




Brazilian Jiu Jitsu !
Who Else Wants to Get in Shape, Have Fun,
&
Discover the Secrets to the Most Effective
Grappling Martial Art in the World?
The Mad Dog Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy is now accepting new members. If you've ever wanted to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or if you've always wanted to learn a Martial Art, this is Your chance!
Why Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?




Brazilian Jiu Jitsu allows you to train and scrimmage live without hurting yourself or your partner.
You have access to our experienced instructors, each with over 8 years of experience. They will give you the guidance you need to get the most from your training.
Right now we are offering classes at
Mad Dog Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy
202 Bussey Street, 2nd Floor
Dedham, MA 02026.
Phone: 781-461-8300.
To apply for membership in the Mad Dog Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy and to set up an introductory meeting click here.
Or call John Connors at Mad Dog Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at 781-461-8300.
Classes in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Mixed Martial Arts and Muay Thai KickBoxing
Day and Evening Classes Available - During the Week and on Weekends.
*** Private Lessons available ***
Interesting Video Links:
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Training of Marcello Garcia
Royler Gracie vs. Kempo Karate Instructor
Ninja Rua Stops in and Rolls with Everyone at Connors Mixed Martial Arts / Mad Dog Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Thanks, Ninja!

Cesar Barros, John Connors, Murilo Ninja Rua, Steve Whittier, Ken Jenkins
CONGRATULATIONS TO KEN JENKINS FOR HIS PURPLE BELT PROMOTION!
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt & Ultimate Fighter,
Kenny Florian awards Ken Jenkins
his well-earned promotion.
Great Job, Ken!
Be sure to check out Ken's website at: KennyFlorian.com. You can sign up for his newsletter and shop for instructional dvds, t-shirts and more on his site.
Tournament Results:
We had four students recently compete at the AGC 2nd Annual New England Open BJJ and Submission Wrestling Championships.
Congrats to everyone who competed!
Mike Campanella came in first place in the Beginner No Gi 145lb Division
Todd Miner also came in first place in the Super Heavyweight Beginner No Gi Division
Ken Masters came in Second in his No Gi Division
Fred Akrouche won both his weight class and the Open Weight Class No Gi Beginners Division
Great Job, guys!
Let's not forget about Chad Lightfoot who came in 2nd place in the Mens Masters Heavyweight No GI Intermediate and the Gi Intermediate Divisions at the 2007 NAGA New Englnad Championships
Dragon's Lair Grappling Challenge 14 Results:
Jesse McElligott came in first place in the Teenager Heavyweight Division
Matt Tullos came in 2nd place in the 14 years old and under Division
We brought home 8 samurai swords (first place) and some 2nd and 3rd places as well at the NAGA 2008 New England Championships.
Jesse McElligott won the teen intermediate heavy weight nogi and came in 2nd in a close match for gi.
Matt Tullos came in 2nd in the teen lightweight (130lbs to 150lbs). He was the youngest and smallest competitor in his division.
Todd Miner won the Heavyweight no gi and his son Anthony Miner won the Teen Super HEavyweight no gi divisions as well.
Dominic Blue won the super heavy weight beginner no gi division and masters division.
Mark Willis almost won his division but lost a referees decision after a scoreless tie to the winner of the division.
Leo Baptista won his no gi division.
Mike Kerr won his no gi division.
James Wilson came in 3rd in no gi.
Kade Edwards came in 2nd and 3rd in his divisions.
Todd Millay came in first in the white belt masters division.
What DO Our Members Say
About Mad Dog Jiu Jitsu?
From the first day you go on the mat you walk into a familiar, friendly, helpful and positive environment. John leads a very casual but structured and directed environment in which each individual student is encouraged and coached to develop at their own pace and capacity. The variety and different style of classes offered really makes for a unique experience when compared to many academies around the area. I feel very fortunate to have been able to train at Connors Martial Arts / Mad Dog Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and I would encourage any and all my friends to try this as well.
thanks, John Pappas
Hey John,
As a high school wrestler i needed something to keep me in good shape and keep me busy during the off-season. My dad was training at Connors MMA in BJJ and he wanted me to get into it and see what it was like.
My first class was a month away from the first wrestling practice. It turned out that BJJ was a better work out and got in great condition for the season. I went on to place in a state tournament, triple my win total from the previous season, win the "most improved" award, and I was elected team Captain for next year.
After the wrestling season ended the first thing i wanted to do was get back on the mat at Connors MMA. From that time on i have been able to experience great things such as training with my Father, Todd Miner, and meeting new people. It was also great to train with more teens my age and become great teammates and good friends.
Last week i was able to experiance my first grappling tournament. With Johns great coaching I was totally comfortable and was able to take first in my division.
Thank You,
Anthony Miner
Good Morning John.
I just want to Say, " Thank you again". The training was great yesterday.
You are a great teacher and run a fantastic academy. I find myself looking forward to the end of the work day, so I can train at Mad Dog. See you Monday, on the mat. My back has never felt better.
Have good weekend.
Paul Visconti
Hey John-
Just wanted to Thank You for all your help. At the age of 38, after years of power lifting and bodybuilding, I developed a load of lower body injuries that prevented me from doing conventional cardio ie: biking running etc. But I found that BJJ and MMA have allowed me to experience the best cardio workouts of my life. Your training offers a great mind/body connection in the sense that it challenges you mentally as well as physically Your detailed and experience instruction has helped me attain my short term goals more quickly than expected. The team atmosphere that you have created at Mad Dog makes everyone proud of each others success'.
Thanks John, see ya on the mat!
Todd Miner
I have trained with John Connors since April of 2006. It has helped with my overall physical conditioning tremendously. I have replaced most of my cardio training with
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai work.
John does a nice job of balancing working with him and pairing you up with the right partner so that you never feel overly dominated or disheartened. Others in the class are extremely helpful and patient.
I tell all my existing clients about the benefits of John's classes. It has changed my body for the better as will yours.
As important as weight training and proper diet is, without a regimented cardio program you will never achieve the lean body you are looking for. John does a great job of organizing his classes with a quick warm up, light stretching, learning proper technique, then ample time at the end for randori.
Another great benefit of training in the combat arts is the increased confidence you will have when in uncomfortable situations.
Jason Zagami 26
Expert Personal Trainer
"hey John,
I have to say I feel my bjj has skyrocketed since I started training under you...I have noticed a big difference in my skillset and have definetely been able to address some of the holes in my game...I have recommended you to many people so I hope I can get them in there...I appreciate you tailoring some of the training (adding gloves and strikes) so I can get ready for this fight. Just wanted to say thanks.
see ya tonight!"
- Chris Snow, MMA fighter
"I have the opportunity, because of traveling for business, to train at some of the top academies in the country. Steve & John have a very practical, effective approach to teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It is gaining knowledge that is applied to techniques that makes the training very effective and understandable. Both Steve and John spend the necessary time with me in order to help me achieve my goals.
My skills have excelled to a new level since joining Dedham Jiu-Jitsu. It is a fun, respectful and professional environment to train and I am proud to be a part of it."
-Paul J. Ciciarelli, Independent Sales Representative, The Ciciarelli Group
"Dedham BJJ is one of the best training facilities I have ever trained in. The training area is perfectly laid out and the mats are exceptional to train on. John and Steve are to of the best coaches I have ever had the privilege to train with.
They are always there and have a very comfortable hands-on-approach to your training. I have never felt that a concept went over my head. If it did, they were right there to break it down for me.
I really enjoy the rapport with my training partners. No matter what level someone is, everyone works as a team to improve.
It's by far one of my best investments in my training. "

