Category: Fitness

Mixed Martial Arts/MMA: UFC 133 Jorge Rivera vs Costantinos Philippou

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T- 4 days until UFC 133 on August 6th at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center.  UFC 133 is headlined by former light heavyweight champions Tito Ortiz and Rashad Evans squaring off for the second time.

Check out Dragon Within Mixed Martial Art‘s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu(BJJ) mentor BJJ Black Belt Tim Burrill in the corner for UFC Middleweight, Jorge “El Conquistador” Rivera in his fight against Costantinos Philippou. Originally, the opponent for Jorge was Alessio Sakara but Sakara had to drop out due to a knee injury.  Castantinos (Casta), who was originally matched up with Rafael Natal on the UFC 133 undercard, will be stepping up to meet with Jorge.

The match-up between Rivera and Sakara is seemingly doomed since this will be the third match up attempt and third time scratched.   Either way,  whether its Sakara or Casta–Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts will be watching Jorge “El Conquistador” Rivera use all the submissions and chokes and sweeps he taught us at the last Brazilian Jiu Jitsu(BJJ)/Mixed Martial Arts(MMA) workshop.

Visit Our Website!

www.DWMMA.com

We are so confident that you will love our  programs here at Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, that we have a 30-Day Money Back Guarantee!

Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical self-defense programs for Massachusetts and North Shore Area including:

Peabody MA, Salem MA, Beverly MA, Lynn MA, Marblehead MA, Danvers MA

“The Knot”– The Journey of Martial Arts Progression

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-Andrew Boyd

When you earn a new belt in Thai Kickboxing, Filipino Jiu-Jitsu or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), it feels great.  Many people will ask “when did you get your belt?”  The answer, of course, is not last Tuesday, or last Thursday, or any specific point in time… you earned that belt every second of every minute you spent on the mat since the moment you first put on that white belt.  Too often, as martial artists, we strive to learn cool new things and increasingly complicated techniques– sometimes, this means that we gloss over, ignore or even forget the stuff that we thought we already knew.  When you get that coveted belt promotion, the instructor will tie your old belt in a knot– this  signifies that you are “locking in the knowledge of everything that you’ve already learned” as a foundation for you to build upon as you continue on your journey to black belt.

Remember the Knot when you put on that bright, stiff, new belt around your waist.  As you progress in the martial arts, techniques that you know now will take on new meanings in the future.  You’ll find applications for old material.  As that new belt fades and gets nicely broken in; remind yourself to revisit the old curriculum– do you see anything new?  Is there anything that is unclear?  The evals are a great time to ask these questions.

Visit Our Website!

www.DWMMA.com

We are so confident that you will love our  programs here at Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, that we have a 30-Day Money Back Guarantee!

Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical self-defense programs for Massachusetts and North Shore Area including:

Peabody MA, Salem MA, Beverly MA, Lynn MA, Marblehead MA, Danvers MA

Why Women Should Take Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Women’s Self-Defense

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Through my observations: it seems that most grappling classes are male dominant. It’s not that there are a lot of women coming in and getting turned off by something that surrounds our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes; it seems that women just aren’t aware of the benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training and not coming in to see exactly what Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu(BJJ) really is about.  So that leads me to ask why aren’t there more women taking interest in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu(BJJ)?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu(BJJ) is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on grappling and ground fighting. It can be a dangerous world for a woman and almost ALL RAPES happen being pinned to the ground by a bigger, stronger opponent. Wouldn’t you want to feel confident that if someone were to gain dominance over you on the ground, you would have the knowledge to possibly prevent the rape and save your life?

Women should take more interest in Martial Arts in general…not only for the self-defense aspects of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu(BJJ), Thai Kickboxing, Filipino Jiu-Jitsu, or Mixed Martial Arts(MMA), but for the empowerment of being a woman. It is definitely a confidence builder and who doesn’t want more confidence? It’s fun and active. It’s a great way to stay in shape and increase flexibility.  Taking martial arts or a group sport, in general, helps you meet new people with similar interest; however, the power of community among members at Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, is incredible.

At Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, we don’t just teach you a series of moves for self-defense. We instill within you the confidence, through self-defense, to know you are prepared to handle yourself in ANY situation.

Visit Our Website!

www.DWMMA.com

We are so confident that you will love our  programs here at Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, that we have a 30-Day Money Back Guarantee!

Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical self-defense programs for Massachusetts and North Shore Area including:

Peabody MA, Salem MA, Beverly MA, Lynn MA, Marblehead MA, Danvers MA

Confidence Through Self-Defense

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 Confidence: the certainty in your ability to successfully achieve your goals and the resiliency to withstand the challenges along the way.

Everybody wants to feel confident some way or another. I find that confidence is one of the most sought after benefits of those seeking self-defense training. Whether it is for self-assurance that you could defend yourself, or just to be able to say you are confident in yourself; self-defense is a great way to boost your confidence level.

The fact that you have even thought about taking martial arts shows that you want to gain confidence in your life in some way or another and walking in is taking the first step to proving to yourself, and others, that you have confidence.  However, finding the path to confidence lies with more than just martial arts training. It takes a positive attitude and an open mind.  Martial arts training will help you, help yourself, gain more confidence. Whether it’s Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu(BJJ), Filipino Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) or if you want your child to gain more confidence through our Children’s Programs; Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts is teaching the most realistic and practical self-defense classes in the North Shore and surrounding areas.

At Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, we don’t just teach you a series of moves for self-defense. We instill within you the confidence, through self-defense, to know you are prepared to handle yourself in ANY situation.

 

Visit Our Website!

www.DWMMA.com

We are so confident that you will love our  programs here at Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, that we have a 30-Day Money Back Guarantee!

 

Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical self-defense programs for Massachusetts and North Shore Area including:

Peabody MA, Salem MA, Beverly MA, Lynn MA, Marblehead MA, Danvers MA

Upcoming UFC 133: DWMMA Recalls Jorge Rivera Workshop.

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UFC 133 is coming up on August 6th on Pay Per View and it gives us a good reason to watch here at Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA.  They have Evans Vs Ortiz as the main event, but we are more excited about who is on the main fight card:  
JORGE RIVERA vs CONSTANTINOS PHILIPPOU.

Jorge, aka El Conquistador, came to Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, along with BJJ Black Belt: Tim Burrill, to our Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) workshop.  He helped us all with our submissions and everybody liked learning techniques from a fighter who has actually had success in the cage from the same sweeps and submissions that he demonstrated for us.  It was one of our most successful and fun workshops and we were delighted that he came to our school to teach us.

 

Also on the Main Fight Card:

Vitor Belfort vs Yoshihoro Akiyama
Dennis Hallman vs Brian Ebersole
Rory MacDonald vs Mike Pyle
Mat Hamill vs Alexander Gustafsson
Chad Mendes vs Rani Yahya
Ivan Manjivar vs Nick Pace
Hojny Hendricks vs Mike Pierce
Mike Brown vs Nam Phan
Rafael Natal vs Paul Bradley

Visit Our Website!

www.DWMMA.com

We are so confident that you will love our  programs here at Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, that we have a 30-Day Money Back Guarantee!

Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical self-defense programs for Massachusetts and North Shore Area including:

Peabody MA, Salem MA, Beverly MA, Lynn MA, Marblehead MA, Danvers MA

Getting Over the MMA Gym Stereotype/DWMMA

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“I am not the type of person who could do Martial Arts…”

“I am not a fighter; I just want to get in shape…”

“All the people at MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) gyms are muscle-heads who just like to punch things…”

Have you ever thought these things when asked about taking a program at an Mixed Martial Arts gym?  If so, then you are one of MANY people who have been plagued my MMA stereotyping.  Now, I am not saying that ALL Mixed Martial Arts gyms are right for everybody, because some aren’t.  The key is knowing how to choose the correct academy.

When you walk in…take a deep breath.  Look around and get a feel for the atmosphere.  Are the people there friendly?  Are they ALL big muscle heads screaming and punching things?  If they aren’t then take a deep breath out and let yourself relax; unless, of course, that is the kind of place you are looking for.

A lot of martial arts gyms get branded with a bad name because of the stereotypes.  Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, is a place that is nothing like what you probably have heard.  We offer a friend atmosphere and environment where people of any background and fitness level can train.  Our programs we offer such as: Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu(BJJ), Filipino Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts(MMA) and Children’s Programs, are all taught in a safe, fun and ego-free environment.

Here are some of the testimonials from people who, at one point, thought the same thing about Martial Arts:

I met Dennis in 2002 when he opened Curves for Woman in Salem. I stopped going after a while.

