The Gorilla Press, Issue 90
McGregor Vs Mayweather Happens This Month!
This month sees one of the biggest fantasy fights imaginable finally become reality; double UFC Champion Conor McGregor takes on boxing legend and future hall-of-famer Floyd Mathweather in a boxing match! SBG Ireland’s braggadocious standard bearer will travel once again to what must now be his second home of Las Vegas, to take on out-of-retirement, undefeated, former boxing world champion Floyd Mayweather on August 26th.
While many have all but written off McGregor’s chances due to his lack of professional boxing experience, reports from McGregor’s camp have been positive. with sparring partners surprised by his skill level, movement, and cardio. None can doubt the superior experience of Mayweather, but the standard of McGregor’s boxing has certainly been underestimated. That, paired with the longer MMA rounds McGregor is accustomed to, mean boxing teammates are feeling the pace and pressure in training.
McGregor is no stranger to the role of the underdog. In fact, he must be only too used to being written off prior to fights at this point! Before his fight with Dustin Poirier, people predicted his downfall as he faced a top-10 featherweight for the first time. Before his fight with Chad Mendes, critics foreshadowed his demise as he didn’t have the skill-set to compete against a wrestler of Chad’s caliber. Prior to his championship contest with Jose Aldo, fans predicted him falling short against one of the greatest champions in MMA history… all ended in a McGregor victory that seemed inevitable in retrospect. With lessons learnt after his loss to Nate Diaz, McGregor passed through the roughest storm of criticism and doubt yet to show his dominance with a more measured approach in the rematch. Of course, competing in an entirely different discipline against one of the greatest boxers of all time no doubt represents a challenge on a whole new level, but just as many thought the event itself would never happen, victory is also never off the table, as McGregor certainly seems to have a way of making the impossible possible…
Aisling Daly Wins Grappling Contest
Last month saw the return of SBG Ireland’s legendary MMA pioneer, Aisling Daly. Having retired from the UFC and MMA earlier this year, this was the first time we had a chance to see the SBG black belt in action since her departure from the Octagon. Having hung up the gloves, this return saw Daly compete in a straight grappling match. As one might expect, Daly was dominant throughout, spending the majority of the contest on top, controlling her opponent, patiently proceeding to mount, before picking up the submission victory via armbar (spoiler alert!). Congratulations, Aisling! It is wonderful to see you back in competition!
Rickson Gracie Receives His Red Belt & Coach Matt’s Thoughts
“Attn SBGr’s: watching Rickson’s surprise promotion to red belt recently, brought a few things to mind. First, everyone who knows Jiu-Jitsu knows Rickson is the ultimate authority in our art and sport. A position he’s earned through knowledge, skill, and integrity. Second, you’ll notice his hesitation in this video, as he goes on to explain that he doesn’t want special treatment. If he gets his belt at a certain amount of years, then he wants everyone else to as well.
Most all of us have had moments coming up in Jiu-Jitsu where we have envied, or worried, about the next rank. Here is the best player in history, and his concern is receiving it too early. It is a lesson for all of us.
That said, as our organization has grown, and our list of black belts continues to expand, it does bring up the subject of the various belt systems now in BJJ.
As most of you know Rickson Gracie has his own organization seperate from the IBJJF – the JJGF – Jiu-Jitsu Global Federation. As many of you also know, SBG has joined the JJGF, and I’ve offered my full support, and the support of SBG, to Rickson; and so has my coach, Chris Haueter.
Different associations mean slightly different belt ranking systems (*see photo below). After conferring with Chris, I have decided that SBG will follow Rickson’s belting system.
From juniors, through white to black, there is no real difference between the standard IBJJF model, and the JJGF. At black it changes slightly.
Here are our current guidelines.
– Junior ranks remain the same as current IBJJF standard.
– Senior ranks:
White through brown belt, 1-4 stripes each belt. Minumum age for a blue belt is 16 (they should remain green belts until then.)
*(note: some of you have divided the white belt up in various ways to encourage retention and organization, that is fine.)
Black belt, 1 – 3rd stripe, 3 years each. 4th – 6th stripe, 5 years each. At 6th stripe the belt switches to a red and black belt (what Rickson was wearing at the time of promotion. SBG will not be using the red and white IBJJF belt). 7th – 8th stripe is 7 years. The 8th to 9th stripe is ten years, and at 9 it switches to a red belt, which is the highest attainable.
