Long time members of the club remember Chris Stolzman. And even newer members should remember his brother, Matt, who helped out at the gym all summer. But as much as everyone loved Matt, this post is about Chris, because he just recently was promoted to Black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, in Palmdale, CA! Read more
Hey everyone, this weekend is shaping up to be a busy one! junior Assuncao, former UFC star and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu blackbelt will be coming back into to town this week! If you remember his visit from last time, you'll know this isn't something you'll want to miss!
And if you've been on the mat, make sure you come to Thursday's class (May 26) at 6PM. Junior will be belt testing everyone, so if you think you're ready to get a stripe or go up a color, come down and find out. You'll be testing with a master though, so you better have your A+ game ready!
Also, Saturday, May 30th, Junior will be teaching a self defense seminar at 10:30 AM followed by a BJJ seminar from 1 to 3 PM. If you were at Junior's last BJJ seminar, you know he taught us a lot of very handy techniques. Most of which I still see in use up at the club. If you missed it last time, or you're new to KnuckleUp since then, make sure you get in there. And you don't have to be a member to get in; they're totally open to the public!
Junior is from Northeastern Brazil originally, but now lives in the Atlanta area. He is a patriotic fighter: he has black belts in Jiu Jitsu AND capoeira, both native Brazilian martial arts. Unlike most MMA fighters who use May Thai or kickboxing as the base for their fighting style, Junior’s style is based in Capoeira. Junior has been undefeated since 2008, and he's about ready to get back in the UFC.
Don't miss what will definitely be a seminar to remember. It's not often we have them, but when we do, they're pretty awesome! Only at KnuckleUp, the best gym on the Outer Banks!
The New Jiu Jitsu Program Introduces Students To The "Smooth Art"
Along with the winter schedule came a highly anticipated Jiu Jitsu program, and 2 weeks into the course, it's already creating newfound fans in the gym. BJJ classes have been getting more and more students that seem to enjoy both the mental and physical challenges created by this intelligent art.
Master Chris Stolzman applying a choke during class
The new program has been on the plans since August, but it wasn't until master Chris Stolzman arrived that it really took off. Stolzman is an renowned brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, having well over 9 years of experience in BJJ. He is getting ready to implement the official USA Jiu Jitsu curriculum this coming week, after testing each student's experience level.
Before, students would receive a challenging mix of Wrestling, Judo, and Jiu Jitsu instruction in a manner more consistent with MMA - wearing only rashguards and shorts - no special garment. The MMA instruction would extend beyond Jiu Jitsu to simulate a more realistic situation and to help students that had upcoming fights.
According to Chris, however, when BJJ is practiced without GI most of the technique is compromised because students get slippery from sweat very quickly. And contrary to popular belief, it does not prepare for real life situations because in the case of an altercation, participants would always be wearing clothes.
A great deal of students have already tried this brand new style and are getting used to wearing the GI (also called Kimono) during class. They also enjoy the powerful workout - BJJ works abs, arms, legs, and back - without high-impact of joint strain.
Give Master Chris Stolzman a call today to schedule a free week of training - 404-247-5494
Over the past few weeks we've had so many students accomplish so much, that we saw the need to feature their accomplishments here on the blog.
What the title should really say is "Why does KnuckleUp Have The Best, Most Committed Students In The Outer Banks?"
And the reason is that our students ROCK! Seriously, the level of dedication these folks show class after class, bootcamp after bootcamp, fight after fight, is incomparable. And we're very proud of each and every one of them!
And here are just a few of those students:
Reverend Jay Bowman completely reshaped his body from an average-chubby to become the most ripped minister in the outer banks.
He not only gained muscle, but lost a ton of weight!
Jay was a big supporter of Matt Costa's beach fitness bootcamp this summer - and proof of its amazing results!
Vonnie Wescott lost 30 lbs in our kickboxing classes - and she enjoyed the summer with a brand new body!
Charlie Craddock won first place in a BJJ tournament - his second tournament ever!
Gina Elko and Billy Frezza are preparing for their first sanctioned mma event - the AFL Fight To The Finish VII. Both of these students have trained so hard that they're already winners.
And Omar Santiago, who dominated 4 rounds of his very first mma bout against the current Title holder Casey Johnson on the Outer Banks AFL event.
These are but a few of our amazing students - there are plenty more stories to tell, and accomplishments to praise. We'll feature them here, but what's important is that they keep happening day after day.
That's what makes KnuckleUp the top outer banks gym!
Jay Bowman reconfigured his body
Billy Frezza Will Be Debuting In The AFL VII
Gina Elko, debuting this Saturday on the AFL VII
Vonnie Lost 30 Lbs
Charlie Won 1st Place at VA Beach BJJ Tournament
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