Pure MMA promotes first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
Pure MMA promotes first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
Craig Hannigan became Pure MMA’s first student to be promoted to black belt in the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, according to Andy Main, one of two brothers who own the gym.
The December 13 promotion is significant to Main who states that the gym has been opened and operated just over four years.
Hannigan tells MyMMANews that he has been training for about 12 years, gaining the latter quarter of that experience at Pure MMA.
“Craig has trained with us about three and a half years I believe,” Main said.
“He came as a black belt in Jerry Jones grappling system. We started him as a purple belt in BJJ because he was new to the Gi. He was very humble and open to learning a different system and trying to apply new styles and techniques,” Main said.
Main himself, is a blackbelt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under highly respected BJJ blackbelt and decorated competitor Brian McLaughlin (owner of Precision MMA), 1st Degree BJJ blackbelt Ioannis (Yanni) Hronakis (owner of Up Top Martial Arts), and 3rd Degree Renzo Gracie BJJ blackbelt Jamie Cruz.
“Craig also taught us a lot. One of my favorite submissions I learned from Craig,” Main said. That submission is a reverse guillotine choke from the north-south position.
“He is really an excellent person all around. He has gone above and beyond in helping the growth of Pure MMA. He is the head instructor of the kids Jiu Jitsu program. He helps the fighters with getting fights, coaching, and cornering. I can’t say enough good things. He exemplifies everything I believe being a martial artist is about. I’m glad to have him at the gym and honored to give him a Jiu Jitsu black belt,” Main said.
Watch Craig Hannigan walk through the gauntlet at Pure MMA below:
Pure MMA is currently the largest MMA facility in the state of New Jersey.
Pure MMA is located at 41 Pine St. Unit 12, Rockaway, New Jersey, 07866
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