Testosterone Festival Showcase in Houston October 17-18
October 5, 2009 by Garp
Filed under Announcements, Blog, Feature, MMA
We are very proud to be taking the Texas Testosterone Festival across the stage, building on the success of our inaugural event. Immersed in Ink, the national tattoo convention, has invited The Texas Testosterone Festival to showcase during their festival at the Marriott Westchase October 17 and 18.
The Import All-Stars Auto Con is happening at Immersed in Ink but the MMA Bootcamp Intensive has been cancelled! If you pre-registered, please email us for your refund: info@texastestosteronefestival.com
MMA Bootcamp Intensive Coming to TTF in Houston!
September 17, 2009 by Garp
Filed under Announcements, Blog, Feature, Video
Our apologies. The MMA Bootcamp Intensive in Houston October 17-18 during the Immersed in Ink Festival at the Marriott Westchase has been cancelled. The Immersed In Ink Festival, however, goes on!
In unrelated news, best of luck to Sam Hoger in his next fight!
Phil Cardella Attacks From the Back
Jon Kirk Ground and Pound
Melvin Guillard Using the Fence
Rocky Long Boxing for MMA
Kamal Shalorus Takedowns and Takedown Defense
Phil Cardella Returns to WEC August 9
Phil Cardella will be facing Ed “9mm” Ratcliff at WEC 42 on Sunday, August 9, according to MMAWeekly.com. Cardella is coming off a 42 second submission victory over Johnny Flores and is one fight removed from a split decision loss to Danny Castillo at WEC 39. MMAWeekly writes of the loss “Cardella was a winner in the minds of many fans and critics after his fight against Danny Castillo ended a split decision.”
Perhaps they read some of the thoughts from this site.
Ed Ratcliff has been quiet ever since his loss to Dallas’s Marcus Hicks in WEC 33 in March of 2008. Suffering injuries and dropping to lightweight, “9mm” is a tough and unorthodox striker.
Read more of what Cardella has to say about the matchup at MMAWeekly.com. Follow the other rumored fights for the card at MMAJunkie.com as well.
Sunday, August 9 is going to be a big day for the Testosterone Festival. Plan to spend it with us at Bikinis Bar and Grill on IH-35 in Austin. 3:00 is Come See Grown Men Cry, a competitive eating event, followed by The Fantasy Poker League at 6:00, then we will be gathering to cheer Phil on when his fight is hopefully televised that evening.
Here’s some video on Ratcliff for you to get a sense of what Ratcliff will try to bring to Cardella’s table.
Royler Gracie Coming to Austin Saturday, May 30
Royler Gracie, the 5th son of Helio Gracie, is arguably the greatest lightweight Jiu-Jitsu competitor in history. A 4-time World Champion, 3-time Abu Dhabi Submission Wrestling World Champion, 3-time Pan American Champion and Pride champion, Royler has tested himself against the best in the world for decades and remains one of Jiu-Jitsu’s greatest ambassadors and representatives. As the head of the original Gracie Academy in Rio de Janiero, Brazil, Royler also offers unmatched experience as a coach and instructor.
Click here for more information.
With the gi or without, in the ring or cage, or on the mat, Royler’s experience in all aspects of Jiu-Jitsu is nearly unmatched. Don’t miss this opportunity!
Royler will be teaching a one-day gi seminar. He will cover takedowns, sport Jiu-Jitsu techniques and self-defense concepts. There will also be a Q&A period.
Royler Gracie - May 30, 12 noon.
Royler will be teaching a one-day gi seminar covering takedowns, sport Jiu-Jitsu techniques and self-defense concepts. There will also be a Q&A period
Price: $85.00
Location: Relson Gracie Austin Association - 2919 Manchaca Road, Suite 210 Austin, TX 78704
Registration: Pre-registration is mandatory - email seminars@gracieaustin.com to reserve your spot.
Payment Deadline: Payment must be made through Paypal by Saturday May 23rd 2009 (strict deadline) to secure your spot.
Payment Method: Payments will be accepted only through Paypal (http://www.paypal.com). Please send the $85.00 registration fee via Paypal to rgda_ohio@hotmail.com .
YOU MUST INCLUDE YOUR FULL NAME AND PHONE NUMBER IN THE [MESSAGE] SECTION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAYPAL CONFIRMATION PAGE.
Austin Fit Magazine Now Taking Nominations
Austin Fit Magazine is now taking nominations for their annual Austin’s Fittest issue. 10 nominees will be chosen. Click here to make your nomination! Voting ends July 1 so vote early, vote often (if that’s allowed).
We humbly suggest the following athletes be nominated for Austin Fit Magazine’s Austin’s Fittest. Please forward these suggestions to all your friends via Myspace, Facebook, email, Twitter, message boards, anywhere else you can. Hell, you could win prizes like a 6 month gym membership just by nominating someone.
We’ll update this list as we get more bright ideas so check back often.
