The Gorilla Press, Issue 84
Kisa Davison On Growing Gorillas & Parenting
“Think about how competition has helped you to become who you are. Think about those times when you failed or lost. What happened before, what happened during, what happened after. Who was there with you and what did they say?
Every match, every game, every competition is practice in living.“
SBG Montana & The Yoga Room co-founder, Kisa Davison wrote an excellent piece last month on the incredible things being achieved with SBG’s Growing Gorillas kids program. She didn’t speak on the level of competition success, because what Growing Gorillas is doing is so much more important than that. Instead, she touched on the importance of competition in raising a child, the vital lessons learned through competition that grow kids into well-adjusted adults, and the depth Growing Gorillas goes to ensure the program is less about BJJ or yoga, but about giving children the skills needed for success in life. If you don’t know about the program, check out Kisa Davison’s blog, and the Growing Gorillas Facebook page for more info.
SBG’s British Takeover!
SBG in the UK has long been known for SBG Manchester, the home of Coach Karl Tanswell. Karl was SBG Founder Matt Thornton’s third BJJ black belt, one of the UK’s first black belts, and for many years has been considered perhaps the best MMA coach in the country. His outstanding work with athletes such as Saul Rogers, Matt Inman and Martin Stapleton has seen them steadily climb to the top of the British and European MMA world. What has been less publicized, but no less exceptional, is the steady expansion of SBG affiliates across England and Scotland in recent years. From the original SBG UK location in Manchester, SBG locations can now be found in Liverpool, Bolton, Aberdeen, Inverness, Rochdale, South Shields, Shropshire, Bury and Moray. The expansion is great news not just because it represents the ever-growing interest in the sport of BJJ worldwide, but also because it exposes more students to the world-class teaching methodologies employed by SBG. It seems that every month a new SBG affiliate opens up! It is exciting to see just where the SBG logo may pop up next!
Martin Stapleton Signs To Cage Warriors
SBG Manchester athlete Martin Stapleton made a big jump up this month when he officially signed for London-based MMA promotion Cage Warriors. Cage Warriors are one of the biggest MMA promotions in the UK and Europe, hosting major events across the continent as well as North America and the Middle East. Not only does Cage Warriors represent a great stage from which to showcase Martin’s talent, but it has produced some formidable fighters who have gone on to great things. Cage Warriors’ most famous alum is none other than double UFC Champion and SBG Ireland’s very own Conor McGregor!
It is much deserved for Stapleton, who has spent the past two years putting together an impressive five fight win streak at BAMMA, culminating in winning the Lightweight Championship! Stapleton will make his Cage Warriors debut this month, when the O2 Arena in London hosts CWFC 80. Scheduled for February 18th, Stapes takes on Anthony Dizy, in the first contest on what will no doubt be the path to another championship belt! Best of luck to Martin Stapleton and the whole SBG team in preparation for the fight!
SBG Ireland’s John Kavanagh vs Meryl Streep
One of the less likely match-ups that would’ve been expected in the world of martial arts this month was SBG Ireland’s Head Coach John Kavanagh taking on celebrated Hollywood actress, Meryl Streep! This however, did not result in fisticuffs, but was instead a mere war of words. Following on from Meryl Streep’s comments at the Golden Globes, in which she stated that “mixed martial arts… are not the arts”, Coach Kavanagh had some strong opinions:
“A lot has been made of Meryl Streep’s ‘calling out’ of Mixed Martial Arts as not being ‘the arts’. She’s 100% right, it’s sport. I was just impressed she said mixed martial arts and not ‘cage fighting’. People probably got a little defensive with the way she was clearly saying ‘the arts’ were so much superior to ‘sport’. What would we ever do without Hollywood!!? The great american writer Joseph Campbell said the closest he ever came to a truly spiritual experience was through athletics. I wouldn’t like to think of one activity better than the other – sport or art. Just do whatever you enjoy.
I think people’s main issue with her teary well acted speech was that she tried to pass herself, and the rest of her ultra rich and ultra entitled liberal friends, off as ‘an outsider’. Yes Meryl, you’re just like an illegal immigrant or starving refugee. Fuck off. Just carry on adding to your 100s of millions you’ve earned from playing pretend. You’ve known nothing but extreme wealth and privilege your whole life, so don’t look down your nose at sport which has probably helped a lot more people than the expensive drama schools you attended.
Happy Tuesday haha!”
Anyone who has any knowledge of MMA and BJJ will know that there is more too the martial arts that any uneducated observer could ever comprehend. We at SBG wholeheartedly stand by Coach Kavanagh’s words!
