“How does Jon Jones stack up against the greatest combat sports fighters of all-time?” by Kevin Iole (Yahoo News, 4/24/13), does a great job putting this comparison in perspective.

After reading it, I asked myself the same question: is Jon Jones really on his way to becoming the best fighter of all time? Its hard to look at it objectively. Given my own background in MMA, I’m naturally biased towards fighters in the UFC and other MMA organizations.

Whether or not you think Jon Jones is the best fighter is obviously a matter of debate. Is MMA even in the same category as boxing? Or is it apples and oranges?

Sure they are both combat sports. But both sports have different levels of training, rules, and strategy.

So how do you compare legendary boxers to legendary MMA fighters? Comparing fighters’ age, skills, and level of competition is a start, but ultimately it probably comes down to your point of view.

I like Iole’s article because it takes a chance by provocatively grouping these fighters together. Comparing Jon Jones to boxing legends like legends Sugar Ray Robinson, Muhammad Ali, or Mike Tyson is bound to start some passionate debates.

Some might argue that it’s insulting to even compare Jones to these guys; others say it’s a natural comparison given Jones’s rapid rise to stardom.

Keep in mind that unlike Muhammad Ali or Mike Tyson, Jones’s career is happening right now. We’ve all been able to watch Jon Jones since the beginning of his exceptional MMA career.

If Jones isn’t number one yet, it may only be a matter of time.  Jones has essentially cleared the light-heavyweight division top-to-bottom. Shogun, Machida, Bader, Evans, and others- and these matches weren’t even that close.

He’s absolutely dominated one of the most stacked division is the UFC. And he’s only 25. I think just started MMA when I was 25…

Whatever you think of Jon Jones, he’s clearly someone special. Whether you are a boxing or MMA a fan, you have to acknowledge that watching this guy crush some of the best fighters on the planet is what combat sports is all about. And to do so at such young age is certainly an inspiration to us all. 

I wonder, in 20 years will we be comparing every fighter to Jon Jones? Given how much he’s already accomplished, I certainly hope so. Afterall, records are made to be broken.

Real World Mixed Martial Arts

The post Comparing MMA and Boxing Legends appeared first on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Denville New Jersey.

And this year spring couldn’t come soon enough. It was only a few weeks ago that we still had to use gloves and coats even though the calendar said it was technically spring.

Spring is a time of new beginnings; a season of rebirth. Spring is an opportunity to thaw out of the dreariness of winter and return to the outdoors.

Most importantly, spring is a celebration of how much we progressed in NJ martial arts over the winter.

We reflect on how we took advantage of the winter months to train. We couldn’t go outside to exercise so we spent as much time as we could on the mat. Getting “snowed in” was just another chance to train and get better and better at NJ martial arts.

So when we emerge in the spring, we notice all the positive changes taking place. Our friends and family  notice that we are more toned, more athletic, and far more confident then we’ve ever been.  And with beach season not too far away, we couldn’t ask for a better time to start looking our best.

Even your outdoor activities improve with NJ martial arts. You find that a simple hike, bike ride, or pickup football game is no match for the rigorous training you subjected yourself to during the winter.

And if you weren’t exactly active during the winter, don’t let it deter you from NJ martial arts.

Afterall, who couldn’t use the opportunity to start burning off some of those “hibernation pounds” that we acquired from too many holidays and days indoors?

You can get started at any time. Don’t wait for a New Year’s resolution, or for your semester to end or for your project at work to be finished. Get moving know. If you thought about training in NJ martial arts, there’s no time like the present to make a real commitment to better health.

And we have plenty of opportunities to get started. Our Kickboxing, MMA, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes are in full swing. We even started a Women’s Only Bootcamp emphasizing the benefits of a great workout.

Remember, it’s never too late to start getting ready for the summer. For more information about what NJ martial arts can do for you, contact Real World Mixed Martial Arts.

The post Thaw Out of Winter with NJ Martial Arts appeared first on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Denville New Jersey.

