MMA IRELAND / DUBLIN CITY CENTRE / Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) & Submission Wrestling » – MMA Dublin

Kokoro MMA Dublin: Summer Submission Tournament 2010

Kokoro MMA — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:11:06 +0000

What a great day was had by all! The purpose of our in-house tournaments is to give beginners (those with 0-24 months experience) an opportunity to compete in a friendly and safe environment. This weekend was awesome and we made some great new friends.

Thanks to Legends Gym for attending as guest competitors. We sincerely hope that this will be the first of many sessions together. A great bunch!

Congratulations to our winners (names posted later) and to all that “put their money where their mouth is” and turned up to participate on the day. Awesome!

Join the forum discussion on this post - (8) Posts

Schedule Update

Kokoro MMA — Wed, 12 May 2010 13:34:00 +0000

We’re constantly striving to improve the training options available at Kokoro. We’ve recently updated the schedule and there is now an opportunity to practise (sparring) five days per week. Schedule here (click).

Spring Level Assessment 2010 – Awesome!

Shane — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 18:11:56 +0000

Take 30 guys, tell them they’ll need to spend the next three hours sparring, then sit back and watch the magic unfold. That’s how it was at today’s level assessment.

Not to disrespect those that have gone before but WOW! This was hands down the best display of technical awareness we’ve experienced during a Kokoro Level Assessment. We implemented our Starter Concepts Programme about 6 months ago. We held the belief that slowing down in the short term – and building a solid foundation from which to grow – would pay dividends in the long term. Today we were proven correct.

To those that participated today, you deserve 100% respect for your performance and I can’t wait to spend more and more time sparring with you on the mats over the months and years to come.

Kokoro MMA Dublin, 2010 Q1 Matchups Confirmed

Kokoro MMA — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:52:56 +0000

Q1 of 2010 will prove to be an exciting one competitively for Kokoro Dublin. We’ve confirmed matchups for two of our more experienced fighters and three debuts are scheduled.

Let’s hope that the Kokoro Army will be out in full swing to support our guys as they put their respective K-1 Kickboxing and MMA skills to the test;

There are also a couple of national and international submission tournaments that we’ll be competing in during Q1. So, busy, busy, busy….!

2010 – New Year, New Training Programmes!

Kokoro MMA — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:39:09 +0000

Our 12 Week Progressive MMA Programmes have been hugely successful and we’ve received nothing but positive feedback on them. We’ve been keeping an eye on performance gains for the last 12 months and reached the conclusion that, provided we’re willing to keep pushing ourselves and the boundaries of what can and can’t be done, then perfection can be improved upon! We’re pleased to say we’ve now put the finishing touches on our 2010 training programmes and we’re about to get started. We’re really exited about these programmes!

Our Starter Concepts courses (aka. Group 1) and Core Concepts courses (aka. Group 2) have been revised and improved upon. We’ve a plan for every session through 2010 and we’re certain that we can expect gains over and above the incredible results we experienced last year. We’re always looking to improve on our methods so we’re really looking forward to the introduction of our revised programmes.

We’ll get started with our Quater 1 programme in 2 or 3 weeks time. Stand by for lift off!

Train For Free at Kokoro MMA, Dublin City

Kokoro MMA — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 18:16:33 +0000

Having trouble deciding whether MMA is for you? Then there’s been no better time to get started. Kokoro MMA have always offered free training – allowing people the opportunity to decide whether MMA is for them. So why not try out a class?

Take a look at our schedule below. Regardless of your experience level (from new starter to experienced fighter) you’ll find something for you. Head down to “MMA 1″ on Monday night and you can train for free to see if Kokoro is what you’re looking for. Please, no spectators, just get stuck in and see if it’s for you. All our training is progressive so you’ll be training at a level of intensity that suits your current level of experience and fitness.

For more extensive information; just take a look at our complete schedule.

Winter 2009 Level Assessment: Historic Day for Kokoro Dublin

Kokoro MMA — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 15:41:30 +0000

Technical progression is constantly and consistently put to the test in all Kokoro Gyms. Dublin continues to lead the way with the final event of 2009. Congratulations to all involved in todays Level Assessment!

