Gracie Barra Newcastle

Site update

2010-02-26T21:41:00.006Z

If you have this blog bookmarked please update it to point here:

www.graciebarranewcastle.co.uk
With the new academy locations it was time for a update to the website.

Hopefully all the information will be on the new site, if not, hit me up with an email.

Here’s to 2010 and the team going from strength to strength.

See you all at the new and improved site.

Kent Open

2009-11-15T10:35:00.004Z

Kent Open is today, but only got the one person from the club fighting today.. me! - Competition is probably the most organised I've ever seen, everyone is running on time. Will keep everyone updated with results - I'd recommend anyone consider this comp next year.

http://www.kentbjjopen.co.uk

Grapplemania 2 videos

2009-11-10T21:15:00.001Z

Check out the videos from the teams outing at Grapplemania 2 in leeds at the below link..

http://www.youtube.com/user/PhoenixNeil

Apologies to David Nielsen after my phone screwed up videoing his.

Good luck to the lads at Grapplemania 2!

2009-11-07T20:50:00.001Z

Just a quick message to wish good luck to everyone at the Grapplemania 2 comp tomorrow.. Tyrone, Paul Anderson, Dave Allen and David Neilsen are going, with me in backup to take videos and photos!

More stripes and Neil Duncan gets purple

2009-10-29T08:30:00.004Z

Another excellent class last night from Dave, with some great armbar escapes which everyone enjoyed. During the sparring there were a few stripes given out, Dave Allen got a very well deserved 2 stripes on his white belt, David Nielsen also got his 2nd. There were others, but there is a list needed - coming soon once known. Also at the end of sparring Dave presented me with my purple belt, very ecstatic and huge thanks to Dave and everyone there for the congrats!

EDIT - Other missing stripes were Jimmy who got a stripe on his white belt too, well done!

Excellent seminar and Ian Malone gets brown belt!

2009-10-24T15:31:00.001+01:00

After a fantastic 3hr seminar today by Marc Walder, Ian got his brown belt! - Huge well done from the whole club Ian, everyone was chuffed for you.

Huge thanks to Marc Walder for giving us an excellent seminar which everyone thoroughly enjoyed.

Grapplemania 2 - 8th November

2009-10-14T08:37:00.000+01:00

Another comp coming up guys, this one fairly local and maybe our last local (ish) one of the year so might be worth signing up if your eager to compete. So far the competitors are just Paul Anderson, Dave Allen and Myself, if your up for it make it known.. it's only 1.5 hours drive!

Marc Walder seminar, important update

2009-10-10T20:10:00.002+01:00

Just to let everyone know we've just found out Marc can't get up next weekend (17th) due to work commitments, so the seminar is postponed til the week after - 24th October at 11am wallsend boys club. Means we won't have to be recovering from drink at the seminar! Plus more time to get your name down.

Week beginning 12th Oct training times

2009-10-10T08:23:00.002+01:00

Well Monday and Wednesdays sessions are on as normal at Wallsend, Monday 6.30 til 8.30 pm and Wednesday 8 til 10pm, but on Friday night class is cancelled. Marc Walder's seminar is on the Saturday so there will be no free spar class during the day, don't forget to get your name down ASAP for the seminar!

Training resumes as normal on Monday.

Marc Walder seminar - 17th October

2009-10-06T08:17:00.003+01:00

On the 17th October, Marc Walder is holding another seminar up here at Gracie Barra Newcastle, price is £30 and places will be limited.. make yourself known either via the group, to Dave in class or message me on here and I'll pass it on if you want to go!

Always worth coming along to one of Marcs seminars, a great learning experience.

Abu Dhabi Pro Trials UK leg

2009-09-22T07:21:00.003+01:00

I know a few people have asked me to let them know what is happening in with this, there has just been a webiste out up.

www.abudhabi-pro.co.uk

The competiton will be on 12th December in Dartford. In case you haven't heard about the competition it is a GI comp, the European trials for the Abu Dhabi world Jiu Jitsu cup 2010. Purples, Browns and blacks compete together with the winner of each weight class qualifying, as well as flights and hotel paid for. The winner of the white/blue absolure also qualifies, again with flights and hotel paid for.

Glasgow open entries

2009-09-17T07:31:00.001+01:00

Glasgow open fees - £20

List of competitors so far (let me know if I've missed you)Lee Howes - Purple belt - 93kgNeil Duncan - Blue belt - u82.5kgKamil Tarnowski - Blue belt - u76kgMark Platts - Blue belt - u70kgSanjit Singh - White belt - 95kg+You don't have to give me the money until we arrive at the competition then I can just pay in one lump for the cheaper £20.

Baz wins 2nd MMA fight in style

2009-09-13T10:06:00.001+01:00

Right from the bell Baz completely dominated his fight, starting it off with a BIG slam when his opponant pulled guard, worked excellent body shots and never once looked in trouble in guard. 2nd round dropped his opponant with a few nice leg kicks, more body shots and after being stood up shot in for a excellent double leg takedown forcing his opponants corner to stop the fight.

