NEWS
Students, Parents and Friends Celebrate Defensive Edge's Grand
Re-Opening!
DEFENSIVE EDGE MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY CELEBRATES
2007 AWARD WINNERS
~Joseph Connell and Matthew Flanagan of Wakefield Named Students of
the Year~
Wakefield, MA (April 28, 2008) Hundreds of students, family,
friends and supporters of Defensive Edge Martial Arts Academy packed
the Americal Civic Center in Wakefield recently to celebrate another
great year at the school and numerous award winners for 2007.
Explains Rick Alford, owner and head instructor of Defensive Edge,
“Each year we acknowledge those students and instructors who have
stood out among us to advance in the martial arts. We are proud to
recognize not only achievement in training, but also the
demonstration of character traits such as leadership, spirit,
family, sharing and overcoming adversity.”
The two Students of the Year for 2007 were Joseph Connell and
Matthew Flanagan, both of Wakefield. The Instructors of the
Year were Ciano DeLucia, of Revere, for his excellence in teaching
Muay Thai and Mixed Martial Arts, as well as Jon Warnock, of Salem,
and Josh Johnson, of Lynnfield, for their dedication and direction
in teaching Small Circle Jujitsu.
“I can’t say enough great things about how well Joe and Matthew have
advanced in their martial arts training. They are an
inspiration,” says Alford. “Additionally, our school has grown
to attract a diverse student population due to the excellence in
teaching of such specialties at Muay Thai, Mixed Martial Arts, Small
Circle Jujitsu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I am pleased to be
able to recognize Ciano, Jon and Josh for
their talents.”
Participants at the Defensive Edge Annual Awards Banquet also
collected food for the Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry. A
large box and 16 bags of food – enough to feed 8 families for a week
– were donated on behalf of the martial arts academy. “I’d like to
thank Beth Hendricks, one of our parents here at the school, for
organizing this effort. It was an excellent reminder to all of us to
help families in our community,” comments Alford.
Additional Award Winners include:
LIL DRAGONS (Ages 4-5)
Dominic Brassington
Saugus
Ohana Award 2007
Jack Ross
Lynnfield Rookie of
the Year 2007
Jonathan H. Cabrera Wakefield
Kokua Award 2007
Matthew Buston
Lynnfield Rookie of
the Year 2007
Max Dimella
Wakefield Professor
Okazaki "Leadership" Award 2007
Neil Cavanagh
Wakefield Professor Wally
Jay Award 2007
Thomas Pino
Melrose
Most Improved Student 2007
GOLDEN EAGLES (Ages 6-8)
Amedeo Zelandi
Stoneham Ed Melaugh
"Excellence" Award 2007
Brett Senders
Reading
Kokua Award 2007
Ian Hartman
Wakefield Rookie of the
Year 2007
Jake Levine
Wakefield Professor Wally
Jay Award 2007
Joseph Haas
Lynnfield Ohana
Award 2007
Katherine Maloney
Wakefield Kokua Award 2007
Kelly O'Connell
Wakefield Rookie of the
Year 2007
Lindsey Amerault
Wakefield Ed Melaugh
"Excellence" Award 2007
Patrick Krol
Reading
Professor Dave Castoldi "Spirit" Award 2007
Rachel Chanley
Wakefield Ohana Award
2007
Tommy Buston
Lynnfield Professor
Okazaki "Leadership" Award 2007
Willem Hendriks
Wakefield Most Improved
Student 2007
Craig Hatfield
Wakefield Dave Castoldi
"Spirit" Award 2007
Veer Yadav
Lynnfield Ed Melaugh
"Excellence" Award 2007
SUPER SAMURAI (Ages 9-12)
Brandon Molea
Melrose
Ohana Award 2007
Cassandra Haas Lynnfield
Professor Okazaki "Leadership" Award 2007
Charlie Oates
Wakefield Kokua
Award 2007
Kyleigh McMaster Saugus
Ed Melaugh "Excellence" Award 2007
Michael Constas Wakefield
Rookie of the Year 2007
Ryan Jonuskis Reading
Professor Wally Jay Award 2007
Kevin Manning Wakefield