When you do the math it looks like this. The minimum age for a black belt is 19 years old. SBG will soon have young black belts as our first generation of students who started at age 5 or 6, reach adulthood. If they receive their black at 19, the minimum age to achieve 5 stripe black belt would be age 38. The minimum age for the red and black belt would be 43. And 24 years later, at age 67, the final 9th degree red belt would be awarded.
In my case, the minimum age I would receive my last rank would be 80. And still doing Jiu-Jitsu at 80 will be enough to celebrate!
All stripes are awarded at the belting professors discretion, and assume the black belt is still training and/or teaching, and in good standing with their coach.
It’s cliché to say just train, and don’t worry about your belt. It’s also true. But traditions within a community are also important when it comes to maintaining a healthy tribe. And these will be ours.”
“One more day in the place where I love to be, on the mat”
Mass Belt Promotion At SBG Ireland!
While not every promotion can be the promotion to red belt (!), every step along the BJJ path is a positive and life-affirming one. This month saw a major step for a host of students at SBG Ireland, as students numbering in the double figures experienced their first epic SBG tradition known as the ironman. Promoted from white belt to blue, the students rolled with all the tribe members in attendance in celebration of their achievement within the team. No belt at SBG is given out lightly, so many congratulations to all the SBG Ireland students who earned their well-deserved blue belts. The whole tribe is proud of you!
Leah Taylor on the BJJ Brick Podcast
SBG Montana coach, and Montana’s first female BJJ black belt, Leah Taylor, last month took to the BJJ Brick podcast for an interview. In the interview, Coach Leah covers all aspects of her martial arts experience; from her start in BJJ, to her recent MMA debut, from coaching beginners, women’s self defense, and the subject of BJJ competition, giving advice to those considering competing, having recently took bronze at IBJJF Worlds!
BJJ Brick podcasts are always a great listen, and Leah joins a number of other SBG names to have been interviewed, including Mark Fisher, Amanda Diggins, and of course, SBG Founder Matt Thornton.
Take the time to listen to Leah’s interview, and if you haven’t already, go back through the archives and listen to the rest of your favorite SBG faces talk about our mutual passion!
Coach Cane Prevost Discusses BJJ Fundamentals
Check out the above video from SBG Portland coach and black belt, Cane Prevost. In it, Coach Cane divulges the kind of valuable information that every BJJ student craves; how he sees progression on the BJJ journey, and the broad expectation of what is expected from a student if they wish to move up through the BJJ belts. As always, Coach Cane grounds his answers in fundamentals, and the level of understanding of those fundamentals that a student needs at each stage of their journey.
Paul Sharp On Managing Unknown Contacts
SBG released more quality content this month, and again at the forefront was SBG’s resident self-defense and law enforcement expert, Paul Sharp. Sharp has decades of experience in law enforcement, handling dangerous, real world conflicts, self defense and small arms training. In this video, Paul imparts on SBG students and the world the basic essentials for managing unknown contacts – how to handle situations involving potentially threatening people you don’t know in a safe and effective way.
Paul also released another blog post this month, this time discussing the benefits of living the lifestyle of a modern day martial artist. Despite injuries, this lifestyle allows us to develop both a stronger body, and a stronger mind capable of dealing with tough situations.
“Strong people are harder to kill than weak people and more useful in general.” – Mark Rippetoe
Matt Thornton on Martial Arts Style and Aliveness
“What makes one style, such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, so effective, and another, such as Aikido, so ineffective?
Epistemology is the key to accurate answers. Without the proper epistemology we cannot reliably repeat results. Without the ability to reliably repeat results, we cannot gain accurate data based on evidence. Without that evidence, we cannot successfully find and evolve – best practices. All true progress, all advancement, comes as a result of science, reason, and competere. Meritocratic competition is the self-correcting mechanism of actuality, just as the opponent process is the self-correcting mechanism of hand-to-hand combat. When our proposed solution doesn’t work, it lets us know. When it works well, when it produces repeatable results, it also lets us know. And when better methods evolve, as they do only through the competitive process, the opponent process reveals that as well.
When it comes to fighting, why do some delivery systems work and others don’t? Because some arts, some systems, have the epistemology that includes the opponent process. Those arts are by definition, ‘Alive’.
