cheryl's ProElite.com Blog

NewBreed Battle of the Cruiserweights 062108

cheryl — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:00:24 PDT

The NewBreed fights in Atlantic City on Saturday night were outstanding as usual. Full card, lots of MMA fans, and a talent pool that keeps growing. Tom Vanderhorst of BEDROC Martial Arts (Trained by John Farrar) in his Quarterfinal fight for the Battle of the Cruiserweight Belt was extremely crowd pleasing as usual. Tom’s looks and fight style make for a popular fight every time. Tom enters the ring with his usual stone face ready to take on any challenge. Although his opponent (Amir Davis) weighed well over 200lbs exceeding the 189.9lb weight class and Tom made weight easily, he still agreed to the fight. Tom could have opted out, but that is not Tom Vanderhorst. He will not stop until he gets the NewBreed Fighters Cruiserweight MMA Belt.

First round opens and Tom took a few shots from the heavier opponent. But Davis was standing back trying to stay out of Tom’s reach and trying to avoid Tom’s vicious take down skills, popping Tom a few times when Tom went in for the take down. At 2 minutes, Tom got the takedown and within 57 seconds, he applied his “TomBar” on an unwilling opponent who wouldn’t tap. The referee ended up stopping the fight at 2:57 of the first round because Davis’ arm was obviously injured. Tom’s opponent ended up with a broken arm and was wheeled out of the arena to be checked at the local hospital.

Look for Tom to fight the Semi-Final Round in Atlantic City at the Showboat Casino House of Blues on August 9, 2008. You will more than likely once again see his signature backflip after he defeats his third opponent in his quest for the belt.

For all the details of the Battle of the Cruiserweights see the link below where Tom is mentioned and pictured on the NewBreed Site:

http://www.newbreedfighters.tv/

My BJJ Training

cheryl — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:36:28 PDT

I am taking my BJJ training quite seriously

All the members and instructors at BEDROC Martial Arts have been extremely helpful and willing to work with me, although my size sometimes hinders them from getting the best of their own training and I am very thankful for their attitudes and willingness to give of themselves for me. I didn't realize when I started how much I would really like it. I am going to enter my first tournament on August 30, 2008 in Fredonia, New York (Hayastan Grappling Challenge). This past weekend I attended, helped set brackets, and helped run tables at the Greater Rochester Martial Arts Championships. Although their were no girls my size, and only one female at the grappling competition at all, I still got the fever even more so than I had it before. Big thanks go out to Sensei John Farrar and BJJ Blue Belt Pat Turgeon of BEDROC Martial Arts for being so supportive of my late start in the grappling world.
See you all tonight on CagesideLive!!!!

Tom's Next Opponent in the Battle of the Cruiserweights - NewBreed Amatuer MMA

cheryl — Thu, 22 May 2008 18:10:14 PDT

June 21, 2008 Tom Vanderhorst will face Brandon Piper of Bull Pen Vale Tudo at the House of Blues in Atlantic City for the 2nd Round of action in the Battle of the Cruiserweights.

See the fight card at: http://www.newbreedfighters.tv/fightcards/2008/FightCardHOB062108.php

This is Tom's next opponent for his next fight.....

Sorry guys, no video of Tom... we don't want to give away his secrets... =)

NY State Grappling Championships held in Fredonia

cheryl — Wed, 7 May 2008 18:14:13 PDT

April 19, 2008 - BEDROC Martial Arts highlights

2008 Naga Worlds - New Jersey

cheryl — Wed, 7 May 2008 14:08:55 PDT

Come get some!!!!

A Carrot, An Egg and Coffee

cheryl — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:19:03 PDT

A carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee...You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil, without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.

Turning to her daughter, she asks, 'Tell me what you see.'

"'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.

Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

'Which are you?' She asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?'

Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a break-up, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level?

How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.

It's easier to build a child than repair an adult.

This is so true - may we all be COFFEE !

NewBreed Fighters - 03/29/08 MMA Atlantic City

cheryl — Tue, 1 Apr 2008 17:57:23 PDT

http://www.newbreedfighters.tv/fightcards/2008/FightCardHOB032908.php

BEDROC Martial Arts fighters Tom Vanderhorst and Neil Marron competed in the New Breed Fighters amateur mma cage on Saturday March 29, 2008 at the House of Blues in Showboat Casino (Atlantic City, New Jersey). What a great event... I really enjoy NewBreed's amatuer venue, one of the best I've seen. They are professionally run and extremely exciting. Of the 22 fights, Tom Vanderhost was fight number 5 and he won with a 3 round split decision victory over Chri Pagotto of BJJ Shore Acadamy, Ricardo Almeida Association. Neil Marron of BEDROC was fight number 13 and although the UNOFFICIAL results show a loss to Alan Wright of AC MMA, there is a hearing scheduled as the fight was "won" via a Crucifix neck crank which is illegal in this competition. Neil is an outstanding fighter and after the hearing this bout should be ruled a "no contest" with the two fighters having a rematch at the next NewBreed event.

