PRESS RELEASE (New Jersey) – The New Jersey Martial Arts Hall of Fame is
extremely proud of its inaugural class of inductees to the New Jersey Martial
Arts Hall of Fame. This class will be honored at the induction dinner gala to be
held at the beautiful Crowne Plaza Meadowlands on December 7, 2012.
On December 7th, Renzo Gracie will be presented with the first ever “Legend
Award” by the New Jersey Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
Renzo Gracie is a New Jersey resident whose accomplishments in the martial arts
are truly too many to list. Renzo has instructed at his academies found
throughout the world, has taught many pro fighters, and has competed in the
ADCC’s, EliteXC, IFL, Pride, Rings and the UFC. He is the subject of the
documentary, Legacy, and has written instructional books on jiu-jitsu. Most
importantly, Renzo is a family man who represents the martial arts with dignity,
integrity, respect and honor. Renzo is never without a smile and brightens up
whatever room he is in. It was an easy choice to select him for this award!
Tickets to the awards dinner can be purchased by calling 201-538-4843 or online
at www.njmmaawards.com. Discount hotel room rates at the Crowne Plaza can be
also obtained by calling 877-227-6963 and mentioning the Hall of Fame dinner.
New Jersey is building a rich tradition in non-boxing martial arts and our goal
is to recognize these individuals and entities. Our goal is to honor those
involved with New Jersey martial arts and to celebrate with them, at an evening
with family and friends. Our focus is on those directly involved in New Jersey
martial arts. This truly is a historical moment in our State’s combat sports
history as our intent is to have the New Jersey State Martial Arts Hall of Fame
continue for many years and serve as a record for those outstanding individuals
involved in martial arts in our State.
We hope you will join us on December 7, 2012. Mark your calendars now and
purchase your tickets early so you can be sure to be a part of New Jersey
martial arts history. Call 201-538-4843 or visit www.njmmaawards.comand get your
ticket and join us in a historic night for New Jersey and for martial arts. It
is certain to be a terrific night with family, friends, fun, and music.
Here is the complete list of award winners:
2012 Inaugural Class Inductee Awards
Legend Award- Renzo Gracie
Lifetime Achievement Award- Louis Neglia
MMA Fighter of the Year- Frankie Edgar
MMA Female Fighter of the Year- Munah Holland
Muay Thai Fighter of the Year- Ognjen Topic
Muay Thai female fighter of the Year- Prairie Rugilo
MMA Trainer of the Year-Mike Constantino
Muay Thai Trainer of the Year- Ray Cruz
MMA Promoter of the Year- Rob Haydak
MMA Matchmaker of the Year-Sam Caplan
Muay Thai Matchmaker of the Year- Chris Tran
Muay Thai Referee of the Year- Coban
MMA Referee of the Year- Dan Miragliotta
MMA Judge of the Year- Ricardo Almeida
Muay Thai Judge of the Year- Vladimir Borodine
Ringside Physician of the Year- Dr. Sherry Wulkan
Announcer of the Year- Kevin Garvey
Media Personality of the Year-Jim Genia
Pioneer MMA Fighter Award- Dave Tirelli
Outstanding Achievement in MMA- Kurt Pellegrino
