August Newsletter
Conor McGregor Wins Nate Diaz Rematch
Last month, Conor McGregor stood victorious in the Octagon in his rematch with Nate Diaz. The decision victory, after five rounds, earned both men fight of the night bonuses, and broke McGregor’s own PPV records in the process. While some naysayers may claim the result was somehow rigged, one need only look at the stats, or indeed, the relative condition of each fighter’s face, to realize who the victor was! 
For McGregor and SBG though, the fight was about so much more than settling grudges and retribution. Stemming from Matt Thornton’s and then John Kavanagh’s original ideas on fighting, McGregor’s loss and subsequent rematch provided the perfect opportunity to “win or learn”, and the chance for a true martial artist’s quest for self improvement to win the day.
As SBG head coach, Matt Thornton, described it in relation to his own experiences, recently:
“I became obsessed with the martial arts as a very young man for one reason only. I wanted to learn how to fight. It wasn’t about Jiu-Jitsu. BJJ hadn’t made it to the states yet. It wasn’t about MMA. The UFC didn’t exist yet. It was about fighting.
That obsession morphed into a desire to learn the truth as it relates to fighting, the best delivery systems, the best epistemology, the best practices.
That’s what started SBG.
Questions like – how can a smaller fighter strategically dismantle a larger fighter – have always been with us. And between the very understandable need to guide a fighting career – and fear – most professionals steer clear of those experiments and focus instead on their next paycheck.
Conor doesn’t do that.
I am personally grateful for that level of courage. And while their will always be pettiness wherever there is human drama, it’s worth stopping to remember the words of a former President who was also obsessed with the truth of fighting. And then – if you’re still feeling petty – just say “thank you”, and keep your dignity:
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
– President Theodore Roosevelt”
Many could be forgiven, based on the build up to the contest, that McGregor was a long way from the measured, prepared martial artist he claimed to be and closer to bordering on insanity. Rowdy weigh in face-offs and bottle-throwing press conferences gave the image of a man who had lost all composure, but as Kavanagh revealed post-fight, it was all mind games:
“(After the weigh in,) He just looked at me dead in the eye, cold, and said: ‘The illusion of insanity is over, now it’s time for the gameplan.’ So he stood up there and did the screaming and posturing, and then came back like a serial killer just looked at me and said that.”
“I texted my girlfriend that line and said: ‘It’s over, the fight’s done.’”
McGregor executed that game plan to perfection and as we know, came out the victor.
Congratulations to Conor McGregor, John Kavanagh and the whole SBG Ireland team not just for this victory, but for their ongoing work to truly push the boundaries of how the world thinks and trains in the martial arts.
SBG Europe Summer Camp
Last month was the SBG Europe Summer Camp held where else but SBG Ireland in Dublin. Athletes from across thr continent and indeed the world came to train, teach and learn from SBG’s finest, and as with all SBG camps, it was a great occasion. During the event, John Kavanagh was awarded a third stripe to his black belt, and it would be an understatement to say Matt Thornton was glowing in his praise for the knowledge, ability and standard Kavanagh has attained in his BJJ career:
“One of the best indications of a healthy lineage is that each generation becomes better than the one before.
John Kavanagh is proof of that.
Having cornered more than a thousand fights, and then applying a thoughtful intelligence to that wealth of experience, John has reached the highest levels a coach can reach.
All of us within SBG are so proud of his success, and the success of his team.
As a coach it was an honor and a privilege this weekend to award John his 3rd stripe as a black belt. He understand Jiu-Jitsu on a level well beyond where I’ve gone, and our young students who follow, will take it even further.“
SBG coaches Steve Bazzea, Rick Davison, Matt Thornton and John Frankl at library on a break from SBG Europe Camp in Dublin.
Rick Davison Gets Second Black Belt Stripe
SBG Ireland head coach John Kavanagh wasn’t the only black belt to receive a stripe promotion this past month. SBG Portland’s own Rick Davison was also acknowledged for his decades of effort and constant, selfless dedication to the SBG tribe with his second stripe. Matt Thornton had this to say about Rick:
“I had the privilege of awarding long time SBG coach,Ricky Davison, his 2nd stripe on his black belt this evening.
Rick started training with me in 1998, and for the last 18 years he’s been a regular on the mat here.
As senior black belt at the Portland Academy, Rick, in many ways, represents the soul of SBG headquarters. It’s been an honor to train with him for almost two decades now.”
Congratulations Rick, and thank you, for all that you give to SBG on a daily basis. What a great way to celebrate his birthday month too! Happy belated birthday, Rick!
Diggins Wins IBJJF Gold
Congratulations to SBG Portland coach and black belt who completed at the IBJJF Seattle Open in August. Coach John, fighting for submissions in all his matches, won double gold in his Master’s weight class and open class divisions. Alongside coach Diggins a number of other SBG athletes of lower belt rank picked up silvers and bronzes in what was another successful raid of the IBJJF Seattle Open this year. Well done to all who competed!