Kevin J. Kearns, B.S. Exercise Physiologist
The Fitness Connection Inc.
14 A Northmeadows Rd. Suite 302
Medfield, Ma 02052 USA
PHONE: 800-516-3227
EMAIL: fitnessconnection@comcast.net
WEB: www.fitnessconnectioninc.com
"Training Brazilian Jiu-jitsu at Dedham Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Club has been a positive experience for me on many levels.
First, I can't think of better group of guys to work out with. Both Steve Whittier and John Connors are knowledgeable teachers that also know how to keep it fun.
Secondly it's a nice place. The facility has nice clean mats, adequate changing room and has plenty of parking spaces.
If you want a fun place to work out; learn a functional and effective martial art; then, I don't think there is a better place to go than Dedham Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Club.
Sincerely,
Ken Jenkins"
"Hey John,
My first impression is that your school is by far the cleanest school I've ever seen... as I said that day, the mats are pure love and that the training is fantastic.
Best Regards,
Jeff"
"I can not say enough about the positive experience I've had training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with Steve and John in Dedham. As teachers and coaches, John and Steve are excellent: detailed, clear, and patient. They have the expertise and ability to coach athletes looking to compete, but are amazingly good at relating techniques and concepts to people of any age or interest level. It is a guarantee that anyone who walks through the doors will improve, and will improve rapidly.
In addition to the skill of the instructors, the atmosphere in Dedham is exceptional. Everyone is friendly, everyone helps each other out, everyone has fun. The school has an incredible combination of a fun and friendly environment with exceptionally fast-paced, high-level learning.
I am very happy that I found this school as a place to train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. If you have any interest in furthering your training, or curiosity about beginning training in BJJ, I can't recommend this school highly enough. Stop by just once, you will be impressed."
Dan Robin
Professor
"Several years ago after having seen the UFC, I was curious to see what all this brazilian jiujitsu was all about... How could a smaller man defeat a larger opponent? I was looking for a martial art that wouldn't require me to do flying backkicks or crazy acrobatics but want to feel like I could protect myself if need be. JiuJitsu gave me the confidence that I was looking for, and I know for a fact that it works if applied appropriately. It is a true "self defense" art and a whole lot of fun. It's almost like being a little kid when practicing techniques that require you to roll around on the ground. Heck, who can't "lie down" on the ground? Now all you need to do is learn how to move. Also, it's such a good workout.
Steve Whittier in my estimation is one of the finest coaches around. Being athletics myself, I can relate to many of Steve's instructional techniques that he uses to teach. He brings not only a very high level of skill in his own practice of BJJ but also an intellect that causes a practitioner to improve. Ever since meeting him I was sure that he will go to the top with his students.
Dedham Yoga is the nicest gym that I've ever been in. It is extremely clean and welcoming. The mats used for BJJ for the first time that I've ever experienced actually are hygienic. The place makes you feel like you're in a professionally run business, yet it welcomes kids and families. Therefore, it is suitable and caters to basically everyone. I really enjoy the atmosphere there.
John Connors is the type of guy who can flip you on your back with such ease yet he's modest and down to earth. He runs Dedham Yoga without any ego, although with his skill he could if he chose to conduct himself that way. I wish him all the success with Dedham Yoga and hope continued success."
Paul Roe
Tennis Professional
"I have trained with John Connors for well over eight years and he is a true student of the game. His teaching style is very methodical and approachable for the beginner while his grasp of the complex techniques makes him an ideal teacher for the advanced student. It has been an honor to train with John and everyone that is interested in quality instruction should check out his program."
Dan McCarthy
"I learned more about fighting in my first Introductory lesson at Mad Dog Brazilian Jiu Jitsu than I did in four years of training in another martial art."
Juan V.
"I lift weights all the time. Nothing, NOTHING compares to this. Cardio, strength, weight loss - this is the best!"
R.M.
After I saw my first UFC in the octagon I became interested in brazilian jiu jitsu. But as a 36 year old data analyst and father of 2 young kids I just couldn't see training as a good fit for me. I was looking to get in shape, develop some self defense and challenge myself physically and mentally. But I wasn't looking to train to see who could take the most damage. After speaking to John on the phone I could tell his professionalism and articulate instruction would be a good fit for me and so I started a private lesson.
After 5 hours of lessons I can say that I just wish I hadn't waited so long. The facility, instruction, pace, adjusted level of intensity to meet the student, diversity of fighting styles and John's overall flexibilty to meet your personal needs have been amazing. I would highly recommend taking an intro class at Mad Dog Brazilian Jiu Jitsu if you have been thinking about learning but like me you were concerned if it would work for you.
-David Pope
Senior Technical Consultant, BCBSMA
A Letter to You from The Founder and
Head Instructor of Mad Dog Jiu Jitsu