I encourage any amatuer mma fighters on the East Coast to check out NewBreed fighters as they are filled with talent and are a great venue to test your mma skills while moving up the ladder of your career.

What a great show, and the House of Blues just rocks!!!

Congratulations to Phil Dunlap and Team Asylum for their victory by Erik Makris over Jason Murray of Bull Pen Vale Tudo via KO in round 1 and Eric Simmons over Tim Furay of Iron City Martial Arts via arm bar in round 1. I didn't get to see Phil, but I'm sure he was there. Great job to his guys.

Check out the link about for all the unofficial results.

Padlock... let me know if you were there!!!

yours in MMA,

~Pebbles~

Jason from Youtube

cheryl — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 3:07:33 PST

NE Grappling Challenge VI - Ithaca NY

cheryl — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 4:18:45 PST

BEDROC Martial Arts participated in the NE Grappling Challenge today in Ithaca, New York. Once again this year it was a great tournament with a wealth of experienced competitors. What a day. I left the house at 8am to get the cooler filled with water, oranges, granola bars, and such so that everyone would not have to eat the cold greasy pizza available at the venue. Some ended up eating the pizza anyway, but everyone appreciated the water and oranges immensely. The weigh ins were from 9am - 12noon and of course they ran late. The tournament was supposed to start at 1pm and it did not, but I really can't remember the last tournament that started on time. The staff running the tournament did an excellent job and worked hard all day to make it a great event for everyone.

It was a long grueling day for all the fighters with so many competitors that everyone was waiting for long periods of time before they were competing.

BEDROC entered 12 participants in the tournament and out of our 12, we came home with 6 winners.... at least six winners on paper... We had 12 winners, as almost all our competitors were attending and competing in their first competition.

Our winners were as follows:

John Farrar Jr - Teen division 1st place

Tom Vanderhorst - Intermediate division (185lbs) - 1st Place

Neil Marron - Beginner division (210 lbs) - 1st Place

Pat Turgeon - Masters Division (145lbs) - 2nd Place

Todd Allen - Beginner division (145lbs) - 2nd Place

John Coppetta - Beginner division (185 lbs) - 2nd Place

Next year we plan to enter the Team Competition and go for the $1500 grand prize!!!

~ Ron Yacovetti aka YACMAN Interview with Pebbles ~

cheryl — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 4:22:54 PST

Hello everyone, welcome back for another interview with Pebbles on “The Mix.” For this edition, I had the privilege to interview Ron Yacovetti, aka the YACMAN of ProElite.

Ron is ProElite's correspondent and commentator on MMA. I know you are all saying, what a great job, and apparently you are right. For the record, Ron is 38 years old, lives with his wife Julieta Falcon and son Antonio Stefano in Porter Ranch, California, which he loves when it’s not quaking or burning like Hades…. Now, Ron is originally from New Jersey. Yeah, the comedian from New Jersey is the person who does the California Company’s interviews and commentary… Imagine that… need someone who can talk… where do you go? New Jersey for sure… Ron attended Union High School in … you guessed it… Union, New Jersey where he was a wrestler. He attended Kean University, also in Union, New Jersey and earned a B.S. in Communications. Ron says his only extracurricular activity in college was “dating” almost forgetting to mention that he was a competing bodybuilder at the time also. Very impressive. Competitive bodybuilding takes entirely too much discipline for me, on both the eating and working out regime that is needed to be competitive.

I’m pretty sure that a lot of our ProElite members already know that Ron was and still is a stand up comedian. Ron’s current job is full time corresponding on MMA for ProElite.com, where he covers most events, and does the majority of interviews with fighters and celebrities. But, he still wants to fit in time for his comedy shows. I am truly hoping he performs somewhere on the East Coast again in the future so I can get a shot at seeing his stand up routine. My favorite date ever is to go see a good standup comedian… I just love it!