“It’s like a pop, pop, squish. When you get to the squish, that means there’s no more pops.”

Even after years of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training, I still cringe when I read this vivid description for an armbar.

Ronda Rousey made this memorable quote in a recent article in Time Magazine (Time. “Women in Combat: Ronda Rousey kicks female fighters into mixed martial arts.” Feb 25, 2013. Pg. 50.) Rousey, as many of you know, has an affinity for armbars. In fact, the UFC’s first Women’s MMA match ended in spectacular fashion with Rousey’s seventh consecutive  armbar submission.

Rousey’s no joke. Neither is Women’s MMA.

It was clear that the Women’s MMA Bantam Championship between Rousey and her opponent, Liz Carmouche, was not to be outdone, even by the highly anticipated  light-heavyweight match between Lyoto Machida and Dan Henderson. The women’s fast-paced grappling totally eclipsed the relatively tame pace of the Machida and Henderson fight.

Although the Women’s MMA match ended in the first round, it was close until the last few seconds.  Each fighter attempted their best submissions. Narrowly fighting off a neck crank similar to the rear-naked choke Urijah Faber used moments earlier, Rousey was able to gain the dominant position and secure her trademark armbar finish.

It was electrifying. The UFC couldn’t ask for a better start to Women’s MMA in the UFC. Now millions across the country know what many of us who train in MMA have been aware of for a long time: women and men have the same martial arts potential.

Afterall, martial arts is the great equalizer, and Women’s MMA is no different.

Most martial arts exist for the sole purpose of self-defense. The idea is that any individual can use superior skill to overcome a larger opponent.

As we saw quite clearly at UFC 157, the age-old stereotypes favoring male fighting prowess are long gone. Personally, we at Team Renzo Gracie welcome the change and hope enthusiasm for Women’s MMA continues to grow.

We’re thankful that we have so many women in our martial arts programs.  We’ve seen first hand how the fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and MMA can work for anyone who has the will to try. We hope that Rousey and Carmouche’s brilliant display inspires more women to begin their martial arts journey.

If you would like to find out more about Women’s MMA and Team Renzo Gracie Denville, contact Real World Mixed Martial Arts.

The post UFC 157: Women’s MMA Makes a Terrific First Impression. appeared first on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Denville New Jersey.

I’m always amazed by how many people start martial arts for reasons other than fighting. Just take a look at this season of “The Ultimate Fighter.” Personally, I’ve always enjoyed each fighter’s personal story and his start in Mixed Martial Arts.

Maybe it was self-defense. Maybe it was to find a purpose or gain self-confidence. Some Ultimate Fighter competitors used MMA to stay off a troubled path. One fighter mentioned how important MMA was to getting in shape for the first time in his life.

Another fighter even left an office job to pursue a professional MMA career! I can’t blame him: I know when I get stuck behind a desk from time to time, slugging it out in a cage can seem like an attractive alternative.

Whatever the reason, one thing is clear: martial arts changed their lives forever, even before “The Ultimate Fighter.”

This got me thinking. Even after three years of training, I’m still amazed by all the different backgrounds at Team Renzo Gracie Denville.

I train with high school, college, and graduate students. I train with teachers, lawyers, and doctors. I even train with engineers, business owners, police officers, marketing professionals, and former fire fighters.

I could go on. The fact is there is something about Morris County Martial Arts that appeals to all of us, regardless of our profession or background. Clearly, there’s no one type of person who chooses Morris County Martial Arts classes.

My own story is anything but glorious. I wasn’t looking for self-defense or discipline. What brought me to Team Renzo Gracie Denville was one thing: boredom.

Yup, boredom was my initial motivation for checking out Morris County Martial Arts. I was bored with just lifting weights and running laps around my neighborhood. I was in relatively good shape, but I never found the gym atmosphere particularly engaging.

My roommate turned me on to The Ultimate Fighter in 2010. I was inspired by the level of conditioning of MMA fighters, even those relatively new to the sport. I was impressed by how MMA uses elements from kickboxing, wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and several other fighting styles. I didn’t necessarily want to fight in a cage, but I believed Morris County Martial Arts would be the most engaging way to stay in shape.

I planned to check out several different schools and fighting styles. Luckily, my search ended after I visited the first school on my list.

As it turns out, my first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class at Team Renzo Gracie Denville showed me that Morris County Martial Arts was exactly what I was looking for.  I immediately enjoyed how each move was practical for both sport and self-defense. After one class, I was both physically and mentally exhausted.

It was clear that I would never get an experience like this anywhere else. After three years of Morris County Martial Arts, I still enjoy every minute of training, whether its Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or Mixed Martial Arts.

Team Renzo Gracie Denville doesn’t look for a certain type of student. As long as you have the desire to improve yourself with Morris County Martial Arts, you can always find a place there.

Don’t haunt yourself with thoughts like “I’m not athletic enough for martial arts” or “I don’t have enough time.” If someone who was formerly overweight can become an Ultimate Fighter contestant, or a doctor can become a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, then there’s nothing holding you back.

written by Will Skaggs, Renzo Gracie Denville bluebelt.

For more information about Morris County Martial Arts and Team Renzo Gracie Denville, contact Real World Mixed Martial Arts.

The post Starting Martial Arts and what we can learn from “The Ultimate Fighter” appeared first on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Denville New Jersey.

For students of North Jersey Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, sparring is a regular experience. Tournaments are held all over the world so that students of any level can test their skills.

But this one’s different. Your movement is limited. The entire room is focused solely on what’s in the cage. When that door closes, there’s nothing left but you and your opponent.

And you couldn’t be more excited!

After all, this is what North Jersey Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is all about: pushing yourself, exploring the limits of your ability, and constantly challenging yourself with new experiences. Testing yourself in a cage is no different.

This Saturday, North Jersey Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu students under Team Renzo Gracie Denville are participating in a Cage Grappling tournament at The Edge MMA in Saddle Brook, NJ.

Victory can only be achieved by submission. If there is no submission after 10 minutes, then a 5 minute overtime will be scored according to traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament rules.

Coach Alex sharing his cage experience with his students.

I got a chance to catch up with Coach Alex Bruzzese, Renzo Gracie Denville instructor and competitor at this Saturday’s event.

When I met up with Coach Alex, he was teaching his students how to adapt to the cage and create space for escapes or reversals. He also made sure to tell his students to protect their necks and be on the defensive against take-down attempts.

Coach Alex’s most important lesson for his North Jersey Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu students:  “Don’t let the fear of losing keep you from your goals.”

If your goal is to become the best North Jersey Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu student you can be, then you need to diversify your experience. Try training with a wide range of opponents who vary by size, experience, and skill. Also, work from positions where you feel you’re weak so that you can improve your overall Jiu-Jitsu game.

And yes, maybe even test your grappling ability in a cage.

Alex explained that the cage is a unique experience. He said that we are rarely involved in “fight or flight” situations. By “trapping” yourself in a cage with your opponent, you’re psychologically focused on the match in a unique and exciting way.

For Alex and his students, the cage is just another test of their adaptability. As Alex states, “If you get overwhelmed, just picture yourself back here at the school, training as you normally do, business as usual. Forget the crowd and focus on your coach’s voice.”

Alex shared his experience from the school’s last cage grappling event in December. He says he remembers how serious everyone was as first. For many of the participants this was their first time in a cage and they were justifiably nervous. After all, this was like nothing they ever experienced.

Naturally, Coach Alex conducted himself as he usually does, smiling and joking around with everyone. He lightened the mood and even got a few laughs from the other students.

As Coach Alex states, “Don’t forget, we do this for fun. We are here because we love Jiu-Jitsu. Don’t be afraid to lose. You already showed a lot of guts by stepping into the cage. Remember to enjoy yourself!”

Alex didn’t guarantee his students that they would win: what he did guarantee was that they will be thankful they followed through with this challenge.

If you want to learn more about Team Renzo Gracie Denville and North Jersey Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, contact Real World Mixed Martial Arts.

The post Into the Lion’s Den: North Jersey Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Cage Grappling appeared first on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Denville New Jersey.

Last weekend Team Renzo Gracie Denville and Garry Lee Tonon hosted a seminar that raised over $1,000 for the Red Cross and victims of Hurricane Sandy.

Mother Nature’s wrath is something Professor George Sernack knows all too well. In 2011, Hurricane Irene flooded Denville and heavily damaged the Renzo Gracie Denville School. As a result, Professor Sernack had to close the school while he made repairs.

However, with the help of students, friends, and even seminars like the one he just hosted, he was able to make the school stronger than it was before.

The values of Morris County Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu go beyond the school.

Enter Garry Lee Tonon, a two-time Brown Belt No-Gi Pan American Gold Medalist and two-time Brown Belt No Gi World Champion. After his recent tournament success, Garry began offering seminars to finance his competition expenses.

But when Hurricane Sandy hit, Garry didn’t hesitate to use his skills to benefit victims of the storm. He continues to offer seminars, except now he donates all the proceeds to the Red Cross.

The seminar is actually Garry’s second effort to raise money for the Red Cross. In late December, he completed a charity seminar at Renzo Gracie Pittsburgh.

With the struggles of Hurricane Irene still fresh in his mind, Professor Sernack was more than willing to host a charity event with Garry. He understands his school would not have made it without the support of caring individuals like Garry.

A successful Morris County Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school thrives on teamwork and trust.

After all, the quality of your training is based on the quality of your opponents, both in skill and spirit. As a result, it’s in every student’s best interest to treat others with courtesy and respect.

Morris County Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu truly fosters an environment where ego has no place. Lost matches are not defeats, they’re learning experiences. Opponents are not adversaries, they’re partners. The quality of the team is everything in Morris County Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Strength of character goes far beyond the mats. Each student carries integrity, humility, and respect through all other avenues of life.

Take Professor Sernack and Garry Lee Tonon for example. Together they built awareness for damage caused by Hurricane Sandy, which is still an ongoing problem in large sections of New Jersey and New York. As students of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, it was natural for them to offer a helping hand.

Morris County Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu does more than just make you a better fighter: it can help make you a better person.

If you want to learn more about Team Renzo Gracie Denville and Morris County Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, contact Real World Mixed Martial Arts. Team Renzo Gracie Denville teaches the value of self-defense and exercise in Morris County Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It also promotes the teamwork that makes this martial art so special.

The post Renzo Gracie Denville Hosts Seminar for Victims of Hurricane Sandy appeared first on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Denville New Jersey.

NJ Muay Thai training is extremely popular because it uses the entire human body. Knees, elbows, punches, kicks, and clinching techniques make Muay Thai effective at any range.

NJ Muay Thai emphasizes fast, powerful strikes that quickly discourage or incapacitate opponents. It also includes finesse training in footwork, timing, and accuracy.

Muay Thai is popular among all levels of martial arts, from basic self-defense to the highest levels of competition. Many legendary UFC fighters, including Anderson Silva, Mauricio Rua, and Wanderlei Silva include Muay Thai as a major part of their striking game.

Last weekend, Renzo Gracie Denville launched their upcoming NJ Muay Thai program with a free seminar for kids and adults. 

The seminar’s ambitious agenda included training in strikes, blocks, counters, clinch techniques, and takedowns.

The entire class, from the intense warm-up to the final drill, included some amazing cardiovascular exercise. And all this was available to the school for free!

Coach Yaser Khan was incredible. He explained everything with the utmost clarity and personally attended to each student.

As with any good instructor, Coach Yaser stressed the importance of safety. Given that so many NJ Muay Thai moves are highly effective, it is important that each student be respectful and properly equipped so everyone can have a safe experience. This program is truly in great hands!

If the quality of the seminar is any indication of what’s expected when classes start this week, Renzo Gracie Denville students are in for a terrific NJ Muay Thai program.

If you want to be part of this exciting new NJ Muay Thai program, contact Real World Mixed Martial Arts in Denville, NJ.