Yes, relativists, and those who haven’t thought deeply enough about this topic, will say things like, “each art will work within its given context”. But aside from being untrue, this also misses the point. Instead of wondering what styles work and what don’t, consider the styles themselves to be technical answers to physical problems; in these cases, how to handle a kind of attack. Then remember, a physical problem is an empirical question. As walking, talking, thinking creatures with two legs and two arms who all operate within a limited spectrum of physical capabilities, there will always be better and worse ways to answer such a problem. This isn’t about whether or not there should be chairs in a room. This is about whether there are any chairs in a room. This is why what matters isn’t any one particular answer. What matters is the method used to arrive at answers. It isn’t about “styles”. It is about the system those styles use to arrive at their movements. It is all about the epistemology. It is all about the training methodology. The physical expressions will vary. Style is individual, and no two can or should be identical. But the training method, the epistemology, that transcends individuals, it transcends cultures, it transcends time frames, and it transcends geography. It is what Bruce Lee was searching for, and it is what SBG is all about – truth in combat.”
John Frankl Tours US Gyms, SBG Idaho Next On The Tour
“SBG Korea Founder, 4th Degree Black Belt, and legit wizard John Frankl will be here sharing his always mind-blowing and fundamentally sound BJJ game August 12-13. Do not miss this opportunity to learn from one of the most technical teachers and players in the organization!
Cost of the 2 day seminar is $80 for SBG Members (Foundations and CAP Members) and $105 for non-SBG Members and can be paid for at the gym or via the Brand New, SBG Idaho Online Store! Be sure to register by August 1st as the price goes up by $20 after then!
Don’t miss your opportunity to expand your BJJ game by leaps and bounds!”
Matt Thornton on Suicide
Matt Thornton took on the difficult subject of suicide in his most recent blog post. Coach Matt discussed three separate incidents of suicide that have touched his life, and the impact they had on him. It comes at a time when the same subject has touched all of us at SBG Portland, and the tribe as a whole.
Tough to talk about, nevermind to fully understand and process, it is nevertheless an aspect of life that impacts a great many people. Take the time to read Matt’s article. Increased awareness of its prevalence, and approaching those around you with a little more leniency as a result, can only be a good thing…
SBG At Revolution XXXIV
The weekend of July 15th saw a mass migration of SBG athletes to Tacoma, WA for another PNW BJJ tournament! The Revolution XXXIV event saw the SBG tribe bring home a total of 29 medals, spanning the spectrum of competition level, from masters brown belt all the way down to the most fresh-faced 5 & 6 year old SBG warriors! Here are the full results
Of note, Ricky Davison, just 15, took to the adult blue belt division in his search of victory, and he did not disappoint, picking up a gold medal against fully grown adults!
At a competition that saw many big name teams represented, SBG did a great job breaking into the top five teams for both Adult and Youth No Gi. The tribe continue to compete with the best in the Pacific Northwest, and the country, at every level. Congratulations to all who took home medals, and all who took part. The tribe is extremely proud of every single one of you!
John Kavanagh & Forrest Griffin Reenact “Losing The Next Champion” (aka typical phone conversation at and SBG world wide)
SBG Ireland Head Coach, John Kavanagh, and former UFC light-heavyweight champion, Forrest Griffin, dusted off their acting skills in an impromptu spoof on what SBG managers, and likely many other gym owners, experience on a daily basis; letting the delusional “next champion” slip through their fingers…
Glowing Praise For SBG Edmonton
“I honestly don’t have that words to express my love of the people of SBG Edmonton. Since last September we have helped each other in so many ways. I had some difficult times adjusting to a new style of Jits. However, I can say I a shadow of a doubt, my game has evolved to a level I didn’t expect. In the time here I have been honored to do seminars with a high level SBG back belt the founder of SBG Matt Thornton, and one of the first north Americans to receive their black belt Chris Haueter.
Leaving this group really does feel like a break up, and I don’t expect most to understand, but when you’re taken in by a group given a home to train, learn and influence others, push one another to new levels… It’s surreal.
You are all amazing loving people who will forever be a part of me.
Until next time kids..” -Kenny Mills
SBG Just Released A Brand New Gi!
Modeled here by the incredibly handsome SBG Vice President, Travis Davison, of SBG Montana. SBG are proud to introduce the brand spanking new SBG Superlite Gi!
Available in black, blue and white, the Superlite gi is manufactured to the high quality of Fuji Gis, but clearly supersedes all other gis, by mere existence of the impeccably produced SBG logo, trademark gorilla (looking more majestic than ever!), and “Viva SBG!” signature. Buy it, and look incredible!
What people are saying about the new SBG Superlite Gi:
“Oh that is just too f’n dope…” – Jei Kennedy, SBG brown belt coach
“That sh*t is sexy Trav!” – Cane Prevost, SBG Portland black belt coach
-Click Here To Check Out The Full Online Store-
Matt Thornton & Peter Boghossian On The Air
Matt Thornton took to the airwaves again last month, this time joined by SBG student, Peter Boghossian. Matt, founder and Head Coach at SBG, and Peter, Assistant Professor of philosophy at PSU, chatted to Robb Wolf on his podcast where they discussed everything martial arts; from the critical thinking vs fantasy that occurs between different styles, effectiveness, and applying reliable risk assessment to real world scenarios.
