TACTICAL STRENGTH CHALLENGE, 5/5/12

Congratulations to everyone who participated in the Tactical Strength Challenge on May 5th. Five Points Academy had a very strong showing with 16 participants, EVERY ONE OF WHOM HIT A PR IN THE DEADLIFT! Most achieved personal records in the pull up and kettlebell snatch lifts, as well. Big thanks to Steve "Coach Fury" Holiner for suggesting that Five Points participate and for donating his time and coaching expertise; to Lance and Ron for invaluable assistance with scorekeeping and documentation; to Arjan Steve for agreeing to host the event;  and to all of those who trained for the competition or cheered on those who did. Results will be posted to the TSC website, along with results from all the other participating locations nationally and internationally; look for more chances to prepare and participate in strength competitions at Five Points Academy in the future.

FIVE POINTS ACADEMY JUDO welcomed  the British Royal Marines Judo Team to class on Tuesday, April 24th. On a US/Canadian Competition Tour, the British Forces Team competes this weekend in Quantico, VA against the Army and FBI judoka. While in NYC, the Brits came by to practice with the Five Points players. A great experience and good fun for everyone!

THE APRIL 2012 NEWSLETTER IS IN YOUR MAILBOX...

or read it online here.

MUAY THAI AT THE MECCA -- results

Muay Thai at the Mecca (Results)... Muay Thai moved to the center stage in NYC as TakeOn Productions put on a glittering show at the Theater at Madison Square Garden. A sold out crowd and solid fights...it should have been a night of celebration for all the fighters on the show and their fans, win or lose. Unfortunately, nothing puts a bad taste in the mouth of both fighters and spectators as poor judging, and this was epic. Sticking to just those bouts involving Five Points Fighters (although there were plenty of other examples):

Angie v. Praire Rugilo (Girl Fight MMA). Rugilo is an aggressive, hard punching opponent. But Angie neutralized her game plan with front kicks, straight punches of her own and utter dominance in the knee and the clinch. After the 1st round, Rugilo spent much of the fight trying to avoid closing with Angie. The majority decision with Angie on the bottom was, quite frankly, inexplicable. Rugilo's corner was sporting enough to offer a rematch. Angie would very much liek to take them up on it.

Cornell v. Rudy Felix (Sitan Gym). Sometimes you lose; tonight was Cornbell's turn. Felix did an excellent job of using his length, speed and athleticism to shut down Cornell's hard low kicks and right hand. Rounds one and two were all Rudy and Cornell tried to get into his range and into his groove. Round 3 saw him starting to look comfortable, slipping Felx' attacks and landing hard counters but it was too late. This fight was an outstanding bout between to very fine up and coming fighters you will see a lot of in the future. It's also the kind of loss a fighter can understand and learn from, as Cornell doubtless will do. Congratulations to Felix on a very strong performance.

Vinnie v. Delroy McCoy (Camp Undefeated). McCoy attempted to knock Vinnie out with every punch he threw. And he landed a few. Unfortunately, none of them did the trick and Vinnie answered with plenty shots of his own, as well as am arsenal of muay Thai techniques: front kicks, low and body roundhouse kicks that visibly hurt McCoy, and complete and utter dominance in the clinch. Even with an inexplicable and unpopular point deduction from Vinnie for a "low blow" -- the crowd was very vocal in their displeasure -- the majority decision for McCoy was a complete surprise to pretty much everyone.

Big props to the TakeOn team for the jump to the big ring in the big venue. Everyone involved in muay Thai in New York -- in the country, for that matter -- hopes they do it again. Hopefully, the caliber of the judging will match the caliber of the promotion.

MUAY THAI AT THE MECCA TICKETS AT THE FRONT DESK

Tickets (discounted for Five Points members) are available at the reception desk for the March 16th fights at the Theater at Madison Square Garden. Come support Vincent, Cornell and Angela (in a title bout) as they step into the ring under the big spotlight!

THE MARCH NEWSLETTER IS OUT!

Fight results, upcoming events, member happenings, info you can use...if it's not in your in box, you can read it online here.

MARCH IS FOR FIGHTING...

It's a busy month for the Five Points Fight Team as they appear on promotions throughout the tri-state area nearly every weekend of this month:

March 3 (Saturday): The Warrior's Cup Muay Thai Challenge. It's a NY vs PA Challenge hosted in New Jersey as our technical wizard Jose Cruz faces Jeffrey Hsieh of the New Jersey branch of Pittsburgh's Sitkangmongkorn and Carl Gaeta gets to face Sean O'Gorman out of the same camp.

March 9 (Friday): Friday Night Fights. This classic NYC

promotion returns to the Broad Street Ballroom for the night. Five Points will be represented by the always exciting Youyung Cho (v. Ragelio Castillo of Anderson's Martial Arts) and Giovanny Mercado (v. Jafar Toshev of Brooklyn's Fight Factory) fresh off a big KO victory in his last bout.

March 16 (Friday): TakeOn Promotions Muay Thai at the Mecca. This Flushing-based promotion makes the jump to the Theater at Madison Square Garden to showcase some of this area's best talent. The Five Points Team will be represented by the always formidable Vincent Hui (facing Delroy McCoy of Camp Undefeated), Cornell Ward (v. Rudy Felix of Sitan Gym) looking to repeat the emphatic victory in his last bout, and in a title match, one of the hardest-working fighters in the gym, Angela Babel (against Prairie Rugilo of Girlfight MMA).

Come out and support the team!

ANOTHER GREAT KETTLEBELL WEEKEND...

Five Points was extremely lucky to welcome Master RKC Andrea Ducane back to Five Points on Feb 11/12 for a 1st of it's kind NYC kettlebell weekend: an HKC Certification on Saturday and an RKC Recertification on Sunday. Both events were an outstanding example of the strength of the RKC teaching system, especially under the expert instruction of "the Kettlebell Goddess." If you have the opportunity to train with Andrea, don't think...just do. Check the Five Points News and Facebook sites for upcoming RKC events -- they never disappoint!

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.