John Connors,
Black belt, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Hello,
My name is John Connors. I’m the Head Instructor at Mad Dog Jiu Jitsu in Dedham.
I’m so certain that you’ll love training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu that I’ll give you one week of training FREE, just so you can see for yourself.
Think that you’re too old?
I doubt it.
Think you’re too young?
Doubt that too.
We have students from 14 to 55 years old training with us. In fact, I didn’t start training myself until I was 35 and completely out of shape. Now I’m 44 and in the best shape of my life.
And I love my Brazilian Jiu Jitsu workouts.
There’s only so much time on a treadmill that I can take. And even weightlifting can lose its appeal after awhile. In fact, doctors have now discovered that we need to exercise our minds and nervous systems for optimal health. Along with training our lungs, hearts, and muscles, scientists have discovered that we need exercise that causes our bodies to react to external stimuli. Skiing, tennis, and of course Brazilian Jiu Jitsu are great examples of this “missing component” of modern exercise.
Come by and start enjoying a fun “complete” workout of your body and mind. I guarantee that you’ll be glad you did.
Sincerely,
John Connors
PS. Call me in next 10 Days and I'll give you a private lesson for FREE. You have nothing to lose and a whole new world to gain.
What IS Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Unlike most other martial arts, it involves no spectacular throws & kicks & no ceremonial bows. Unlike boxing, it has no punching. & unlike virtually every other fighting technique, it does not rely on brute strength.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a form of self-defense that takes place almost entirely on the ground. At times it looks very much like the natural wrestling around that almost all kids do in play. We use these natural instincts of the child to teach the art in a fun playful way.
Adult BJJ fighters use snakelike grappling moves to choke their opponent, or, with the weight of their entire body, they press against key joints, bringing them close to a breaking point, Losers acknowledge defeat simply by tapping their fingers on the ground as if to say "Enough."

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Position
”KNEE-ON-STOMACH”
It's Effective! – The big appeal of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is that a smaller person can use technique and leverage to triumph over a larger opponent.
It's Fun – Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a form of grappling. Its movements are flowing and theoretically unlimited in number and variety. Remember wrestling around as a young kid? Brazilian Jiu Jitsu will remind you of those childhood experiences.
It's a Great Work Out – You'll work every muscle in your body. Just try a class and you'll know immediately what a great work out it is.
It's Safe –Brazilian Jiu Jitsu allows you to train and scrimmage live without hurting yourself or your partner.
Links to Our Friends:
Nexus Martial Arts and Wellness: Nexus Martial Arts and Wellness
Boston Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Boston Brazilian Jiujitsu
MassBJJ: MassBJJ-Massachusetts Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Solid Body Fit Personal Trainers
Kenny Florian: Kenny Florian KENFLO - Professional MMA Fighter
Sirius Athletic Wear: Sirius
Dragon Within Martial Arts Dragon Within Martial Arts
Defensive Edge Martial Arts Academy
Sityodtong USA Muay Thai and Mixed Martial Arts

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