Fantastic performance after having his opponant changed on the night and being outweighed by over 6KG!

Class times

2009-09-02T18:30:00.001+01:00

Just to remind everyone, or new visitors to the site.. if you check out the link on the right of the page that says 'Timetable' it has an up-to-date version of the class times and locations.

Back in as of tonight

2009-09-02T07:57:00.001+01:00

For those who've missed training over the bank holiday we are back in from tonight (Wednesday 2nd) usual time of 8pm-10pm class.

A return to Fridays evilness..

2009-08-29T10:39:00.002+01:00

Friday nights nogi class saw a return to some of our 'old school' hard warmups.. To start us all of and put us in some serious pain Dave gave us..

15 reps each of:

Squats
Handstand pressups
Situps
Dips
Box jumps

as many rounds as possible in 15 minutes.. horrible!

Standouts being Dave and Baz really leading the pace. A lovely welcome back to a new guys (forgive me I forgot your name). Starting the bank holiday weekend in style.

Bank holiday training

2009-08-29T10:37:00.002+01:00

Just to recap for everyone, on the bank holiday Monday there is no training at Wallsend.. the boys club is closed. Enjoy it and chill out!

Normal service/torture resumes from Wednesday 29th August.

Glasgow open

2009-08-29T10:37:00.001+01:00

There's been quite a bit of interest at the club recently regarding the Glasgow open ran by the Dinky Ninjas.

It's on the 26th September at the Glasgow Caledonian university arc centre... If you register before the 24th September it's £20 and if you register after its £25, so get those registrations in early.

There's been quite a bit of interest so make yourself known at the club and we'll try sort out lifts etc.. but as per usual we'll probably sort that out the night before ;)

All the above info is on the website for the Dinky Ninjas, http://www.dinkyninjas.co.uk .. Should be a good tournament to attend!

Fedor Vs Nogeria

2009-08-24T07:25:00.002+01:00

Jezmeister asked about this one after Bill discussed it at the most recent team pig out at Nando's on Friday.. a great example of sick ground and pound and Nog's incredible punishment tolerance.

Reminder - Facebook group

2009-08-21T07:26:00.001+01:00

Just a reminder guys, if your on Facebook.. try and join the group. In the search bar from your Facebook home page type in 'Gracie Barra Newcastle' and join the group that pops up with our club logo on. The Facebook page is often updated quicker than the site and is easier to send out group messages for anything.

Happy birthday Jezmeister! - An old custom revisited.

2009-08-20T08:53:00.003+01:00

It was revealed last night that it was Jezmeister's birthday on Wednesday, so the instructor for the night, Ross Golightly decided to revisit an old Brazilian Jiu Jitsu custom... the belt whipping! 2 lines, 1 meter or so apart and the Jezmeister running down the middle and back as fast as possible.. this was the result - bet its sore today!

In all seriousness, happy birthday Jez and thanks to Ross for an excellent class !

Ross' engagement party - Friday 14th August

2009-08-17T11:06:00.003+01:00

The old saying is true - "A picture says more than a thousand words". For the first time that I can remember the team went out for a party together for Ross Golightlys engagement do on Friday night. I think I can speak for all the team when I say we had an absolutely awesome time, great venue, great company and the inevitable drunken choke outs and grappling matches (Ross kneebarring Bill on the dancefloor!) - and not forgetting the evil teamwork of Bill and Ross ambushing me with tequila.. and of course the above pile on.

If your on Facebook there is a huge collection of photos on the profile of Joe's wife, Liz Dixon.. check them out if you can.

Next stop - Dave and Ritu's engagement party!

More Pride action..

2009-08-02T10:38:00.002+01:00

This time one of the best fights of the openweight GP 2006 from Pride, great event and awesome demolition by Crocop. At his best

Fedor Vs Crocop

2009-07-30T09:12:00.001+01:00

After talking about it last night I thought I'd post this fight, probably one of the greatest MMA fights yet and a good one for the fans of Pride (RIP!).

Checkout parts 2,3 and 4 as well.

26th July - Grapplemania UK - Leeds

2009-07-24T08:19:00.001+01:00

This Sunday couple of the lads are heading down to Leeds to take part in the first 'Grapplemania UK' nogi competition. Promises to be a good competition with a minimum of 2 fights per competitor. Good luck to all travelling down!

Upcoming MMA again

2009-07-14T12:51:00.001+01:00

Well after the disasterous trip to Barrow on Sunday and offers for me to fight a 15 year old, we have some excellent MMA coming up soon.

This weekend Dave and Tyrone are both fighting on Total Combat - Make sure you see Tyrone for a ticket ASAP, he will have them with him on Wednesday. He's getting a ticket deal too!

