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Jeff “Big Frog” Curran Seminar
December 6, 2011

On Tuesday, December 6, LINXX Academy hosted a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) seminar with Jeff “Big Frog” Curran at our Kempsville location. Curran is a former student of Frank Cucci at LINXX Academy and currently holds the rank of 2nd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Professor Pedro Sauer. Curran has a professional fighting record of 33 wins, 14 losses, and 1 draw in a wide range of MMA experiences from around the world that make him a force to be reckoned with in the ring. He has fought at a number of different weight classes for a large number of organizations, including the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC), Strikeforce, PRIDE Fighting Championship, International Fight League, and King of the Cage.

The MMA superstar started off the seminar with No-Gi grappling techniques that have helped him gain so much recognition in the MMA community. Curran taught several submission Jiu-Jitsu moves, including various types of chokes. He also taught students how to incorporate different strikes while grappling, which is the main feature in MMA fighting. Throughout the seminar, Curran was very hands-on in assisting the students and ensuring they learned every detail of each MMA technique. Before closing out the workshop Jeff fielded a variety of questions, ranging from different techniques and submissions to how his Jiu-Jitsu game has evolved throughout his career in MMA.

First Black Belt Club Lock-In Was a Blast
December 3, 2011

On December 3, LINXX Academy hosted a Black Belt Club (BBC) lock-in at our Kempsville location. With pillows and sleeping bags in hand, 55 students gathered at the Academy ready to learn some new martial arts techniques, and most importantly, have fun with their fellow BBC members! The night began at 7:00 with a brief rules meeting and then the excitement began. Everyone had the opportunity to participate in a variety of games, activities, and workshops throughout the night. The most popular was the giant inflatable quad joust. Four students at a time tested their balance and coordination as they took their position atop a large pillar. Armed with an air-filled joust, students swung them around and tried to knock each other off their pedestals. Another highlight to the evening was a weapons training workshop with instructor Dan Brooks, where students learned self-defense techniques using rattan sticks and wooden knives. The last activity of the night was a team dodge ball tournament. Competition was fierce, as teams ducked, dipped, and dodged to victory!

Special thanks all of the staff and parents who volunteered their time to make the night a special one for our Black Belt Club members.

Team LINXX Jiu-Jitsu Tournament Success!

The Team LINXX Jiu-Jitsu competition teams successfully represented LINXX Academy at two separate events the weekend of November 12, 2011. Our Junior LINXX Jiu-Jitsu competitors battled it out at the Junior Grappling Association (JGA) North American Championship Tournament held in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and the adult competitors squared off at the U.S. Grappling Submission Only Tournament held in Ashland, Virginia.

Representing our Junior LINXX Jiu-Jitsu competition team was Deandre and Gavin Corbe. Deandre and Gavin competed in various divisions to include Gi, No-Gi, and advanced levels. Deandre (106 lbs) won 8 gold medals as well as 1 bronze medal in an exhibition match against a 160 lbs opponent. Gavin won 2 gold medals, 4 silver medals, and 2 bronze medals. The two brothers were the only competitors from LINXX Academy, but they earned enough points to take home a first place team trophy! In addition, Deandre was awarded a plaque for earning first place in season points. Kai Lockhart was also recognized for earning second place in season points for his age group. Great job Deandre, Gavin, and Kai!

The adult Jiu-Jitsu competition team also had some impressive results. Khristopher Gonzalez, Kris Moe, Patrick Tinidad, and Lisa Phillips competed in various divisions, to include Gi and No-Gi, at the intermediate and advanced levels. In this particular competition, no points were scored and there were no time limits. The only way you could win was by making your opponent tap-out! Khristopher Gonzalez brought home a gold medal in the advanced No-Gi division and a silver medal in the Gi division; Kris Moe won a silver medal in the advanced No-Gi division; Patrick Trinidad won a gold medal in the Purple Belt Gi division; and Lisa Phillips won a gold medal in the intermediate No-Gi division, a silver medal in the Gi division, and a silver medal in the absolute Gi division. Great job Team LINXX!

LINXX’s Own, Mackens Semerzier, to Fight in UFC on Fox

On Saturday, November 12 at 4:45 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time), Mackens Semerzier of LINXX Academy will square off against Robert Peralto in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event in Anaheim, California. Mackens, or “Mack,” has been a staple at LINXX for over six years. He is a tremendous athlete who aggressively pursues his goals. He trains hard in every class and continually strives to better his skills and technique in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). His dedication and drive are what makes him such an asset to LINXX and a fierce competitor in the UFC.

