Results from this weekend!!

Hello to all of our students, friends, and family that have been following the events of our Competition Team this weekend. Team Hybrid had a successful turnout everywhere.

First, lets start with the NAGA. Five of our team members traveled to King William County to compete in the larges grappling tournament in the US. Ian Iepson, Scott Horne, Jody Morgan, Chris Buckner, and Danny Gallego were all there to compete, support, and coach each other through a very long day.
Ian Iepson: (NO-GI) won first match, but unfortunately hurt his knee in the process. Despite a bad injury, went on to his second match and lost. Great Job Ian, way to show your true HAMA spirit. Thank you for supporting the team the rest of the day!
Scott Horne: (NO-GI, masters) Won four straight matches to take 1st place in his division!
(GI, masters) Came in 2nd for his division.
From what I am told, Scott displayed excellent skill and determination and proved to us all that being a very well rounded grappler really pays off. Great Job Scott!!
Danny Gallego: (NO-GI) After only being back in to training a few months, Danny did great. Had a great first match with excellent control and skill, but unfortunately lost by only 1 point. Keep up the good work Danny!!
Jody Morgan: (NO-GI) With submissions, tapouts, and killer instinct, Jody won six matches to take home 1st place in his division.
(GI): Even after recovering from the six matches earlier in NO-GI, Jody fought 3 more matches with the GI and ended up taking 2nd in his division. Completely exhausted, but never tired in spirit!!! “De Ma” (well done!)
Chris Buckner : (NO-GI) Chris also fought six matches in his division to claim the victory with at 1st place. With little time for celebration, it was time to get ready for the GI. A large cut in his lower lip / chin was in need of medical attention, and it was questionable wether or not the officials would let him compete. Nothing a little Neosporin and super glue can’t fix.
(GI): Also recovering from a six match winning streak, Chris would fight 3 more matches in the GI division to end up taking 2nd in his division. Although disappointed, you are a true warrior!!

We are all very proud of you!! Not only for your competetive drive and determination, but for taking care of each other while you were there. All coaches were spead out at other events, and the guys looked out for each others backs the entire day. That is what defines Team HAMA!!

Robbie traveled to North Carolina, with coach TC Bobbitt, to compete in a pro MMA 185lb fight. It didn’t take long for Robbie to do his job, ending the fight by giving his opponent a TKO. Way to go Robbie!!

Hybrid Academy sent five fighters and two coaches to Las Vegas, for the first of three All Female Muay Thai Smoker, held at Master Toddys Muay Thai Center. The female fights are being used like an “audition” for the upcoming reality TV show “Fight Girls”. Well…….our girls did not dissapoint!

Amie Morgan: Her opponent was suppose to be 115lb, but weighed in at 121lb! Amie (113lb with clothes on at weigh-ins) talked it over with Coach Grant and decided to take it anyway. Then, a two round Muay Thai fight turned in to a one round exebition. You can imagine the frustration for Amie and Coach. All said and done, Amie was the first fight on the card and started the night off with a bang! Amie dropped her opponent with a head kick on her opening combination and then proceeded to whip up on this girl for two minutes. Amie had her girl going backwards the entire round and definately showed us she is a true soldier. Although there was not an official winner (cause it was an exebition), it was very clear that Amie won. Great Job Amie!!!

Erin Fisk: Erin was fight number six, and came in excited and full of energy. Erin was very evenly matched up and her fight was probably one of the best fights of the night. Each girl demonstrated beautiful Muay Thai techniques and skill and stayed busy the entire time. Great execution of combinations, perfect transition from offense to defense, and listed to her corner perfectly, but lost by decision. Personally, I thought Erin won the fight, but her opponent landed clean punches and kicks for the last 30 seconds of each round, that could have swayed the view of the judges. Nontheless, it was an awesome fight and we couldn’t be more proud. Erin showed true heart!!

Paige Sweet: Paige and Coach Grant also had to deal with another opponent coming in over weight. Paige’s opponent came in 15lbs over!!! We decided to take the fight anyway, and what a great fight it was. Paige came out strong and never let up. She overwhelmed her bigger opponent with numerous punching combinations to the head and body, and ended them perfectly with her kicks. A win by unanimous decision!!!! Awesome Work Paige!!

Joanna Catabuli: (MMAI-Richmond) Cornered by Coach Grant and Coach Rick McCoy (MMAI), Joanna was so excited to be a part of this amazing event. She came out relaxed and focused and knew exactly what she was going to do. From the bell, Joanna overwhelmed her opponent with heavy hands and forced the referee to step in and stop the fight. Joanna won by TKO! Great Job Joanna!!

Angie Hines: (MMAI-Charlottesville) Angie fought a great fight despite her battle with asthma. She never quit and seemed as though she loved every minute of it. After two rounds of back and forth action, Angie lost by decision. However, the one and only, Gina Carano awarded the girls the medals at the end of the fight. Angie seemed so excited to have met Gina in person, she gave her a big sweaty hug and never stopped smiling.

The girls made us very proud. Win or loose, they showed heart and respect for their opponent, coaches, and Master Toddy. Thank you to Coach Grant for giving the girls the opportunity to travel for such and event. Thank you to Tripp Seed, who corned the girls with coach Grant and helped get them ready for the big night. From weight cutting to warming them up, he was there every second with Coach Grant.

Thank you to all of you who called, texted, and emailed to check up on all our competetors this weekend.
“Seek the path, stay the course”