THE RED CORNER
NEWS AND UPDATES FROM THE NORTH STAR ACADEMY OF MIXED MARTIAL ARTS
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 17th, 2025
Monday Mindset, Junior Samurai Stripe Challenge, Membership Updates, and Facility FAQ Links all available at the bottom!
Happy Monday Team!
We are fresh off a big weekend for the striking team, who competed at the WKA Scrimmage in Shillington, PA on Saturday afternoon. Great performances by Jihad, Brandon, Ayden, Jason, and Xavier! While there are obviously technical criteria that I pay attention to in a specific competition (volume, stamina, pace, evolution, etc), there are also criteria that span longer periods of time: development, commitment, work ethic, durability, and so on.
We can’t go into any conflict or competition with the guarantee that we will have the superior skills, gameplan, and conditioning. Victory is never guaranteed and therefore it is out of our control. However, preparation is entirely within our control, and that spans a physical, mental, and spiritual commitment over a long period of time. I am proud of these guys for sticking to the gameplan and getting appropriately prepared just as much as I am for their great performances.
Big thanks to Cody Passaro as well for coming by and helping out with the team!
THURSDAY CLINCH IS NOW AT 7:00PM.
We have moved our Thursday night Striking class to 7:00pm. This will run concurrently with BJJ Open Mat following coach Ian’s All Levels Gi class.
SNACKSGVING! HOLIDAY PARTY FOR OUR KIDS
We have limited space remaining!
We have had a great time so far this year with our Smash Bash and Rave at the Grave youth parties, so we’ve decided to invite everyone back in for another evening of fun, games, and pizza here at the church. Our SNACKSGIVING party will feature a more laid back itinerary, with kids encouraged to bring their favorite games as well as a favorite snack to share. Dinner and a mystery snack bag will be provided for all attendees. The cost is $35 and runs from 5:00pm – 8:30pm on Saturday, November 22nd, for ages 8-13.
For more information, and to register, follow this link: SNACKSGIVING Sign Up!
FRIDAY NIGHT BJJ IS NOW NOGI LEGLOCKS
We had a great first week’s showing at our nogi leglock class last week! This class is open to all BJJ students with approximately 1 month experience (you just need some basic understanding of major positions and a good attitude).
Curriculum for our leglock class will be somewhat contiguous, meaning that what we work on one day will be informed by previous days, so make sure to BE THERE REGULARLY. The total is greater than the sum of its parts, as they say.
This week is definitely not too late to start as we have just begun to scratch the surface!
UPCOMING EVENTS
- 11.22 – SNACKSGIVING!
- 11.27 – Closed for Thanksgiving. Friday + Saturday schedules may be adjusted.
- 12.6 – Freedom Fighting Promotions in Jamaica, Queens.
- 12.24 to 1.01 – Holiday week, schedule TBA.
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