How Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Saved My Life!

We asked our team to share with us stories about the impact that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has had in their lives.  We received this story and were so inspired by it that we want to start this series of posts by highlighting this incredible achievement.

This student is a truly remarkable person who has impressed us all.  His commitment, passion and drive to reach his goals is second to none.  Jessen is a true Martial Artist in spirit as well as in experience.  He came to our team as a Krav Maga Instructor 1st Degree Black Belt, a 4th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, a Brown Belt in Japanese DanZan Ryu Jujitsu and an Instructor level in Kali Illustrismo System,  motivated to begin his journey on the path to earning another Black Belt in yet another martial art, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.   We are so truly blessed to have him on our team and in our family.  Jessen is a perfect example of a person living by the philosophy of the Crispim BJJ Barra Brothers Academy, which is always trying to achieve the next level, not just in Martial Arts knowledge, but also in becoming a Black Belt in every day life.  This includes living every day with a great attitude, lots of devotion in everything you do, focus and a lot drive to become a better person for yourself and for everyone around you! Congratulations to you Jessen on your achievement.  You are an awesome example for all of us.  The whole Crispim BJJ Barra Brothers Team is here to support you however you may need in reaching your goal.

 

December 30, 2011

How Jiu-Jitsu Saved My Life

Yes, unfortunately that is a picture of me on the right weighing 320 pounds with a 56” waist at a wedding last September 2011 trying to hide my pain with a fake smile. I have been training a little over a year and half at Crispim BJJ Academy and I am extremely appreciative of the knowledge, enthusiasm and support their instructors have given me towards reclaiming my life. Initially, I started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training to improve my health and renew my passion for the martial arts. After a 9 month layoff from the academy due to a rib injury, I resumed my training with Crispim BJJ Academy in the beginning of October 2011. This time weighing 315 pounds with a number of old injuries and the bad habit of making excuses for my extreme weight gain. Finally, I decided it was time to swallow my pride and become proactive about my health.

Since then I have been training 4-5 times a week along with my CrossFit workouts and fasting with fresh fruit and vegetable juices without the consumption of solid foods. Although, my training regiment may have been extreme, I believe it was necessary to avoid major health issues such as sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and diabetes that were inevitable with my previous lifestyle. So far it has been unbelievable to witness the weight loss, the increase of energy and the self-confidence that Crispim BJJ Academy has give me. Currently, I weigh 222 pounds with a 38” waist and a new outlook on life. In January 2012 I plan to break the 200 pound mark and ultimately reach my goal of 170 pounds with the help of Crispim BJJ Academy.

I would like to thank Alexander and Michele Crispim for creating a wonderful facility with a family atmosphere to help me achieve my goals. Two people who were instrumental in the effectiveness of my BJJ workouts are Professors Alexander Crispim and Danny Elias. Being overweight and plagued with injuries, both Professor Crispim and Professor Danny developed creative modifications to BJJ exercises which allowed me to heal, lose weight and build my confidence with each workout. In addition to their knowledge of BJJ along with their overwhelming energy and charisma, they somehow make the toughest workouts awkwardly enjoyable. The Crispim BJJ Academy is the perfect place to improve your life and health through challenging workouts and great people. Are you skeptical about the healing powers of Jiu Jitsu combined with daily exercise and proper nutrition? If so, I have included a current picture of myself on the left wearing the same slacks from the wedding picture above as proof that it does.

Thank You Crispim BJJ Academy,

Jessen San Luis

 

 

 

Team: Please email us at info@CrispimBJJ.com with your success stories and/or impact that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has had in your life.  Thank you.

 

Crispim BJJ End of Year News

Dear Team:

We would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families a wonderful holiday season and a bright start to 2012.

As we look back on 2011, the beginning of our third year operating as Crispim BJJ Barra Brothers, we have so much to be thankful for.  The academy and team have grown so much and improved in many different ways.  Not only has the mere size of the team tripled, but we have seen and experienced so many success stories with our team members.

* Some have lost weight and become more healthy (in some cases, upwards of 100 pounds training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu)

* Some have overcome physical limitations

* Some have taken their power back and stopped being bullied

* Some have increased their self confidence and learned to appreciate themselves more

* Some have been in situations where they have successfully defended themselves

* Some have pushed their bodies and minds to the limit in their training for MMA fights and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions

* Some have started their journey to becoming a Black Belt

* Some have accomplished their dream of becoming a Black Belt

* Some have challenged themselves to commit to something that helps improve their lifestyle, their bodies and their minds

But one thing that all of us have in common is that we have made new friends, and this year was a year where those bonds were strengthened between friends, family and team mates.  Every single one of you brings something different to our team and for this, we are truly blessed and appreciate the opportunity to get to know each and every one of you.  This goes out to, not only our team members, but to their parents, grandparents, spouses, children, friends and everyone who supports you daily to help you reach whatever goals you have set for yourself.  2012 is going to be a phenomenal year for our team and academy.  And none of this would be possible without every one of you!! Happy Holidays and here is to a great New Year filled with good health, happiness, love, success and great training!!  Thank You.

A FEW REMINDERS !!!!

*  The new schedule was included in the newsletter.  It will be posted on the website on January 2nd.

* Women’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Self Defense class begins on Saturday, January 14th at 9am.   For additional info on this class, please contact us.

* Belt Promotion is on Saturday, January 7th at Crispim BJJ in Pleasanton.  The Kids Promotion will begin at 10am.  The team picture (for the whole team, not just Jiu-Jitsu) will be at noon.  Please arrive at 11:45.  The Adult Promotion will begin immediately following the Team Picture.

* The academy in Pleasanton will be closed on Saturday, December 31st and Sunday, January 1st in observance of New Years.

* GET FIT Challenge begins on January 9th.  Please email or talk to us if you are interested in participating.  It is an 8 week challenge that will focus on losing weight, body fat and getting in better shape.   Jeremiah and Daniel will be working with all participants.  Please contact us for additional info.

* Looking to increase your training in 2012?  Remember, our instructors are available for small group privates and private instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, Muay Thai, MMA, physical conditioning and Filipino Martial Arts.

* Please email the following to us:

*  By 1/5/12- please email us any Important Achievement that you or one of your team members had in 2011 (i.e.  examples include (but not limited to) weight loss, health improvement, overcoming physical limitation, how jiu-jitsu helped with ADHD or ADD, self defense or anti-bullying, etc..)

* By 1/5/12- please email us your Training Tips for a New White Belt!!  We welcome ANY suggestion. :)

* January Special- Refer a friend to Crispim BJJ Barra Brothers during the month of January and if they sign up, you will receive $30 in Crispim BJJ Bucks to be used towards any Crispim BJJ merchandise or equipment.

* We still have a few Gis left in Black and in Blue for adults.  If you would like to purchase one, please see us as soon as possible.

Here is a photo gallery of some of the highlights of 2011 at Crispim BJJ in Pleasanton.  If you have some additional pictures, we’d love to add them.  Please email them to us at Info@CrispimBJJ.com.

This should be it for now.  Again, thank you for being part of the Crispim BJJ Barra Brothers Team and Happy Holidays.

 

 

 

 

Crispim BJJ’s Level 1 Self Defense Series for Women

Crispim BJJ Barra Brothers in Pleasanton is proud to announce our Level 1 Self Defense Series for Women.

The crime-statistics indicate that in the next hour, somewhere in the United States, the following will happen:

* 900 Thefts

* 189 Violent Crimes

* 124 Assaults

* 66 Robberies

* 24 Sexual Assaults

* 12 Rapes

* 2 Murders

Do you have the necessary knowledge and skill set to protect yourself against one of these crimes and not be counted in the next crime-statistics? Do you know what to do if confronted by an attacker? Do you have a game plan to deal with violent crime?

In this ever changing violent world, it is becoming more and more important to learn skills that will reduce your chance of becoming a victim.  Crispim BJJ will be offering Three Different Series to help teach you to protect yourself by showing you and working with you on ways to defend yourself in real life dangerous situations.  The first of the three series is Level 1.  Level 1 will focus on hand to hand combat situations and how to protect yourself and get away from an attacker.

The Level 1 Self Defense for Women Series will begin on Sunday, October 30 from 1:00-3:00pm.  It will run for 6 Sundays, ending on Sunday, December 4th.  Classes are open to all girls and women Ages 14 and up.  No experience is necessary and wear comfortable clothing.  Space is limited and the cost is $199 for the series.  Please pass this information on to your daughters, mothers, wives, girlfriends and female friends.

If you have additional questions or would like to sign up, please call 925-468-0330 or email us at Info@CrispimBJJ.com.

Crispim BJJ Barra Brothers New Schedule & Classes

The Crispim BJJ Barra Brothers academy expansion is almost complete.  Thank you to the team for all of your patience during this past month.   We have increased our mat training area to approximately 3500 square feet, the cage will be installed and the heavy bag area will be doubled within the next few days, and our new class schedule will begin on Wednesday, August 10th.

We have some really exciting new classes that will be starting including Fight Shape and MMA G&P (Ground & Pound).  These classes will provide instruction in Boxing, Muay Thai, MMA, and will be great cardio workouts.  In addition, we will be offering, as part of our Kids MMA program, Wrestling in the Cage for Kids.  The wrestling classes will begin the week of August 15th and will be taught by Josh McDonald.  Crispim BJJ in Pleasanton will also be offering EARLY MORNING Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Iron Core Fitness classes three times per week.  Not only were we the first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in the area to offer Sunday BJJ classes, but we are now also the first  to offer 6:15 am jiu-jitsu classes.  Our new schedule is very comprehensive and should provide ample training times for people with the most busiest of  schedules.  We will be posting class descriptions for all of our new classes within the next few days.  We invite the team to come try out these classes.

For everyone who is looking for an academy to train at in the East Bay Area (Pleasanton), we invite you to contact us at info@CrispimBJJ.com or 925-468-0330 to set up a Free Intro Class and to check out what Crispim BJJ Barra Brothers has to offer.

Download the class calendar:

  Class Schedule (65.2 KiB, 675 hits)

 

 

 

Marcel Reece & Alexander Crispim of Crispim BJJ Train Jiu-Jitsu & MMA

This article appeared on Page B1 of the San Francisco Chronicle on Sunday, July 3, 2011. Thank you Vittorio Tafur for writing such a great article about Oakland Raiders’ Marcel Reece and his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA training with Alexander Crispim of Crispim BJJ Barra Brothers in Pleasanton (east bay area).

Click here to read the article Raiders Fullback has ‘Better Dayz’ in Martial Arts.

Crispim BJJ Belt Promotion in Pleasanton

This past Saturday was truly an incredible day for Alexander Crispim and the Crispim BJJ Team of Pleasanton (East bay area).  We celebrated our Belt Promotion with Master Charles Gracie and his son Riury  Gracie.  We are so pleased that Charles Gracie was able to be with us to award our team members with their new belts.  Alexander Crispim  would like to thank Master Charles Gracie for all of the support, guidance, wisdom and friendship that he has shared with him over the years.

Alexander Crispim awarded two Black Belts that day.  Most of you know that Daniel Elias is the heart and soul of the Crispim BJJ Academy in Pleasanton.  He is a phenomenal teacher, friend, jiu-jitsu practitioner, and Crispim was very proud to be able to award Daniel his Black Belt after many many years of training, commitment and dedication to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the lifestyle.   The second Black Belt was awarded to Ernest Louie.  Ernest epitomizes what a Black Belt should be.  Ernest has also trained for many many years under Alexander Crispim and is an incredible jiu-jitsu practitioner.  He is highly skilled, always willing to help the newer students, committed and also, extremely dedicated to the lifestyle of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  We would formally like to congratulate both of these men on their achievements.  Alexander Crispim and the Crispim BJJ Team couldn’t be more proud to have both of them on the team.

In addition, the following Crispim BJJ Team adults were also awarded their new belts:

Brown Belts:

Manuel Ruiz

Chris Sanford

AJ Ting

Marty Armendarez

Purple Belts:

Angele Kasilag

Peter Lee

Brooke Goldsworthy

Hayden O’Shea

Blue Belts:

Erica Cruz

Tim Lovato

Paul Benson

Ryan Brown

Jonathan Fung

Joe Neal

Jared Porter

Congratulations to all of the Crispim BJJ team members who were awarded their belts and we are very proud of all of you!!

