Ivey League MMA – Annapolis Area's #1 Choice for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Training

Hello members of Team Lloyd Irvin Annapolis!

February 21st, 2012 | Tags: annapolis md martial arts lessons, annapolis mma lessons, danny ives bjj half guard, edgewater md mma classes, pasadena md mma lessons, severna park maryland karate classes | Category: MMA | Leave a comment

We have the upcoming Judo seminar here at Ivey league Mixed Martial Arts.

I’m sure those reading this know about it. If not, below is a link that feeds to my original post regarding the seminar with full details. **Click here for the info

I try to host seminars with outside instructors once every 3-4 months. Last time we had Ben “Funky” Askren here and it was by far one of the best seminars I’ve ever attended.

With that said….

Today I wanted to talk more about why you should take this seminar and future seminars.

Those that know me well know that I’m always trying to learn new things and that I travel the world to seek new stuff out.

Not just in martial arts, but in business and my personal life as well.

Master Lloyd Irvin calls it “Investing in yourself”

Money that you put out but it goes to making you a better person.

In my opinion, this is the best way on earth to spend your hard earned money. I don’t even like to use the term “spend” because you’re not spending money, you’re investing money into yourself and your lifestyle.

With seminars, I hear some people say they can’t afford it. Garbage. Yes they can, but they don’t feel that investing in themselves is worth it but gee that new iphone sure was worth the money.

Last year I spent $4000 to attend a seminar for business. Was it worth it?! Oh my god YES, YES YES and another YES!

I’ve been to over 100 seminars and my take on them is that if I can learn 1 thing, just one new thing that will help my martial arts skills, it’s darn worth it!

Shoot, many seminars I’ve learned tons of good things so it’s even better.

I should also point out that it’s no surprise that the best fighters and students we Have at Ivey League MMA all take seminars, most if not all seminars we host. Their progress speaks for the seminars.

So, yes you should take this upcoming Judo seminar and future seminars.

I should point out too that I don’t host these seminars to make money off students. I give all the money the seminar makes to the guest instructor.

I host the seminars because I want to see you, YES YOU! Become the best martial artist that you can be.

So in closing, are you or your child signed up for the Judo seminar? If not please see Chrissy at the front desk and get in on this because it will make you better and you’ll be doing something that 97% of the world does not, investing in yourself!

February 17th, 2012 | Tags: children's martial arts classes in severna park, danny ives bjj half guard, Kelly Franquemont UF, maryland, maryland judo seminar, pasadena martial arts classes, team lloyd irvin annapolis maryland, teresa russin gainesville FL UF | Category: MMA | Leave a comment

The Ivey league MMA in house tournament….right around the corner folks!

If you need details on the in house tourney and what it is/rules and so on please check back to older blog posts as I put all that info on here like the dates, times, prices and so on.

Today I wanted to talk about the in house tourney and I wanna talk not so much about it but more about WHY YOU SHOULD BE DOING THEM!

Why do the in house tournaments, here we go!

First and foremost, it’s just a fun thing to do and cool thing to tell people about.

Think about your friends outside the martial arts world. Ask them what their doing on February 25^th, most likely they’ll be like “nothing” or “gonna watch the game”.

Then they ask you what you’re doing on Saturday the 25^th and you’re like “competing in an in house grappling/BJJ tournament!”

Which one sounds cooler and more fun?

Yeah you guessed it, sitting around the house watching TV, haha J/K no man the tourney is the cool thing for sure!!!

The other thing is that doing tournaments will speed up your progress in your training 10 fold.

I’m not kidding at all btw…

I can’t explain why, honest to god! But look, when you compete in front of people, like a tournament, it makes you better, much better. Not sure how it works but I’ve seen it happen.

It’s happened to myself and others, **story below

We have CAP Platinum member Dave Pheiffer for example. I’ve seen his level shoot up, waaaayyyy up since he started competing in Naga.

Just the fact that he gets out there in front of people, has to have a gameplan, has to work under a time limit. All of that makes you much better at grappling.

Bottom line: Tournaments make you better at BJJ, plan and simple.

Look, in the end, it’s all about having some fun and trying something different. You want to be able to tell your grand kids that you did cool stuff when you were young like a grappling tournament.

Are you afraid to loss? If you are I understand, losing can be painful on the mind. But keep this thought with you, you’re among friends at an in house tournament.

These are all Team Lloyd Irvin guys and gals, you’re family! In the end who cares if you take some losses? It’s about learning and having a good time with the people who are your teammates and friends. So don’t be afraid to try!

Keep this in mind too, I’m not saying you need to start becoming a competitor on the local or world grappling/BJJ scene. No not at all. In fact, I’m not really a tournament school anyway, I teach people martial arts to make their lives better.

Come out, do the in house, be among friends, do some joking around, get some matches in and at the end of the day, you had the guts to step out there and compete. Ask your friends and family if they would have done that?