8 Medals at IBJJF Kids Worlds
Last month a team of kids from SBG Montana and SBG North (in Whitefish) traveled all the way to California to compete in the biggest BJJ youth tournament on the planet, the IBJJF kids world championships. Eight hundred youths entered the contest from across the globe, and eight of SBG’s young athletes were successful in taking home medals!
Ricky Davison took gold in both gi and no gi, while twin sister, Stella Davison took double silver and Joe Davison picked up silver in gi.
Kalijah and Colton Wieczorek won a silver and bronze, while Cayden Wieczorek earned two bronze medals. Last, but certainly by no means least, Lakoda Wieczorek won a gold and silver in no gi and gi respectively.
Talking of her experience at the world championships, Stella Davison said:
“Kids World BJJ Championship was amazing. Here’s why… I won and I learned. Not only did I win some matches, I also had the experience of rolling with one of the top girls at my level (Alyssa Wilson). Yes, she beat me. However, I got more out my hard fought matches losing to her, than I did in the matches I won. Now, I can go home, learn, fix, and train more and more, so that next time I will be the one on top of the podium. Oh, and let’s not forget that I still got double silver at WORLDS!!”
To which, Matt Thornton commented
“The perfect competitor mindset. I’m proud of you, Stella. Well done.”
Record Purple Belt Ironman
As the SBG tribe continues to flourish, it seems not a month goes by without some kind of record being broken. This month, SBG Portland promoted no fewer than five of its students from blue to purple belt, and one purple belt to brown, in what was the largest non white belt promotion to date. Austin Candela, Jon Hobson, Jeremy Brill, Justin Abbott and Larry Reynolds all received their much deserved purple belts, while Timothy Edman received his brown belt. Commenting after the students had endured over an hour’s worth of Ironman on a hot August night and come out the other side smiling, SBG black belt and coach Cane Prevost had this to say about each of the tribe members involved:
“What struck me most about this group of people beyond the technical mastery of jiu jitsu was that they are an extraordinary group of men of good character. This goes hand in hand with good jiu jitsu. It takes patience, self awareness, humility, grit, and selflessness to be good at jiu jitsu. Exactly the traits it takes to be a first rate human. These gents have it and I’m proud to share a mat with each and every one.
Justin has always been a quiet, humble, and giving person. He’s always willing to help out and is a perfect example of what it means to be part of the tribe. He’s turning into a great coach and is an excellent example of what the next generation will bring.
Austin is kind and humble. I’ve watched him many times on the mat let a less experienced person work their game when rolling. He’ll patiently let them into the game and without ego happily engage in a roll that works for both. This is invaluable to the tribe.
Larry I’ve watch turn into an athlete. He started out a bit awkward and clumsy in his movements as a white belt. He’s worked consistently and steadfastly at his game and the transformation is astonishing. He moves with beautifully graceful jiu jitsu that looks completely natural but instead is hard won. His patience and steadfastness is inspiring.
Jeremy is very giving. Always willing to host gym parties at his house. He immediately makes you feel comfortable because he’s a genuine caring person. Despite a demanding job he manages to coach softball and soccer very successfully and still manages to find time to come into the gym and train consistently. He’s quick with a word of encouragement and advice for new students and is becoming a great jiu jitsu coach.
Jon is my hero. He started his jiu jitsu journey in his 60’s and has advanced his game and rank faster than anyone. He’s patient and has more grit than anyone I’ve known. He never asks for any special treatment and gives as well as he gets on the mat. It’s inspiring to watch him on the mat and it gives me hope that I can stay relevant as I age.
Tim has been a friend and training partner for many years. I don’t get to see him as often as I’d like but he always has a smile and kind words. Even when he’s smashing your guard and crushing your breath his smile and kind hearted nature will make you feel OK. He’s a great coach and has a way to give each student in his classes individual specific attention and advice. His ability to give targeted individual advice to his students is second to none.
Well done everyone! Proud to call you all teammates and friends.”
Congratulations to all six of the students who received a promotion. It is no more than you deserve after the years of dedication you have put in to practicing BJJ and contributing the tribe!
SBG Manchester’s Alex Enlund In UFC
The SBG talent continues to find is way too the UFC last month SBG Manchester’s Alex Enlund signed for the world’s biggest MMA organization! Alex is the former featherweight champion for British promotion Cage Warriors, and enters the UFC on a seven-fight win streak with six of those coming inside the distance and five coming by submission.
Alex was set to make a short notice UFC debut at the UFC Hamburg event this month but unfortunately had to withdraw due to injury. Make a speedy recovery, Alex, the whole tribe is eager to watch
Paul Sharp Continues MDOC Program
SBG BJJ black belt and resident self-defense and law enforcement expert Paul Sharp continues his Multi-Disciplinary Optimization Course which he brought to SBG Portland earlier this year. If you get the chance to take part in this seminar, don’t miss out. Here is a sneak peek of some of the program from Paul’s recent visit to the Hardcore Gym in Athens, GA.
Thought of the Day
SBG Montana coach and SBG vice president Travis Davison took to social media last month stating the below quote that will help a lot of people decide if they are in the right community for them. As far as SBG goes, it says a lot for the strength of the tribe:
