his long-awaited bare-knuckle boxing debut in September at BKFC Thailand 3, defeating Erkan Varol. Now, the increasingly popular promotion finally managed to secure the signing of Bukaw’s greatest “friendly rival” Suphachai “Saenchai” Saepong, a four-division Lumpinee Boxing Stadium champion for the very first Buakaw vs. Saenchai meeting inside the ring!

Buakaw vs. Saenchai, which is set to be 42-year-old Senchai’s debut in the BKFC is going to be nothing short of a spectacle, given both fighter’s records (241-24-12, 74 KOs – Buakaw, 27-49-2, 41 KOs – Saenchai).

This is going to be the first instance of Buakaw vs. Saenchai in a ring. We’ve seen the two spar before, but a fight between them has never happened.

According to David Feldman, President of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship: “Once we started working with ‘Buakaw’ and ‘Saenchai’ earlier this year, it became very apparent how big of an international, game-changing event this [Buakaw vs. Saenchai] would be for combat sports,”

“They’ve both had legendary careers and competed in many of the most exciting Muay Thai fights in history. Combat sports fans have always had very strong opinions about who would win, now they’re going to take the gloves off and finally settle their score.”

The venue and city of the Buakaw vs. Saenchai event are still not decided, with BKFC hoping to announce them soon. For now, it is certain that it will take place somewhere in the Middle East.

“We’re working on solidifying the site and targeting a location in the Middle East which we will announce shortly,” Feldman said.

“The fourth quarter this year is huge for BKFC with numerous events all over the world, however, the upcoming announcements we have for 2023 will make headlines in the sports and entertainment world throughout the year.”

Nate Diaz Stockton Slaps Jake Paul Team Member

By
Filip Zanki
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Nate Diaz slaps jake paul team member
During the much-publicized boxing match between Jake paul vs. Anderson Silva which happened last night (Oct. 29), Nate Diaz, who was in the audience was caught on video using his signature Stockton slap on a member of Jake Paul’s team and instigating a brawl backstage.

Nate Diaz was in the crowd at the Jake Paul vs. Anderson Silva match, cheering for a teammate Chris Avila who fought in the undercard. Traveling with an entourage as well, and known for being outspoken and trigger-happy when it comes to slaps, it is no surprise that it did not take long for his team to get into a brawl with team Paul.


The two teams got into it backstage, with video footage showing Nate’s signature Stockton slap put to use once more. The situation quickly escalated into a brawl, with people from both teams throwing objects at each other and security trying to intervene and break it up.

This brawl happened as Jake Paul was walking out for his match with Silva, which he won via unanimous decision (77-74, 78-73, 78-73), knocking Silva down to the canvas in the last round.

After the match, Paul was quick to call Nate Diaz out, seemingly aware of the brawl that happened earlier:

“I want Nate Diaz, who’s a b—ch,” Paul said. “He tried to come into my locker room. He tried to cause some shit. And then he always leaves the f—king arena. So Nate Diaz, stop being a b—ch and fight me.”

At that point, Nate Diaz was no longer in the arena, since police recorded him out after the brawl.

With Diaz, a free agent and no longer bound by a UFC contract, a match against the influencer who is 6-0 as a professional boxer might not be a such far-fetched idea, particularly given the financial aspects of it.

Danaher After Training With Tom Hardy: He’s Talented

By
Filip Zanki
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Tom Hardy Trains Jiu-Jitsu with John Danaher
John Danaher trained with mega-popular actor Tom Hardy who has been not just actively training, but competing at BJJ as a blue belt and had nothing but praise for the English actor’s grappling abilities.

Two of the world’s greatest celebrities in their respective niches, Tom Hardy in acting and John Danaher in Jiu-Jitsu met up for a training session on the mats. John Danaher later shared his impressions of the joint training session in one of his trademark Instagram posts.