Matt Inman Looking For Sponsorship!
One of SBG Manchester’s highest level fighters, Matt Inman, is looking for sponsorship! Matt is a BJJ black belt and professional MMA fighter in the Cage Warriors promotion. Now is the perfect time to sponsor him, as Matt follows up on his incredible triangle choke victory over Che Mills last month with a title fight this month at London’s O2 Arena!
If you, or someone you know, would be interested in having their business featured while supporting an exceptional athlete and human being, visit Matt’s sponsorship request page to learn more. Matt Inman truly is a great athlete, coach and individual, with some spectacular performances that highlight his skill and determination in equal measure. Don’t miss this great opportunity!
SBG’s John Kavanagh Inspires Fighters & Coaches of Future Generations
Check out this letter that one young fan sent to SBG Ireland Head Coach John Kavanagh. In the letter, the youngster talks about how Coach Kavanagh’s book “Win Or Learn” has inspired him to chase his dreams, despite having a tough time in the hospital. The boy loves the exploits of Kavanagh and Conor McGregor, appreciating their kindness, and grace in victory. It is great evidence of the positive impact the martial arts can have on young people, and that the lessons learned from it are applicable across the whole spectrum of human experience; from Conor McGregor raising two UFC belts in Las Vegas, to young kids finding inspiration to pursue their dreams during bad times. To put a perfect finish to the story, Coach John Kavanagh took the time out of his hectic schedule to visit the young boy. SBG is just as impressed by the inspirational effort put forth by the 11 year old boy, as he is by John Kavanagh. We’re sure he will go on to great things once fully recovered!
Phillipe Gentry Wins Trainer of the Year
Congratulations to SBG Coach Phillipe Gentry on recently receiving the award for Critics’ Choice Trainer of the Year, as presented by Georgia Fighters. Coach Gentry said:
“Winning the critics choice Trainer of the Year has been a goal of mine for the past few years. Wish I could’ve been there to receive it in person. Thanks to those that voted for me and everyone that has supported me along the way. SBG!”
Yet another example of the hard work and dedication of SBG’s coaches coming to fruition! Keep up the amazing work, Phillipe, the whole tribe is looking forward to seeing what you and your team will achieve next!
Quote of the Month From Matt Thornton
“Learning to focus in your BJJ class, and being forced to focus when you roll, you’ll still find neurotic thoughts popping up when you’re under pressure. You’re trapped on bottom, you’re having trouble breathing, your opponent starts to drag a forearm across your throat; you struggle to even move an arm underneath him, to block it. The voice within you tells you to quit. You don’t. You ignore that voice. You defend your neck. You survive. Eventually your opponent moves, just a little, just enough. You find the space and moment to escape. You’re back to guard. You can breath. Your opponent is tired. You sweep. You hold. You submit. You’ve won.
Those moments will happen. Over the years, they will happen a lot. Likewise, you’ll have moments where you’ll lose the battle. You’ll be bested. That’s necessary. But what may get missed, if you’re not careful, is just how often you’ve overcome that little voice in your head in the process. That’s a huge part of the practice. That’s a huge part of the benefit to what we do. And as long as you don’t give up unless you have to, because you’ve tried and failed, as long as you don’t stop and walk off the mat before your opponent has imposed the win, or you’ve overcome the position – these lessons in mindfulness, in non-attachment to the negative sub-vocalization that echoes within our skulls, are inevitable. And that’s beautiful.”
Big Belt Promotion At SBG Athens
Another month goes by, and yet another mass belt promotion takes place at an SBG location around the globe. As the SBG tribe continues to grow, long gone are the days where solitary white belts would be presented their blue belt. Instead, students are often promoted five or ten at a time, such is the success and accessibility of SBG’s quality coaching program. Last month, SBG Athens, GA, saw six students promoted during a 78-person strong ironman ceremony. The students were expected to roll with everyone present in a celebration of teamwork, before being presented with their much-deserved, respective belts.
Congratulations to Cate Harris on her blue belt, Alex Smith on his purple, Zac Cooper on his purple, Luke Federico on his brown belt, and Georgui Kasaev on his black belt! Incredible achievements all around!
Zach “Knock Out of the Year” Moore Does It Again!
Back in 2016, SBG Portland’s Zach Moore made his MMA debut at the Roseland Theater in emphatic fashion. Taking on a fellow debutant, Moore showed superiority on the feet and on the ground before dropping his opponent in the middle of the third round with a smart right cross. 
As 2016 came to a close, it was revealed by the fight promoter FCFF, that the fight and knock-out had earned Zach the award for “KO of the Year”! What a way to make your MMA debut!
