CONGRATULATIONS MASTER CHEETAH!

It's a great day for our friend and mentor, Master Cheetah: the grand opening of his new headquarters. The Chai Yo Cheetah Muay Thai Academy opens today (February 6) at 2709 Macdonald Ave Suite 200 in Richmond, California 94804. If you are in the area, be sure to head in and train with one of the great muay thai masters.

THE FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER IS OUT...

If it's not in your inbox, you can see it online here. And be sure to join the mailing list so next month's newsletter with the latest information on seminars, fights, member happenings, etc comes right to you!

FIVE POINTS FIGHTERS SWEEP AT THE 7 TRAIN

A big night for the Fight Team as they showed the crowd how it's done, with each Five Points Fighter emerging victorious!

G

io Mercado by KO over Anthony Santiago (Weapons 9)

Title Elimination Bout:

Angie Babel by Unanimous Decision over Naomi Sangkavasi (Chok Sabai)

Cornell Ward by TKO over Justin Troy (Chok Sabai)

Co Main Event:

Brian Hansen by Majority Decision over Ramon Maldonado (Performance Muay Thai)

Main Event:

Greg Rowe by Unanimous Decision over Chris Mauceri (Black and Blue MMA)

A great performance by the team and a huge show of support from the Five Points Family in attendance! Check back for details, more pictures of the event and info on the next promotion.

TUHON TIM WAID SEMINAR, FEB 4th and 5th

FIVE POINTS ACADEMY is pleased to announce the return of Tuhon Tim Waid of Pekiti Tersia Kali Global Organization. He will be conducting a seminar on Saturday, February 4th and Sunday, February 5th from 1-5 pm. This hands-on training will cover:

- How to deal with multiple attackers

-Advanced Footwork Skills and Development Drills

-Basic through Advanced Bridging Attacks (Doce Methodos 7-12) with Solo Baston, Knife, and Empty-Hands

-Pangamut/Dumog/Empty-Hands Close Quarters Finishing Attacks

-Close Quarters Mano y Daga - Empty-Hands vs. Knife with Striking, Tapping, Trapping, Locking and Throwing.

-Special Instruction Period on Military CQC System applications and Multiple Opponent Attacks

Open to all levels. Bring your training gear and be prepared to work. $175 advance payment for both days; $100 per day, day of the event.

Register on-line by following the store tab here, or call the Five Points reception desk on 212-226-4474 for additional information or to register.

BATTLE AT THE 7 TRAIN

FIVE POINTS FIGHTERS Greg Rowe, Gio Mercado, Angela Babel, Cornell Ward and Brian Hansen step into the ring on Friday, January 27th, on the next Take On Productions event. The team has been training hard and is ready to bring the business. Come and support them at what is always an entertaining event!

Info:

Take On Productions

Battle at the & Train XI

Friday, January 27th

7 Train Theatre

134-37 35th Ave

Flushing NY 11354

Doors at 8 pm

Tickets available at the Five Points reception desk or online here.

HARDSTYLE TRAINING AND MUAY THAI

The RKC is more than just kettlebells. It is a school of strength with a training philosophy and favorite tools which include the kettlebell. Want to know how it ties in with effective muay thai training? Check out this article by Arjan Steve and Coach Emily -- who've been both elite fighters and trainers, as well as RKC instructors -- in the most recent Power by Pavel newsletter.

DWAYNE AT FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS

Five Points fighter Dwayne Richards returns to the ring on the Friday Night Fights Promotion on Friday, January 20. Dwayne always comes in shape and ready to go, as does opponent Danny Rangel of Ardon's Sweet Science Gym. Come on out and support Dwayne in a great bout!

Info:

Friday Night Fights

Hall of St. Paul Apostle

(8th Ave and 60th Street)

Doors at 7 pm, 1st bout at 8 pm.

Tickets at the Five Points reception desk and on-line here.

HKC/RKC Recert with Master RKC Andrea Ducane

Five Points Academy is very pleased to announce a 1st of it's kind kettle bell training event in New York: a combined HKC/RKC Recertification weekend with Master RKC Andrea Ducane.

February 11, 2012 (Saturday): HKC with Andrea Ducane

The intro level certification to the RKC and HardStyle training.

08:30 AM - 05:30 PM

Tuition: $599.00

Registration deadline: February 7th, 2012

Workshop Code # HKC193

Excellent Early-Bird Registration Discount:

Register and pay by January 14th, 2012 fee is only $499.00 (Save $100.00)

Additional information/Register at the DragonDoor website: https://www.dragondoor.com/workshops/details/hkc193/register/

February 12, 2012 (Sunday): RKC Recertification with Andrea Ducane

The one day recertification for existing RKCs to stay current with the system and maintain their RKC status and privileges.