Phil Cardella - WEC Fighter and Gracie Black Belt (GracieAustin.com)
David Lee Nall - 2007 INBF Alamo Showdown Classic Overall Winner, Personal Trainer (DavidLeeNall.com)
Jeremy Thiel - Owner of Crossfit Central (CrossfitCentral.com)
Phil Cardella Wins at Shark Fights in 47 Seconds
WEC lightweight and Gracie black belt Phil Cardella showed off his jitz tonight by submitting Texas MMA veteran Johnny Flores in a mere 47 seconds by armbar. The Lubbock Shark Fights show featured a number of big-show veterans including Cardella, living legend Don Frye, Ultimate Fighter bad seed Jesse Taylor, Shannon Rich, as well as a Heavyweight title bout between Texas MMA scenesters Darrill Schoonover and Rex Richards.
We weren’t there but we believe the play-by-play probably went something like this:
The ref signals the start of the fight. Cardella and Flores circle each other. Flores is caught in a wicked armbar.
Flores taps before his arm is broken. Cardella wins via armbar at :47 into round 1.
Cindie’s Lingerie & Gifts Presents The Greatest Bikini Contest
April 27, 2009 by Garp
Filed under Announcements, Blog
We just wouldn’t be a respectable Testosterone Festival if we weren’t looking for every excuse possible to have beautiful girls in bikinis. And we will deliver.
The hottest women in Central Texas compete for cash and prizes in Cindie’s Lingerie and Gifts Presents The Greatest Bikini Contest in the History of the Great State of Texas on Saturday, August 15. The contest is managed by Bikinis Bar and Grill. First place is $200 cash and a free entry into the First Annual Texas Fit Model Search later that day. Prizes will be furnished for all contestants.
Judges are expected to include UFC Ultimate Fighter Amir Sadollah, Jiu Jitsu legend Relson Gracie, WEC Fighter and Gracie Black Belt Phil Cardella, Ladd Biro of the Dallas Morning News, and Steve Sievert, formerly of the Houston Chronicle, and whoever bribes us with enough money to forget our principals (it doesn’t take much), all fine judges of taste and character.
Relson Gracie Texas Jiu Jitsu Tournament
April 27, 2009 by Garp
Filed under Announcements, Blog
Hosted by the legendary Relson Gracie himself, The Relson Gracie Texas Jiu Jitsu Tournament is happening Sunday, August 16 during The Texas Testosterone Festival at The Palmer Events Center in Austin.
Prizes:
Absolute Male Gi $350 first prize
Absolute Male No-Gi $350 first prize
Absolute Female Gi $250 first prize
Medals for all division winners
The Relson Gracie Texas Jiu Jitsu Team Challenge will be held subsequent to the Tournament and a Relson Gracie Seminar presented by AT&T will be held on Saturday, August 15. A Mixed Martial Arts Seminar by UFC Ultimate Fighter Amir Sadollah will also be held on Saturday, August 15.
Registration is now open and is $50 in advance. Advance registration prices end on Sunday, August 9. Click here for the Registration Form. And, online registration for the tournament is available by clicking here. If registering online, please also print out and fill out the registration form and either mail it to the Relson Gracie Academy or bring it with you to The Festival.
The Relson Gracie Texas Jiu Jitsu Tournament on Sunday, August 16 registration is $50.
AT&T Presents The Relson Gracie Jiu Jitsu Seminar on Saturday, August 15 registration is $50.
The UFC Ultimate Fighter Amir Sadollah Mixed Martial Arts Seminar on Saturday, August 15 registration is $50.
All three events can be registered for $125. Registration for all three events is required at the same time.
All registrations are non-refundable.
Registration to participate in any Featured Event does not include entry into The Texas Testosterone Festival, where the Featured Events occur. Tickets are only $6 in advance and trust us, it’s going to be more than worth it.
Checks Payable to Relson Gracie Academy 2919 Manchaca Suite 210 Austin, TX 78704.
Cash accepted during pre-event on Sunday, August 9 at Bikini’s Bar and Grill (6901 N IH-35 Austin, TX) or at the Relson Gracie Academy in person any time before Saturday, August 15.
Registration to compete in The Relson Gracie Texas Jiu Jitsu Tournament is required to be eligible to compete in the Relson Gracie Texas Jiu Jitsu Team Challenge.
Tournament registration includes admission to all divisions one is eligible for.