“Jiu-jitsu with Mr Tom Hardy: The team had a blast training the last two days with the great English actor Tom Hardy, who is also a talented Jiu-Jitsu player!!” wrote Danaher. “Mr. Hardy is here with some of his British Special Forces friends. Mr. Hardy does truly great work helping the welfare of former soldiers coming back from war into civilian life through the @reorgcharity foundation.

Jiu-jitsu is often useful as a means of getting soldiers back together in a healthy environment that builds the old camaraderie they had in a civilian setting and can help smooth the transition back home. I’ve always been a fan of Mr. Hardy’s cinematic work after Georges St Pierre, who was obsessed with The Batman movie in which the Caped Crusader takes on arch-villain Bane (played by Mr. Tom Hardy), used to quote endlessly from the movie during fight camps! When I was demonstrating technique with him I kept expecting him to say “do you feel in charge?” – as he grabbed me by the neck! 😂😂 He is a very kind man and a really great representative of jiu-jitsu.”

Tom Hardy also trained with Renzo Gracie and Rayron Gracie, thanking the Renzo Gracie Academy for the experience in an Instagram post of his own.

After winning gold at three tournaments in a row as a blue belt, Tom Hardy is preparing two enter two more in December, already signed up for the No Gi Jiu Jitsu British Open on December 3, and for Grappling Industries: London on December 11.

The 45-year-old is set to compete at Master 3 in IBJJF and Senior at Grappling Industries and will try his luck in both Gi and No-Gi.

Tom Hardy at Jiu-Jitsu tournament

Danielle Kelly vs Sambo Champ Molchanova In One

By
Ognen Dzabirski
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Danielle Kelly vs. Sambo Champion Molchanova in ONE FC
Danielle Kelly, one of the best up-and-coming blackbelt female grapplers is set to face Russian multiple Sambo champion Mariia Molchanova for the atomweight submission grappling belt in yet another BJJ vs.Sambo matchup.

Karl “Silverfox” Pravec black belt Danielle Kelly is ready for her second grappling match under the ONE FC banner. In her first outing, Kelly beat the experienced Mei Yamaguchi, earning her first ONE grappling victory and a performance bonus. Technically speaking, Danielle Kelly drew the match but was so obviously dominant that she earned a $50.000 bonus for her performance.

Now, for the first time since March 2022, she is set to enter the ONE cage again, this time to face Russian Sambo champion Mariia Molchanova in a clash of grappling styles, which seems to be a trend in ONE FC at the moment.

Her opponent, Mariia Molchanova is a very experienced grappler, holding two Sambo world titles and several European ones.

The matchup between Danielle Kelly and Mariia Molchanova is yet another in what seems to be a friendly rivalry (for now), instigated by ONE FC, to figure out which grappling style is better, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Sambo.

So far, ONE champion Mikey Musumeci has requested to fight any Sambo world champion and has gotten one such champion to respond to his request, although it is not known whether ONE FC is considering this.

Just a week ago we saw Kade Ruotolo easily defeat a 4x Sambo World champion Uali Kurzhev for the lightweight ONE submission grappling belt. Prior to that match, BJJ black belt Rodrigo Marello submitted Smabo stand-out Ruslan Bagdasarian with the fastest-ever submission in ONE history (via ankle lock).

There is a clear pattern here that ONE CEO, Chatri Sityodtong, is following in trying to determine the best grappling styles, and we’re eager to see where it leads.

Danielle Kelly is well versed in leg locks, given her Renzo Gracie lineage, so that more or less makes her equal in regard to Sambo’s greatest perceived threat to BJJ athletes. Molchanova’s standing prowess will definitely be a test for Kelly, though.

Danielle Kelly is aware of the difference in styles and respects the abilities of Sambo athletes very much telling MMA Super Fan in an interview:

“I mean, I will say if I’m a Sambo person you have to respect the sport of Jiu-Jitsu but I feel like since I’m in Jiu-Jitsu there’s a lot of sambo people saying: “Sambo is much better than Jiu-Jitsu”, or: “Sambo beats Jiu-Jitsu people.”

The bout is set to take place in Singapore, on November 18, as part of ONE on Prime Video 4.

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