Coming off the back of that announcement, Zach Moore stepped into the cage again last week, and his sophomore outing did not disappoint! Despite a last minute change of opponent, the result was the same, with Zach dispatching him by TKO in the second round. Coached by SBG Portland’s MMA Competition Team Coach Rick Davison and Striking Coach Brian Walsh, Zach showed a high level of professionalism and technical acumen that allowed him to win comfortably while absorbing almost no damage. Congratulations to Zach and his coaches on both the KO of the Year, and another incredible performance – looks like that award may be staying with Zach for at least another year!
John Kavanagh – Coach of the Year, At Submission Underground 3
Speaking of receiving awards for excellence, and for that matter, great performances at the Roseland Theater, this month John Kavanagh was nominated for the Coach of the Year award, ahead of cornering for BJJ superstar Dillon Danis at SUG 3! Coach Kavanagh was nominated for the Shawn Tompkins Coach of the Year award at the 9th Annual Fighters Only MMA Awards, a feat that can hardly be surprising given the immense success he has achieved in recent years. Not only in regards to the likes of Conor McGregor in the UFC, but John Kavanagh has overseen the expansion of SBG Ireland across his home country, while also continuing to coach up-and-coming fighters to an exceptional level.
Last week, Kavanagh came to Portland, OR to corner for Dillon Danis as he took on AJ Agazarm at Submission Underground 3. The Marcelo Garcia black belt worked closely with Conor McGregor in the build up to his recent UFC bouts, and SBG’s Kavanagh returned the favor by supporting him in his corner during the huge submission grappling main event. Taking place under EBI rules, the ten minute match went to sudden victory rounds, and after three rounds, Danis was named the victor due to tallying up more time in control of positions. Congratulations to Dillon Danis and Coach John Kavanagh on your performances!
“Tomorrow I travel to Portland, Oregon to help Dillon Danis prepare and crush his opponent on Sunday night at Submission Underground 3. He was there for us when we needed help so I’m there for him when he needs it. That’s how it works here, we’re loyal and look out for each other.”
While in Portland, Coach Kavanagh was good enough to find the time in his busy schedule to visit the SBG HQ. Last Saturday, he hosted an excellent two-hour no-gi grappling workshop exclusively to SBG students. Tribe members came from as far as Seattle, Boise, and Kalispell, Montana for a chance to learn from SBG Ireland’s head coach, and they didn’t go home disappointed. Thanks to John Kavanagh for imparting some of his knowledge at SBG Portland!
SBG BJJ Athletes At IBJJF European Open Championships
It’s time to put on a gi and tie my belt. Ready to compete in europeans for the first time. Or am I? I’m nervous as much as I’m excited. I’m scared as much as I’m happy. I have laughed and cried enough on mats….nothing more to do now, only to enjoy all that Lisbon has to offer. – Jane Soodla
January saw SBG athletes from all over the world travel to Lisbon, Portugal to take part in the IBJJF European Open Championships. Among the competitors were Martin Aedma who took third at black belt, Gareth McNamara of SBG Ireland who took third at brown belt, Liisi Vaht – third at purple belt, and Hannah McCourt who took third at white belt. Competing in her first European Open, Estonia’s Jane Soodla came away with a silver medal at blue belt, while SBG Portland’s Amanda Diggins missed out on a spot in her black belt final by one advantage point, having to settle for third. SBG Portland coach and black belt John Diggins was unfortunate enough to suffer and injury in his first match, saying afterwards:
“Not even making it to the podium at the Europeans this year was disappointing. I have been very focused on the mental aspect of competition for the last few years. What we can learn from it, how we can improve. I was very confident I could take gold in my bracket this year. I was on the podium for at least my weight category last year in all the major Master 2 tournaments I competed in. Europeans, Pan ams, American Nationals and No Gi worlds. The times I didn’t get gold I knew I was incredibly close. I feel this time I was more mentally ready for it than ever. I believed and accepted it. Even now I am sure that without blowing my hamstring 30 seconds in, I would have taken gold in the bracket of 16. My only opponent ended up taking it. I guess that was why it was so hard to accept that it was over after that happened. I mentally pulled myself together after feeling a lot of pops/ snaps in my glute. I decided I was still going to win the match. I’ll find a way. I did it before after tearing my biceps tendon. I could do it again. I was able to get a sweep but could not hold him in bounds. Only one advantage, then I decided it wouldn’t be pretty but I could keep it standing to hold on to the victory. That’s not easy to do on one functioning leg, he picked up my good leg and I basically fell over. Maybe I should have pulled guard, too late now. Before time was even up I was mentally done. I knew it would be incredibly difficult, perhaps not possible, and probably a foolish decision with a significant leg injury to even take another match if I could win this one. Let alone try for the 3 additional matches I would need to win. I still wanted to and believed I could win this one, but with time running out my technique turned into frustration.