08:30 AM - 05:30 PM

Tuition: $599.00

Registration deadline: February 7th, 2012

Workshop Code # WPKBR019

Additional information/Register at the DragonDoor website: https://www.dragondoor.com/workshops/details/wpkbr019/register/

Certification Location:

Five Points Academy

277 Canal

New York, NY 10013

USA

E-mail: steve.arjan@academyfivepoints.com

Website: www.AcademyFivePoints.com

Phone: (212) 226-4474

HAPPY NEW YEAR -- The January newsletter is out!

didn't get it? see it online here, then be sure to receive future newsletters by signing up here. Every month the newsletter brings you information on member happenings, upcoming events, promotions, special causes...and our member of the month!

XMAS/NEW YEAR's HOURS

Saturday, December 24th: close at 1:30

Sunday, December 25th: closed

Saturday, December 31st: close at 1:30

Sunday, January 1st: closed

Please note that the club will be closed from 2-4 pm on Monday, December 19th for the annual staff holiday lunch. Thanks to long-time member and good friend Chef Marc Meyer and Five Points Restaurant!

See the on-line schedule here anytime for up-to-the-minute changes to hours and the class schedule.

Have a great holiday!

DO SOME GOOD FOR THE HOLIDAYS

It's not all just about egg nog and mistletoe this time of year. Five Points members Moshe Amundson and Josh Lewis are getting into the holiday spirit by helping kids...and they've made it easy for you to help, too:

THE BRIDGE PROGRAM 2012 PHILIPPINES

This on-going project of Moshe's is a program that enriches the lives of impoverished youth overseas by providing education, resources, and inspiration. They donate much needed materials and technology including computers, books, and school supplies for a more successful education; provide medical and hygiene supplies and teach the importance of living a healthy lifestyle; and provide free creative arts workshops including breakdancing, hip-hop and poetry to expand the appreciation and knowledge of the arts. The only thing you have to do to help is donate here.

HELP ON WHEELS

Josh is supporting 88 Bikes. Bikes are environmentally friendly, practical, useful, and they can help a kid get to school or get small jobs. More importantly, bikes are fun, and provide a sense of independence and confidence. 88bikes provides bikes for kids to give them joy, and to improve their lives. The program operates primarily in Vietnam, Nepal, India and Ghana, focusing on children who have been rescued from slavery or servitude. Sound like something you would like to support? Go here and give.

Are you a Five Points member with a great cause? Know of one? Let us know and we'll help spread the word!

TAKE ON PROMOTIONS (12/16/2011) -- RESULTS

Another packed card and long night at the 7 Train Theatre and Flushing...but the fighters kept the action going and the crowd happy! Five Points Academy had two fighters on the show in the end (this fight card was a nightmare for the promoters in terms of injuries and/or illness): Michelle Brynner and Brian Hansen.

1st up for Five Points (and the 3rd fight of the night) was Michelle v Ting Wu of NY Jiu Jitsu. In her first fight, Michelle discovered the secret that only those who step into the ring know: nothing else is like it, nothing fully prepares you for it. Michelle started strong in the first round, landing good straight punches and kicks. Wu did a good job of catching Michelle's kicks and sweeping her to the floor, and this strategy paid dividends in rounds two and three. Michelle tired visibly and Wu pushed ahead with flurries of punches. In the end, a very fine first performance by Michelle, but a win by decision for Ting Wu.

Next up for the Five Points Team in the Co-Main Event was Brian Hansen. In his 3rd outing, Brian faced the strong and aggressive Greg Polec of Legacy Martial Arts.Both fighters came out hard, landing solid shots from the opening bell. Brian looked to be have a slight edge when Polec landed several vicious low kicks and some unfortunate punches to the back of Brian's head when he was down. Brian got up, shook himself off, and in the most exciting exchange of the show put all doubts as to who would win to rest, unleashing a straight right that dropped Polec like he was shot. The Legacy fighter tried to get up but was unable to regain his feet, resulting in a win by KO for Brian.

A great showing by the fighters and incredible support from fellow Five Points Academy students and friends over a very long evening. Thanks to Steve Ferdman for his always-amazing shots of the fighters. Look for more exciting appearances by the Five Points Fight Team in the New Year!