The school is currently providing Free NJ Muay Thai classes for this week only so don’t be shy about checking the program out! Also, substantial discounts will be provided to those who sign up during this week’s promotion! 

Both kids and adult NJ Muay Thai classes are available. Kid’s classes will be held on Mondays, Wednesday, and & Fridays at 5:00pm. Adult classes will be held Mondays and Wednesday at 8:30pm and Friday at 7:30pm.

Also, the school has equipment available for purchase. So grab your gear and we’ll see you in the next NJ Muay Thai class!

The post Elevate Your Kickboxing Training with NJ Muay Thai Classes appeared first on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Denville New Jersey.

The New Year is upon us. As usual, it’s now time for us to make our resolutions. Why don’t we make this the year where we start keeping them?

Many of us start by making a resolution to improve our health. We say we’ll quit smoking. We say we’ll lose weight. We say we’re going to dedicate ourselves to a healthy and fit lifestyle.

However, we soon find that accomplishing our health goals requires far more than just making a resolution. We have to follow through.

Maybe we start by going for a jog before work or getting a gym membership. Maybe we even start eating healthier foods. But as the year goes on, we may find our dedication fading bit by bit. Before we know it, we are making the exact same resolution the following year!

Make a stand: Commit to improving your health with Mixed Martial Arts Classes in North Jersey!

Pick a physical activity that keeps you engaged and continually offers new challenges. Variety is key to a successful workout plan. You want to keep your workouts fresh and exciting so that boredom doesn’t sap your motivation.

Mixed Martial Arts Classes in North Jersey can be a wonderful start to a healthier lifestyle. MMA provides a wide variety of conditioning regimens and fighting techniques from many disciplines. You’ll get a taste of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, kickboxing, and wrestling, all while getting in the best shape of your life.

Unlike lifting or running, Mixed Martial Arts Classes in North Jersey will continually  engage your body and mind. You will be exposed to some of the best cardiovascular exercise on the planet. In addition, lessons on fighting strategy, self-defense, and practical application will keep your brain challenged from class to class.

With Mixed Martial Arts Classes in North Jersey, you’re not in this alone. You’re part of a team.

We’re all in this together. In MMA, you have the added bonus of training with a great group of students and instructors who are all on the same journey of self-improvement. Watch others grow along with you, help you train and give you the push necessary to see this New Year’s resolution to the end.

Make this the last time you resolve to lead a healthier lifestyle and contact Real World Mixed Martial Arts for available programs. If you are serious about fulfilling your 2013 health goals, give Mixed Martial Arts Classes in North Jersey a shot.

The post Make 2013 Your Healthiest Year Yet! appeared first on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Denville New Jersey.

Womens martial arts classes in Morris County are a great way for females to promote holistic wellness that is a key component of lowering the liklihood of developing breast and other cancers.

Breast Cancer Awareness month is dedicated to raising public awareness and funds for research into the causes, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure for this potentially deadly disease that 1 in every 8 women in the US will develop in her lifetime. Though the causes of breast and other cancers are multi-faceted, it is now common knowledge that physical, mental and emotional fitness is an important pre-emptive strike against disease in general. Womens martial arts classes in Morris County are a great option to pursue, as they directly result in improved wellness on all levels.

Womens martial arts classes in Morris County are a particularly powerful form of exercise because, unlike typical gym routines or exercise videos, you are conditioning yourself from the inside out. You will absolutely experience weight loss and the development of lean muscle tone but what’s really key is that you will be challenging yourself to push fast fears and self-imposed limits, to become the most empowered version of yourself. Real world self-defense skills are an added bonus.  These effects reach into every area of your life, creating the foundation of wellness that is so crucial is preventing disease.

These days, there are many facilities that offer womens martial arts classes in Morris County. However, as with any service, not all are created equal in terms of authentic training and effective technique. Most women are familiar with Karate and Tae Kwon Do, though increasing numbers are getting turned onto Mixed Martial Arts,because of its particularly potent physical and mental benefits.