Also, Alexander Crispim awarded many of the children in our Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program new belts and stripes.  The kids have worked very hard and show a remarkable commitment and dedication to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  They are our future and every day, we see increases in their self confidence, self esteem, pride, teamwork, skill, passion and drive.  We are so proud of each and every one of them.

Finally, Alexander Crispim would like to send out a special THANK YOU to all of the team members and family that were at the Crispim BJJ academy on Saturday to support those who were promoted.  We are a team and the support you all give to each other strengthens us every day.   Your willingness to be present, even when it wasn’t your time to be promoted, is what makes our team so strong.   Continue training, working hard, learning and growing and the team will be there to support you when it IS your time.   We are very proud to be part of such a great team and to be surrounded by such amazing people.

Thank you to all of you who submitted pictures from the ceremony and we have included some shots of the promotion. Enjoy the photos!! And we know many of you couldn’t be at the academy in Pleasanton due to school graduations and vacations, but we’ll notify everyone when we try to do another GROUP picture so that we can include all of you in it. :)

 

Alexander Crispim’s Confidence is Key to His UFC Dreams

MMAweekly.com just posted a really great article about Alexander Crispim of Crispim BJJ Barra Brothers in Pleasanton (east bay area).  Please click here for the article.

We, at Crispim BJJ Barra Brothers, believe that Alexander Crispim will absolutely realize his dream of fighting for the UFC.  We are very proud of the hard work, determination and passion he shows every day in his training.

Crispim BJJ Barra Brothers Team Wins in Jiu Jitsu & MMA

The Crispim BJJ Barra Brothers Team of Pleasanton is on fire!!!  We have had many of our team members compete in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournaments around the bay area and fight in MMA (mixed martial art) events lately and wanted to provide you all with a re-cap of everything that has been happening over the past four weeks.
First, Crispim BJJ Barra Brothers would like to congratulate both Brooke Goldsworthy and Ryan Brown for bringing home the Gold Medals in their divisions at Jiu Jitsu By The Bay in Hayward (East Bay Area) on February 26, 2011.  Their matches displayed passion, skill and experience.   Alexander Crispim and the Crispim BJJ Barra Brothers Team were represented well.  Congratulations again to Brooke and Ryan.  THE GOLD!!!!!

Second, Alexander Crispim and Crispim BJJ Barra Brothers would like to congratulate both Jeremiah Labiano and Joe Neal for their performances at the Born To Fight MMA (mixed martial art) event at the Saddlerack in Fremont (East Bay Area) on February 20th.  Both of these MMA fighters made their amateur debuts and were incredible.   Alexander Crispim states that both MMA fighters fought like gladiators and showed true heart and skill.   Congratulations again to both MMA fighters and Congratulations to Joe Neal for bringing home the victory.

Finally, Alexander Crispim and Crispim BJJ Barra Brothers would like to give Brooke Goldsworthy one more CONGRATULATIONS on her performance at the 2011 Abu Dhabi Pro World Trials for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in San Diego on March 5th.  Brooke competed in both her Blue Belt division and the Absolute Division.  She competed in 4 matches in her division and won the first by points (6-0) and the next three were all victories by submission.  After earning her Gold Medal and competing in four jiu jitsu matches in one day, she moved on to fight in the absolute division.  Her fifth fight of the day was also a victory which moved her into the finals in the Absolute Division.  On March 6th, Brooke competed in an incredible jiu jitsu match and the fight ended 0-0, but the Referee gave the victory to her opponent and Brooke took home the Silver in Absolute!   It could not have been closer than this.  Her victory in the Abu Dhabi Pro Trials is a huge accomplishment for her and for the Crispim BJJ Barra Brothers Team.  Alexander Crispim says, “She is a true competitor who always shows dedication, passion, motivation, and embraces the teachings of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and lives its lifestyle.”

Although we often highlight the jiu jitsu competitors and MMA (mixed martial art) fighters in these posts, we want to make sure that we also mention every single member of the Crispim BJJ Barra Brothers Team in Pleasanton, the coaches (Daniel Elias, Allan Maravilla, Josh McDonald) and the competitors’ families- without all of you, these results would not be happening.  You all provide great training, support, motivation and this is all necessary for these competitors and fighters to succeed.   Alexander Crispim would like to personally thank you and offer his congratulations to all of you.

