MMA News: Tompkins Passes Away, Upcoming Fights for Redemption and Gracie Barra
Canadian MMA trainer and pioneer Shawn Tomkins Passes Away at Age 37
The mixed martial arts world is shocked and saddened today as the news that world renowned trainer and London Ontario’s own Shawn Tompkins passed away in his sleep yesterday.
Tompkins is famous for opening and running the Adrenaline Training and Fitness Center in London many years ago, and guiding the careers of young fighters such as UFC veterans Sam Stout and Mark Hominick as well as up and comer Chris Horodecki.
Tompkins is widely respected as one of the best striking coaches in all of mixed martial arts as well as a trainer who put his fighters first at all times.
He will be sorely missed throughout the world of mixed martial arts.
Redemption MMA fighters Kirk and Eldridge set to Compete in the MCL
Two of Chatham’s mixed martial artists will be competing in the MCL (Michigan Combat League) this Saturday August 20th in Melvindale, Michigan.
Team Redemption MMA fighter Tyler Kirk will be making his third appearance in the cage when he faces Michigan fighter Thomas Fodole. Kirk is 2-0 in the cage and is planning to win this one in spectacular fashion either by knockout or submission.
Also representing Redemption on the card and making his mixed martial arts debut is Steve Eldridge.
Gracie Barra - Photo by Rollan Budi
The event takes place this Saturday August 20th at the Melvindale Ice Arena in Melvindale, Michigan.
A Busy September For Gracie Barra Chatham
Gracie Barra Chatham trainer Thomas Armstrong is busy working hard and preparing his fighters for a very exciting September schedule.
The next big event on the agenda for Gracie Barra fighters is the Bravado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu open which takes place on September 10th in Brampton. The Bravado is a tournament held by the Ontario Jiu Jitsu Association and the finals will be held on Sunday the 21st, as part of the Canadian Submission Expo event.
It doesn’t stop there for Gracie Barra because on the weekend of September 25th, they are scheduled to host the next ICAD’s no-gi grappling tournament at the facility in Chatham.
Gracie Barra rising star Josh “The Ripper” Rich is looking to keep his solid momentum going following his 90-second submission victory in late July. He will be on the upcoming TXC card in Michigan. Details for the event are yet to be announced.
Dwight Wakabayashiis a Featured Columnist at CKSN.com (Also a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report MMA and a correspondent for MMACanada.net).