July 2011

Held in beautiful Puerto Vallarta Mexico, at the amazing Barcelo Resort. Surrounded by a tropical jungle, with four swimming pools, multiple Jacuzzis, five on site restaurants, and a private beach; this resort must be seen to be believed. With five days of training, and everything included in the package price, this is a once in a lifetime trip you won’t want to miss!

Coaches will include: Matt Thornton, Karl Tanswell, Gunnar Nelson, Travis Davison, and Rick Davison; along with many more of SBG’s top coaches who are planning on attending.

Training sessions include: breaking down your BJJ curriculum to it’s core, guard passing, striking for MMA, a session on cornering for MMA, sweeps, escapes from bottom, and an individual evaluation of attendees overall games + more!

There will also be: Yoga for camp members & their spouses, scuba diving, kayaking, water volleyball, swimming in the resorts multiple pools, lounging on the private beach, group dinners, and activities for children.

The resort includes: Five restaurants, four swimming pools, three bars, two open air Jacuzzis, kids club, daily & nightly shows, 24 hour medical care, and concierge service.

Double occupancy: Five nights at the resort, transportation to and from the airport, all food (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks at five on site restaurants!), all alcohol or drinks (3 on site bars, including one in the pool!), and four days of training = 790. Person *(that is just over 150. a day for all the training, food, and accommodations in this spectacular resort!) 　* Non training spouse rate, 490.

Single occupancy: five nights at the resort, transportation to and from he airport, all food (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks at five on site restaurants!), all alcohol or drinks (3 on site bars, including one in the pool!), and four days of training = 990.

To book your space now contact Beth toll free at: 1-800-313-8839
http://www.straightblastgym.com/camps.htm You can also reach Beth at bethstravel@comcast.net

Matt recently returned from Niagara Falls Canada where he had the privilege of teaching a weekend seminars at Rich Beaupit’s gym. The weekend focused mostly on guard, with the pressures and postures that link closed, open and upright guards together being the main topic. A great time was had by all. Rich represents the best of what SBG is, so if you are ever in the area make sure you stop by and experience some world class training.
http://www.beaupitsmma.com/

After just a couple of years Travis Davison has built a gym, and a world class competition team in SBG Montana; a testament to what SBG training methods, in the hands of a worlds class coach can do. Here are some recent updates:
April 29th we had 5 athletes compete in MMA. We went 4-5 with 3 1st round RNCs, 1 1st round armbar, 1 1st round TKO from mounted elbow strikes, and the only loss was a 3 round split descision. We have 3 athletes competing June 25th in MMA.
We had 7 SBGers compete at the worlds this June with one Bronze and lots of experience for next year. The Davison Duo handeled coaching and hot tub duties.
Brought a team of 15 from Montana to Subleague championships. Results: 11 gold medals, 2 silvers, and 3 bronze. 2nd place team trophy with only 1/3 the athletes as the 1st place team.
SBGMontana will be taking a team of 18 competitors to Vegas for Grappler’s Quest this July 9th including myself.
On the boxing side we had 1 athlete make and compete at USA regionals and another athlete won state golden gloves and competed in Salt Lake cityRegional golden gloves. We were awarded Montana state outstanding senior boxing club runner up.
Best part is we added a lime green monkey wagon to our arsenal! Look out for the monkey wagon at future events.

After a long absence, Matt Thornton once again returned to Iceland for a two day seminar. Mjolnir’s new facility, which was just in the process of opening, is perhaps the most amazing Gym to have been created so far; multiple floors, huge training ares, and everything a combat athlete would need. Following the seminar Matt taught a competition team working which focused on leg lock counters. After the seminar a tour of the Icelandic countryside kicked off, and words don’t do justice to this majestic landscape. Much thanks to Gunnar Nelson and the rest of the Mjolnir crew for making this event happen. It was much appreciated, and nice to see the Iceland family again.

SBG President Matt Thornton, along with Portland Coach John Diggins completed a seminar tour this spring which took them through Ireland, and around Sweden. It was great to see old friends. John Kavangh’s Gym in Dublin is a hub of activity all year round, as every weekend his athletes our fighting, and dominating in various events around the world. Meeting up with them there was Iceland’s Gunnar (Gunni) Nelson, as well as SBG South Africa’s Steven Bazzea (who holds the record for the longest journey for a seminar), and others from around the UK and Europe. The weekend long event was fun for everyone. Following this Matt and John spent a week in Stockholm, teaching multiple classes in the evening on all aspects of BJJ. It was great to see the Stockholm crew again, and spend time with friends in that very cool city. The following weekend finished off with a two day event at Daniel’s ‘Primate Lounge’, where it was great to see SBG Estonia’s Pritt (the funny Estonian), as well as Thomas Lacour from Denmark, and many other friends. As always the vibe at Daniel’s & throughout our tour represented what SBG is all about, and we are already looking forward to our 2012 visit!

SBGi’s coaches gathered at the end of March at ModCom’s new, and amazing facility, for what turned out to be an awesome event. Much thanks to Lily and Alan, for as always, being fantastic hosts. The Saturday evening party held at their home will not be forgotten for quite some time, and the sections taught by the SBGi coaches; including the rotating rounds which featured boxing with Brian Walsh, sweeps with John Diggins, gi attacks with Travis Davison, half guard with Lily Pagle, and guard passing with Rick Davison, was nothing short of fantastic. SBG black belt Cane Prevost’s section on all methods of drilling had all the coaches, including Matt Thornton taking notes, a must not miss for all serious coaches. Also, big congratulations to long time SBG Coach Ray Price, for earning his brown belt at this camp, as well as Team Reno’s Dax Soto who also earned his purple; both extremely well deserved.