Let’s continue to work hard as we have several more MMA (mixed martial art) fights and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitions coming up in the near future, including the PAN AMS. Alexander Crispim will be announcing additional days and times for specialized Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournament training at Crispim BJJ Barra Brothers in Pleasanton (East Bay Area).

“UM ESTILO DE VIDA!”

Osssss!!!!!!

Angele Muther- The True Spirit of Jiu Jitsu!

Crispim BJJ is proud to have Angele “AK-47″ Muther (Kasilag) as part of the team and family and would like to take a few moments to share her story with everyone.

Angele is a blue belt and has been training for about two and a half years in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Alexander Crispim. Angele says, “I had always wanted to try a martial art, but I didn’t think I could do it. I was taking boxing classes and just came by the jiu jitsu class one day to see what is was all about. I still remember the day that I came by to watch. I was questioning whether my body can move like that or if am I going to get hurt. I remember putting all these questions aside and just jumping in right away and from that day I was hooked!”

Alexander Crispim says that watching Angele come train at the academy in Pleasanton everyday is a prime example of a true BJJ lover. “She is an inspiration for all of us at the academy. Angele is always ready to train with anyone. She takes her time and helps any new beginner learn how to roll and shows them gratitude and respect for jiu jitsu. Angele is also always ready to train hard with upper belts to help improve her training and provide herself as a solid training partner.”

Angele says, “I like so many things about jiu jitsu. It’s a sport that anyone can train in, no matter what age, gender, or shape. I have gotten so much from training. This is the best shape I have ever been in my life. I have met a lot of good people. It may sound a little funny, but it also made me more confident and strengthened my belief that I can do anything I set my mind to. This is also one of the reasons I choose to train and stay with Alexander Crispim and the Crispim BJJ team. Crispim makes students feel like they can do it. Not only does Crispim train Champions, but he makes students feel like can become Champions.  Just like Crispim, Daniel’s classes are great. He breaks moves down step by step. He is also an incredible instructor and coach.  Getting hurt was also one my concerns about doing jiu jitsu. I know there are some injuries that are going to happen because of the nature of the sport, but here at Crispim BJJ, I know they are always  looking out for us to reduce this risk greatly. ”

Angele also adds, “When you walked into Crispim’s gym, it has nice welcoming feeling. You can feel this when Crispim yells your name when you walk through the door. Everyone is so friendly.  I see people when they come in and everyone gets up and shakes their hand or gives them a hug. Also when we leave, we all shake hands again or give a hug to everyone. When we roll people don’t try to hurt you and there are no egos on the mats.  Everyone is so helpful. It doesn’t matter what belt you are, people are always ready to help. If you have a question or just wanna drill, anyone will say yes.  It is truly a family. After a long day at work, jiu-jitsu helps me forget about the stress of the day. It’s a place where I can relax and have fun and hang out with friends. You can see how we all get along. Juan’s recent event was one of those the examples.”

Crispim sees the dedication and hard work that Angele puts in at the academy every single day. She is such a huge part of the team. Angele is always there to help in any way she can and she comes with a smile and positive energy.  She always passes her energy of never giving up and will keep doing positions over and over until it becomes second nature to her. The team loves her and holds her in such high regard.  If Angele doesn’t train one day, everyone is always asking, “Where is Angele?” The team always wants her to be there and loves training with her. Crispim states that Angele’s confidence has increased tremendously since she has been training in jiu jitsu and that he has no doubt that she can not only protect herself, but also anyone else. 

When Angele isn’t working or training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, she is hula dancing.  She has been doing hula for about six years.  Angele says, “I enjoy dancing and learning. Hula is also like another family to me. I have made a lot of good friends just like in jiu jitsu. ”

Angele finishes by adding, “I like training because it always challenges me mentally and physically. I may not catch on as quickly as others, but I am determined enough to get there. I have to laugh because I used to be so scared of falling or rolling and look at me now.  I hope I will be doing jiu jitsu for a long time.”