Then on the 8th of August Mark Platts is fighting B-Class pro rules on the NFL show, again see him if you want a ticket. Worth it they always put on a good show.

Dave wins again!

2009-07-07T08:51:00.002+01:00

After 44 seconds of round 1 Dave managed to finish his opponant Martin Begley with a guillotene choke.. Another fantastic win against a very tough opponant.

That means Dave's last 3 wins have taken 3 minutes in total....

Roger Gracie Hi light video

2009-07-01T15:55:00.003+01:00

Absolutly perfect basics and fundamental techniques

New stripes - Busy night

2009-06-29T21:28:00.004+01:00

After a arse kicker of a warmup, Dave handed out some more stripes as follows..

James - 3 stripe purple
Neil - 4 stripe blue
Jezmeister - 3 stripe blue
Paul McGregor - 2 stripe blue
Simon - 4 stripe white
Jamie - 3 stripe white
Anth - 2 stripe white
Chris Brown - 1 stripe white

A busy night for all! - Congratulations guys.

Uh.. sorry Bill + Jamie - Updated times.

2009-06-27T14:57:00.001+01:00

Here's my apology, thought I'd updated the times on the 'Timetable' page... turns out I hadn't. Jamie stayed at Wallsend from 6-8 waiting for the class last night.

Its now updated though, 8-9.30 on a Friday guys.

British open results

2009-06-22T10:26:00.001+01:00

BJJ British Open results..

James Bland won his purple belt super super heavyweight category taking him to 12-0 as a purple belt!

Lee Howes lost his first fight by RNC against a much more experienced purple belt, but lead for most of the fight by 5 points. In his second fight he fought a very good purple from GB lagarto and got armbarred.

Neil won his 1st fight via points and after a 30 second 2nd fight with the organisers putting the wrong opponent in front of him on the mat (it was stopped..) he lost by 1 advantage point in the 2nd (3rd?) fight.

European BJJ open - 26th - 28th Feb 2010

2009-06-17T16:42:00.002+01:00

It's in Disneyland! - This is not the Ibjjf europeans that are in Portugal, those will still be on.. But this is going to be worth a look in, maybe combine it with a holiday. Entry fee is only going to be £30 too.

NEGC - Team champions!

2009-06-14T22:15:00.002+01:00

Once again, Gracie Barra Newcastle won the team trophy at the North East Grappling Championships today. Every single person that took part did themselves and the club proud, excellent performances from all!

Full results to follow tomorrow..

NEGC - This weekend!

2009-06-12T07:23:00.000+01:00

Almost time for the NEGC nogi grappling competition, you can enter on the day but get your entries emailed or facebooked to me if you want and can get them done quicker than on the day.

Friday time change

2009-05-28T21:40:00.000+01:00

Okay guys, now we have another change to our timetable.. fridays sessions are now at Wallsend from 8-9.30 .. no longer at Easy Gym, as of tomorrow (29th May)

NEGC Registration details

2009-05-27T18:25:00.000+01:00

If you've decided to enter the comp in Sunderland, email your Name/Address/DOB/Club/Weight to bodyzoneonline@hotmail.com or send them to me and I'll email them in, that way it will be done quicker on the day.. simply pay on the day @ £15.

This weeks training times - 25th to 29th

2009-05-22T22:38:00.001+01:00

Just to keep everyone up to date with the training times, with the bank holiday week Wallsend boys club are all over with their opening times..

On Monday, uts shut so no class. Tuesday, few of us are heading over to easy gym usual time 6.30 - 8.30 for a bit spar not a proper class, pay per head while there. Wednesday, wallsend is shut. Thursday as usual people will probably pop along and pay per head. Friday back at Easy Gym for the usual MMA+Nogi class.

Any questions post or give us a shout.

Mondays class - Wallsend

2009-05-17T21:52:00.002+01:00

Simple as that, really. Don't forget all.. Mondays class is now at Wallsend boys club. 6.30-8.30 usual Monday times.

How hard is Bill?

2009-05-15T07:38:00.002+01:00

This hard! look at that... knuckle on his right hand has decided to go walkabouts. Seriously though, this just shows how well he was doing to be winning the fight with damage like that to his hand!

IMPORTANT - Class time change

2009-05-13T18:40:00.001+01:00

As a quick add-on to the last post, the class time on a Wednesday has changed to 8-10, the only time available after Easy Gym decided to boot us out for a dance class... Mondays remain the same at 6.30-8.30 and Fridays too at Easy Gym.

IMPORTANT - Change of venue

2009-05-12T07:48:00.001+01:00

From Wednesday this week (13th May) the venue has changed back to Wallsend Boys club for the Monday and Wednesday classes, the Friday classes however for now remain at Kingston Park.

Next MMA coming up - May

2009-05-08T16:53:00.002+01:00

Okay, so this month first off we have Ingolf and Mark fighting on Total Combat next weekend (16th) Ingolf in the 4-man tourney and Mark for a semi pro title at bantamweight. It's at the Rainton Meadows Arena (old McEwans centre) in houghton-le-spring. See Ingolf or Mark if you need tickets..

