THE RED CORNER
NEWS AND UPDATES FROM THE NORTH STAR ACADEMY OF MIXED MARTIAL ARTS
WEEK OF APRIL 20th, 2026
Monday Mindset, Junior Samurai Stripe Challenge, Membership Updates, and Facility FAQ Links all available at the bottom!
Happy Monday Team!
What a weekend!
Big congratulations to Tim Green on breaking into the Muay Thai world and making a huge statement, taking out one of the region’s top fighters on Saturday night in Queens, NYC. Tim worked his opponent over in the first round, then sealed the deal in the second with a big knockdown. Tim left the ring healthy and ready to get back to work for the next one — this win puts Tim in line for a title shot on May 16th right in our own backyard at the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia! Let’s plan on showing out!
We all know Tim is one of the top strikers in the area, but with most of his high level experience in the MMA world and in international competition, it was really cool to see him finally get his due on such a big stage.
We’ll have ticket and more general info for the May fights soon.
Ryan, Foster, and Zakir also got busy this weekend at Grappling Industries — no medals this time around but some great performances. Competition is not a necessary criteria for growth and advancement, but the feedback you get from these excursions is priceless. For those interested in competing, see a coach!
Our first North Star Wrestling Club session was a blast! We had over 26 students on the floor mixing it up. We’re back this Wednesday with a focus on the single leg takedown — this program runs until Memorial Day Weekend. If you want a permanent wrestling class on the schedule, vote with your feet and show up! I’d be happy to build this program out into something substantial but ultimately it’s up to you, the students, to decide.
Moving forward, we’re right back into the fire with an insanely busy fight schedule coming up. May 8th sees the debut of Xavier Taylor and Jason Lam alongside coach Joe Angelo, Andy Almorales, and Dashaun Kimp as they compete for the title of ISKA North American Champion on May 8th!
The following weekend, Makhi Anthony (and Tim) return to the ring for Freedom Fighting Championships on May 16th in South Philadelphia! We’ll have ticket info soon.
And half a world away, #1 ranked US fighter and multiple-time world champion Gianna Vadino makes her Thailand debut at Rajademnern stadium on Sunday, May 17th. We’ll do our best to stream this at the gym, but the time difference might make this super tricky. Stay posted as we figure out the logistics.
And on May 30th, many of our athletes are competing at the Rami Elite smoker in Northeast Philadelphia.
Busy busy busy!
Please note the full event schedule below:
- 4.30 – Jiu Jitsu Team Sparring Night @ 7pm. We will have a special schedule for Thursday, 4/30.
- 5.8 – 5.10 WEEKEND – ISKA National Tournament.
- 5.16 SATURDAY – Grapple at the Chapel: Fit Jitsu and Junior Samurai showcase and awards!
- 5.16 SATURDAY – Freedom Fighting Championships in South Philadelphia.
- 5.22 – 5.25 WEEKEND – Memorial Day Weekend, schedule TBD.
- 5.30 SATURDAY – Rami Elite Smoker.
- 6.20 SATURDAY – Gut Check Championships in Delaware.
See you on the mats!
–Coach Jackson
You can find this week’s Monday Mindset HERE
You can find this week’s Junior Samurai Stripe Challenge HERE