Although competing is not required for promotion at NYMAG, the students who have represented the academy in competition have illustrated the quality of education we provide.

"Gene Simco is one of the most technical jiu-jitsu instructors on the east coast. His students are a testament to that statement." -- Brian Cimmins Grapplers Quest tournament director

Over the past six years that I have been training jiu-jitsu I have been greatly influenced by the instruction that I have received from Gene Simco. He has played an instrumental role in shaping me as an instructor, BJJ competitor, MMA fighter, and in general as a warrior. Gene has always been willing to go out of his way to hone not only my technical skills but also my fighting strategy. When I am hungry for the answers of what really makes techniques work in order to win Gene always has a detailed and concise response. When I have a problem handling group dynamic as growing teacher Gene has a new perspective to clear my way and reestablish growth for me and my students. I very much appreciate Gene’s openness and lack of ego when it comes to jiu-jitsu. I have been shown that with an open mind I can learn from all that I encounter. Gene has also been very open and patient with my transient ways of traveling about the country to train. Aside from the training environment, Gene is just a really nice guy that I like to hang out with; I feel comfortable just being myself with Gene and the guys at NYMAG. I really like that Gene has not lost his perspective of jiu-jitsu as a combative art and not just a sport. This is where training with Gene early has given me a solid foundation to apply my skills in a sport tournament, an MMA fight, a self-defense situation, or even in a spur of the moment challenge match. Click to watch video    - John Kessler BJJ & MMA Competitor BJJ Competition Arizona Grappling challenge 3rd place White belt open weight NAGA Battle at the beach 1st place White belt open weight Arizona State Jiu-jitsu Championships 1st place White belt Budweiser Jiu-jitsu world cup 1st Blue belt and 1st place NO-GI NAGA Georgia State Grappling Championships 2nd place Purple belt (as a Blue) and 1st place NO-GI IBJJF US Nationals 3rd place Purple belt open weight Arizona Grappling challenge 2nd place Purple belt IBJJF Pan-Am competitor Brown belt and NO-GI Grapplers Quest US Nationals Brown belt 1st place MMA 4-1 (King of the Cage) W via triangle choke from guard W via triangle from top of North-South W via arm bar from mount W via RNC L via TKO

NYMAG Makes Champs at Worlds and 2007 Summer Competition! NYMAG Students continue to bring home Gold Medals in Advanced divisions through 2007 with Dave Edwards winning Gold at the NAGA World Championships in the Advanced Division and Steven Olivier taking home Gold at The Battle at the Beach tournament. Steven took home an additional Bronze medal along with Jerry Sabini in his competition debut.

NYMAG Wins Pan Am Gold in 2007

Out of only two competitors representing NYMAG at the 2007 Pan Am Games, both Steven Olivier and David Edwards won Gold Medals in their Divisions.

		"I've been training under Gene for a year and a half. Pan Am - Blue Belt - Gi Champ. 'Nuff said!" - Steven Olivier, Pan Am Gold Medalist
			"My Name is Dave Edwards. I have been a student at Gene Simco's/NYMAG for 5 months. I entered as a white belt and after 5 months of training, earned my blue, then only two weeks later, won the Pan Ams, No Gi (Gold Medal) and a Bronze in Gi. Gene is a Real-Deal technician." - David Edwards, Pan Am Gold and Bronze Medalist

Below is a list of the awards won by many different NYMAG students prior to 2006. 3 Gold and 5 Silver Medals out of 8 Competitors at the North American Grappling Championship, October 2005. 1 First Place, 1 Second Place and Two Third Place Medals out of four competitors at NAGA World Championships, March 2005. 2 first place medals and one third out of 3 competitors at Catamount Open 2004 1st place and 3rd place at East Coast Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championships, May 2004. 2nd place at 2004 Grappler's quest 2004 US Nationals. 3 first place, 2 second place out of 5 competitors at The 2003 Pennsylvania Open. 3 trophies out of two competitors at NAGA's 2003 New England Grappling Championship. 4 medals at NAGA's Battle at the Beach - 2003. 2 First Place Medals out of 2 competitors at 2003 Grapplers Quest Nationals. 3 First Place Trophies, 2 Second Place Trophies, and one 3rd at 2003 NAGA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 3 Title wins out of 3 Competitors at 2002 Freestyle Fury 8 medals out of 8 competitors at 2002 Copa Atlantica 2nd Place at US Grappling Championship 1st Place win at April 2002 Grappler's Quest. 1st and 3rd place wins at 2001 Kimono Kombat 1st at Grappler's Quest 2001 NYC 2 1st Place Trophies at NAGA's 2001 Garden State Championships 1st and 3rd place wins at NAGA's 2001 North American Grappling Championship 4 Trophies, including 2 first place at NAGC 2000 1 first place, one 3rd place at NAGA's Garden State Tournament 9 trophies (including 3 first place) at 2000 Grappler's Games 5 Trophies at 2000 Kimono Kombat Tournament 5 medals at Submission Fighter Magazine's Mat Maddness. 1st place trophy at 2000 JBA submission challenge. First, Second, Third and Fourth Place Trophies at the 1999 North American Grappling Championship Winners at 1998 Grappler's Challenge - 1st & 2nd place trophies Winners of over 6 medals in 4 divisions at 1998 NE Grappling Championships 2 Trophies & 4 medals at 1999 NE Grappling Championships 7 trophies out of 10 competitors at 1999 New York State Grappler's Challenge - Including first place in 2 divisions Gold & Bronze Medals at the Florida State Championships