You’re different! You train with Team Lloyd Irvin and you’re a martial artist. Go out there, compete, show the world what you’ve got and who you are!

February 25^th, be there! 

February 16th, 2012 | Tags: danny ives bjj half guard, edgewater martial arts classes md, ivy league mma annapolis md, odenton maryland martial arts classes, severna park kids martial arts summer camp md, team lloyd irvin annapolis maryland, teresa russin UF | Category: MMA | Comments (1)

This blog post is another reminder of the upcoming special Judo seminar we have lined up for the children and the adult CAP Members (Gold, Platinum and Titanium).

Remember the seminar will be held on March 3rd, 2012. Kids start at 12noon and will go for 2 hours. Adult CAP students will start at 2:30pm and the time will vary for the adults.

Not only is this seminar worth your time but you’ll also be getting the most ridiculous deal on earth! Seminar rates are below:

CAP/BBC Members invest only $10! (FREE for Titanium Members)
Non Enrolled kids or Intro program kids invest just $20!
All proceeds will go to Sensei Kelly for being nice enough to come work with our program.

Below is a little bio on Kelly Franquemont. Please read it and get to know the young lady who will be giving up great Judo and takedown knowledge.

From Sensei Kelly:

“A little about me and how I started judo and all that: I’m 29, and I was a horseback riding instructor until I moved to Japan to teach english. I started judo there with my high school team, which is ranked among the top in Japan and regularly sends students on to Tenri University and other top judo colleges. I learned under Yamanaka Jun, who took over from his father, Yamanaka Kenichi. Yamanaka Kenichi-sensei is one of the most famous judoka still involved in the sport. He took silver at the 1965 world championships and taught Anai Takamasa until high school. He gave me my black belt test…THAT was intimidating.”

“I miss my team a lot but I am happy to have the opportunity to continue judo in the states with the University of Pennsylvania Judo team, and I try to always keep the founding principals of judo I learned in Japan – “seiryokuzenyou” and “jitakyoei” – with me. My best throws are ouchigari and haraigoshi, but here in America I’m becoming a seoinage expert because EVERYONE is taller than me! haha”

We hope the above part sheds some more light on who Sensei Kelly is and what she’s all about. Don’t miss this chance to work not only with her but also her Japanese assistant who I’m told is a beast at Judo as well. I’m sure he’ll be working a lot with the gentlemen who are smart enough to invest in themselves and attend the seminar.

I’m a big believer in investing in yourself. I still to this day take seminars, both for business and martial arts. I also belong to 2 different very high level Mastermind groups that cost a lot of money. Is it all worth it? 100% YES! Should you invest in this seminar and yourself? I don’t know, are you worth it? Do you care about getting better and learning? If so don’t waste time, go to the front desk and see Chrissy to RSVP for the seminar (that goes for parents of kids as well)!!!

February 12th, 2012 | Tags: arnold maryland karate lessons kids, children's martial arts classes in annapolis maryland, ivey league mma, judo classes in annapolis md, kelly franquemont judo UF, kids martial arts classes in annapolis maryland, martial arts classes in severna park md, pasadena md martial arts classes, teresa russin UF UCF | Category: MMA | Leave a comment

Judo seminar at Ivey League MMA!

Hey everyone,

We’re very excited to announce a cutting edge Judo seminar at Ivey League Mixed Martial Arts. The seminar will be held on March 3rd, 2012.

What is JUDO you ask?

Judo is a form of self defense that comes from Japan. It started out as Jiu Jitsu, just like the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu we do here at Ivey League Mixed Martial Arts. Judo was formed from Jiu Jitsu and since that time it’s grown into one of the most popular martial arts in the world. It’s big on all levels, for sport and self defense.

Below are some Judo highlight videos you’ll be sure to love.

This is what Master Danny Ives had to say about Judo and Sensei Kelly:

“I believe Judo is one of the funnest and best
martial arts out there for self defense and fitness.

I think that anyone who has the ability to learn Judo
should. With that said you should be at this seminar
with Kelly Franquemont as she comes to Ivey League
highly recommended for not only her Judo skills but
also skills as a teacher and coach”

There will be 2 different seminars, the first one, which will start at 12noon, will be for our kids martial arts students. That seminar will focus on the basics of good Judo and getting good clean takedowns for both self defense and competitions.

The kids seminar is open to all kids, not just kids in our more advanced Black Belt Club (BBC). Intro students, Team Lloyd Irvin kids from other academies as well as kids from outside the programs are all invited. I’m hoping that all children from the whole Annapolis and Anne Arundel County area come out for this great opportunity.

Some of the techniques that will be covered include:
Osoto Gari
Haraigoshi
Seoi Nage (dropping and standing)
Kata Guruma
Sasi (foot sweep)
Tao toshi (SP)
Ouchi Gari
Don’t miss this chance to come out and work with Sensei Kelly and learn from the best!

More details are below.