Grappler of the Year 2007 (Youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu)
SHOGUN WARRIORS (Ages 9-12)
Frankie Imbruglia
Wakefield Prof. Dave
Castoldi “Spirit” Award 2007
Isaac Smith-Kawah Melrose
Professor Okazaki “Leadership” Award 2007
Joseph Connell
Wakefield STUDENT OF THE YEAR
2007
Matthew Flanagan Wakefield
STUDENT OF THE YEAR 2007
Maxwell Casa
Wakefield Professor Wally
Jay Award 2007
Michael Moran
Wakefield Ed Melaugh
“Excellence” Award 2007
Mikayla White
Wakefield Kokua Award
2007
Natasha White
Wakefield Rookie of the
Year 2007
Patrick Almeida
Wakefield Ohana Award 2007
Shane Dean
Stoneham Most
Improved Student 2007
ADULTS – Muay Thai and Mixed
Martial Arts
Christopher Taylor
Saugus
Muay Thai Rookie of the Year 2007
David Stewart
Haverhill MMA
Fighter of the Year 2007
Jon Warnock
Salem
MMA Fighter of the Year 2007
Joseph Gore
Saugus
Muay Thai Most Technical Student 2007
ADULTS – Small Circle Jujitsu
Ashley Wilhelm
Wakefield Most Improved
Student 2007
Derek Mellino
Waltham Ed
Melaugh “Excellence” Award 2007
Joe Fiandaca
West Peabody Kokua Award 2007
Joseph Gore
Saugus
Professor Okazaki “Leadership” Award 2007
Mark Brown
Salem
Professor Dave Castoldi “Spirit” Award 2007
Paul Chanley
Wakefield Ohana Award 2007
Rick Nelson
Wakefield Rookie of
the Year 2007
Austin Wolfe
Wakefield Professor
Dave Castoldi “Spirit” Award 2007
INSTRUCTORS
Ciano DeLucia
Revere
Muay Thai Instructor of the Year 2007
Jon Warnock
Salem
Small Circle Jujitsu Instructor of the Year 2007
Josh Johnson
Lynnfield
Small Circle Jujitsu Instructor of the Year 2007
Award Catagories
Wally Jay Award
Overcome Adversity
Ed Melaugh Award
Excellence in Training
Ohana Award
Makes the School like Family
Dave Castoldi Award
Indomitable Spirit
Kokua Award
Sharing Knowledge with Others
Professor Okazaki Award
Outstanding Leadership
About Defensive Edge Martial Arts Academy in Wakefield MA
Founded in 1999, Defensive Edge (www.modernjujitsu.com) is a modern,
multifaceted martial arts academy that incorporates four highly
effective disciplines: Small Circle Jujitsu (Modern Self
Protection), Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Submission Wrestling), Muay Thai
(Thai Kick Boxing) and Kali (Filipino Blade & Stick Training).
Perfect for all skill levels and age groups, its programs provide
students with cutting edge techniques and tactics for real world
self protection, fitness, combat sports competition and personal
growth. The school serves students in Wakefield, Reading,
Melrose, Stoneham, Saugus, Lynnfield and surrounding communities.
Defensive Edge Martial Arts Students Bring Home
14 Medals From Grappling Tournament
Wakefield,
MA (March 20,2008)
Seven students from Defensive Edge
Martial Arts Academy in Wakefield brought home 14 medals from the
North American Grappling Association’s (NAGA) New England
Tournament.
NAGA’s goal is to determine who the best
grapplers in the country are for various age, gender and skill
levels. The tournament which was held in
Cumberland,
Rhode Island
featured 220 Gi (Jujitsu Uniform) and No-Gi divisions.
The Defensive Edge winners are:
Chris
Taylor, Age 16
Saugus
2 Gold Medals
Joe Connell, Age 9
Wakefield
2 Gold Medals
Kevin Manning, Age 9
Wakefield
2 Gold Medals
Matt Flanagan, Age 12
Wakefield
2 Gold Medals
Mikayla
White, Age 9
Wakefield
2 Silver Medals
Natasha White, Age 13
Wakefield
2 Silver Medals
Patrick Almeida, Age 8
Wakefield
2 Silver
Medals
Says
Rick Alford, Founder and Head Instructor at Defensive Edge, “These
students showed what it takes to be champions as they competed among
hundreds of talented and well-trained competitors.
I am proud of how much they’ve learned
here and of their achievements.”