Then on the 30th May on Pride & Glory at the Scottswood social club in Denton, Lee Howes is fighting Brett McWilliams and Steve Stringfellow is fighting Paul Cooke for a british title. Again see those guys if you need tickets!

Ground control 5.0

2009-05-07T10:01:00.003+01:00

Another no gi competition coming up, June could be a busy month with the British open and the NEGC as well

New purple belt!

2009-05-06T21:43:00.002+01:00

Okay so tonight Dave gave out his first ever purple belt! - Ross Golightly got it after 5 years of dedicated hard work with excellent technique and no ego.

Congratulations from all man.

BFC and Dave's fight cancelled

2009-05-05T17:07:00.002+01:00

Okay guys, anyone who was going to go see Dave rematch against Jean Silva in Wales that fight is now off along with the rest of the British Fighting Championship, it hasn't been announced yet but it is 100% cancelled, sponsor problems apparently!

Classes as normal tomorrow

2009-05-05T07:20:00.002+01:00

As a reminder, classes are back to normal from tomorrow Wednesday 6th May at Easy-Gym building in Kingston Park

Submission of the year?

2009-05-03T11:47:00.001+01:00

This has to be one of the coolest submissions in MMA ...

Bank Holiday Monday - 4th May

2009-05-02T09:49:00.001+01:00

No classes on Bank holiday Monday, the gym is shut.. things start as normal again on the Wednesday 6th May.

Month full of MMA

2009-05-01T13:36:00.003+01:00

16th May - Total Combat - Rainton Meadows Arena

Mark 'Groundskeeper Willie' Platts Vs Adam Steele for the bantamweight title

Ingolf Nielsen Vs Pete Hill in the 1st round of the £1000 lightweight title tournament, in which he can potentially get a rematch against the fighter he was beating last time, Anth Grecian!

Both fights are sure to be fantastic, both are training damned hard!

then!

30th May - Pride & Glory - Scottswood social club, Denton

Lee Howes Vs Dave Bullock , Lee makes his return to MMA for his 2nd MMA fight

Steve Stringfellow Vs Paul Cooke for the Middleweight British Title

2 excellent matches both Lee and Steve come on strides each time they train.

--
30th May - First round of the British Fighting Championship - Newport, Wales

Dave 'Speedy' Elliott Vs Jean Silva

Dave gets a fantastic rematch against Jean Silva after his very fast 30 sec submission of Tommy 'Gun' Greaves, their first fight was going very well for Dave who was 'only' a 3 stripe blue belt at the time until an unfortunate eye poke... promises to be a right battle!

As usual, see the fighters for tickets if your going, support them!

Essex open this weekend - 3rd May

2009-05-01T13:22:00.002+01:00

Suppose there is no forgetting but Marc Walders Essex open is this week, Sunday 3rd May. Plenty of guys going down so should be a good day! - Notables include first fight in the Adult category and first blue belt fights for Paul and Joe after their recent promotion.

If anyone wants particular fights filmed or photo'd give me a shout on the day I'll be down but not competing.

Facebook group

2009-04-25T20:38:00.002+01:00

Okay for those of you that are on Facebook, there has been a group created so we can quickly pass on news and info etc.. If your already on there chances are someone has invited you, if not.. click HERE for a direct link and get involved if you want to.

MMA weekend

2009-04-25T20:25:00.001+01:00

Okay well to kick things off we have Adam fighting amateur MMA on Billy Sauls show tonight in Gateshead then we have Mr Bill 'Dangermouse' Coultas fighting Mark Connor on Strike and Sumbit tomorrow night at the Federation Brewery.. Results will be posted as they come in

Royce Gracie seminar

2009-04-25T16:39:00.003+01:00

Okay well today we had our seminar with the legend himself, Royce Gracie.. I think everyone agreed it was a fantastic seminar with some awesome techniques. We all loved the chess match sparring at the end, excellent! The man is an excellent teacher and a true legend, many thanks to Dave for getting him up here.

Oh, and the prize for the first person to get his pics up on Facebook is Chris Brown, congrats you win a free kneebar!

New blue belts!

2009-04-22T21:54:00.001+01:00

Well in tonights class Dave gave out two new blue belts, to both Joe Dixon and Paul Anderson, very well done guys and certainly well deserved!

Royce Gracie seminar - 25th April - Times

2009-04-21T21:51:00.003+01:00

Just to let everyone know who's going to the Royce seminar, it's at the usual Easy-Gym building in Kingston park and it's starting at 12 midday to 3pm.

