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Instructor John Simons III hosted at MMA Institute As a result of the earthquake, there are an untold number of children who have been separated from their families, as well as children who have suddenly found themselves without anyone to turn to. Even prior to the magnitude 7.0 quake, poor mothers throughout Haiti were unable to feed or clothe their children. Relief agency officials say that it’s not uncommon for desperate parents to abandon their children or hand them over to anyone who might be able to improve their conditions. Without homes, without schools, and without loved ones to reassure them things will get better, the issue of child exploitation is of growing concern. Some estimates say that more than 2000 children are trafficked each year out of Haiti. Some are sexually exploited, while others are put to work as servants or even sold for their organs. Hope for Haiti Children’s Center (http://www.danitaschildren.org/), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, was selected for their efforts to rescue and care for so many impoverished children throughout the country. On March 13th -14th, a two-day seminar hosted by MMA Institute (6145 Jahnke Rd, Richmond, VA 23225) will consist of grappling, striking, and MMA for Youth & Adults. Youth Jiu-Jitsu on will be instructed on Sunday by Odyssey Martial Arts Academy head instructor John Simons III. Space is limited, so register now to reserve your spot. You can sign up for the seminar or simply make a donation with Paypal or by sending a check or money order to: MMA Institute Attn: MMA for Charity 6415 Jahnke Rd Richmond, VA 23222 We look forward to seeing you all soon, and thank you for your help in restoring a sense of normalcy to so many helpless children. More info coming soon! Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu News! Blue Belt Yellow Belt OdysseyMMA YouTube Channel Odyssey Martial Arts Academy now has an official Video Channel on YouTube! Check it out! www.YouTube.Com/odysseymma.com At Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu Head Quarters in California This event featured the return of UFC veteran and pioneer Pat Smith! The event was held in the Mellon Arena "Home of the Pittsburgh Penguins" and was packed full of fans and celebrity guests such as UFC star Tito Ortiz, Rich Clementi, Brock Larsen and more. Team Odyssey Mixed Martial Arts fighters Paul Bourque (Pictured Left), Instructor John Simons III (Pictured Center) and Dan Churchill (Pictured Right) dominated the competition at the Barbarian Fight Club MMA fights held at the Virginia Sports Complex on May 30, 2009. Odyssey's first fighter of the night was Dan Churchill making his MMA debut. Dan submitted his opponent with a Rear Naked Choke in clean fashion in round 1. The second Odyssey fighter of the night was Paul Bourque who submitted his opponent in round one via Arm Bar, however the opponent said "He didn't Tap Out" so the fight continued into round two. by Black Belt Dave Camarillo Odyssey Martial Arts Academy/Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu Network of Virginia would like to thank Mr. Dave Camarillo for instructing another unforgettable Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu seminar. We would also like to congratulate the following students for earning John Simons III- Brown Belt Emily Dawson- Youth Green Belt Markia Anderson- Youth Yellow/Green Belt Eddy O'Hearn- Blue Belt Mariah Upshaw- Blue Belt Samantha Preaseau- Blue Belt Safia Nizami- Youth White/Yellow Belt Alex Nizami- Youth White/Yellow Belt Matthew Schakel- Youth White/Yellow Belt Chase Leuchtmann- Youth White/Yellow Belt Bryce Leuchtmann- Youth White/Yellow Belt Chad Davis Jr.- Youth Yellow/Orange Belt Kayla Hill- Youth White/Orange Belt Odyssey Martial Arts featured in the 3/25/09 issue of the Country Courier
will teach Youth Jiu-Jitsu Seminar for Haiti Charity
Youth Jiu-Jitsu
Sunday March 14, 2010
with head instructor John Simons III
(Joined by Team Odyssey competitors)
(6415 Jahnke Rd Richmond, VA 23222)
MMA for Charity was created in the wake of last month’s disaster in Haiti. Mixed Martial Artists from around the country have volunteered to help raise money and awareness in an effort to contribute to the relief of the shattered country. The chaos brought on by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake has complicated things for the children of Haiti immensely, making it difficult to tell who is alone and who is simply trying to locate loved ones. MMA for Charity will be raising funds for Hope for Haiti Children’s Center. Several top fighters have agreed to take part in a 2 day seminar in Richmond, VA and will be auctioning off merchandise with 100% of the proceeds going to the center.