Judo Seminar with the gi featuring Sensei Kelly Franquemont of the University of Pennsylvania Judo Team
Where: Ivey League Mixed Martial Arts
When: March 3rd, 2012
What time: 12-2pm for children (ages 4-14) and 2:30-3:30pm for CAP students (Gold, Platinum and Titanium Members)
What you’ll need: A full Jiu Jitsu/Judo gi, mouth piece.
How Much: $10 for CAP/BBC Students (FREE for Titanium members), $20 for everyone else (Intro students and non enrolled)

That about covers it for the moment, I’ll be sure to post a short bio on Sensei Kelly in the next day or 2.

February 10th, 2012 | Tags: annapolis md, danny ives half guard bjj, ivey league mma annapolis md, judo, judo classes in annapolis md, kelly franquemont judo, martial arts classes in severna park md, teresa russin UF | Category: MMA | Leave a comment

Here is a basic run down of the rules and whatnot for the upcoming in house grappling tournament.

Oh and great news, we have word that Crazy 88 will be sending a team of students to come out and compete! Fun fun fun!!

Remember that this in house tourney will be for both kids and adults who want to compete in front of friends and family in a safe familor envierment. This is open to all members of Team lloyd Irvin.

Below is just a basic rundown of rules. This will at least give you an idea of what their like.

February 7th, 2012 | Tags: annapolis md, BJJ, crazy 88 bjj, grappling, ivey league mma, nogi, severna park martial arts md, team lloyd irvin maryland, top flight mma | Category: MMA | Leave a comment

and compete against other members in a friendly, safe and familiar

Cup (for men)
Mouth piece

IF you dont have a gi, you can order one through us. See a staff
member to purchase.

Cup (for men)

When? Saturday Feb 25th 2012
What time does it start? 10 am for children and 12 noon for adults
(kids belt test will go on as planned at 9 am)

A Couple of Key Points for Participants -
You are welcome to bring spectators with the understanding that our
space is limited so they may have to wait outside until it is your
turn to compete. We will attempt to fit all in that we can, but the
mats will be used so there may be standing room only for spectators.
We promise to do our best.

You WILL Be competing against your friends and fellow students. This
is very important that you understand that you are competitors on the
mat but will remain friends in real life. The point of the in house
tournament is to gain experience but not at the expense of disliking
your training buddies. This is even more important for the kids who
may experience their first win or loss in a competition.

If you are not interested in competing but want to be part of the
action, we are taking volunteers to help keep score, etc. Let Miss
Chrissy know at the front desk or send us an email if you are
interested in that and we appreciate your help.

February 3rd, 2012 | Tags: annapolis mma classes, bjj lessons in annapolis maryland, danny ives annapolis maryland mma bjj, edgewater md mma classes, ivey league mma annapolis md, mma classes annapolis md, odenton md mma classes, teresa russin mma gainesville | Category: MMA | Leave a comment

Last Saturday we hosted a party for the kids that take martial arts classes at Ivey League Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

The party was partly a late holiday bash and partly doing some good for those less fortunate.

All we asked for from the kids was 10 cans of food per child to help us make some donations to local food drives in the Annapolis/Anne Arundel County Areas.

Well the kids stepped up and did more then deliver. They dropped off tons and tons of canned food. To be honest the whole staff was overwhelmed (and overjoyed) at how many cans we got and had to package up.

In exchange for the cans we threw a kids bash that was sick! We played world war ninja dodgeball for 2 hours as well as some video games. When the parents came to get the kids we could tell it was a success based on how tired the little ones were.

The cans will be donated to the Polar Plunge. The Annapolis Maryland Polar Plunge is a huge event here and we’re more then happy to help out.

On top of the canned food we’re also sponsoring some nut cases that want to jump in the ridiculously cold waters!

Ivey League MMA will sponsor:
Coach David “The Kracken” Chavies and John “Little John” Kiser (John works next door at the scuba shop, which is named Sea Colony Sports)

This is the website for Sea Colony Sports, which is the #1 place in Annapolis for all your scuba and diving needs: http://seacolony.net/

As always Ivey league MMA and it’s staff are looking for ways to help out in the community so if you know of any good events or charities please let us know.

Next up in terms of Events will be the UFC party this weekend at Platinum level member Paul Peck’s home in Arnold, Maryland. For more information on that please email Chrissy @ info@iveyleaguemma.com

January 26th, 2012 | Tags: annapolis maryland mma classes, annapolis mma classes, children's martial arts classes in annapolis md, danny ives half guard, ivy league mma, martial arts classes, martial arts school, sea colony sports severna park md, Team Lloyd Irvin, teresa russin | Category: MMA | Leave a comment

Hi parents,

We’re going to cancel all kids classes and bootcamp today due to ice.

Adults classes will start at 11am with BJJ and the kids “can” party is still on for 2pm.

Thanks and drive safe!

–Master Danny

January 21st, 2012 | Category: MMA | Leave a comment