I unexpectedly ran into Dennis in 2006 and was excited to hear that he had opened a new gym called DWMMA. He spoke to me about his Boxing, Thai Kickboxing, MMA, and Self Defense classes that were being offered through his gym. Because of my past experience with Dennis I knew it would be a great workout and excellent opportunity to learn self-defense.

Dennis immediately made me feel comfortable and increased my confidence and motivation level. He pushed me to do my best and always stressed the importance of proper technique. I definitely feel like I have accomplished something for myself by attending DWMMA and my motivation hasn’t wavered. He continuously makes the classes interesting, fun and routines constantly vary. He truly pushes me to believe in myself and to do things that I never thought would be possible. I have been seeing amazing results, increased strength, energy and confidence in myself.

I not only feel better about my physical self but with his help I truly feel better in mind, body, and spirit.

-Ann Blouin

When I started looking at MMA schools to train at it was a little intimidating, as I didn’t know what to expect. What I found at DWMMA was a world-class gym with a staff to match. The students/instructors are all very helpful and make you feel welcomed. It’s an environment where there are no egos. You can challenge yourself while getting a great workout in a safe and friendly environment.

-Jay Sartori

I have been training Thai Kickboxing at DWMMA for a little over two years. I initially signed up because I was bored with the typical workout routines that I was limited to at standard gyms and wanted to try something new and challenging. What I found was a great, intense workout in a fun and supportive environment.

Dennis and the other instructors are great. They really push you to get as much out of each class as possible. At the same breaking down all of the techniques and making sure that you have proper form. They stress the importance of taking drills “alive”, so it’s more than just about memorizing a 15 count or a boxing feed but being able to defend or attack when an opponent is resisting.

Aside from the Thai Kickboxing I also participate in the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA classes at DWMMA. I have found that all of the classes really compliment each other and help to make you more well-rounded when it comes to self-defense.

If you are looking for a great workout and a way to get in shape and relieve stress all while learning self-defense techniques at the same time I would highly recommend coming in and checking out a class at DWMMA.

-Keith Doty

So, if you’re not sure if Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, is the right choice for you; call, email or stop by and relieve that stigma of what you thought Mixed Martial Arts was and experience what a great Martial Arts academy can offer you!

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

WWW.DWMMA.COM

Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical self-defense programs for Massachusetts and North Shore Area including:

Peabody MA, Salem MA, Beverly MA, Lynn MA, Marblehead MA, Danvers MA

The Importance of Warming Up and Stretching/@ DWMMA

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If you are one of the people who skip warming up before starting class; here are a few reasons why warming up before strenuous workouts is so important.

When you warm up for at least 10 minutes before doing any activity such as: Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Filipino Jiu-Jitsu or Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), there are at least four key benefits to a more product-full workout.

Improve Elasticity-  When you warm up your muscles, you are improving their flexibility.  It will reduce your risk of injuring or pulling a muscle if they have enough elasticity to move about during your workout.

Increase Circulation-  When you warm up, your body sends more oxygenated blood to your muscles.  This will help your blood pressure stay consistent and improves the movement of your limbs.

Reduces Fatigue During Workout-  You will get you through a workout whether you warm up or not, but you probably won’t get as far, run as fast or be able to push through that intense workout video as easily if you aren’t warming up before your workout. Indeed, you can get through a longer, more intense workout without feeling the pain if you get your body ready for it.

Gain More Muscle Control- You might find it hard to perform some kicks in Thai Kickboxing, or roll as effectively in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu(BJJ).  This could be due to muscle control, and getting your body to do what your mind tells it to do. When your muscles aren’t warmed up, they’re rusty and therefore cannot perform the tasks you are telling them to easily. This is yet another huge benefit of warming up before any physical activity.

Warm ups are meant to do exactly that-they warm up your muscles by increasing muscle temperature.  This increases the speed of muscle contraction, blood and nutrient flow to the muscles.   All of which increase the performance of your muscles giving you a much more intense and effective workout.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

WWW.DWMMA.COM

Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical self-defense programs for Massachusetts and North Shore Area including:

Peabody MA, Salem MA, Beverly MA, Lynn MA, Marblehead MA, Danvers MA

Health, Fitness and Community: DWMMA Offers More than Just Martial Arts

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Bored of the same old, tired, workouts?  Thinking about cancelling your gym membership to try something new?  Why not try martial arts?

