Welcome and thank you for your time and interest in the YMMAA, the first affiliated and legitimized BJJ / MMA academy in York County. Our track record on the mat and in the arena speaks for itself. Whether you are an enthusiast looking to learn what you love, or an athlete looking to progress in the fastest growing martial arts sensation in the history of the world, we are confident that we can accommodate your needs, regardless of what they may be.
George McGinnis, owner of York Academy of Mixed Martial Arts, recently attended a seminar at the academy of his instructor, Rogerio "Tatu" Taborda, in Scranton. There, Tatu received a stripe to add to his black belt from instructor Paulo Guimaraes, a black belt who hails from Australia. So, the lineage now goes (Rickson Gracie -- Jorge Pereira -- Paulo Guimaraes -- Rogerio Taborda -- George McGinnis). Brad Souders received a stripe to his purple belt, George received his purple belt, and George's brother, Brett Myers, received his blue belt. Tom Fleming would later receive his blue…
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George McGinnis, owner and trainer at York Mixed Martial Arts Academy, had his first amateur fight last weekend at Valley Fight League in Winchester, Va. McGinnis clashed with Dave Monteith of Greencastle, Pa., training out of Tactical Combat, in a weight class VFL called "super middleweight." McGinnis, who took the fight on only several days' notice, weighed in at 171, while Monteith hit the scale at 175. McGinnis finished the fight at 1:34 in the first round via. Inverted arm bar. More news on coach George in the near future.
Brett "Night Crawler" Myers of the York Mixed Martial Arts Academy made his amateur MMA debut on September 27th 2008 at the Gladiator Fight Club in Winchester VA's Sportsplex. He advanced his record to 1-0-0 by defeating his opponent (Bryan Lane of Fairfax - Yamasaki Academy) in the first round via. Triangle to arm bar switch. Brett will be scheduled to fight in the near future.
This past Sunday, family, friends and teammates said goodbye to Rick Swann, who recently lost his life to cancer. His visitation and memorial service was held Sunday at the Heffner Funeral Chapel in York. Many people from across the coast traveled to support Rick's family. Danny Ives (Lloyd Irvin black belt) was present at the service among other training partners and students. After brief discussion between Ives, McGinnis and fellow team mates prior to Rick's passing, it was easily agreed that Swann's long over due promotion to Purple should be appropriately awarded before or after Rick's passing. Swann was informed of his promotion during his conscious time at the hospital and smiled in appreciation. Due to unfortunate timing, the promotion wasn't awarded until the memorial service, but was done so in good McGinnis, Ives and teammates placed Swann's Purple belt with him before the viewing concluded and accompanied the moment with a show of respect by all present team members bowing to Swann. Swann's family thanks all of whom were present before and after Rick's passing in support through this difficult time of mourning. Coach McGinnis said, "This was and continues to be one of the most difficult times for us as a team and for me from personally. I had the ongoing pleasure of speaking with Rick frequently and took advantage of getting to know him while I could. The promotion was a 'tear jerker'. It was unquestionably overdue. Anyone who knew Rick and spent time with him and witnessed his knowledge would agree to the fact that he had a natural talent and passion to teach. Us losing Rick has multiple consequences. We not only lost a great friend, but we'll never have the opportunity to grow from his obvious experience and work ethic. We can only hope that Rick lives on vicariously through his son. He will be greatly missed."