UFC 110 Odyssey Fight Party
This Saturday from 3pm-7pm
Come support Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu fight Cain Velasquez!
Markia Anderson
Guerrilla Green Belt!
Markia Anderson (13 yrs old) an 8 year Odyssey Martial Arts Academy veteran was promoted to Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu "Green Belt" last night during Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu class. The Green Belt is the highest honor in youth Jiu-Jitsu for students under 16 years old. Emily Dawson (14 yrs old) was also promoted to a two stripe Green Belt last night, she is also a 8 year Odyssey veteran. Over the years both Markia & Emily have earned local, state, national and world title in the sport of Jiu-Jitsu & Submission Grappling.
They are both now assist. instructors in our Jiu-Jitsu & MMA classes and are pursuing a future in the sport of MMA! Great job girls! Keep it up!-Sifu
Odyssey MMA Belt Promotions
Odyssey Martial Arts Academy would like to congratulate the following students for earning their next Odyssey MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) Belt ranking:
Markia Anderson
Orange Belt
Alex Nizami
Safia Nizami
Chase Leuchtmann
Bryce Leuchtmann
Shaun Price
Travis Price
Chad Davis
Mariah Upsaw
Matthew Schakel
Savannah York
Kayla Hill
9/20/09-9/27/09
(John Simons III at Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu Head Quarters Grand Opening in California)
To my students of Odyssey Martial Arts,
Things are going great here in California! Training with Dave Camarillo and the Cali Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu crew is awesome. I am learning so much everyday here. I hope training is going well while I'm away training. Emily and I will be doing a demo for Dave's grand opening in front of over 1,000 people! Wish us luck and train hard guys:)
-Sifu
John Simons III wins MMA Fight in Atlanta, GA.
Odyssey Head Instructor John Simons III traveled with the Odyssey Fight Cage Crew to set up the 30' MMA Pro Cage for the Kings Of The Verizon MMA show held in Atlanta, Georgia. When he arrived he was asked if he would like to fill in for a 140lbs fight with a Jiu-Jitsu/Kick Boxer. John accepted the fight on a one day notice.
John had his opponent in 4 submission attempts in the first round which included a rear choke, omoplata and two arm bars. John finished his opponent in round 2 with a straight arm bar from mount. John would like to thank Kings Of The Verizon for hosting the fight and his opponent "Nick" from Zen Jiu-Jitsu in St. Augustine FL for taking the fight.
Odyssey MMA Fight Cage center piece of the New Hampshire MMA show "American Steel Cage Fighting"
Odyssey Fight Cage Rentals arrived to the city of Salem, New Hampshire with the largest MMA Fight Cage on the East Coast to set the stage for the first ever ASC American Steel Cage Fighting MMA event. The cage used for this event was the Odyssey Arena Elite Event Series 30' MMA Circle Cage, complete with catwalk and dressings.
If you are interested in renting this cage for your MMA event please contact us at 804-769-2400 or odysseyumac@aol.com
Odyssey MMA Cage used for Pittsburgh Pro show!
Odyssey MMA Fight Cage used for first ever pro MMA event in Pittsburgh.
On June 27, 2009 Odyssey Fight Cage Rentals arrived to the city of Pittsburgh with the largest MMA Fight Cage on the East Coast to set the stage for the first ever professional MMA event in Pittsburgh.
The cage used for this event was the Odyssey Arena Elite Event Series 30' MMA Circle Cage, complete with catwalk and dressings.
If you are interested in renting this cage for your MMA event please contact us at 804-769-2400 or odysseyumac@aol.com
Odyssey MMA Submits The Competition Again!
In round two Bourque caught his opponent in a Triangle Choke where his opponent would "Tap Out" for the second time of the fight. Congrats goes out to both Dan and Paul for their victories. A special thanks goes out to all of the academy members, friends, family, fans and US Army for their support of our academy and it's fighters.
BIG NEWS!
Head Instructor John Simons III
promoted to Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu
BROWN BELT
Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu belt promotions at the seminars.
"Odyssey continues to build champions"
This issue covers the victory of Odyssey Martial Arts Academy and it's Team Odyssey MMA Fighters Paul Bourque and Alex Taylor at Operation Octagon 6 MMA Fights in Chantilly, VA. Lead is on the front page and the story is on page 19. Check it out!
