Why martial arts can make an impact at any age
Owner/operator Jason Dent with his wife Masda and son Lincoln. Jason entered the MMA cage as a professional in 2003, defeating his first opponent. He won the first of his five professional championships a little later that year. Masda helps with administrative responsibilities and teaches muay thai and boxing programs when needed. She is also a team fighter and has competition experience. Lincoln is currently a purple belt in their junior MMA program.
If you’re looking for an activity that does more than burn calories and pass time, martial arts might just be your family’s next best move. At GriffonRawl Combat Sports & Fitness in Mentor, programs such as muay thai, boxing, MMA, junior MMA, elder fit, Brazilian jiu jitsu, and wrestling are helping kids and adults alike build fitness, self-defense skills, discipline, and confidence.
“We train beginners to professionals in the arts to get in shape, learn to fight to be able to defend yourself, compete and/or just to have a lot of fun,” says owner Jason Dent, a professional mixed-martial-arts veteran who has dedicated his career to helping students of all ages grow physically and mentally.
Research shows that structured martial arts training improves physical fitness—speed, agility, strength, coordination, and balance—even in children. Beyond the physical benefits, martial arts teach life lessons. Kids learn focus and respect; adults discover mental resilience and stress relief.
A smart move for any age
Children today spend more time on screens than ever, but martial arts training pulls them into the real world. It gives them something tangible: mastering a skill, earning a belt, learning to control both their bodies and their emotions. The result? Confidence, self-discipline, and respect for others.
Adults can benefit just as much. Whether you’re diving into Brazilian jiu jitsu or joining a muay thai class, you’re not just fighting an opponent—you’re building strength, improving your health, and developing the ability to defend yourself if necessary.
“I have been training at GriffonRawl for nearly 13 years. This gym has always been welcoming and felt like home. For the last three years, Coach Jason Dent and his staff have been amazing at helping influence my daughters. In addition to learning all the skills for self-defense and competition, they are learning respect for themselves and others. It has been an amazing journey. We are so grateful for the opportunity to plug in and train together.”
— GriffonRawl student and parent
It’s not about fighting — it’s about empowerment
At GriffonRawl, the goal isn’t to create brawlers—it’s to build confident individuals who can handle life’s challenges. Junior MMA and wrestling classes, for example, emphasize technique, control, and sportsmanship, teaching students to prevent and defuse conflict rather than start it.
Take the first step
Dent encourages anyone curious about martial arts to give it a try. “Check out our weekly schedule online. Stop in anytime and check out as many different programs as you’d like. No reservation needed. The first session in each program is free! It’s that simple. No obligations!”
Whether your child is bursting with energy or you’re an adult seeking meaningful movement, martial arts can be the answer—fitness, focus, confidence, and self-defense all rolled into one.
At GriffonRawl you’ll find more than classes; you’ll find a community that pushes, supports, and celebrates you every step of the way.
GriffonRawl Combat Sports & Fitness is located at 6090 Pinecone Drive in Mentor. For info call 440-358-9371 or visit ohio-mma.com.
~Article by Dan Miller
“We train beginners to professionals in the arts to get in shape, learn to fight to be able to defend yourself, compete and/or just to have a lot of fun,” says owner Jason Dent, a professional mixed-martial-arts veteran who has dedicated his career to helping students of all ages grow physically and mentally.
Research shows that structured martial arts training improves physical fitness—speed, agility, strength, coordination, and balance—even in children. Beyond the physical benefits, martial arts teach life lessons. Kids learn focus and respect; adults discover mental resilience and stress relief.
A smart move for any age
Children today spend more time on screens than ever, but martial arts training pulls them into the real world. It gives them something tangible: mastering a skill, earning a belt, learning to control both their bodies and their emotions. The result? Confidence, self-discipline, and respect for others.
Adults can benefit just as much. Whether you’re diving into Brazilian jiu jitsu or joining a muay thai class, you’re not just fighting an opponent—you’re building strength, improving your health, and developing the ability to defend yourself if necessary.
“I have been training at GriffonRawl for nearly 13 years. This gym has always been welcoming and felt like home. For the last three years, Coach Jason Dent and his staff have been amazing at helping influence my daughters. In addition to learning all the skills for self-defense and competition, they are learning respect for themselves and others. It has been an amazing journey. We are so grateful for the opportunity to plug in and train together.”
— GriffonRawl student and parent
It’s not about fighting — it’s about empowerment
At GriffonRawl, the goal isn’t to create brawlers—it’s to build confident individuals who can handle life’s challenges. Junior MMA and wrestling classes, for example, emphasize technique, control, and sportsmanship, teaching students to prevent and defuse conflict rather than start it.
Training for everyone
No matter your age, experience level, or goals, GriffonRawl offers a supportive environment where everyone trains together and improves together.- Muay thai and boxing: Develop striking skills, coordination, and cardio endurance
- MMA and junior MMA: Blend striking, grappling, and real-world self-defense
- Elder fit: Strength, balance, and mobility for older adults
- Brazilian jiu jitsu and wrestling: Ground control, leverage, and staying calm under pressure
Take the first step
Dent encourages anyone curious about martial arts to give it a try. “Check out our weekly schedule online. Stop in anytime and check out as many different programs as you’d like. No reservation needed. The first session in each program is free! It’s that simple. No obligations!”
Whether your child is bursting with energy or you’re an adult seeking meaningful movement, martial arts can be the answer—fitness, focus, confidence, and self-defense all rolled into one.
At GriffonRawl you’ll find more than classes; you’ll find a community that pushes, supports, and celebrates you every step of the way.
GriffonRawl Combat Sports & Fitness is located at 6090 Pinecone Drive in Mentor. For info call 440-358-9371 or visit ohio-mma.com.
~Article by Dan Miller