We do our best to update this section during the early part of each month. However, sometimes that just doesn't happen. If you have any news related to the Fox Valley Grappling Club you feel should be included here, email foxvalleygrapplingclub@yahoo.com and tell us what you'd like to see.

[Aug 08] Rodrigo Vaghi Seminar
Rodrigo Vaghi, 4th degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, will be at our gym on Saturday, Aug. 30th from 10am-1pm and Sunday, Aug. 31st from 10am-1pm for a seminar. Rodrigo is one of the top Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors in the country, and we're excited to have him back at our gym. The cost is just $40 for one day and $60 for two! Email Bill Krieg if you have any questions.

[June 08] Randy Couture Seminar in Menasha, WI
Randy "The Natural" Couture came to visit his long-time friend Coach Ken Popelka and do a seminar for local fans in NE Wisconsin. The seminar was a great success, and we look forward to having Randy back up in the area soon for a follow-up seminar.

[June 08] James Peterson earns his purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Earning rank in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu takes many years of hard work and dedication. In June, James Peterson was rewarded for his efforts over the past 5 years with a purple belt from Rodrigo Vaghi. James is only the second purple belt given by Rodrigo here in Wisconsin!

[May 08] The FVGC's Whisper "The Gorilla" Goodman Defeats
UFC-Vet Adrian Serrano
On Saturday, May 17, 2008 Whisper fought former UFC fighter Adrian Serrano at State Fair Park in Milwaukee, WI. Round one saw both fighters pushing the action. Adrian landed a couple of solid leg kicks, while Whisper won the round with repeated takedowns and strikes. Round two ended with Whisper defeating Adrian Serrano via KO (straight right hand) 1:02 R2. Congrats to Whisper and we look forward to watching him continue his upward climb to the top of the 185 pound division.

[May 08] FVGC Fighters Compete at TCC Event in Kimberly, WI
On Friday, May 16, 2008 the Fox Valley Grappling Club had a number of fighters compete in the Titletown Combat event at Tanner's Sports Bar and Grill in Kimberly, WI. Michael ’ÄúMad Money’Äù Willmarth fought against Matt Brown of Fox Valley Grappling Club in a 135 pound bout. Brown dominated the fight and chased Mad Money around the cage while throwing a barrage of hooks. Brown took Willmarth down and polished off his opponent with ground and pound earning the victory early in the first.

Fox Valley Grappling Club again put two fighters in the cage with Derrick Griffin fighting Derrick Verburgt in the first professional fight. The well matched opponents lasted through the first round, with Griffin taking an illigel kick to the head on the ground from Verburgt. Griffin shook it off and went into round two, taking it in 14 seconds by submitting Verburgt via rear naked choke.

Vince Udo returned to the cage and took on Kyle ’ÄúThe Thrasher’Äù Dumars. Udo tossed Dumars around like a rag doll and worked his ground and pound. The fight went back to the feet with Dumars on the offense and attempting to slam Udo. Udo caught Dumars with an elbow on the way down, however, causing heavy bleeding and a time out. From there Udo beat Dumars to the ground until the ref stopped the match. Udo took the fight in three minutes into the first round.

Congrats to Matt, Derrick and Vince on their wins, and congrats to Russ and Carlos on their fights. Although Russ and Carlos weren't able to pull off victories, they represented the club very well and will continue to improve each fight.

[Apr 08] Whisper "The Gorilla" Goodman Wins In Miami
The Revolution Fighting Championships were held in Fort Lauderdale, FL on April 18, 2008. In this matchup Whisper defeated Roger Krahl via TKO doctor stoppage due to a bad cut at the end of the first round. As is becoming a trend in Whisper's recent fights, this was a dominating performance from the very start of the fight.

[Apr 08] James Peterson Wins Pan Americans
The Pan American Jiu-Jitsu Tournament is the second largest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competion in the world. They year James traveled out to California to experience the event. Along with Team Vaghi members from Omaha and St. Louis, James went 3-for-3 submitting all of his opponents and earning a first place gold medal. This is without a doubt the biggest grappling victory anyone from our gym has had - and we are proud to have James representing the Fox Valley Grappling Club and Team Vaghi. Click Here to see a larger photo, or look to the right to see James with his medal.

Sound like something you would be interested in trying? We offer a two-week free trial period for anyone interested in training. The two-week free trial includes this and all other programs offered at the Fox Valley Grappling Club. Contact us by calling 920-450-3172 or send us email at foxvalleygrapplingclub@yahoo.com. We look forward to training with you.

The Post-Crescent - Tues, July 1, 2008
Exercise worth fighting for. Fox Valley Grappling Club members count pain as gain. Click Here to read.

Deluxe920 Magazine - Dec/Jan 2008
Fight Club: The Fox Valley Grappling Club offers a new way to enjoy the arts. Click Here to read.

Members of the Fox Valley Grappling Club with Randy Couture after his seminar in Appleton, WI.

James Peterson standing on the first place podium at the 2008 Pan Ams in California.