In his current profession as a correspondent and commentator, Ron works long and varied hours, but he does get the comfort and convenience of working part time from home and part time in the office… well, he also works on the weekends and travels quite often so his day can run from 7am to 2am, and probably often does…. But he gets to interview the likes of Gina Carano on a trampoline, so do we feel sorry for his long hours???? The answer is no, we don’t… he can interview Gina Carano on a damn trampoline for god’s sake… and he deserves our pity? I say, make him work until 3am for that. By the way, that Gina Carano interview only TIED for being Ron’s favorite interview. It TIED with his interview of Frank Shamrock. Okay, who believes that? He also said he has had some bumpy interviews along the way. For instance - Royce Gracie only answers questions with the fewest words possible, and, he misspoke while interviewing Rampage which caused a few seconds of panic. The panic was quickly quelled by his stand up comedian wit. But he was nervous… who wants to have any misunderstandings with Rampage Jackson??? Ron also says his hardest interview was Phil Baroni because he really made him work for it… as a NY Bad Ass would….. But Ron states he has come to love Baroni since then because he is a great fighter and a marketing genius. He gets his opponents and fans worked up before an event. Ron said he busted his balls so much in the last 2 of 3 interviews done leading up to his fight with Shamrock, that it was much like verbal sparring for Ron, which he enjoyed, but hadn’t expected.

When I asked about the people he worked with at ProElite, he said, “I can honestly say I’ve never worked with so many talented kick ass people at any one job. Those who lead us do so by example and everyone I work with on a daily basis is willing to do what needs to be done to get things done. From the artistic and creative to the cinematographers and producers to the promoters and business folks.. our team is really an impressive one.”

Previously to working in MMA Ron was a stand up comedian. This is what he had to say, “Normally I'd think my previous full time career would be a complete oddity leading into a career in MMA, but I am not the first, just like the very talented Joe Rogan of UFC, I too come from a 14 year career as a professional, touring stand up comedian. Along the way I’d also worked on a few syndicated boxing TV shows (Thunderbox; Heavyweight Explosion), wrote a fight column online for a few years and studied various fighting disciplines – all of which prepared me for what it is I now do.”

At this time, Ron doesn’t practice any martial arts, but he has practiced wrestling, Judo, Tang Soo Do and boxing in the past. As his schedule levels out, he plans to get back into MMA in some form. He does exercise, but is not as fit as he would like to be. I’m sure that the former 2 time Jr. Mr. USA finalist in bodybuilding has not let himself go as much as he thinks he may have. A happy medium of exercise and eating right will keep Ron looking and feeling his best. Ron also doesn’t have any family members practicing MMA at this time either, but he says his family always gets involved in whatever his passion is. That is the kind of loving and caring family he comes from. Of course Grandma, being around 90, probably isn’t so into the MMA thing as some of the others might be. Ron does not feel it is necessary for Grandma to readily be able to identify a kimura. I have to agree.

Ron’s first introduction to martial arts was between 8-12 (he can’t remember exactly how old he was… the memory is the first to go as you get older) when Ron studied Judo. The coach he had at the time picked him out and wanted to groom him for the Olympics. He seemed to think Ron had something special. Of course, he was a young bonehead who didn’t stick with it long enough to get into the Olympics. Follow through was a trait he picked up later on in life. I must say, I think many Olympic and professional athletes who began when they were 8-12 or younger… many of them probably did not have follow through either…. Sometimes at that young age… it’s the parents who must have the follow through. I’m pretty sure Jimmy Pedro’s dad made him go to practice…There are probably those special few that have the drive purely on their own, but I bet there are more who are helped with their follow through by parents. Just a little interjection… Follow through is something I believe you learn…

Ron said some things next that I just have to write word for word. I totally loved this….… “I’ve always loved combat sports more than any. Football, baseball, basketball, hockey, bowling, which is a lame sport to televise. Best they can do is level all 10 pins. I’ve done that! What’s compelling? Beating up Lidell – now that’s something athletic I cannot do, even with 10 pins and a ball.” Ron also likes the unpredictable nature of mma… like boxing.. which has been a part of his life forever… In baseball or football, if the score is pretty high and there is only a little time left, you pretty much know who is going to win. You can usually turn off the game and you already know the winner. But in MMA or boxing, you never know until it’s over. You watch a boxer like Hurtado outbox an aging Pernell “sweet pea” Whitaker for 11 ½ rounds… then in the 12th get caught with one shot and BAM! he loses. Nothing like it in other sports, to me. Nick Diaz over Gomi, same sudden change in momentum. That is the true entertainment of mixed martial arts. Ron hit the nail on the head.