Each participant was evaluated during Mixed Martial Arts sparring. We were looking into posture, posititioning and various strategic concepts applied accross the five components of Kokoro Mixed Martial Arts;

1 – Striking
2 – Dirty Boxing
3 – Takedowns
4 – Submission Wrestling
5 – Ground & Pound

Toping off a truly incredible year; the sea of white shirts continues to grow and Kokoro takes a great leap in its history. On this day, not only did we award our first ever blue shirt, but they were earned by TWO of the cornerstones of Kokoro Dublin. Well done to Jonny Origan and Johnny Bowden on making this a historic day for Kokoro

Congratulations to everyone involved.

Yet another day to be proud of all that Kokoro has become!

Winter Submission Tournament, 12th October, 2009

Kokoro MMA — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:56:10 +0000

Just a bit of info for the the in-house tournament. This is essentially a training exercise that’s both a bit of fun and an opportunity to get a feel for what it’s like to compete. The weighin will take place at 10:00am. Read on for more information and tips.

We’re expecting around 50 participants – so this should be a blast! I’m sure we’ll have earned a few beers at the Christmas Party at 20:30 on the same night!

Well Deserved Victory for Bowden at Ultimate Conflict V

Kokoro MMA — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:17:02 +0000

Hard work pays off. Period. Just a few days ago, Johnny wasn’t sure that he would be fighting at Ultimate Conflict V, following the withdrawl of his opponent. It’s testimony to his mindset though, that he stayed 100% focused on being prepared to fight, training with fingers crossed!

Fortunately for Johnny, Fra McCaffery found himself without an opponent too and a quick match up was arranged. Fra fights out of Progressive Combat Belfast, one of Ireland’s strongest camps, so we knew this was going to be a great fight.

McCaffery was bigger, stronger and very tough, but ultimately Bowden was the more skilled fighter on the night and dominated in all technical aspects of MMA (striking, clinch, takedowns, grappling) and scoring criteria (control, agression, effort to finish etc). After three rounds, each a display of rock solid technique, Bowden was awarded a well deserved win.

Congrats Johnny!

Kokoro Mixed Martial Arts International, HQ, North Dublin City

Kokoro MMA — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:33:15 +0000

It’s been a crazy weekend but it’s been worth it! Some forty or so volunteers from the gym have been working the whole weekend to get our new HQ up and running. We’re pleased to say, that training at the new place has begun!

Thanks to EVERYONE that made this possible. We’ll post alot more info and photos shortly coverinng the build and the opening nights.

Well Earned Rest This Bank Holiday Monday: 26th October, 2009

Shane — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 19:25:45 +0000

It’s Bank Holiday Monday and we’ll be taking a short rest – just for the day! Enjoy the well earned break and we’ll see you back at the gym on the Tuesday.

Autumn 2009 Level Assessment: The Sea of Kokoro Shirts Continues to Grow!

Kokoro MMA — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 19:37:52 +0000

Another successful level assessment at Kokoro today. Some of our beginners group got together and twenty eight people fought it out to put themselves to the test and collect their coveted Kokoro shirts.

Each participant was evaluated over a 3 hour period of Mixed Martial Arts sparring. We were looking into posture and posititioning applied during sparring accross the five components of Kokoro Mixed Martial Arts;

1 – Striking
2 – Dirty Boxing
3 – Takedowns
4 – Submission Wrestling
5 – Ground & Pound

What a great day! Twenty three members picked up their white shirts and four picked up their yellow shirts (the most ever collected in a single assessment at Kokoro).

Congratulations to everyone involved and thanks to Derek Coleman, Johnny Bowden and Jonny Origan for acting as both saftey police and assistant assessors.

Another day to be proud of all that Kokoro has become!

Smash & Blast Workshop (I): Fundamental Attacks for MMA Striking

Kokoro MMA — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 18:23:50 +0000

Great bunch at the workshop today. Getting to grips with the fundamentals had a significant impact on the form of all in attendance; looking forward to seeing this come through in sparring and – with time – in the cage.

Posture, position and control of range is what it’s all about. If we can learn to control these things then we’re on to a winner. Thanks to all for putting in the effort and for asking all the right questions!

Join the forum discussion on this post - (10) Posts

Kokoro Summer Submission Tournament 2009

Kokoro MMA — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 17:31:53 +0000

What a day! Hands down the best display of sportsmanship, camaraderie and skills since the founding of Kokoro Mixed Martial Arts. The Summer Submission Tournament saw 30 participants, 6 medalists and 3 overall winners grappling their way through up to four matches to take gold in their respective weight categories.

Sadly, 95% of the photographs from the event are unusable (the various photographers forgot to focus before snapping the shots! Doh! ) but we’ve a couple that are salvaged and will get them up as soon as we can. In the meantime; visit the “Highlights” section and have a look at the highlight reel of the event!

