Continuing the fight for dominance of the grappling scene in Oakland, Pitt and CMU once again faced off for Oakland Throwdown 5. CMU came out on top this time around at 21-3. Both clubs brought a lot of too grappling to the mat, and are looking forward to throwing down again. Nice job to everyone who participated!

Western PA BJJ Championships 2008

The Panther Grappling Club made an appearance at Keystone Oaks High School for the Western PA BJJ Championships. Congratulations to everyone who competed. Featured in the picture are members of both Panther Grappling and Team Balance Pittsburgh. As you can see, numerous members got themselves some nice shiny hardware to wear around their necks. Medals or no, everyone who competed did great, and should be proud.

Schedule of Practices

The Panther Grappling Club meets weekly to practice techniques and review new instruction in a fun and safe environment. On no-gi days, we practice in regular gym or workout clothes. On gi days, we use a uniform called a gi or kimono. Feel free to contact us about any scheduling concerns.

When does the Panther Grappling Club meet normally?

The schedule for Spring 2009 is currently:

• Wednesday: no-gi, 6:00 -8:00 PM in Trees Hall Mat Room (upper)
• Friday: no-gi, 2:00-4:00 PM in Trees Hall Mat Room (upper)

Additional practices and open mats will be announced as they occur.

What is involved in the typical practice?

Practices typically begin with some brief warm-ups followed by drilling some basic movements. We then practice different techniques from standing then from the ground. Skills covered include both sport and self-defense moves. We may drill the movements with increasing resistance from 0%-80%. Finally we end practice with live sparring called "rolling" or "randori." Here the resistance can go anywhere from 70%-100%. On no-gi days we focus more on wrestling and submission grappling, while on gi days we focus more on judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Where is Trees Hall?

Trees Hall is located at the intersection of Allequippa Street and Darragh Street.

The large multi-purpose room is on the level below the main entrance between the swimming pool and the weight room. From the men's locker room, go down the stairs to the racquetball courts. Turn right and make a left at the end of the hallway. The multipurpose room is on the left.

The mat room on the main level is close to the men's locker room. After going through the main entrance turn right down the hallway. Go through the door labeled A147. Go through the second set of doors and look right. Go through the door labeled A141. We are in the very end of that room.