July 17,2010
This past Friday night the Renzo Gracie Academy held its annual promotion night, where all the students (including all the associations) get their well deserved belts. Tonight was very special for the Codella Academy, as our own Mike Codella was awarded his Black Belt Stripe (2nd Degree BB) from Renzo Gracie. It signifies Mike's dedication to teaching and spreading the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Last night another belt promotion that has a lot of significance to us, our long time friend and training partner Mark Conroy received his brown belt. This was long overdue and we look forward to seeing him show off his new belt at the academy.
Please take time this week to congratulate Mike and Mark on the their well deserved promotions..give them a big hug as Renzo would say!
Gerry
Guys, this summer has been a hot bed of activity for guys from Our Academy. Not only have our teammates been competing in grappling competitions all over the East Coast, but Our Fight Team has seen the likes of Mike Katz perfecting his Jiu Jitsu skills as he dominated his opponent in a recent MMA bout. Also, Nick Scianna, and Mike Bergen recently fought some hard cage battles in
Atlantic City and Sayerville New Jersey. Furthermore, both Ramy Awad, and our man Chez Budgell both won their MMA debut fights not only in impressive style, but both fighters did so without ever having to throw a punch!
Now that's what Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is all about!!!
Renzo and Rickson would both be proud. Like we say 100% BJJ.
April 25,2010
Once again our Academy proved why we are one of the best Academies around. The stands were full of Team Codella / Renzo students who rooted and applauded so loud that the arena shook when our very own Mark Fileccia stepped up and decisively beat his opponent in a hard fought 3 round fight held on April 24 th in Deer Park, Long Island.
Congratulations Mark and thanks to everyone who came out, those that wished Mark well, and those that helped Mark train. GREAT JOB GUYS you make the Academy what it is!
April 19,2010
Big News guys, for the following Fridays -- 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21-- at 6:30 pm, professional personal trainer and Codella Academy Team mate , Jimmy Lopez, will be giving fitness and exercise clinics at our Academy. All members are welcome to attend free of charge, and train with one of the best trainers around. If you guys missed Jimmy's classes a few months ago, here's another chance to get in the best shape of your lives. The clinics will focus on specific area such as strength, cardio, and endurance. To get a better idea of some of the things you guys will be in for, check out Jimmy's site, at http://primalfitnessmbg.com/ , or better yet go and get a workout in at his training facility. Either way, we'll see you guys at the Academy Friday evening at 6:30 pm.
Also guys don't forget that Mike Awad, who most recently won another Gold medal at Grapplers Quest and went un scored upon while doing so, will resume the wresting program at our Academy every 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30 pm. Don't miss the chance to improve your skills!
April 08,2010
Everyone don't forget to root for Master Renzo this weekend as he makes his return to MMA, and his UFC debut. Here's a pic of Mike after getting in some hard training with Renzo in preperation for the fight.
March 31,2010
Guys, I want to take the time to congratulate everyone from our Academy who did so well at the recent tournament. You guys were able to rack up a number of medals, and everyone who competed fought hard! Keep up the great work and keep making us proud.
The Codella Academy would also like to congratulate Ricardo Almieda and George St Pierre, both members of the Renzo Gracie Family and Fight Team. Great job on their impressive wins on the recent UFC card!
Guys Professors Mike and Gerry would like to take this time to thank the Valente Brothers, Master Renzo, and his cousin Rickson for allowing them to be guests at Rickson's recent seminar held in Miami at the Valente Brothers amazing Jiu Jitsu Academy. As everyone who has ever tried on a Jiu Jitsu Gi knows, Rickson Gracie is a true living legend. His fighting skills along with his philosophy on life and Jiu Jitsu is an inspiration and the true essence of Jiu Jitsu.
Oct.1, 2009
Guys if you have a few minutes, take the time to check out the short documentary Time Warner Cable did on our Academy. Click on the You Tube link below.
Sept.28, 2009
Thanks to Will's awesome camera, we were able to capture Master Renzo's instructional. Check it out!
Sept.22, 2009
GUYS IF YOU HAVE TIME WARNER CABLE CHECK OUT CHANNEL 1111 THEN GO TO AROUND N.Y. THEN SCROLL UP TO INITIATIVES EXCHANGE. THE ACADEMY IS FEATURED IN A 15 MINUTE SHOW.
Sept.22, 2009
BIG CONGRATS TO OUR GUYS WHO WERE PROMOTED TO PURPLE BELT WITH RENZO GRACIE'S BLESSING. WILLIE COUCHON, FRANKIE TORTORELLO, RAMY AWAD, JOE PETEROY, AND OF COURSE JOE COLLINS WHO PROUDLY RECEIVED HIS WELL DESERVED BROWN BELT. GREAT JOB GUYS!!!
Check out the Gallery for some pictures of the special event................
June 11, 2009
Guys here's a couple of moves you can check out on youtube!
April 18, 2009
Professor Mike Codella was given an award by all his students on Thursday night. The award was in a appreciation for all that he has done to bring Renzo Gracie Jiu-Jitsu to Staten Island and for working hard to bring us a facility we call our second home. The night also celebrates our 1 year anniversary at our Victory Boulevard location!
Thanks again to Professor Mike for building the "family" atmosphere and making sure it thrives within the academy.........
April 07, 2009
Congrats to all the guys that competed in the NAGE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP April 4, and 5th (check the gallery for pics soon). Many of our guys won medals for our Academy, and ALL of our Team members fought hard! Remember guys the following applies often in life, but always in Jiu Jitsu!
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
November 28, 2008
Guys I want to thank all of you who attended the Professor Ricardo Almeida seminar. Professor Almeida showed some great stuff and reminded us all what being a member of TEAM RENZO means. Don't forget guys, all the money raised was donated to the GRACE FOUNDATION of New York for autism. Thanks for the support.
The following week, Mike Codella was invited to attend a promotional ceremony at Professor Ricardo Almeida's Academy. Below are some pictures of the event. Check the gallery page for more pictures.
Professor Mike Codella stands with Jiu Jitsu royalty Master Renzo Gracie, and former UFC Champ Professor Matt Serra.
Professor Mike Codella sits in the front row at the Black Belt ceremony with Professors Matt Serra, Master Renzo Gracie, Professor John Danahar, and Professor Ricardo Almeida.
November 13, 2008
"Our star John (between instructors Will and Frank) from our Junior Team, brings home a medal from the NAGA event. GREAT JOB JOHN!!!
November 12, 2008
Everyone, make sure to check out this week's Thursday Nov 13 th Staten Island Advance, the AWE section will have an article on the upcoming Ricardo Almeida seminar being held at our Academy on the 15th.
