York's Academy of Combative Arts has two fighters in the upcoming Pain on Penn Street II in Reading on Dec.4:
Josh Kessler vs Don Cioffi
Jon Tuxford vs Michael Alessi
The event is being held at the Sovereign Center, 700 Penn Street, in downtown Reading. Doors open at 7 p.m.
In their last fights, both at CPWC III, Kessler won with an Americana over Rob Hailey and Tuxford Lost by TKO to Mike Stoltzfus.
Joe Duffey, co-owner of Academy of Combative Arts in York, took one of his most promising fighters, James "Shrapnel" Chappell, to the MMA try-outs at American Fighter in Philly today. Just after 7 p.m., Joe emailed me, saying that despite the limited information available on the try-outs, they were for real, they were professional and time will tell how Chappell did, although preliminarily, it appared those in charge were impressed, Joe said. I'll have more on this as it becomes available.
Here's an email from Larry Novak, owner of Tattoo Fightwear, a New Cumberland-based mma clothing company:
Tattoo Fightwear is sponsoring James "Shrapnel" Chappell, here are a few of his stats:
-Green Belt USMC Martial Arts
-High School Wrestling
-Blue Belt BJJ
-1yr. Boxing/Muy Thai
-Competed in NAGA, UGC and took a gold medal at the PA.State BJJ Tournament
-Ammy record: 3-0
-Light weight title holder for the Central PA. Warrior Challenge.
To see one of Chappell's fights, click here.
Ted's Take: Jimmy's won all of his fights by armbar - which, don't get me wrong, is a great thing - but I can't wait to see it when he lets his hands go.
Daniel Tavares
York's Academy of Combative Arts, a full-service MMA school featuring BJJ black belt Daniel Beleza and Muay Thai instructor Kham Ngondara, is holding a seminar tomorrow (Sat.) at 10 a.m. at their location, 53 E. North St., in the same building as the Greyhound bus station. Cost of the seminar, which should last between 1 1/2 to 2 hours, is $60.
The seminar features Daniel Tavares, a BJJ black belt and NAGA champion. Tavares is a close friend and training partner of Beleza. "He's an incredible BJJ practitioner and instructor," said ACA co-owner Joe Duffey.
In addition, because Tavares, who is 5'10" and about 165, is a bit bigger than Beleza, he brings a different perspective to the table, especially for anyone who has trained with Beleza, Duffey said.
Got a message on facebook from York fighter Anthony Dick recently, saying that he started training with Daniel Beleza at York's Academy of Combative Arts.
"Since starting with him I finally won my first fight in Massachusetts. They are so awesome there the school is great and the trainers top notch."
Congrats on the win, Anthony. Hope it's the first of many.
I went over to the Academy of Combative Arts in York today for their open house, and had a great time. The academy, located in the Greyhound Bus Station, is home to many MMA fighters, as well as others who are interested in getting (or keeping) in shape or learning self-defense.
Unfortunately, I was late in getting there, so I missed the exhibition that owners Joe Duffey and Frank Nguyen had planned. But I have to say, everyone was accomodating in doing it again, just so I could get a little footage, which will be edited and put up here sometime soon.
In addition to Joe and Frank, head BJJ instructor Daniel Beleza was there, as well as Muay Thai instructor Kham and a guy he's been training with for a couple years now, Kaensak Sor. Pleonjit. Kaensak, who now trains in New Jersey, was champion at both Lumpinee and Ratchadamnoen stadiums, which I'm told are the two biggest and most prestigious stadiums in Thailand. He was in York for a seminar at ACA in August and hopes to do it again soon.
ACA's Daniel Beleza, second-degree black belt in BJJ.
Just a reminder that York's Academy of Combative Arts, 53 E. North St., York -- in the same building as the Greyhound bus station -- is having an Open House Party Sunday Nov 1st from noon to 4.
I'm kind of guessing, but I feel pretty certain that co-owners Joe Duffey and Frank Nguyen will be there, along with Beleza. I know they have a couple of striking coaches, so you might see those guys as well. Maybe even some of the academy's fight team, or other members. Also, there will probably be some light refreshments, although Frank said don't expect any sushi (he also runs Keo Asian Grill and Sushi Restaurant downtown).
I wanted to get down some of my impression of the Central Pennsylvania Warrior Challenge III, held last Friday in Lancaster, so here goes ...