Just want to say how proud a day it was to see everybody put everything into the tournament whilst ensuring that we had a safe, fun and competative day! Truly Awesome! I know it’s corny – but there were truly no losers today. 100% quality and outstanding performances.

Congratulations to our medalists and overall winners;

Middle: Levente Almasi (Gold), Dave McCormack (Silver)
Heavy: Johnny Bowden (Gold), Josh Coughlan (Silver)
Light: Keith Roddy (Gold), Derek Coleman (Silver)
Sub of the Day: Dave McCormack (Super Smooth Armbar)

Guys, we’ll get the full list of matches and results up online asap. In the meantime, I want to thank everyone for making this a superb day without a single hiccup. Extra thanks to Dr. Frank Antolcic for being on hand throughout the day and keeping everyone safe.

AWESOME!

This Week at Kokoro: Focus on Ground and Pound

Kokoro MMA — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 12:05:48 +0000

“Ground and Pound” – the distinctive Hallmark of Mixed Martial Arts. This element of the sport has evolved to become a true fusion of grappling and striking skill.

Our beginners at Kokoro Mixed Martial Arts have been focusing on development of effective Ground and Pound (GNP) attacks this week. We typically start our beginners off from inside the guard since this is arguably the most precarious of GNP positions and it allows our opponent a host of defensive and agressive options. Drills, drills and more drills ensure that our guys ‘n girls quickly develop a balanced approach to GNP from the guard. This, in turn, serves as a solid foundation for GNP skills from all other positions.

This Week at Kokoro: Focus on Ground Control

Kokoro MMA — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 21:08:29 +0000

A good active guard is part of the standard skill set of any Mixed Martial Artist these days. So, it pays to know how to defeat this highly effective position.

Defeating the guard is an essential skill. We like to think of the guard as a mine-field. You just don’t want to be in there – period. Even with the best will in the world however, getting pulled into guard is going to happen, especially early on in any mixed martial arts career. So, this week we decided to give everyone a map through the minefield. A strategic approach toward defeating the guard!

This Week at Kokoro: Focus on Takedowns

Kokoro MMA — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:09:26 +0000

Takedowns are an essential aspect of Mixed Martial Arts. This week our beginners groups have been focusing on some of the less orthodox takedowns in MMA.

By using the “Sneak Through”, we put ourselves in a position where by we can effect takedowns from behind our opponent. Often, opponents are far less experienced at defending takedowns from their back and this can lead to a land of opportunity for the more skilled athlete…

Congratulations in Order: Promotions Well Deserved Following Spring ‘09 Assessment

Kokoro MMA — Sat, 30 May 2009 15:59:02 +0000

The Kokoro Spring Grading 2009 went off without a hitch today. It was a real pleasure to see so many give everything they have for the sport we all love! Putting striking, dirty boxing, takedowns, submissions and ground ‘n pound to work over a three hour period is no small task – particularly when you know your performance is being assessed. Promotions and shirts were well earned today!

Judging by this pic, taken within minutes of the final sparring matches of the day, everyone seems to have enjoyed themselves.

Thanks to everyone for putting so much effort in and helping bring Kokoro to where it is today. Particular thanks to the parents that gave up their afternoon to supervise the youth gradings.

Here goes with the promotions… …looking forward to a sea of Kokoro shirts in training next week!

Kokoro: The Next Generation?

Shane — Sat, 23 May 2009 14:24:28 +0000

90% of Kokoro members train in Mixed Martial Arts for the fun of it. It’s a hobby. Then there are those that do it because they can see themselves standing in the cage one day.

Congratulations to the lads that were on the mat for today’s invitation only training session. Kokoro’s Competition Training programme is infamous at this stage – and second to none. Seeing the performance of the lads today… …we could well be looking at Kokoro’s next generation of fighters.

Congratulations and well done to ALL that participated!

This Week at Kokoro: Focus on Boxing for MMA

Kokoro MMA — Fri, 22 May 2009 00:25:21 +0000

Another week flies on by…! We’ve reset the clock on our 12 week cycle to focus striking skills this week. The central theme… …boxing for MMA.

Finding the confidence to get out of the “one hit wonder” mentality isn’t easy. It’s common enough to develop a “jab one two” addiction in the early days. We’ve developed a host of drills to get our guys throwing “punches in bunches” in a suprisingly short time.