BJJ British Open - June 21st

2009-04-18T16:04:00.003+01:00

Well to replace the Gracie Invitational being cancelled along with the SENI show, Braulio Estima is running an event he's calling the 'British Open' on the 21st June. It's at the cocksmoor road leisure centre, registration isn't up and running yet but the site is http://www.bjjbritishopen.com/

One of the best active competitors there is running it, and a good venue.. should be awesome! - His website is at http://www.graciebarrabirmingham.com/ too.

I will keep the site updated with info as its recieved.

Royce Gracie seminar - 25th April

2009-04-18T08:56:00.002+01:00

Don't forget guys, the Royce seminar is coming up a week today! (25th April) - it's going to be a fantastic day, 3 hours of training with one of the true greats and legends of our sport.

If you are planning on going make sure you get your money to Dave ASAP this week, places understandably are limited.

Back to normal tomorrow

2009-04-14T17:41:00.005+01:00

Okay guys from tomorrow (Wednesday 15th) training is back on as normal, so we can get back into our hard work and burn off those easter eggs!

So, Easy Gym building 6.30pm - 8.30pm BJJ Gi class. Don't forget also the Royce Gracie seminar is not long now so get your money and reservation into Dave asap, any questions see him in class tomorrow.

Dave 'Speedy' Elliott Vs Jean Silva - 30th May

2009-04-11T17:55:00.003+01:00

In Newport, Wales on the 30th May Dave has got a fantastic rematch against Jean Silva in the first round of the featherweight BFC tournament. The first fight was going really well for Dave until an unfortunate eye poke.. both are fantastic fighters so should be a great one. If you want tickets or a table see Dave.. support him if you can!

Royce Gracie seminar - 25th April

2009-04-10T08:30:00.003+01:00

Don't forget guys we have the seminar from the legend himself, Royce Gracie coming on the 25th April. The man really is a living legend, we probably wouldnt be doing BJJ together now if he hadn't demolished the early UFC's. Places are limited and disappearing fast so get your names and £30 to Dave asap.

Easter training times

2009-04-10T08:28:00.003+01:00

Times for easter training are:

Good Friday - MMA/NoGi - 6.30pm - 8.00pm

Easter Monday - SHUT!

As usual times after that too.

Ground control grappling tournament - 26th April

2009-04-05T08:14:00.008+01:00

Yet another good tourney coming up shortly, this time it's the ground control tournament in Manchester. There is both a beginner and advanced category in this tourney for fighters training under 12 months and over 12 months. There are some excellent prizes too ..

Advanced Division Prizes
> All Advanced division winners will receive:
> Free Entry Pass to Ground Control Event worth £15
> £30 worth of NOGI fight wear
> Invite to 4 man CASH PRIZE tournament at next event! (either u80kg/ o80kg)
> Ground Control Winner T shirt

Beginner Division Prizes
> All Beginners division winners will receive:
> Free Entry Pass to Next Ground Control Event worth £15
> Ground Control Winner T shirt

All runners up (2nd and 3rd places) will receive a free Ground Control T shirt.

Weight categories are as follows..

> Men’s Weight Classes

- 68kg
- 73kg
- 80kg
- 87kg
- 98kg
+98kg

Check out the rules, how to register and some video clips at the website HERE

North East Grappling Championships - 14th June

2009-04-05T07:57:00.004+01:00

Well I've received the new flashy poster from Trevor in the last couple of days so here it is.. With it being local if you can go, get yourself along and support it and compete. It's not a lot to enter and is always a good fun competition with a good level of competitor.

Don't forget we have a team trophy to defend too.. Dave is currently the holder.

Gym shut on Monday - 6th April

2009-04-03T22:16:00.003+01:00

Well I know it's kind of last minute but we only found out tonight thanks to Bill's eagle eyed observation! - The gym is closed on Monday for water works maintenance, so don't turn up. Back on Wednesday as normal though.

Essex open GI comp - Register NOW

2009-03-27T18:38:00.004Z

Only just heard about this, but the Essex open is now on the 3rd May.. Details and link to register are at the following link - Hurry! only 350 entries allowed.

Click HERE to register.

Stringys wedding do

2009-03-25T21:29:00.002Z

Well you've probably heard but Steve 'Stringy' Stringfellow is getting married soon and has very kindly invited all the guys from the gym! Date is 28th April at the royal station hotel in Newcastle, starting 7pm. Email me in or see Stringy in the club if your coming!

MMA coming up this week

2009-03-22T21:27:00.002Z

Okay so there's another bout of MMA coming up at the weekend guys.. like mentioned Dave, Mark and Myself are all fighting on the FightZone show at the Roker Hotel in Sunderland. If you want to come along make sure you see Dave ASAP for tickets.

Another win for the groundskeeper!

2009-03-15T17:54:00.002Z

Last night at the Northern Fight League, Mark 'Groundskeeper Willie' Platts got another win via RNC over Shamsul Haque (I think I got his name right!) in round 1, fantastic well done mate.

Next up... Don't forget!