It is very easy for us to write about Angele because she is a “true” example of a Leader!!  And she is helping us lead the academy by showing everyone what dedication, determination, motivation, positive energy, the will to never give up and true love for our martial art is all about!

Ossssss!!!!!!!!

Tim Lovato Takes First!!

Team Crispim BJJ had a very successful weekend!

First, Alexander Crispim and Team Crispim BJJ would like to congratulate Jordan Porter for his victory at the Ultimate Reno Combat 20 Fights in Reno on Friday, December 10, 2010.  Jordan made his debut at this fight against Paul Hubble.  Jordan dominated the first two rounds and finished his fight when he tapped out his opponent with an arm triangle choke at 1 minute 22 seconds in the second round.  Jordan trains under Allan Maravilla and with Alexander Crispim.  Congratulations for this exciting victory.

Next, Team Crispim BJJ of Pleasanton had multiple team members compete in the Grappling X Gi and No-Gi Tournament in Sacramento this past Sunday.  Tim Lovato took first in his no-gi division and second in his white belt gi division.  Erico Monteiro earned third in his purple belt gi division.  And Brooke Goldsworthy was awarded 1st place in her women’s blue belt division.  Brooke also made her debut in the men’s division and put on an incredible show.  She dominated most of her matches and the crowd wouldn’t stop coming up to her congratulating her performance against the men in her division.

As you all know, we like to highlight a team member periodically and this month, we would like to put the spotlight on Tim Lovato.  Tim joined the Crispim BJJ team about four months ago and he just entered his first tournament, and took home a gold and a silver.

Tim has a wife and two teenage daughters and lives here in the east bay.  Tim works for the United States Army as a Military Intel Analyst at Camp Parks in Dublin (east bay).  He joined the Army in 1991, served 2.5 years and then decided to attend Cameron University where he received his BA in Criminal Justice.  He then re-entered the Army in 1997 and has been serving our country ever since then.  Tim also served in Iraq from 2008-2009.

Tim’s background in sports was with wrestling during high school and unit level softball and football in the Army.  In August of 2010, two other soldiers who work with Tim at Camp Parks in Dublin mentioned that they were training with Crispim BJJ in Pleasanton and Tim decided to give it a shot.   Tim immediately became part of the “family” and everyone loves to be around him.  He is dedicated and motivated to doing well and he has achieved very fast improvements in his game, which was clearly demonstrated this past Sunday.   Tim won 1st place in the No Gi Super Heavyweight Division and 2nd place in the Gi division.  Two of his matches were won by submission and one of his matches was won by points.   In one of his matches, he competed against an opponent who was over 120 pounds heavier than Tim, which clearly shows how Brazilian Jiu Jitsu works allowing a smaller competitor to dominate a larger opponent through skill and technique.  The entire Crispim BJJ Team is so proud of Tim’s accomplishments and to have him as part of our team.  He brings a very positive energy to the academy and encourages others to push hard and train a lot.  Alexander Crispim says that Tim is incredibly strong and learns very quickly.  In addition, even as a newer white belt, he is constantly focusing on his strategies and thinking about developing his game plan.

We asked Tim why he started training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and here is his response:

“I have always wanted to train in BJJ, since I saw Royce Gracie in UFC 1.  I love watching BJJ and MMA.  When I first got married and had kids, we could
not afford for me to train.  Then when we could afford it, there were no BJJ Academies to train where I lived.  When I was reassigned to Dublin in July of
2010,  I was talking to 2 of the Soldiers that work in my building and they both told me they had just started training at Crispim’s.  There were many training academies to choose from, but I decided to tag along with them to watch a training session, and between Crispim’s personality, the team’s friendliness, and the way everyone made me feel like part of the team from the first day, I knew this was my home.  The place I wanted to train.  Looking back over the last three months I would be disappointed if I would have choose any place other than Crispim’s.  It is definitely my home away from home.”

Team, please feel free to add any comments to this post to formally congratulate Tim and the other Crispim BJJ Team members who fought and competed this past weekend.   They all represented well!!!  Let’s keep training and working hard and 2011 is going to be even better.

Also, just a reminder that our potluck holiday party is this Sunday, the 19th, at Karma in Dublin.  The fun starts at noon.  We hope to see you and your families there.