Lion’s Den Summer Clinics Featuring World Champions in Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Wrestling!

Lion’s Den is Den is making history this summer by bringing in World Champions in three different disciplines to share their knowledge and coaching expertise with Den Members and the general public. This is an incredible opportunity for students of all skill levels to come and learn from the Masters of their craft. Pre-registration is recommended as spots for each of the clinics are filling up fast and space is limited!

Saturday June 20th Brazilian Jiu Jitsu World Champion Roberto Traven Clinic at Lion’s Den

Roberto Traven was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He first started training BJJ when he was 16 years old under Romero “Jacare” Cavalcanti. Before Traven started BJJ, he practiced many other sports, such as judo, rowing, triathlon, and also soccer. After years of training at multiple sports without much success, Traven decided to quit the other sports and devote himself to BJJ. BJJ would never be the same.

Once Traven focused his energy on BJJ, it was quickly apparent that he was a gifted BJJ student and competitor. Traven’s professional career in BJJ and MMA has been remarkable. Traven is a model athlete who has always taken his profession very seriously. He received his black belt from Jacare after four years of training 3 times a day from Monday to Friday as well as on the weekends. Although the school was closed Sundays, Traven and his friends trained informally practicing the techniques they learned the rest of the week. Traven has won many titles. He is a two times BJJ World Champion. Traven has also won the 1999 Abu-Dhabi Absolute Division Championship. He is an accomplished MMA fighter with experience in the UFC, Rings of Japan, Warriors in Australia and Russian Absolute Fighting Championship.

Come gain the knowledge of Roberto Traven, and learn the techniques that made him a Champion! Please see the Lion’s Den Events page for clinic details.

July 18th and 19th Legend Bunkerd Faphimai Holds Two Day Muay Thai Seminar at Lion’s Den Scottsdale

Bunkerd Faphimai grew up in a small country town in Chaiyaphum, Thailand. His family made their living as rice farmers. When Bunkerd was just eleven years old, he was forced to quit school and get a job. At the same time, he started competing in small muay thai fights in the country for extra money. His first fight brought in the equivalent of one American dollar. Bunkerd dreamed of becoming a great muay thai fighter, which would bring his family much money and fame. Because he was shorter than the average fighter of his weight class, not too many people believed this dream was possible. But Bunkerd never gave up. At the age of 18, Bunkerd made off to Bangkok to try his luck in joining up with a muay thai training camp. Phillip Wong, of Fairtex, Thailand was the one who gave him his first break. Bunkerd proved all his doubters wrong and became a great champion - winning two of the most prestigious championships—one at the famed Lumpinee stadium and another at Rajadmnerm Stadium. His dedication, strength, perseverance and success in the sport of muay thai brought him much recognition and fame. Eventually, in the year 1992, Bunkerd came to the United States to become one of the head trainers in the new Fairtex camp in Chandler, Arizona. Simultaneously, he became a well-known world champion in the U.S. Because of Bunkerd’s humble disposition and fierce fighting style—he became known as the “People’s Champion.”

Learn from the Muay Thai Legend Bunkerd at Lion’s Den in July. Please see the Lion’s Den Events page for seminar details.

Saturday August 8th Olympic Gold Medalist Henry Cejudo Holds Charity Wrestling Clinic at Lion’s Den!

Henry Cejudo won gold for the United States in the men's freestyle 55-kilogram wrestling at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, but his path to success started long before that.

Cejudo, now 22, was born to undocumented Mexican parents in South Los Angeles. At the age of 4, his mother left his father, moved to Arizona, and basically lived in more poverty. He rose out of it, and became an Olympic Champion. Henry left his family for the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs at the age of 16. During that time he won 4 Arizona State Titles and began to dominate his weight class at the National level.

"The United States is the land of opportunity, and I'm so glad I can represent it," says Cejudo.

Henry is already focusing on defending his Olympic Gold in 2012 at the London games.

In addition to training, Cejudo puts on clinics all over the world, showing wrestlers of all ages the techniques that made him a champion. The Lion’s Den clinic is extra special for Cejudo. All proceeds will be donated to the Jose Cortez Fund. Cortez is a child hood friend of Henry’s. As a High School State Champion wrestler and MMA rising star, Cortez was on top of the world. Shortly after defeating UFC Veteran Drew Fickett, in November of last year Cortez was diagnosed with cancer. Currently he is undergoing an aggressive treatment program and all of the Wrestling Clinic and Charity proceeds will be donated to help his family with hospital expenses. The Cejudo Clinic will allow students to learn from a World Champion while supporting a great cause. Please see the Lion’s Den Events page for clinic details.