ARJAN STEVE SEMINAR IN ISRAEL

A huge thanks to Shihan Ronen Katz and his Kyokushin students!

Four hours a day -- 3 hours muay thai, 1 hour kettlebell-- four nights straight everyone trained hard and with a smile. The group was truly a pleasure to work with, and both Shihan Ronen and his students treated Arjan Steve like family. Five Points hopes to return the hospitality, and Arjan Steve is definitely looking forward to the next seminar!

TAKE ON PRODUCTIONS, December 16th

FIVE POINTS Fight Team members Giovanny Mercado, Brian Hansen, Tamaz Jorjoliani, Angela Babel and Michelle Brynner step into the ring on Friday, December 16th. Back at the 7 Train Theater in Flushing, Queens, the TakeOn shows are always exciting and fought in front of a packed house. Come support the team!

Event Info:

Saturday, December 16th Take On Productions

7 Train Theater

134-37 35th Avenue

Flushing, NY 11354

Doors at 7 pm

Get tickets on-line here.

Fight Team:

Giovanny Mercado

Brian Hansen

Tamaz Jorjoliani

Angela Babel

Michelle Bryner

EMILY AND VINCENT FIGHT TOMORROW!

Coach Emily and Vincent step into the ring at Friday Night Fights in Manhattan. Tickets and info available here. Come support the team as Emily faces Denise Jacobs out of Legacy Muay Thai in Florida and Vincent goes against Diamarid McGregor of Boston Muay Thai.

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY HOURS

Wednesday, November 23:

5:3o am - 3:00 pm

Thursday, November 24:

closed for THANKSGIVING -- stay on the couch and enjoy the rest. Oh, and eat a lot, too.

Friday, November 25:

7:00 am - 7:30 pm

Have a great holiday!

WE DO MORE SATURDAY BEFORE 9...

than most people do all day:)

Saturday sparring at Five Points -- come get some!

COACH EMILY ON FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS

2x WKA World Champion Emily Bearden returns to the ring at home in NYC on Friday, December 2nd.

Facing Denise Jacobs of Legacy Muay Thai in Florida, Emily will be joined on the card by Five Points Fighters Vincent Hui (v. Steve Dang of Evolve Muay Thai, MD), Dwayne Richards (opponent TBA) and Brian Hansen (opponent TBA). The year-end show for Friday Night Fights is always a great promotion...come cheer on the team!

Tickets at the reception desk starting Friday, November 18.

General Admission and Reserved Seating available.

Event Info:

Friday Night Fights

December 2, 2011

Hall at St Paul the Apostle

(9th Ave between 59th/60th)

Fight Team:

Emily Bearden v. Denise Jacobs (Legacy Muay Thai, FL)

Vincent Hui v. Steve Dang (Evolve Muay Thai, MD)

Dwayne Richards v. TBA

Brian Hansen v. TBA

Doors at 7:30, first bout at 8 pm.

EQUIPMENT UPGRADE!

The long-awaited, much-anticipated Grant heavybags arrived yesterday. Shodan Kevin, Lance, Coach Fury and Arjan Steve just finished putting them up -- and they are beautiful! Come on and let's break them in :)

GREG FIGHTS TOMORROW, Friday 4 Nov 2011 -- Results added

Come out and support Five Points Fighter Greg Rowe in his 1st bout since winning gold at the WKA World Championships!

Event info:

Friday Night Fights

The Hall at St Paul the Apostle

9th Ave between 59th/60th Street in Manhattan

Doors 7:30, first fight 8 pm

$40 GenAdmission tickets available at the Five Points reception desk or at the door of the event.

RESULTS:

In his 1st bout since winning gold at the WKA World Championships Greg showed what makes him the champion he is. Facing the tall, talented and tough Steve Dang of Evolve Martial Arts in MD, Greg never looked anything other than completely in control. Dropping Dang with a hook/cross combination in round one, Greg continued to widen his lead for the rest of the fight with a dazzling display of muay thai technique, both offensive and defensive. A very, very nice fight to watch and a well0-deserved UD win for Greg.

GREG RETURNS TO FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS

Five Points fighter -- and 2011 WKA World Championship Gold Medal winner -- returns to Friday Night Fights on November 4, 2011. Greg will face the very talented Steve Dang of Evolve Academy in Gaithersburg, MD. Come out and support him; his bout will be awesome, and the promotion always delivers a great line-up of fights! Tickets are available at the reception desk for $40.