Defensive Edge Martial Arts Students win 4 of 4 in
Mixed Martial Arts Competition
Wakefield, MA
(02/01/08)
A number of mixed
martial arts (MMA) fighters
of
the American Top Team Boston who are with Defensive Edge Martial
Arts Academy’s
MMA
and Grappling Team showed off their skills with strong wins at the
Untamed 17, a ProAm
MMA fighting competition. MMA is a combat sport in which two
competitors attempt to defeat each other by utilizing a wide variety
of fighting and martial arts techniques, including striking and
grappling. All four competitors from the Wakefield Academy’s MMA
team won their matches bringing the team’s overall record to 25-4.Among
the Amateur winners was Jon Warnock in the 145-pounds weight class
who fought in three solid rounds of action, getting the unanimous
decision.
Warnock is also a popular Youth Instructor at Defensive Edge.
In
addition, amateur Dave Stewart dominated his opponent and finished
off his fight in the second round. Stewart is in the 185-pounds
weight class.
Among the Pros who
competed was Leandro “Tatu” Escobar (American
Top Team Boston) who won the Championship title
in the 135-pounds weight class.
Another Pro, Hitalo
Machado in the 155-pounds class (3-1, Best
Way/American Top Team in CT) won his match,
showcasing an aggressive style from the opening
bell submitting his opponent in the second
round..
“MMA
is an extremely popular combat sport.
The techniques we teach
are a unique blend of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
(Submission Wrestling), Muay Thai (Thai Kick
Boxing), Wrestling and Small Circle Jujitsu.
All are great ways to
train for MMA competition or to get in great
shape.
I am so proud of the
American Top Team/ Defensive Edge fighters for
their achievements in the cage.
They all work extremely
hard and earned their victories” says Rick
Alford, founder and head instructor of Defensive
Edge.
Frank Imbruglia Earns Jr. Blackbelt from
Defensive Edge Martial Arts Academy
Wakefield, MA (September 12, 2007) Frank Imbruglia
of Wakefield recently earned his Jr. Blackbelt from
Defensive Edge Martial Arts Academy after passing a
challenging test by defending himself against over
100 attacks from classmates and instructors
“Frankie has been a standout student
at Defensive Edge for over 5 years and it’s been a great joy training him to
reach this major milestone,” says Rick Alford, Founder and Head Instructor
During his training, Imbruglia, a
fourth-grader at Walton Elementary School, has earned several awards, including
the coveted Student of the Year in 2004.
“Just as important, Frankie is a model student not
only physically, but mentally as well. He consistently demonstrates his
commitment, honesty, integrity and indomitable spirit that all Blackbelts strive
for,” continues Alford. “We are all very proud of his achievement.”
Defensive Edge Instructors Sharpen Their Skills
at United Professionals Super Event
Wakefield, MA (July 19, 2007) Rick
Alford, the founder and head instructor at Defensive Edge Martial Arts Academy,
and Joshua Johnson, of Lynnfield and an instructor at the school, recently
attended the United Professionals Super Event in Orlando, FL.
The week-long conference featured
training in the newest and best teaching practices in the martial arts. “I am a
firm believer in life-long learning,” says Alford. “Even after 25 years of
teaching, I’m always striving to learn something new and innovative. I believe
that it’s important to “sharpen your sword” in the world of martial arts to
bring something fresh and motivational to the students.”
“In many Martial Arts schools,
instructors teach the way they were taught. There are no universal standards for
instructors that show how to teach specific martial arts. That’s why attending
these kinds of certification programs brings added value to our students,” he
continues. “Our student’s know that we’re focused on keeping them on the cutting
edge of the martial arts industry.”
Defensive Edge Martial Arts Instructor Defeats Opponent in Mixed
Martial Arts Competition
Wakefield
MA (DATE)
Josh Johnson, an instructor at Defensive Edge Martial
Arts Academy in Wakefield, recently participated in “Untamed 9”, a
mixed martial arts (MMA) fighting competition and won his match in a
three-round decision. MMA is a combat sport in which two competitors
attempt to defeat each other by utilizing a wide variety of fighting
and martial arts techniques, including striking and grappling.
“Josh is a true competitor and his win at
this ProAm mixed martial arts event shows what an accomplished
fighter he has become. I am extremely proud of his achievement,”
said Rick Alford, Founder and Head Instructor at Defensive Edge.