Fightzone on the 28th March - thats only 2 weeks time! We have Dave 'Speedy' Elliott making his return fight against Tommy Greaves, Neil 'Buns of Steel' Duncan Vs Billy Glossop and Mark 'Groundskeeper Willie' Platts Vs Afzal Miah for a title shot.. It's a busy month, if you want tickets be sure to see Dave in class ASAP, they are going quick.

Up coming competitions

2009-03-11T16:06:00.002Z

Not sure about any Gi comps at the moment but there are a few no gi ones coming up if people need a competition fix.

I am sure there will be quite a few from the club competing at Sunderland and some might be interested in the trip over to Manchester.

Training still on at Kingston park

2009-03-09T09:13:00.001Z

Had a few people ask me this over the past couple days, training is absolutely definitely on at Kingston park today

Functional strength?

2009-03-08T18:29:00.001Z

The words functional strength are thrown around a lot lately.. "This lift isn't functional.. what real world use does it have?" etc etc.. now each to their own but this guy surely is pure functional strength lol.

Discounted supplements

2009-03-08T08:51:00.002Z

For those of you that were at the class on Friday next week you might remember world class and no1 ranked kickboxer James Watling telling us about the company he endorses, http://www.sport-sense.co.uk if your planning on buying supplements check out the site then give him a shout, he can get 20-30% off the listed prices.

Other options available for discount don't forget as mentioned before, with your new membership card you can go into a Nutricentre in Tesco's (nearest is probably Kingston Park near the gym) and recieve 10% off listed prices.

Check out both see whats best for you.. watch out for an article on supplements coming soon.

Memberships are due

2009-03-08T08:45:00.002Z

Don't forget guys, the yearly memberships are due in by the 1st April at £35. If you already have one bring in your card with your money so Dave can put a sticker on to show you've paid.. If not don't forget to pick up a membership form and bring in a passport photo so all your details can be recorded

More MMA this month.. a long awaited return, and a title!

2009-03-07T17:47:00.003Z

Well on the 28th of this month on the Fightzone show in Roker Hotel, Sunderland Dave 'Speedy' Elliott is making his MMA return fight against Tommy Greaves. Also on the show Mark Platts is fighting Afzal Miah for a title at 65kg, and I'm fighting my second MMA fight against Billy 'The Kid' Glossop from the Caged Steel gym.

If anyone needs tickets give Dave a shout next time your in class!

My first fight video

2009-03-05T16:23:00.004Z

Well, here it is.. audio is a bit choppy at times, but you can still clearly hear Dave's coaching and Bills bellowing from the back of the room haha

Make sure you press the 'HQ' button when the player loads, you get much better audio and visual quality..

A busy wednesday night

2009-03-05T12:53:00.002Z

Last nights class was quite busy.. James brought his medal in from the Bristol open, a very nice solid gold one it is too - Very well deserved, he kicked arse. Later on in the night he also got his 1st stripe on his purple belt too!! nice one. I got the 3rd stripe on my blue belt.. well chuffed about that! To round the night off got 2 posing pictures of James and his medal and Mark and his new blue belt.. congrats guys.

Well done James!

2009-03-01T10:22:00.002Z

Got word from James last night that he won the purple belt absolute! After running 4-5 hours late (its a Jiu Jitsu comp, its expected I reckon) James fought 3 times winning 2 fights by points and 1 by clock choke.

A fantastic performance in your first purple absolute James, you did everyone proud!

On another note, Shami, who some of you will remember but moved away won bronze in his category yesterday and is fighting in the absolute today, go get them mate your still part of this team!

New blue belt

2009-02-26T07:44:00.003Z

Following his dominating performance at Total Combat 28 at the weekend, which was awesome.. Mark was awarded his blue belt last night by Dave in class... The first belt given out by the new black belt! Congratulations man, we will get a blue belt pic tonight.

Monthly fees due Monday + Memberships

2009-02-26T07:42:00.001Z

Well guys like Dave mentioned last night in class the Monthly fees are due on Monday.. no paying no train! lol. Don't forget it's that time of year again when the membership fees to the club are due.

Total Combat 28 results

2009-02-22T08:53:00.001Z

Mark Platts won via armbar in round 1 with his fight against Adam Steele. He totally dominated the stand up, wrestling and jiu jitsu.

Ingolf lost via armbar in the 1st round after putting on an awesome performance, landed some damaging shots from the ground and kicking the legs, with a very close triangle attempt. Proud of both lads!

No training on Saturday

2009-02-19T20:46:00.000Z

This Saturday (21st Feb) there will be no training on at Wallsend.. Dave's away in Scotland and few of us will be getting ready for Ingolf and Mark fighting on Total Combat on the evening.

MMA weekend 2

2009-02-18T22:05:00.003Z

Well this Saturday we have both Ingolf Nielsen fighting pro and Mark Platts fighting semi-pro rules on Total Combat at the Rainton Meadows Arena in Houghton-Le-Spring. Ingolf is fighting local lad Anth Grecian from Sunderland and Mark is fighting Adam Steele.

