This past week, Team RONIN ATHLETICS was surprised with a visit from four friends from Japan.
Soon after arriving in NYC, our good friend & professional MMA fighter, Hiroyuki Abe of the Abe Ani Combat Club (AACC), dropped in again for a visit.
This time, Abe brought along three friends from Japan: two of his top youth team members, Ryoto and Kento, and the extremely talented graphic artist, Kato-san (a.k.a. Art Junkie).

Abe, Kato-san, Ryoto, and Kento joined RONIN ATHLETICS students on the mats for Wednesday’s Submission Grappling and Thursday’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gi classes providing great energy, technique, and encouragement to all present.

Many thanks to Abe, Kato-san, Ryoto and Kento for great time. We’re all definitely looking forward to future visits!
BJJ Black Belt and Pro-MMA fighter, Danny Suarez, was in town again this past holiday season and treated everyone to great workshop, focusing on takedowns, 1/4 position top ride/turnovers, Back Attacks, and Top Game for MMA. We look forward to his return in May.

Earlier this year in February, we had Pro MMA fighter, Dean Jones of London-Pancrase stop by to train with us during a business trip to NYC. Dean recently informed us that he made his return to the MMA cage this past weekend at The Ultimate Warrior Challenge, held on June 2nd in Essex, England. Dean won his match via Kimura from the Guard in the final round. Congratulations Dean! hope to see you again later this fall.

We also had the pleasure of training with Jason Van Oijen, a Muay Thai amateur fighter and coach from Holland. Jason, also in the U.S. on business not only worked out with us, but was also kind enough to teach two very energetic and technical kickboxing classes during one of weeks when I was feeling under the weather. Our thanks to both Jason and Dean, looking forward to a return visit from both. Cheers!


Christian Montes defeats Joel Blanton by 1st Round KO at Mixed Fighting Championship in Atlantic City! Many students from Ronin Athletics were there to watch it all go down.
Congratulations to Christian for his victory!

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