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Founder
Helio Gracie passes away
at 95 Yrs. Old
R.I.P Helio Gracie (1913-2009)
Helio Gracie has given the world of Jiu-Jitsu & Mixed Martial Arts more than any other man in history. Helio Gracie will be remebered as the pioneer of our beloved sport and the art of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. We are forever grateful for everything Helio and the Gracie Family has done for the BJJ & MMA world.
- John Simons III
Odyssey Martial Arts Academy
Head Instructor
Sherdog.Com Story
Helio Gracie, the father of Gracie jiu-jitsu, is dead at the age of 95. Gracie passed in his sleep early Thursday in Itaipaiva, Rio de Janeiro, after he had been admitted to a local hospital a few days prior for stomach problems.
“He passed the way he always wanted to "- quick and fast,” said an immediate relative, who asked not to be identified. The relative said Gracie’s body would be buried on Thursday.
The youngest of Cesalina and Gastao Gracie’s eight children, he learned traditional jiu-jitsu by watching his brother, Carlos, teach it, but his small frame made it difficult for him to execute the moves. As a result, he adapted techniques to fit his limited physical ability and gave rise to modern-day Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Gracie is survived by his wife Vera; his sons Rickson, Royler, Rolker, Royce, Relson, Robin and Rorion; his daughters Rerika and Ricci, as well as numerous siblings, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.
BIG NEWS!
Emily Dawson promoted to Odyssey Mixed Martial Arts Black Belt!
It is statistically proven by the National Association Of Professional Martial Artist that only 1 in 300 people that start training in Martial Arts are promoted to the rank of Black Belt. When discussing Black Belts, you have to consider the discipline of Martial Arts the belt is in. Today on average it takes about 2 years to receive a Black Belt in a discipline such as Tae Kwon Do or Karate. A lot of schools promote students to the next belt ranking based on your class attendance record, which translates into anyone who attends classes regularly and pays tuition will automatically qualify for the next belt rank. This is NOT the approach to belt ranking at King William home Martial Arts school Odyssey Martial Arts Academy.
In order to earn rank at Odyssey Martial Arts a student must demonstrate numerous things which include consistent attendance, knowledge, technique, toughness, physical fitness, and good old fashion blood, sweat and tears. On October 5, 2008 Odyssey Martial Arts Head Instructor John Simons III promoted his first prodigy student Emily Dawson to the rank of Black Belt in the Odyssey Mixed Martial Arts system. Mixed Martial Arts is today’s most popular and effective Martial Arts systems. MMA includes combat styles such as, but not limited to, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai Kick Boxing, Wing Chun Gung Fu, Judo, Wrestling, Escrima Stick and Knife Fighting and much more. MMA is most commonly seen on the platform of the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC).
Emily Dawson, a thirteen-year-old King William local, started training at Odyssey Martial Arts Academy at age 6 in MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Since 2004 Dawson has competed nationally in over 30 of the world’s largest and most prestigious Jiu-Jitsu and Submission Grappling competitions. During that time Emily has placed and won the worlds largest and most prestigious BJJ & Grappling competitions and is a 3 times consecutive National Title holder. Dawson has also placed first in world championship competition in advanced divisions which is the highest level of competition you can possibly compete in.
Aside from Dawson’s phenomenal competition record, she has also achieved greater things. She is an assistant instructor in classes at Odyssey Martial Arts where she gives of her own time to help build future Martial Arts stars. “Martial Arts have made me who I am in life, and I can’t imagine life without it… The Black Belt represents humility and the ability to place yourself below others. I have learned this skill” Dawson stated. “Emily is that needle in a hay stack that very instructor wishes they had a chance to find. I have seen thousands of martial artists in my time and Emily is a rare find. I am honored to call her my first Black Belt,” stated instructor John Simons III.
Dawson will continue to belt rank in other disciplines at Odyssey Martial Arts Academy such as Jiu-Jitsu and Judo. Dawson has the intentions on making Martial Arts her career and opening her own Odyssey Martial Arts Academy in the future. Dawson also plans on making a name for herself in Mixed Martial Arts competition in the near future. For more info on Emily Dawson and Odyssey Martial Arts Academy call 804-769-2400.
(Emily Dawson is the only Black Belt in Odyssey MMA certified by Black Belt instructor John Simons III. Anyone else making claims to be a Odyssey MMA Black Belt are making fraudulent claims.)