I hold the ethos that if you do your authentic best then you should not be upset. I was a little upset this time. Thoroughly at first. I guess I can account for some frustration from lack of sleep but I feel the real cause was that I didn’t do everything as effectively as I could with the set of tools I still had. Never the less, it was a big challenge and a learning experience. Win or learn. How do you know the limits of the human body if you don’t break it once in a while? How do you know what you can do mentally if you don’t test yourself to the point of failure? And how do you know if your jiu jitsu is the most effective if you don’t test it? #sbg #science #hyperfly #ycth #floaton #datsusara #digginsdates“
The Diggins Tour of Britain
John and Amanda Diggins’ trip to Europe was still a fruitful one, despite some disappointment at the European Open. While across the pond, The Diggins’ spent time visiting the ever-expanding locations and affiliates of SBG in the UK. Starting in Manchester, they embarked on a seminar tour around England and Scotland, meeting with, and imparting knowledge upon, some of the newest members of the SBG tribe.
Win, lose or draw in their tournaments, the Diggins duo are exemplary examples of what it means to be great coaches, competitors, teammates and general human beings. They are loyal to the tribe and dedicated to their craft, and always willing to help the global SBG team improve their game. They are a continuous inspiration to everyone at SBG; from the HQ in Portland, to the newest facilities everywhere in the world.
Was great to have Amanda and John Diggins all the way from SBG Portland, Oregon at the club last night for a seminar. Everyone loved the material and we’re looking forward to drilling it over the coming months and adding it into our games!
Hope you both enjoyed your time in Scotland and hopefully we’ll see you back here in the future!
Aisling Daly Announces Retirement from MMA
SBG suffered some sad news this month as legendary pioneer of women’s MMA, Aisling Daly, announced her retirement from the sport. Aisling has had a remarkable career that has spanned an entire decade. Stringing together a professional record of 16-6, Daly has traveled the globe during the earliest days of women’s MMA, becoming the first MMA title holder in Irish history in the process. Still only 29, the decision came after a brain scan revealed an abnormality which would’ve left her both unlikely to be cleared to compete, and taking unnecessary risk by doing so.
Although she didn’t know it to be so at the time, Daly’s last UFC outing in October was her retirement match. She couldn’t have asked for a better send off, winning by unanimous decision in front of her home crowd in Dublin, receiving a goosebump-inducing reception the likes of which only Irish home fans can muster. Aisling released this statement just this week:
“I will be officially retiring from the sport of MMA.
This past year a routine brain scan showed up evidence of an abnormality, the remnant of a small haemorrhage that had taken place at some point in the months previous. It would be unlikely I would be medically cleared to compete again, even in the event I could find a doctor who would clear me it would be very unwise for me to continue to compete with the risks involved.
My career has ended prematurely but I’m very grateful for my long list of achievements, I am and will always be ‘Ais the first’ for so many things, my legacy set in stone in the history of Irish mixed martial arts. I am the countries first ever world champion, the first and only female to ever do it. I have and always will give back to the sport which has given me so much.
I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart the fans who have supported me tirelessly through various parts of the journey. Without this support there is no sport of MMA as we know it.
I would like to thank my good friends and close team mates, there is no substitute for the genuine loyalty built between people over years of blood, sweat and tears.
I am truly most grateful for my wonderful family, who were there to pick up the pieces throughout my entire career and especially now when my dream fell apart. This would have been intolerable without their help, emotionally and financially. They say you can’t choose family but I would want no other.
Now starts the next chapter of my life. I’m very fortunate to have grown up within such an outstanding organisation as SBG. I am equipped with the skills to be an exceptional coach and member of the martial arts community and I look forward to seeing what challenges lie ahead for me. “New Beginnings are often disguised as painful endings.”― Lao Tzu
#TheQueenofIrishMMA #AisTheFirst#SBG #happy #proud #grateful #MMA#UFC #retirement #worldchampion#blackbelt #legend“
Thank you to Aisling Daly for all you have done for the sport of MMA. You have paved the way for countless others. Aisling is a true trail blazer and legend in the sport! All the best in your future endeavours!