Mack has a professional fighting record of 8 wins and 3 losses, with a fight history of 19 percent striking, 26 percent takedowns, and 54 percent submissions. This event marks Mack’s second fight in the UFC, following his impressive UFC debut against Alex Caceres, who he submitted with a rear naked choke in the first round. Mack said, “I couldn’t be more excited for this fight. My coaches and training partners at LINXX Academy have prepared me well.” The event will also feature a heavyweight title fight between current champ Cain Velasquez and top contender Junior Dos Santos, which will air live on Fox TV. The preliminary fights, including Mack’s fight, will be streamed live on FoxSports.com and Facebook.com/UFC. LINXX instructor Nestor Bayot, along with Jeff Curran and Ian Alexander, will be in Mack’s corner for the fight. Please tune in to support our LINXX contender!

“LINXX is not just a martial arts academy. It represents a culmination of the finest martial arts in the world, forged together to form a complete and comprehensive fighting system, that is second to none,” said Mack. “It is an honor to represent LINXX Academy and I will unleash that fighting system on November 12.”

LINXX Students Compete in Thai Boxing Smoker

Congratulations to Demetrius Williams and Johnny Chacon for successfully competing in their first Thai Boxing smoker event on Saturday, October 29 at Bushido Martial Arts Academy in Portsmouth, Virginia. Both Demetrius and Johnny fought hard and made a great representation for LINXX Academy. Instructors Dan Brooks and Khristopher Gonzalez were in their corner for support. Thanks to Bushido Academy for hosting a great event. (From left to right: Khristopher Gonzalez, Demetrius Williams, Johnny Chacon, Dan Brooks).

October 15 Junior LINXX Sparring Tournament Results

LINXX Academy hosted an exciting Junior LINXX Sparring Tournament on Saturday, October 15, 2011 at our Redmill location. Altogether, we had over 50 competitors ranging from 7 to 13 years old. Fighters were divided into two divisions, Intermediate and Advanced, and then matched up by gender and weight class in the single-elimination tournament.

Before the tournament began, Mr. Cucci explained the rules for each division. Intermediate division competitors were allowed to punch the body, clinch, and kick the legs, body, and head. Advanced division competitors were also allowed to punch the head. Each of the two rings accompanied a referee, two corner men, a timer, and a three-judge panel. Top fighters were awarded 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies and all competitors received a commemorative medal. All of the competitors put in a tremendous effort using their Thai Boxing skills.

Special thanks to our sponsors who helped support the event: Bounce House, Dairy Queen, China Dragon, Skate Dojo, AMF Lynnhaven, Key West Chillin’ Yogurt, and Quiznos. Mr. Cucci concluded the tournament by praising their efforts and reminding all of the competitors of the importance of winning with humility and losing with honor. As expected, all of the students embodied the values and traditions of LINXX Academy.

Welcome Aboard
September 1, 2011

Khristopher Gonzalez has been training and competing with LINXX since 2005. He currently holds a black belt in Muay Thai under LINXX Academy. Khristopher Gonzalez has competed in many events and held the 2007 Total Cage Combat 155 pound title, The 2007 Global combat alliance 155 pound title, the 2007 WKA 155 pound title, and earned a spot on the WKA 2010 world team for USA. He also holds a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and is now 9-0 as an amateur fighter.

 

Group Exercise Classes
August 1, 2011

Our Fitness Program Manager, Sarah Saunders (http://www.linxxacademy.com/about-staff-Management.html), is offering group circuit training classes starting Monday, August 1, 2011. Circuit training is a unique and fast-paced way to get and stay in shape! The class is organized in a circuit training format, using specific exercise equipment, with each station of work lasting 30 seconds, followed by a 15 second recovery. This allows each person to work at their own pace while easily accommodating all fitness levels. Best of all, you’ll have fun while getting a great fat-burning, total body workout in just 30 minutes! You will leave feeling strong and energized for the rest of your day!

Classes will be offered at our Red Mill location on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7am. Everyone is welcome and you do not have to be a LINXX Academy member to participate. The first class is free so invite a friend and join Sarah on Monday, August 1 at 7 am. The class drop-in fee is $8. You can also purchase a 10 class package for only $50.

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