Womens Martial Arts Classes in Morris County and Mixed Martial Arts

The core of Mixed Martial Arts is often kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. At the competitive level, you can see it in action on UFC fights. On the fitness level, cardio kickboxing classes continue to gain in popularity amongst women of all ages, due to the 800-1,000 calorie burn per session and the mental and physical release it provides. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, the only non striking martial art, is also gaining in popularity amongst women “in the know” due to it’s superior self-defense technique that teach women how to neutralize larger, stronger opponents through the use of leverage and technique, from the position most attack quickly wind up – on the ground. Equally a powerful source of physical conditioning, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a game changer on all levels for those who train it and you are sure to experience tremendous benefits in your overall wellness by seeking out MMA based womens martial arts classes in Morris County.

If you would like to experience what cultivating meaningful wellness through exercise feels like, contact Real World Mixed Martial Arts in Denville, NJ. The school provide authentic Mixed Martial Arts training for people of all ages, including cardio kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA classes at the beginner and advanced level. Take a solid step forward into cultivating the most empowered, healthiest version of yourself. Contact Real World Mixed Martial Arts to learn more about the best womens martial arts classes in Morris County and how you can train free for 30 days!

The post Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Exercise appeared first on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Denville New Jersey.

Kids Martial Arts Classes in Morris County: Why it’s key to start early.

These days, it’s common knowledge that martial arts, when taught at a quality school, can have profound effects on practitioners. While the benefits of training a martial art can have significant impact of people of any age, the benefits for children are especially meaningful. Why are kids Martial Arts classes in Morris County a potential powerful catalyst for change?

Kids Martial Arts classes in Morris County provide the following benefits:

• Improved physical fitness
• Better focus
• Increased Drive
• More developed social skills
• Stronger frustration tolerance
• Stress release
• Strengthened self-esteem
• An overall improved sense of well being

Building a healthy physical, mental and emotional foundation for a child is crucial in order for them to be the best they can be in life in general. Of course, school and home are primary providers of that foundation, though kids Martial Arts classes in Morris County are a potentially powerful complement, and in the case of kids struggling at home and/or school, they can be a total game changer. By beginning kids Martial Arts classes in Morris County early, the teacher has the opportunity to develop primary relating and coping skills before negative or defeating habits are entrenched.

Now, there are many different types of kids Martial Arts classes in Morris County. What is crucial is finding a quality school with qualified coaches that suit your child. Without that, your child will not manifest the benefits of training.

Real World Mixed Martial Arts (RWMMA) in Denville is proud to offer superior kids Martial Arts classes in Morris County. There are a number of characteristics that sets RWMMA apart from the competition:

• The school offers authentic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes for boys and girls, ages 5+. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a ground based grappling sport, is the only non-striking martial art. In addition to being particularly potent in terms of it’s mental and emotional benefits, it is also ideal self-defense (anti-bullying training), based on its use of leverage and technique that allows smaller, weaker people to neutralize stronger, larger opponents. Whereas Karate and Tae Kwon Do have become the rote route for kids Martial Arts classes in Morris County – Brazilian Jiu Jitsu represents the cutting edge of what is most effective and powerful for practitioners, on every level.

• Not only does the school offer Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for kids, it offers Gracie style Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The Gracie family of Brazil founded the sport in the early 1900s, and have continued to refine it through the decades. Real World Mixed Martial Arts is one of only a handful of Renzo Gracie affiliate schools in New Jersey. Bottom line- when your child trains Gracie Jiu Jitsu – they are training the purest and most powerful form of the sport.

• Coaching at Real World Mixed Martial Arts is dedicated to helping kids reach their potential, and tapping into what each child individually needs in order to do that. Class sizes are small enough to achieve that goal and the coaches are professionally trained to deliver the best quality and safest instruction. You cannot find a more dedicated, tuned in and talented coaching staff at any facility offering kids Martial Arts classes in Morris County.

The post The Importance of Starting Martial Arts Early appeared first on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Denville New Jersey.