I've known promoter Mark Jovich for about 2 1/2 years, pretty much ever since I started this blog. The man is top-notch - a Marine for more than a quarter-century, former military instructor at Dallastown High School, father, husband and of course, martial arts master at Central Pennsylvania Martial Arts Academy in New Cumberland.
Mark's no fly-by-nighter, no "one-and-done" promoter; he's here to stay and to build on what he has constructed so far: quality events, the most bang for the buck, while gving young fighters the chance to realize their dreams.
Josh Aarons, right, fires a shot at Joe Duffey, left. Joe, making his amateur debut, lost by unanimous decision but showed he has a tough chin and kept fighting against the more experienced Aarons.
Duffey, co-owner of York's Academy of Combative Arts, sent me this email:
"First, obviously Friday night didn't go as planned for
us. But fortunately, Josh Kessler got the W with an Americana to give
us something to celebrate. We did have a good showing the next day
though at the CPWC Grappling Tourney. I got a little bit of redemption
by winning all my matches via triangle submission to take place. Also,
we had several guys place 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in the tourney. Finally,
we are having our Open House Party Sunday Nov 1st from noon to 4."
Mixed Martial Arts Videos on Purefight
Mixed Martial Arts Videos on Purefight
If you can't make the Central Pennsylvania Warrior Challenge III: "Night of the Unbeatens" tomorrow (Fri., 10/23) in Lancaster, tune in to mmamelee.com and watch it on the live stream. According to Mike Malast, mmamelee.com moderator, the live stream "will be plastered in a few spots. I will even make the banner active with the room also. It should be very easy to see."
Good seats are still available for the Central Pennsylvania Warrior Challenge III - "Night of the Unbeatens."
BUY YOUR E-TICKETS & SAVE 15% Enter Discount Code: MMAFAN
Don't forget, the next day - Saturday - is the submission grappling and karate tournament, to be held at 8am (competition starts at 10) at the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Station.
218 Divisions men,women & kids
$35 to compete
Compete for FREE with the purchase of admission ticket to Warrior Challenge III
Stay and compete at the same location! Discounted lodging available.
Mention:Central PA Warrior Challenge when making your reservations.
I talked with Mark Jovich, owner and matchmaker of the Central Pennsylvania Warrior Challenge. With two successful events in York Township at Wisehaven Banquet Hall, Jovich moved his end of the year show to a bigger venue, the Lancaster Convention Center. Mark said at this point, things are going well for the Oct. 23 event, ticket sales are brisk, and the card is complete. We've got a lot of local, exciting fighters on the card, so it no doubt will be a great show. Looks like 19 fights, including the return of local pro Biff Walizer. Click here for the Web site and click here for the card.
Just got an update from Joe, co-owner of Academy of Combative Arts:
The Muay Thai seminar was a success. I'm thankful for all who participated. I'd also like to thank George McGinnis and a few of his guys for participating. Also, we just participated in the New Jersey BJJ gi an no-gi tourney sponsored by Frankie from Dead Serious and won 3rd place in the team division. I am very proud of my guys! Finally, we have 5 guys fighting Oct 23rd in Lancaster: James Chappell, Mike Oberdick, Josh Kessler, Jon Tuxford, and I'll be making my MMA Amateur debut against Joshua Aarons.
Tom and I talk Strikeforce, New Breed Fighters and we're a little late on Arena Assault, which occurred last night, not tonight as I say in the video. Yes, I'm a dumbass.
I had a question the other day from someone in the office about Muay Thai. He had been watching some UFC and heard the term, knew it was a component of MMA, but beyond that, wasn't sure what it was all about. Rather than explain it here for those who don't know, you can head to the extensive wikipedia entry and/or take a look at one of the best ffighters out there today, Buakaw Por. Pramuk:
And for anyone interested in taking a MT seminar from another top fighter - if you missed my post yesterday - look no further than this Sunday at Academy of Combative Arts in York.
Here's a note I received from Joe Duffey, co-owner of York's Academy of Combative Arts, on Chappell's recent win: "Jimi won via armbar 1:40 in the first round. I am very proud of him and our group that drove out there to support him."
Muay Thai Seminar with World Champion Kaensak
August 23rd, 2009 11AM-3PM
Location: ACA
53 E North St York, PA 17401
Cost: $65.00 Per Person
Contact Frank at 717-841-4077
All Levels and Non-Members Welcome