Event Info:

Friday Night Fights

4 November 2011

Hall at St Paul

9th Avenue between 59th/60th

doors at 7:30/1st bout at 8 pm

October 13th: Our phones are down, but we're not!

Our phones are down...but we are open and all classes are meeting. Verizon assures us they will have the problem resolved "within 24 hours." If only we were making that part up.

The "Kettlebell Training" class will not meet on Saturday, October 8th

The "Kettlebell Training" class will not meet on Saturday, October 8th, so that we may host the HKC Kettlebell Certification. All other classes will meet as scheduled.

Thank you for your understanding as we invest in the continuing education of our trainers and instructors.

ONLY 2 SPOTS REMAIN...REGISTRATION CLOSES OCTOBER 5th!

Five Points Academy is very pleased to announce we will be hosting another HKC (Hardstyle Kettlebell Certification).

Developed by kettlebell authority Pavel Tsatsouline and drawing on his 9-plus years of the RKC Level 1 and Level 2 program, the HKC is an 8 hour, hands-on, entry-level certification that provides a solid foundation in vital kettlebell training safety procedures, a grasp of the key HardStyle skills and principles of strength, the ability to competently perform the three foundational kettlebell exercises (the Swing, the Get-Up, and the Goblet Squat), the confidence to correctly teach the three essential kettlebell exercises and troubleshoot common technique problems , the unique HKC template for designing an unlimited number of effective kettlebell workouts, and much more.

The certification has specific teaching and fitness testing requirements; please read the complete course description here.

The HKC at Five Points will be taught by Senior RKC Jon Engum, with assistance from RKC Team Leader Phil Scarito. Register on the Dragon Door website.

As a courtesy to the attendees at October 8th HKC, KettlebellDaily, the CT/NY Dragon Door distributors, are taking orders and delivering to Five Points Academy. Get them while you can -- the truck is filling up fast! Email bells@kettlebelldaily.com to place you order

USKA KICKBOXING AND MUAY THAI, 22 Oct 2011

The Five Points Fight Team returns to The Fieldhouse in Hamburg PA for the latest installment of this USKA-sanctioned event. Always a great and well-matched show, Five Points will have a huge presence at this event.

Fight Team:

Voissane Tan McNamara

Carl Gaeta

Bruce Osorio

Cornell Ward

Wyatt Knaster

Angela Babel

Irina Khouade

Event Info:

USKA Kickboxing and Muay Thai

Saturday, 22 October 2011

Hamburg Field House

500 Pine Street, Hamburg PA 19526

$20 for bleachers,$30 for ringside

Doors open at 5:00 pm, fights start at 6:00 pm

Tickets and info here.

RUMBLE IN THE BRONX, 8 Oct 2011-- Results added

Come support the Five Points Fight Team as they return to the World Wide Boxing Gym to participate in the the 8th "Muay Thai Challenge."

Fight Team:

Youyung Cho

Michael Ma

Event Info:

Muay Thai Challenge 8: Rumble in the Bronx

World Wide Boxing Gym

3134 Jerome Ave, 2nd Flr

Bedford Park NY 10469

Doors at 6pm; 1st bout at 7:30 pm

Discounted tickets available at the front desk for Five Points students.

RESULTS:

Youyung v. Jaffer Panezai (Weapons 9)

Youyung was first up, taking a big step up to face the experienced USMTA Title Holder, Jaffer Panezai. The champion jumped on Youyung from the opening bell landing hard punch combinations that set Youyung on his heels. A slick technician, Youyung never seemed able to find his rhythm throughout the 1st two rounds against Panezai's non-stop punching. Having weathered some seriously hard shots, round three saw Youyung coming into his own: moving forward, countering with combinations, but it was too late. A huge fight for Youyung in terms of experience and growth as a fighter, but a win for Panezai by unanimous decision.

Michael v. William Ortiz (Lions Roar)

Ortiz is a young, talented fighter, very slick with great skills. But Michael would not be denied. Walking through Ortiz's front kicks form round 1, Michael unleashed a relentless barrage of cross-hook combinations that had Ortiz bruised and bloodied. Michael continued this tactic in the second round, countering Ortiz roundhouse kicks with the same cross-hook and followed by a round-house of his own. Round 3 was more of the same with Michael stalking a visibly exhausted Ortiz around the ring. An exciting fight and a very impressive win for Michael by unanimous decision.

Thanks as always to the many Five Points students who came out to support the fighters!

GIVE US YOUR FEEDBACK!