Male Divisions:
Mens No-Gi Novice/Beginner 0-134.9
Mens No-Gi Advanced/Intermediate 0-134.9
Mens No-Gi Novice/Beginner 135-146.9
Mens No-Gi Advanced/Intermediate 135-146.9
Mens No-Gi Novice/Beginner 147-159.9
Mens No-Gi Advanced/Intermediate 147-159.9
Mens No-Gi Novice/Beginner 160-172.9
Mens No-Gi Advanced/Intermediate 160-172.9
Mens No-Gi Novice/Beginner 173-186.9
Mens No-Gi Advanced/Intermediate 173-186.9
Mens No-Gi Novice/Beginner 187-199.9
Mens No-Gi Advanced/Intermediate 187-199.9
Mens No-Gi Novice/Beginner 200-219.9
Mens No-Gi Advanced/Intermediate 200-219.9
Mens No-Gi Novice/Beginner 220-234.9
Mens No-Gi Advanced/Intermediate 220-234.9
Mens No-Gi Novice/Beginner 235+
Mens No-Gi Advanced/Intermediate 235+
Mens No-Gi Absolute
Mens Gi White/Blue 0-134.9
Mens Gi Purple/Brown/Black 0-134.9
Mens Gi White/Blue 135-146.9
Mens Gi Purple/Brown/Black 135-146.9
Mens Gi White/Blue 147-159.9
Mens Gi Purple/Brown/Black 147-159.9
Mens Gi White/Blue 160-172.9
Mens Gi Purple/Brown/Black 160-172.9
Mens Gi White/Blue 173-186.9
Mens Gi Purple/Brown/Black 173-186.9
Mens Gi White/Blue 187-199.9
Mens Gi Purple/Brown/Black 187-199.9
Mens Gi White/Blue 200-219.9
Mens Gi Purple/Brown/Black 200-219.9
Mens Gi White/Blue 220-234.9
Mens Gi Purple/Brown/Black 220-234.9
Mens Gi White/Blue 235+
Mens Gi Purple/Brown/Black 235+
Mens Gi Absolute
Female Divisions:
Womens Gi White/Blue 0-99.9
Womens Gi Purple/Brown/Black 0-99.9
Womens Gi White/Blue 100-119.9
Womens Gi Purple/Brown/Black 100-119.9
Womens Gi White/Blue 120-139.9
Womens Gi Purple/Brown/Black 120-139.9
Womens Gi White/Blue 140-159.9
Womens Gi Purple/Brown/Black 140-159.9
Womens Gi White/Blue 160-179.9
Womens Gi Purple/Brown/Black 160-179.9
Womens Gi White/Blue 180+
Womens Gi Purple/Brown/Black 180+
Womens Gi Absolute
Jiu Jitsu Weigh-Ins w/o Gi - Held at The Texas Testosterone Festival”after-party” Saturday August 15 at a location to be announced and at 10:00 AM Sunday, August 16 at The Texas Testosterone Festival inside The Palmer Events Center.
Participants must compete in The Relson Gracie Texas Jiu Jitsu Tournament to be eligible for the Team Challenge. Competition entry does not include entry into The Texas Testosterone Festival, required to compete. Please email info@TexasTestosteroneFestival.comfor more information.
The Relson Gracie seminar is managed by the Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Austin Association. Visit their academy at 2919 Manchaca off Lamar in South Austin or call them at 693-8258 for more information about classes in Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, Mixed Martial Arts, and more.
Kamal Shalorus Exclusive Interview and Workout Footage
We had the pleasure of filming Kamal Shalorus with boxing trainer Charles Adams and then interviewing him at the Competitive Training Center in Austin two nights ago. Kamal faces Houston fighter Mikel Bronzoulis this Saturday night at King of Kombat at the Crockett Center in Austin.
We were amazed by a number of things. First, Kamal’s striking, in particular his uppercuts, are amazingly strong. Not sure if that translates to the video but the sound of his fists hitting the pads from 10 feet away was awe-inspiring. Secondly, Kamal went from vicious striking to a very relaxed interview at the flick of a switch.
Kamal talks about his training at the Miletich Academy with Pat Miletich and Tim Sylvia, his elite wrestling and its transition to MMA, and what he has taken from seminars with Relson Gracie in combination with his training with Phil Cardella and now at the Competitive Training Center.
Kamal Shalorus defends his Welterweight belt against Mikel Bronzoulis on the King of Kombat card Saturday, April 25 at the Crockett Center in Austin. Sign up on our mailing list through April 23 for a chance to win 4 tickets to the King of Kombat show or visit KingsEmerge.com to purchase tickets online.
Phil Cardella Robbed at WEC 39
Texas’ own Phil Cardella was robbed of a decision last night at WEC 39 when he thoroughly dominated two of three rounds against Danny Castillo but only one of the three judges gave him the two rounds.
From WEC.tv regarding the first round… “All Castillo could do on the mat was try to stall and survive and hope that the referee would force a stand-up due to inactivity.” Regarding the second round… “As Castillo attempted to standup, Cardella fired a brutal upkick that violently whipped Castillo around and sent him slumping down. He fell perfectly into a Cardella triangle. It appeared the end was near but Castillo was saved by the horn signaling the conclusion of the round.” Regarding the third round… “With about 30 seconds left, Cardella improbably trapped his opponent in another triangle choke, and then switched to an armbar. Castillo held on as time expired and escaped with a split decision victory.”
Sherdog writes “Castillo survives and takes a generous split decision.”
And here is video from WEC.tv of Castillo doing everything short of conceding that he lost the fight.

















