Forrest Griffin News
News
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January 29, 2009
Forrest Griffin to Provide Lessons from a Champion January 31, 2009
Forrest Griffin is returning to his home state of Georgia on Saturday, January 31st, to instruct a seminar at Edge AMA in Oakwood. "I've been fortunate to work with a lot of people and I've stolen stuff from all of them," Forrest said from his home in Las Vegas. "I'm gonna try and give a little bit back."
Forrest plans to teach moves like cross-side escapes and submissions from the top, focusing on jiu-jitsu. While seminar attendees won't be able to spar with Forrest, they'll learn some techniques from an established UFC star. "He's a very good technical instructor," said Edge AMA co-owner John Grantham, who is also a personal friend of Forrest's. "Being around champions is motivational."
When talking about his title as the Light Heavyweight Champion, Forrest said, "The belt doesn't look like much, but it's heavy. It comes with a lot of obligations and a lot of pressure, and you're wearing a target on your back. I didn't really like it. I don't have a lot of bravado, I don't like to differentiate myself too much, and I generally don't like to put a target on myself. I figured that out a little late."
Forrest's loss to Rashad Evans in December not only cost him the title, but he also broke his hand during the match, which will sideline him until summer. "I'll have to work my way back up," he said of a potential rematch with Evans. "That's the way it should be, and I will do it."
During his time off, Forrest will spend time on techniques that don't fully involve his hand. He'll also work to help promote the growing sport of mixed martial arts. "We were watching the sport back in 2000 and we couldn't figure out why everyone wasn't in love with it," Forrest said. "I thought it was the most essential kind of combat."
Of this weekend's seminar, Forrest said, "It's a good opportunity to take what I learned from a lot of good people and bring it back home. It should be fun."
Click here to read the whole article and to hear audio of Forrest.