 

With many of the same benefits as a gym membership (e.g., strength and cardio programs, weigh loss, stress relief and personalized instruction), Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts offers so much more.

Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, offers safe, fun and intense workouts designed to push you to exceed your own expectations.  Our team of certified instructors will give you personalized, one-on-one, instruction in a highly collaborative and supportive setting.  Before even joining Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, one of our senior instructors will give you a personalized, private and free introductory lesson to familiarize you with core concepts, assess your fitness goals and answer any questions you may have about any of the programs we offer, such as:  Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Filipino Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and Children’s Programs.  Once you decide which program best fits your needs, you’ll be introduced to a rigorous and challenging workout environment at a pace that is right for you.  With a structured curriculum in each of our programs, every time you step into the academy,  be prepared for a new, exciting and personally challenging workout.  A supportive community of fellow martial artists, from novice to expert, will encourage and motivate you to push yourself further than you’d likely go on your own.

 

With certified personal trainers on staff and a fully equipped strength and cardio facility, as well as world-class martial arts instruction; DWMMA offers the best option for anybody looking for a new and exciting workout regime.

 

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

WWW.DWMMA.COM

Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical self-defense programs for Massachusetts and North Shore Area including:

Peabody MA, Salem MA, Beverly MA, Lynn MA, Marblehead MA, Danvers MA

BJJ Belt Blues/@DWMMA

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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an extremely technical martial art.   The belt requirements for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tend to be a lot stricter than other forms of martial arts and takes more time to progress to the next belt.  This can be frustrating to students because in such a fast-paced environment; people don’t have the patience to take the time needed to go from a white belt to a blue; blue belt to a purple and so on…and so on…  Some students either quit prematurely, or they will stay but never feel as if they will ever achieve a black belt.

This is a reminder to not be discouraged if it is taking a lot longer than you want to get your next belt.  You must continue to move forward in your studies. You should always aim to be the best White, Blue, Purple, Brown and Black belt that you can be.    With time and patience; you will grow and evolve.  To be a blue belt is very different than having a blue belt; however, its a sad thing when you see a blue belt get the “belt blues” and start slacking off or quit all together because it takes a great deal of time and commitment to reach purple belt status.  It is a great loss when this happens.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu isn’t based on belts.  It’s based on the art; belts are your reward for your dedication and are there to mark your progress in BJJ but they do not define you as a martial artist.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

www.DWMMA.COM

Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical self-defense programs for Massachusetts including:

Peabody MA, Salem MA, Beverly MA, Lynn MA, Marblehead MA, Danvers MA

 

Self Defense: Knowledge is Key/ @DWMMA

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In a “perfect world”  the best way to defend yourself would be to avoid dangerous situations all together.  Unfortunately, that will only work to a certain point.  It’s almost impossible to avoid risk all together; since dangerous situations can develop with little to no warning and could be from the people whom you would least likely expect.  I know the facts are scary: but they are true.   Knowledge on how to protect you, and your loved ones, in virtually any situation is key to feeling safe-no matter where you go.

When looking for the correct program to learn self-defense; tradition martial arts won’t work as well as combative martial arts.  At Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA,  our Filipino Jiu-Jitsu program is our most practical and realistic form of self-defense.  In Filipino Jiu-Jitsu, we teach a reality based self-defense curriculum, incorporating an extensive variety of strikes, low line kicks, joint locks, trapping, clinch fighting, take downs, grappling/ground fighting and weapons training; making it a realistic form of self-defense.  A lot of the concepts are similar to those in Krav Maga, in regards to the realistic and street based form of street self-defense.

Filipino Jiu-Jitsu is well suited for men, and women of all ages, fitness and experience levels because physical strength and athletic abilities are not essential. Only the core techniques have been taken from these combative arts and organized into an easy to learn curriculum that can benefit the beginner as well as the advanced practitioner.

In addition to learning effective self-defense, Filipino Jiu-Jitsu also provides the student with the means to improve their physical fitness, awareness, flexibility and self-confidence. Combining the best of many styles into a blended system gives our students the advantage they need to protect themselves in virtually any situation.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

www.DWMMA.com

Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical self-defense programs for the North Shore Area including, Peabody, Salem, Beverly, Lynn, Marblehead, Danvers