Now what do you think the New Jersey boy drives????? A 2000 Ford Mustang… how upstate New York of you… I’m not sure, but I don’t think that is the most popular California car to drive… But in my neck of the woods… you are a god in a good Ford Mustang… He also has a Ford Escape hybrid… much more California… After that he made fun of Dodge Neons to which I took offense, as that is what I’m driving right now… Thanks Ron. Enough about cars, it saddens me.

There were many things about Ron I didn’t know… and I don’t even know if I’ll fit them all into this interview or it will go on forever, but suffice it to say, he actively studies Ancient Civilizations (Ancient Egypt, Mayan, Atlantis theories), and he is close friends with two Egyptologists doing studies which are changing history as we know it today. Ron is also a screenwriter, and has written scripts on the mysteries of the ancient world. I am so impressed by all his endeavors and wonder when he has time to do all these things, and still eat and take care of himself. You are a wonder my fellow man.

I did love Ron’s answer to what would you do if you could have any superpower….and I’m going to write it just as he wrote it because it cannot be altered and sound any better than what he wrote. If he were given any superpower to change the world, here is what he wrote:

“I’d honestly do what I could to show people how to think before acting and look to help and not hurt others because they look or believe differently. Every one of those sci-fi movies that show humanity banding together because a threat outside of ourselves is pushing us to extinction, really exposes how little we try to coexist without things like genocide, when not forced to look past someone’s skin color or religious belief… I’d also try to share something my mother told me that I never forgot – about how she lost her father just two years before I was born, and how she always wished she’d had one more chance to say I’m sorry for ever being bad. That stuck with me and I always tried to curb myself before saying something to someone I love that I could be stuck living with the guilt from, forever….. That and I’d rid the world of the Swiss!! (I kid) Ha Ha.”

Even though that has absolutely nothing to do with a superpower… I thought it was a quite extraordinary expression and I wanted to make sure it was written just as it was said. Thank you for sharing that with me Ron.

To get motivated for each day, Ron says it’s the hugs from his wife and more recently to his 18 month old son looking at him.. and he knows he owes them the best life possible…So for stress relief, he avoids the wife and kid… Very funny Ron, working out, reading and creative writing are stress outlets for Ron. He also says that stand up comedy performances help him relieve stress. I believe that… making people laugh has to feel almost as good as being the one laughing right?

Ron’s favorite MMA event has been Cage Rage 24 at Wembley Arena in London… Not only were the fights exciting but it was his first time in England and he said the whole experience was really, really cool. He also said the plus was getting to travel with Jennifer Connelly (J-Conn) and Erick Naranjo (E-Fro) of ProElite.

When asked where he thought MMA was going today… he said, “I don’t think it’s going anywhere – and that’s great! It will continue to stay and become more mainstream, get more and more accepted overall and eventually get the respect it deserves for the level of sportsmanship it exhibits regularly.”

Ron says that ProElite has put him face to face with so many big names in MMA today. His experience is among the most colorful and elite fighters in the sport. It would be like an art major getting to watch Picasso work. These guys and gals are painting the picture of MMA that the public is starting to like to digest, and that’s freaking cool…. From the mind of Ron Yacovetti… aka Yacman…….

New Breed Fighters Atlantic City House of Blues Results

cheryl — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 7:26:52 PST

After anouncing his name, Tom enters the cage... right off you can see he is emotionless.... almost cyborg like... Tom "Cyborg" Vanderhorst becomes the nickname instantly.

His opponent, Chris Tiernan, is introduced and comes in bouncing up and down, running around, pumped up... Tom, again... no emotion.

Round one starts... From outside the cage the Atlantic City crowd was going crazy...

Tom started out going forward and stalking Tiernan. Tiernan tried to land blows, Tom is too fast.. slips and counters.. lifting Tiernan off his feet with one of his first blows, knocking Tiernan down (half way across the Octagon). The ref (The Vampire) lets him get back up and they are back at it...

After another brief exhange... Tiernan decides (I thought it said BEDROC BJJ) to shoot for a take down (he wants no part of Tom's stand up). Tom, being a wrestler, stuffs his shot... Tiernan does effect a very good Half Guard.... But Cyborg fights against the HG at every BEDROC Grappling Class.. So he passes and gets the mount position and reigns down blows... The crowd began chanting "Arm Bar" ... "Arm Bar".... What followed was an Arm Bar that can only be called a "Thing of Beauty".