These two men are always fascinating to listen to and never fail to provide something interesting to think about. Listen to the podcast!
Karl Tanswell Opens New SBG Location
Karl Tanswell, founder and Head Coach at SBG Manchester, is opening a new location, SBG Trafford! Karl is undoubtedly one of the most highly respected MMA coaches in the SBG universe, and in the United Kingdom. He is one of Matt Thornton’s earliest black belts, and in his years at the forefront of Britain’s rising MMA scene, has trained multiple elite MMA competitors and champions, including Martin Stapleton, Matt Inman and Saul Rogers. The talents of Karl and the SBG Manchester team are expanding to a second facility, this one three times the size of SBG Manchester, and fully updated.
“SBG Trafford will be open in a few weeks . Sbg Manchester will remain open and you will all be welcome at the new gym .
The new gym will have a full size cage, a training area 3 times the size of SBG Manchester, showers and many other cool things going on.
We we will be running all the usual curriculum classes and also adding our grass roots programs , children’s classes and combat conditioning .
To make sure you keep up to date with everything please visit www.sbgtrafford.com and register for your FREE introduction sessions.
If you are already part of the Tribe , please share and help us get the word out.. you know it’s the thing to do !
Any other enquiries are welcome.
Info@sbgtrafford.com”
Congratulations to Karl Tanswell, the SBG Manchester team, and everyone who is putting in the work to make the new SBG Trafford academy happen! Bringing the world even more SBG is truly important work. We can’t wait to see the new gym once its finished!
Brand New SBG Video Podcast
Another month, and again, SBG has release more of the best BJJ media around. Following on from SBG Head Coach Matt Thornton’s interview with the legendary Rickson Gracie, this month the SBG podcast broached the subject of Rickson’s connection principle. The podcast so far has tackled everything from the founding of SBG, the idea of creating martial arts scientists, critical thinking in martial arts and women in BJJ, not to mention smaller weekly videos showing easily digestible nuggets of knowledge to help improve your BJJ game. While all of that is already amazing, a video of SBG’s top martial arts minds trying to break down what it is that makes Rickson Gracie the greatest BJJ artist of all time, is surely the most fascinating yet! Make sure you subscribe to the SBG Youtube page to be updated on all the latest content as it is released. Now stop whatever you are doing and watch the podcast now, preferably while lounging around your house in your brand new SBG Superlite gi!
Eryk Anders Arrives In The UFC; Wins by Knock-out!
Don’t say we didn’t warn you, folks! The SBG newsletter has been hyping his talents for months as he destroyed opponent after opponent down in Alabama, but finally the world knows what SBGers have known since last year: SBG Alabama’s Eryk Anders is one of the true rising stars in the MMA world! July saw Eryk Anders make his UFC debut in dramatic fashion, extending his undefeated record to 9-0 with a trademark first round knock-out finish of UFC veteran, Rafael Natal. You can watch the breath-taking finish in the video above.
Clearly, the step up to UFC on short notice was no issue for Anders, and the sky is now truly the limit! Congratulations to Eryk and his whole team!
SBG Fall Camp Is Coming Up
We’re another month closer to one of the biggest events on the SBG calendar; the SBG Fall Camp! This year the camp is being hosted by the wonderful team over at SBG Idaho, in Boise, and nestled perfectly in between the likes of SBG Montana, SBG North, SBG Portland, SBG Burien and SBG Elko, it promises to truly be one of the biggest and best camps yet. The SBG Idaho gym is newly renovated, looks amazing, and boasts some of the most experienced MMA athletes in the SBG world!
SBG Camps are always a special experience, bringing together members of the tribe from the world over to share a mutual passion and grow as students and as human beings. SBG Camps are where some of the most cutting edge approaches, techniques and coaching lessons are revealed from all corners of the world, and are a change to meet with tribe members from every continent. Early Bird pricing ends soon, so sign up now to get a discounted rate on this awesome event!
“Immaturity means self-centeredness, inability to compromise, to rise above hurt feelings, to postpone immediate pleasures in favor of future benefits, or to do unpleasant chores when they need to be done.” – Arnold J. Toynbee
“Be lenient with others, but strict with yourself (except during comp team)” – Marcus Aurelius