If you can come along and support, it's going to be an awesome night... if you need any tickets see Ingolf at the class or email me and I will pass the message on.

MMA Weekend 1 - Results

2009-02-15T19:52:00.002Z

Well my fight as per the comments went my way, I won by a belly-down armbar about 2mins into the 2nd round. Fantastic fun night.. I even got announced as buns of steel. Big thanks from me to Dave, Tyrone and Ingolf in my corner and Bill for the pep talk, he's one damn good motivator. The guys from our club were by far the noisiest guys there! awesome!

Just had the results from Steve's fight too.. by the sound of it he completely dominated the kid standing and on the ground and won via ground and pound from mount in round 2 as well.

Good start to the MMA for Gracie Barra Newcastle this month - Pics and possibly vids of the fights will follow soon!

MMA weekend 1

2009-02-14T09:27:00.002Z

Well we've got the first of two consecutive MMA weekends starting today.. Tonight at the Scottswood social club on the Pride and Glory show, I'm fighting my Semi-Pro debut and tomorrow at the Cage Kombat show in Edinburgh Steve Stringy is fighting Pro.

Anyone who's going see you there!

If you need equipment..

2009-02-12T20:44:00.002Z

If anyone needs any gear check out http://www.goodkickin.co.uk/ or see Mickey at the club sessions at the new gym, they are selling everything from all types of gloves, thai shorts, protective wear.. too much to list.

We've seen the stuff and can testify it's top notch gear!

Yeah.... news....

2009-02-12T19:17:00.002Z

I tried to think of a piece of news to use this pic for... but I can't so I'm going to post it anyway! - How cool is this?! - By the way the Kanji script reads "Jiu Jitsu".

Nice one Dave.

Kyle Maynard.. A legend.

2009-02-11T07:21:00.000Z

Tell you what when I ever feel sore or tired again I'm going to think of this guy and what he's gone through and still does... incredible, just watch.

New fees and site updates

2009-02-10T08:53:00.002Z

Just an update on the fees, class fees single class stay the same at £6/session. For a 1-2-1 with Black Belt Dave 'Speedy' Elliott it is £30 / session.

Plus I've now updated the 'Upcoming Events' section in the column on the right of the site with some BJJ, NoGi and MMA events that are coming up if anyone is interesting in fighting or attending. The 'timetable' and 'getting started' sections have also been updated.

First session at new gym

2009-02-10T08:27:00.002Z

Well last night was the first session at our new home in Easy-Gym, Kingston park, everyone seemed to love it! - Facility was excellent, some new faces.. and the first class taught with Dave wearing his new Black Belt!!!

Here's looking forward to Wednesday.

New gym Monday!

2009-02-08T17:36:00.002Z

Right guys, come Monday we are moving to our new home in the Easy-Gym building, Kingston park! (No more stubbed toes in gaps in mats hah)

2 Kingston Park Centre, Kenton, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE3 2FP is the address if you need to find it, but it is so easy to get to! - Saying that bet a few of us get lost including me.

Class times are still the same:

Monday/Wed/Friday - 6.30 til 8.30

Thursday (still at wallsend) - 7 til 9

Saturday (again, at wallsend) - 10 til 12

http://www.easy-gym.co.uk is the site if you want to check it out.

Helio Gracie Dies.

2009-01-30T07:57:00.005Z

At the good old age of 95, the father and creator of our sport and MMA passed away. A great man without whom we would not all be doing what we love now!

From Graciemag.com :

“I created a flag from the sport’s dignity. I oversee the name of my family with affection and nerves of blood,” said the Professor, as his last worlds.

Everyone from Gracie Barra Newcastle sends there thoughts and best wishes to the Gracie family.

Ground control grappling comp - Feb 22nd

2009-01-28T22:07:00.003Z

A few people were talking about this at class tonight, I think Lee, Paul and Simon are going and I am thinking about it. The web site is http://www.groundcontrolgrappling.co.uk/index.html but the most important details are:

Weight/Age/Skill Divisions

Beginners Division

12 months experience of less. Competitior must be ranked White Belt (no Blue Belts allowed). Men’s Weight Classes
- 68kg
- 73kg
- 80kg
- 87kg
- 98kg
+98kg

Legal Techniques
Any kind of choke (except for using the hand to close the wind pipe) without the use of the uniform.
Any armbar, shoulder lock, or wristlock
Straight leg locks: Ankle lock or Knee bar
Illegal Techniques
No neck crank submissions (can be used to open the guard)
No twisting leg locks: toe holds, heel hooks etc.
No striking / kicking of any kind
No eye gouging or fish hooking
No grabbing the ears
No hair pulling, biting
No finger or toe holds
No thumbing
No scratching and pinching
No touching groin area
No hands, knees or elbows on face (you can only push the lower jaw, forehead or side of face)
No slippery substances allowed on body or clothing
No “full nelsons” or “crucifix’s” which do not allow the opponent to tap.
No guillotines using the opponent’s chin, which puts pressure on the upper spine of the opponent, but will not
allow them to escape.
NO SLAMMING to escape submissions or guard (hard/elevated throws are allowed)