What an exciting match in only 1:08 of Round One, Tom won the standing, the wrestling, and the submission Combat.... It was fantastic..........I cannot wait to see Tom fight again... He is just a training machine... He will win on February 9, 2008.

FIGHT CARD

House of Blues Atlantic City, New Jersey December 28, 2007 UNOFFICIAL RESULTS
Fight # 1 Cruiserweight (183-189.9 lbs)
Tom Vanderhorst (0-1) Bedroc BJJ	vs	Chris Tiernan (0-1) Malisha MMA
Tom Vanderhorst def Chris Tiernan by submission (armbar) at 1:08 of Round 1
Fight # 2 Super Welterweight (147 - 153.9 lbs)
Richie Collazo (2-1) Diamond MMA	vs	Ryan Vernay (2-2) Team Diesel
Ryan Vernay def Richie Collazo by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).
Fight # 3 Welterweight (140-146.9 lbs)
Nicholas Pace (1-0) TSMMA	vs	Matt Pribramsky (0-0) Madama BJJ
Nicholas Pace def Matt Pribramsky by submission (rear naked choke) at 2:38 of Round 1
Fight # 4 Super Middleweight (160-166.9 lbs.)
James Camilleri (0-0) Team Bone Crusher	vs	Stephan Macchiorola (0-1) Malisha MMA
James Camilleri def Stephen Macchiorola by submission at 0:53 of Round 1
Fight # 5 Middleweight (154-159.9 lbs)
Ryan Vaccaro (0-0) Oliveira BJJ	vs	Jeff Lentz (1-0) Ocean County Martial Arts
Jeff Lentz def Ryan Vaccaro by submission (armbar) at 2:59 of Round 3.
Fight # 6 Cruiserweight (183-189.9 lbs)
Tony Williams (2-1) EVO Fight Club	vs	Dave Maestas (2-2) Maestas Fight Club
Dave Maestas def Tony Williams by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Fight # 7 Welterweight (140-146.9 lbs)
Julio Arce (0-0) TSMMA	vs	Troy Steinhoff (0-0) Ocean County Martial Arts
Julio Arce def Troy Steinhoff by submission (rear naked choke) at 0:59 of Round 1
Fight # 8 Heavyweight (195-209.9 lbs)
John Cuello (2-0) Mascarenhas MMA	vs	Nolan Armpriester (2-3) Team Quiet Storm
John Cuello def Nolan Armpriester by TKO (referee stoppage) at 1:47 of Round 2
Fight # 9 Super Lightweight (135-139.9 lbs)
Jose Villanueva (2-0) TSMMA	vs	Keith Peterson (3-0) Campbells Karate
Jose Villanueva def Keith Peterson by submission (rear naked choke) at 2:41 of Round 1
Fight # 10 Middleweight (154-159.9 lbs)
Mervin Rodriques (3-0) Extreme MMA	vs	Aaron Mruk Team Bone Crusher
Mervin Rodriques def Aaron Mruk by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Fight # 11 Lightweight (130-134.9 lbs)
Larry Byrnes (1-0) TSMMA	vs	Matt Nieves (1-0) Team Quiet Storm
Larry Byrnes def Matt Nieves by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Fight # 12 Light Heavyweight (167-174.9 lbs)
Nathan Shearer (2-2) Team OVO	vs	Shawn Foreman (3-3) Rhino Fight Team
Shawn Foreman def Nathan Shearer by submission (armbar) at 1:25 of Round 1
Fight # 13 Absolute (250 lbs and above)
Mike Jenkins Sobieski MMA	vs	Carlo Russo (0-0) Rhino Fight Team
Carlo Russo def Mike Jenkins by split decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28)
Fight # 14 Welterweight (140-146.9 lbs)
Craig Alexander (2-0) TSMMA	vs	Pat White (0-2) EVO Fight Club
Craig Alexander def Pat White by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Fight # 15 Heavyweight (195-209.9 lbs)
Shane Darby (0-0) Team Vicious	vs	Kenneth Brock (0-0) Team Balance
Kenneth Brock def Shane Darby by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Fight # 16 (Title Fight) Super Welterweight (147-153.9 lbs)
Scott Mauger (3-0) Mascarenhas MMA	vs	Matt McManmon (4-0) Modern MMA
Matt McManmon def Scott Mauger by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Fight # 17 (Title Fight) Welterweight (140-146.9 lbs)
Jimmie Rivera (3-0) TSMMA	vs	Andy Main Renzo Gracie North Jersey
Jimmie Rivera def Andy Main by submission (rear naked choke) at 0:46 of round 3