Wimp2Warrior Arriving In PDX
2017 will see the global success Wimp 2 Warrior arrive at the SBG Headquarters in Portland, OR. The program, which has taken place in Australia, the UK, Ireland and now the US, takes regular people with little-to-no prior MMA experience, and puts them through a rigorous, six-month, professional fight camp with the goal of stepping into the cage at the end.
If you, or anyone you know, is looking for the challenge of a lifetime, inquire at wimp2warrior.com. The aim is to develop people through the embracing of the challenge as oppose to the fight itself, and through SBG, you can be assured you will always be trained by a team that is looking out for your best interests.
The Singer Brothers With American Dream U
Adam & Rory Singer, SBG BJJ black belts, MMA coaches, UFC competitors, and founders of The Hardcore Gym, presented at an event for American Dream U this month. American Dream U is a non-profit dedicated to helping the military get the education and access to resources they need, to find their dream job or to start a business of their own. In their discussion they talked about the importance of tribe, a recurring theme throughout SBG, stating that essentially you become the average of the people you hang around with. In finding a tribe of people who are focused on the same goals of personal development, be that in the field of martial arts or otherwise, every one of us will be better off. It explains the ever growing success of SBG, and what SBG gives back to communities; a group of people striving to improve, and attracting people driven towards the same success. Check out this short video of their discussion:
SBG Elko Coach Wins Gold
This month, alongside the IBJJF European Open, the International BJJ Federation hosted the San Jose Open. The Head Coach for SBG Elko, NV, the only BJJ gym in the local area, traveled to California for the event and came away with gold! Coach Chris Myers won Masters 2 gold in his weight class at purple belt, and took third in the Masters Open class event. SBG’s Jimmy Center also medaled twice, with a second and third, in the blue belt Masters 2 division. Congratulations to all the SBG athletes who competed!
SBG Manchester Athlete Stops Knife Wielding Attacker
This month, SBG Manchester’s Kevin Taylor made the evening news, thanks to his experience in the military and martial arts being put to good use. Kevin saw an attacker with a knife approach a woman and child in a grocery store parking lot, intercepted the man, disarmed him and controlled him on the ground while waiting for police to arrive! Everyone at SBG is enormously proud of Kevin, and grateful that he was able to apply his skills to help vulnerable people.
SBG Manchester Head Coach Karl Tanswell followed up on the incident with additional advice to anyone concerned about knife violence:
1. Do not hang around in the wrong places…
2. Do not hang around with cowards who carry blades….
3. Trust your instincts ..
4. RUN…..
5. Have a good base in a combat sport type delivery system ( in case the altercation is unavoidable). And stay fit.
6. Educate yourself in emergency first aid ..
All that considered, well done Kev Taylor . Sometimes you just have to step in. We are proud of you.
Jeff Perez Returns to the Cage with a Win
Jeff Perez of Wareham MMA, training alongside Steven Whittier of SBG East Coast, returned to his amateur MMA career with a win this week. After a long spell away, it was great to see Jeff return to competition and, even better, have his arm raised at the end of the night. It takes his amateur MMA record to 6-2. After the bout, Jeff had this to say on social media:
“After a long weekend I’ve finally had a chance to reflect. While it was amazing to finally get back in the cage and get the “W” I was only knocking the rust off and just getting started. I have a lot to work on and improve upon but as my coaches told me, better to learn from a win than a loss. I want to sincerely thank my training partners and coaches as none of this would have happened without their help ( and for putting up with my crazy self). I never walk into that cage alone and last fight I walked in with well over a hundred of you behind me and I couldn’t be more grateful for the support. SBG East Coast represented in force. Most importantly though I need to thank my parents for putting up with and helping give me the freedom and stubbornness to go from fighting overseas to letting me dedicate myself to nothing else but the mats. Extremely special shout out to my coaching staff who put in serious work with me this camp. You all know who you are, Stephen Whittier, Kevin Rose Jr., Andy Cote, Tyson Chartier, and Mark DellaGrotte. This was a team effort and I’m ready to get back to work.”
SBG Portland HQ Gets A Revamp
The SBG Headquarters in Portland, OR are getting a new year’s revamp, with new extended locker rooms to account for the ever expanding student count we see on the mats on any given day. Along with that, and an ever-expanding list of classes, one SBG student even took the time to retouch the classic Bruce Lee inspired sign that has been part of Straight Blast Gym since the beginning. Originally painted by the same artist who developed the iconic SBG Gorilla logo, the sign has had a spot in the SBG HQ for years. Previously looking a little tired, the piece now pops once again! Thanks to everyone who has been working tirelessly to improve the SBG Portland facilities!
SBG PDX Women’s Social – without a doubt SBG Portland has one of the strongest communities for Women’s BJJ around.