A Lynnfield resident, Johnson has been studying Small Circle Jujitsu
for 7 years, and received earned his black belt from Defensive Edge
last year.
He is also a Blue Belt in Brazilian
Jiu-Jitsu under World Champion
Andre Almeida “Dedeco”.
Defensive Edge’s MMA and Grappling Team
is the American Top Team Boston.
Josh’s victory brought the American Top
Team Boston’s record to 9 wins with only 1 loss.
“Jujitsu is a great way to train for MMA
competition because the techniques of jujitsu emphasize grappling,
striking, pinning, locking, and throwing techniques in close combat
situations,” Alford explained.
Defensive Edge Gives
Bully Buster Tips to St. Pat Students
Stoneham, MA (May 7, 2007) Rick
Alford, Founder and Head Instructor of Defensive Edge Martial Arts Academy
located in Wakefield, spent the day with students at St. Patrick Parish School
in Stoneham to offer tips on bully prevention and protection. During his
presentation, Alford taught the 3 “P’s” to Bully Busting – Prevent, Prepare and
Protect.
“Bullying is a very real and
destructive phenomenon that happens every day and at every school grade level,”
says Alford.
In his Prevention section of his
class, Alford teaches that one of the easiest ways for kids to avoid being
targeted by a bully is to walk with confidence and authority. “Bullies don't
pick on kids who are confident. They are like predators looking for easy targets
who will not defend themselves,” he explains.
Other tactics that have been shown to
help prevent being a target for bullies include:
- Find friends that like the same things you do and join their
groups.
- Walk to school with friends, siblings, or trusted neighbors.
- Stay away from places where bullies are by getting to school
earlier or later; taking different paths to school; and avoiding being alone in
hallways, restrooms, classrooms or playground.
- Stay within sight of a teacher, parent or grownup.
- Sit near the school bus driver.
- Never bring expensive stuff or lots of money to school
Most important, tell a grown up if
there is trouble. “Kids need to understand that there is a difference between
‘tattling’ and ‘telling’,” says Alford. Tattling is when a student tells an
adult what another student did simply to get him or her into trouble. Telling is
when a student tells an adult because another student’s actions were unsafe or
harmful. “When a bully is involved, it is always appropriate to tell a grown
up.”
Alford prepares kids how to respond
appropriately if the child does become a target
of bullying, Alford offers 12 ways to “walk away
with confidence”. Students also learn to use
assertive language and to avoid being too
passive or too aggressive when the situation
arises.
One of the best ways for kids to
develop the skills necessary to stop a bully is training in martial arts.
“Martial arts gives kids so many advantages over bullies and throughout life.”
Explains Alford, “The discipline and integrity which are integral to martial
arts are carried for a lifetime, and the training provides the physical,
intellectual and emotional focus necessary to defend against many types of
dangers. Perhaps most important, martial arts training gives the child the
self-confidence and positive attitude necessary to avoid becoming a target of a
bully in the first place.”
Defensive Edge
Martial Arts Academy Names Maxwell Casa of
Wakefield as Student of the Year
Wakefield, MA (April 9, 2007) Rick
Alford, Founder and Head Instructor of the Defensive Edge Martial Arts Academy,
recently awarded Maxwell Casa of Wakefield Student of the Year.
“Max is a diligent student of martial
arts and has committed the time, effort and dedication to improve his skills
over the years,” said Alford. “But perhaps most impressive is the immense spirit
and character he has demonstrated. He has been a model student who consistently
demonstrates the honesty, courtesy and integrity that are required to be a true
Martial Artist. I am very proud of all he has achieved this year.”
Over 300 family, friends, martial arts
students and instructors enjoyed the annual Defensive Edge Banquet and Award
Ceremony at the Americal Civic Center. Other award winners include:
Lil’Dragons (ages 4-5) |
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| Max Dimella |
Wakefield |
Dave Castoldi Award |
| Zachary Fiore |
Wakefield |
Ed Melaugh Award |
| Abigail Coughlin |
Wakefield |
Kokua Award |
| Jason Stelman |
Lynnfield |
Kokua Award |
| Sam Valenti |
Wakefield |
Leadership Award |
| Jake Butler |
Wakefield |
Ohana Award |
| Tommy Buston |
Lynnfield |
Rookie of the Year |
| Dominic Brassington |
Saugus |
Wally Jay Award |
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Golden Eagles (ages 6-8) |
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