Points
2 -Mount position
2 -Knee on stomach
2 -Sweeps (ends Guard or Half Guard)
2 -Takedown (ends Guard or Half Guard)
3 -Back mount with hooks
3 -Passing the guard
4 -Clean Sweep (ends passed the guard)
4 -Clean Takedown (ends passed the guard)
Advantage points
1- At any point you get the opponent to turtle position, eg attempted guard pass but the opponent turtles up.
1- Submission attempts.
• Each position must be established for 3 seconds or more in order for points to be awarded.
• When changing multiple positions points will be awarded only for the position that has been established for
3 seconds or more.
Reversals from mount position are not considered sweeps.
In the event that the points score is equal at the end of the bout. The winner will be decided by the advantage
points. If these are also equal the bout will be extended by 2 minutes. In the event that the points are equal
after this time the referee will decide the winner.

Time Limits
• 5minute bout
• 2 minute overtime in the event of a draw

you can register online now, cost is £10 if you pay online using paypal or £15 on the day.

Tickets for MMA

2009-01-21T08:08:00.003Z

Well, theres 4/5 weeks left til the MMA fights start next month.. If you want to go ask the guys who are fighting for tickets..

Theres me on 14th Feb (hardly any tickets), Steve Stringfellow on the 15th Feb in Scotland and Ingolf at Total Combat on the 21st (got loads) Make sure you let whoever know if you want one because they tend to dissappear quickly.

Dave Elliott gets black belt!

2009-01-18T18:36:00.004Z

Today at the Mauricio Gomes seminar, Dave finally got his black belt!!! Well deserved and a long time coming, he is one of very few 'home grown' British black belts and the first ever BJJ black belt in the North East.

The whole club is proud of him and look forward to seeing it in action at the next class.

Well done Dave!

Triple clap pushup..

2009-01-18T09:10:00.002Z

For anyone thats seen me messing around with 2x clap pushups in the gym and almost faceplanting.. this is what I'm eventually trying to achieve lol. Its a guy called Ross Enamait and has some phenomenal conditioning!

Elswick Pool closing - 22nd Feb

2009-01-15T06:59:00.004Z

Well, after a long stay of execution (September!) Elswick Pool has finally decided to close for their refurbishments for an extended period of time. Initally looks like 6 months but to be honest could be more! - So the club is moving to Wallsend again.

Keep an eye out on the site for updates on class times, I will be updated in the next couple of days.

Don't forget we have fights coming up this month though, a good way to ring out the time at Elswick!

SENI Cancelled!!

2009-01-15T06:52:00.004Z

Well the organisers of the SENI show, Fighters Inc. have decided that in 2009 with the current financial climate they are not going to run in, which means no major BJJ tournament for us!

There are still other big tournaments on the way:

Bristol Open - Feb
Disneyland Paris Open - Feb 26 and 27th
Welsh Open - 22nd March
Northern Open - July 4th and 5th

The full statement about SENI can be read at :- http://www.fightersinc.net/Seni2010.htm

Friday nights class

2009-01-10T18:29:00.003Z

Friday night was a fantastic night had by all I think, Dave took the fighters off and tortured us with a horrible (but awesome..) warmup, then a night of MMA positional sparring and standup too..

Meanwhile Ian took the other half and delivered an excellent nogi class with some great techniques.. looks like everyone's eager after the holiday season break!

MMA Next month..

2009-01-05T15:24:00.003Z

Well, after last months mess around with MMA fights we got a few lined up for next month!

First off we've got myself with my semi-pro debut fighting on Pride & Glory in Scottswood, Denton on the 14th Feb fighting Mike Wilkinson from Evolution MMA in barrow.

Then on the 15th Feb on Cage Kombat in Edinburgh Lee Howes is having his 2nd semi pro MMA fight agains Mike Mccullen from team Unity in Fife. Steve Stringfellow is fighting on this card too against John Jamieson from Alba Dornadair MMA club.

Next on 21st Feb both Ingolf and Mark Platts are fighting on Total Combat at the Rainton Meadows arena in Houghton-le-spring. Mark is fighting semi-pro (i think) against Adam Steele, Ingolf is having his 2nd pro fight against Anth Grecian from Sunderland Jiu-Jitsu and MMA club.

Promises to be a busy month!

Don't forget.. training back on tomorrow!

2009-01-02T19:34:00.001Z

Yep it's finally here, training starts back tomorrow at Wallsend 10-12 then normal service resumes at Elswick, Monday 6.30 - 8.30 .... bring it on!

I've been getting a few texts off people they are excited so it should be good!