For those that do not know, I developed a class " 7 UP" --- this is a class that you HAVE to TEST into. Your way of bypassing the TEST ( and gaining way to this class) is to have a National Championship ( eg  Fargo, Fila etc.). Otherwise, you have to at least get a "7" on a scale of 1-10 in RAW techniques on your TEST( such as Wada, Rub the Tummy, Wrist roll etc.). If you get a "7" or higher, you get 2 practices per week with just the committed and focused wrestlers of RAW 241 who have done the same. It's been a hit.

Last night was lights out! I was actually in a good mood last night at class ( I know, very rare) and I was feeling as if the group needed to match my level of energy last night or I would have just turned off the radio and lights and locked the doors. I was in too good of a mood to have the class disrupted ( as one wrestler found out last night - but he re-upped).

Following up last Sunday's class ( which was totally awesome) with another barn burner would/should have been tough. But, I have you in the "7 UP" class for a reason, and the students in that class need to bring what Micah Khan says all the time - INTENSITY. I trust in MK throwing that term around like he does b/c he lived it. He was one of my most intense students I've ever had. He treated each practice session like it was a title fight. He went his last two seasons in NJ undefeated and was NOT TAKEN DOWN --- now that's RAW! His INTENSITY can rub off on you, if your willing to let that happen. Great workout partner for the younger RAW students and I hope they match his effort.

Back to last night, it had good flow, good effort and good focus. I love to see guys approach the sessions as if it's the final hour. When we go after it in that manner we accomplish much, much more than any other session.

Yesterday I was happy to see Josh Dziewa back in the room. Josh is a beast. He is also being recruited by the 2 x defending NCAA Champion, Iowa Hawkeyes( as is NJ monster Anthony Baldosaro). The Council Rock South star snatched up a Fargo ( Jr) title last summer and is enjoying the fruits of his labor. He wants to ADD to his already impressive arsenal by incorporating the RAW skills with his --- feeling as if he continues to develop his feet game with set ups, shots,finishes and purpose, he could be unbeatable. I'd say he's spot on. Josh was able to break down the session last night to me after class--- very complete in his appraoch and completely open minded ( first sign of someone who will learn IMHO) --- he reminds me of Timmy Darling ( 3x PIAA Champ), who already had years of greatness and wins under his belt prior to joining RAW but was fascinated by our style and approach and was capable of absorbing a great deal in his time here. Timmy was able to make quick gains b/c he was open minded and hungry as heck. So too is Josh, eyes don't lie, you see it in him when he's talking to you, he wants to be great. Certain kids have that attribute, and certain kids know how to turn it on come class time - Josh fits both descriptions. Years ago Josh came to RAW , he and his boys from "around the way" , the Cimatos. I haven't seen Josh in the room since then, I've been following his great success as of late, and it's a real pleasure to  have him back in the room.

Here is a direct quote from him about last nights class:

"RAW 241 incorporates certain techniques that most clubs don't grasp. We changed the drill up every 10 minutes or so to keep the flow moving. In my 13 years of wrestling, I've never been through a technique session like the one I did tonight. First, we spent 10 minutes on shadow drilling the duck ( or shot) off of the counter to a collar tie using elbows. Then we evolved into from shadow wrestling ( that technique) into a drill using strength resistance bands to get the feel for the pressure and accuracy. (We did) Both of these drills before we even  touched a partner. Finally, in part 3  we drilled to perfection with a partner. We did 20 knees to chest and 30 v-ups periodically throughout 
  to keep us on our toes. There's a reason RAW 241 has wrestlers from Delaware, Maryland, PA and Jersey on a daily basis. They do what everyone else does, but BETTER ( caps emphasis his , not mine)."

Class dismissed!