First Posted: 3/7/2012

Owner and operator of James Simrell Mixed Martial Arts, 400 S. State St., Clarks Summit, James Simrell is the head instructor at Macarra BJJ. He teaches Muay Thai Kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He is a black belt in the martial arts of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Russian Sambo. Simrell is also trained in kickboxing.

Simrell is also the Master Mentor and Head Instructor for Goodwill Youth Mentoring MMA Program.

This is the first year for the Youth Mentoring MMA Program with Goodwill in the United States. The program’s goal is help children with their confidence, self-esteem, and teach them to be respectful through MMA.

The Scranton native is the owner of James Simrell Designs of Fine Jewelry in Clarks Summit, where he lives with his wife Kathleen. Contact him for details about fitness classes or with questions about this workout at 585.1851 or jsmma@comcast.net.

This technique, which is part of Macarra BJJ PA Self Defense Series presented by instructors James Simrell and David Walsh, is “Defense for Punches Thrown from the Mount Position.”

Goal: When working with partner, work on the Fundamentals of the Technique. You want to learn the technique without using strength. Repetitions: 20 times each side.