.Tristate Mixed-Martial Arts Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
For those seeking indoor recreation and gift ideas, Greeley Resident Harry Brofsky said, “With winter Holidays upon us and the imminent arrival of New Year’s Day, our thoughts turn to losing those few extra pounds we all put on enjoying our seasonal feasts. Our area offers various activities where one can go to burn off calories, reduce body fat and have fun during the cold winter months. The Tri-State area offers quite an eclectic blend of activities, from skiing to martial arts to burn off mom’s cranberry stuffing or extra serving of Christmas ham.

“Historically, January is when gym memberships increase.  We all have the good intention to get back into shape for the months where bulky sweaters are an inconvenient form of camouflage. Many each year make burn fat, develop muscle and get back in shape by joining a gym as one of their New Year resolutions.

“This year, we’d like to invite people too try something different. Let them give a gift certificate for a course or let them treat themselves to a gift of a mixed martial arts (MMA) course.

“We have programs for men, women, and children for work outs, learning self defense, and developing confidence. For those out of shape, let them have fun trying to get back into their summer wear.

Brofsky, early this year, opened Tri-state Mixed Martial Arts/Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (www.tristateMMABJJ.com). After years of coaching Little League in Lackawaxen Township, he decided to expand into coaching martial arts.

Brofsky said, “I trained for 30 years in Universal Defense Systems (UDS) under Sifu Ralph Mitchell in New York City. UDS combines Muay Thai kick boxing, boxing, Southern Praying Mantis Gung Fu, Jeet Kune Do, Savate (kick boxing), Kali/Escrima (stick fighting), and Judo.”

Mitchell’s students Philippe Nover is starring in the Ultimate Fighter series on Spike TV and Nardu Debrah stars on Bodog Fight TV, both cable stations. Brofsky invited some of his other teachers to join him in Tri-state MMA-BJJ. He said, “We are the only mixed martial arts academy in the area with a full range of high-level instructors offering Brazilian Gracie Jiu Jitsu, Kick Boxing, MMA, Judo, and other specialized martial arts.

“Our instructors are very experienced and well versed in their disciplines. Sensei Fred Murty, the judo instructor, is a 23-time Pennsylvania State judo champion. Instructor James Terry is a 5^th Degree Goju Ryu Karate Black Belt and an advanced BJJ practitioner in a Gracie School. Rick DeMarco, a former alternate with the U.S.A. Olympic boxer, teaches boxing and kick boxing. I continue to train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under James Terry and Professor Regis Lebre and in Judo with Sensei Fred Murty. I teach UDS/MMA and the Woman’s Thai Boxing Class in our own academy.

“The idea behind Mixed Martial arts is to cross train and blend different styles that encompass the various ranges of combat to train a student to better prepare for a physical altercation, whether in a professional Cage Fight setting or in a real-life encounter.

The success of the Gracie family members in full-contact fights on TV showed the value of cross training.

“Tri-state MMA-BJJ trains students to be a well rounded martial artist. Our students range from those who want a work out (remember all those pumpkin pies) to those that have tournament experience in wrestling, cage fighting, and boxing. We have classes for children that emphasize discipline, ethics, and building self esteem. Tristate MMA-BJJ has classes seven days per week.  We are located at Old Milford School at 201 West Harford Street in Milford borough. For more information and sign up for a free first class, go to www.tristatemmabjj.com or call (570) 241-4409 or to arrange for a free class.”

For couch potatoes and those who just want to buy gifts without the physical challenge of a workout, try Gallery on 7^th Street, in the Lumberyard Gallery, off West Harford Street. The gallery has a going-out-of-business sale in November and December. A delightfully eclectic range of art works, costume jewelry, antique furniture, chinaware, Civil War prints, paintings by various artists, and original art works by gallery owner Debbie Gioello are on sale. Said Gioello, “I’m closing because the gallery was not financially successful. The slow economy didn’t help. People weren’t coming in during the summer due to high gas prices and people had a hard time finding me. Without the summer tourist trade, it was difficult to sustain the rest of the year.

“But, the whole Milford experience has been good for me as an artist. I have exhibited in four other galleries in Milford and two in Port Jervis. So even though I’m closing, I will continue to show my work in the Tri-state area. My gallery has my own, work by other artists, and beautiful things I have collected over the years. I don’t regret the experience and I have met wonderful people.” The gallery at 113 7^th Street is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Thursday through Sunday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday. For information, call 570) 276‑6082.

(Brofsky's wife and son also train at the academy. His son attends Wallenpaupack High School, where he is on the Varsity Wrestling team. He and his wife also have a grandson who attends the school when he comes to Lackawaxen.)