Please take two minutes (well, three if you really put some thought into it) and help us get better. Follow the link here to give us your anonymous likes, loves, gripes, hates, highs, lows, etc on our classes and instructors. Or you can just walk up and tell us; we don't bite!

FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS (Sept 23, 2011) -- Results Added

FIVE POINTS FIGHT TEAM members Vincent Hui and Danny Millet step into the ring on the long-running Friday Night Fights promotion on Friday, Sept 23. Vincent faces Bobby Slavin of Cool Hearts Muay Thai, while Danny is matched with Mike Petrides.

Tickets are available at the Five Points Reception Desk. Additional information, check out the Friday Night Fights website.

Friday Night Fights

Broad Street Ballroom

41 Broad Street (b/t Beaver and Exchange)

NY NY 10004

General Admission: $45

Doors at 7:30 pm, 1st bout at 8 pm.

RESULTS:

Despite the disappointment at Five Points when Danny's opponent backed out, this was a great show with quality fights, good match-making...and an outstanding performance from Five Points fighter Vincent Hui. Facing the hard-charging Bobby Slavin of Philadelphia's Cool Hearts Gym, Vincent exhibited clean technique, composure and determination en route to a win by unanimous decision. Shaking off Slavin's powerful punches and a solid kick to the head in round one, Vincent turned the fight around with well-placed front kicks that took Slavin off his feet on several occasions. Building on his teeps, Vincent added solid hook-kick combinations as the fight progressed, with hard knees in the clinch. At the final bell, a fight that had the crowd on their feet and cheering non-stop and a big win for Vinny.

TUHON TIM WAID PEKITI TERSIA SEMINAR, Sept 24 and 25

FIVE POINTS ACADEMY is pleased to announce the return of Tuhon Tim Waid of Pekiti Tersia Kali Global Organization. He will be conducting a seminar on Friday, Sept 24 and Sunday, Sept 25 from 1 - 5 pm. This hands-on training will cover:

-Advanced Footwork Skills and Development Drills

-Basic through Advanced Bridging Attacks (Doce Methodos 7-12) with Solo Baston, Knife, and Empty-Hands

-Pangamut/Dumog/Empty-Hands Close Quarters Finishing Attacks

-Close Quarters Mano y Daga - Empty-Hands vs. Knife with Striking, Tapping, Trapping, Locking and Throwing.

-Special Instruction Period on Military CQC System applications and Multiple Opponent Attacks

Open to all levels. Bring your training gear and be prepared to work. $175 advance payment for both days; $100/day of the event.

Call the Five Points reception desk on 212-226-4474 for additional information or to register.

TAKE-ON PROMOTIONS, 9 SEPT 2011 -- Results

Friday, September 9th

Take-On Promotions

7 Train Theatre 134-37 35th Ave

Flushing NY 11354

Doors open 8pm

Fight Team:

Bruce Osorio

Brian Hansen

Frank Marshall

Youyung Cho

tickets and info a

vailable at the reception desk.

RESULTS:

Bruce Osorio v DK Youn (Sitan NY)

All of Bruce's bouts look like battles between David and Goliath, and this one was no different. Youn was significantly larger and attempted to use that size to intimidate Bruce. But Bruce is Bruce and he is indomitable. Stellar defense, punch combinations and non-stop aggression all garned Bruce the win by decision.

Youyung Cho v. Tank Lachaga (Sitan NY)

Youyung's second bout was a close loss to Lachaga several years ago. The intervening years have seen him grow exponentially as a fighter and tactician. Youyung dominated this contest from the open

ing bell, utilizing speed, strategy and superb ring generalship to en route to a clear decision of the hard-punching Tank.

Brian Hansen v Jens Pciri (Saigo Martial Arts)

In his sophomore outing, Hansen utilized his reach advantage to land hard jabs and straight right hands, hurting his opponent early. Pciri was game, answering with powerful overhand rights that rocked Brian several times. But Brian shook off the punches, stayed on his game and hurt Pciri with hard kicks and knees to the body. At the bell a unanimous decision for Brian.

Frank Marshall v. Victor Romero (Weapons 9)

Romero was the much larger fighter, and used it to his advantage throughout the first two rounds. Taller and physically bigger, he smothered Frank in the clinch and landed solid knees. Frank came alive in the third round, landed repeated combinations to the body and low kicks, but without enough time to capitalize on their effect. A hard fought fight, but at the bell, Romero by decision.

A very, very good night for the Five Points Fight Team! Thanks very much for the support of all the students who came to cheer on the guys, and to all the fight team students who sacrificed their own bodies preparing them!