ONRA:January14th,2010

Hafa Adai,

Happy NewYear! May we all find and recognize Gods imminent graces in 2010.

TheFatherDuenas Memorial School Class of 2000 kicked off the new year on January 1^st with its fightnight fundraiser at the Royal Orchid hotel. Here we saw the last minute MixedMartialArts debuts of 2 of our young Jiujitsu notables Miguel Ayuyu and Mike Carbullido. Its going to be the Martial Arts Expo this upcoming Saturday Morning from 10:30 to 1:30 at the Anderson AirForce Base Youth Center. Props to the event’s organizers for giving us the opportunity to have a closer look at make our own comparisons of Brazilian JiuJitsu, Capoeira, Karate, and Aikido in their respective lights and under one roof for a true mix of Martial Arts .

It looks like the new GuamUnarmedCombat Commision (GUCC)has taken action to implement new guidelines for professional combat sports . The increased fees, prerequisite catscans, and dollar-per-head take of the door have edged the promoters of Premiere XTreme Combat to reschedule their next event from January 22^nd to a date still yet-to-be announced.

Though these new taxes might initially seem leave fighters and promoters on a limb, its only an open-minded approach that fans and supporters( looking for professional MMAs longevity) will be able to extract positive results from regulations that we might deem irrational. We must move forward with confidence that our government has activated the commision not as a power-trip but in the betterinterests of our people and industry. but this is not time for cross-examining, nor are we here to pass judgement.

The possible down turn for local MMA events here on island as well as its huge popularity that had sustained over the years has brought to mind some reflection for MMA and its position here in the islands.

Honestly, it is easy to understand why MMA might not sit so well with people. At face value, it can be hard to accept fighting as asport. For so many years, weve been taught to avoid fist fights. Society generally deems it as wrong. And the reality of lood and bruises easily associates the sport to barbarianism and brutality.

For those however, who have picked interest and have taken a closer examination– Many of us might have found MMA to be the at or near the pinnacle of athletics because, in observation, we have recognized the difficulties to endure such hard tactics. W e can testify to the intricacy of technique and we can appreciate the drive and tenacity of the human spirit.

Of course these can be found in most other forms of athletics but never before has it accumulated so well into a venture that can be enjoyed by and participated among most people. Look at its popularity around the world today. With our early connection to MMA, We haven’t discovered some ancient secret, nor are we exclusive to the entertainment and blessings that can come from such action. Its this worldwide appreciation however that has given us the benefit of driving and riding in a vehicle that the world gives notice to.

MMAs sustained popularity has indirectly or directly provided us with international notoriety and has helped showcase Guam as an island not just as a source of talent but as asource of cultivators of talent Besides giving us great fighter-athletes.This has led to many visits from current top athletes from all four corners of the globe. It has planted a healthy seed in open minded physical training, and has been a significant factor to fitness awareness thoughout all the Marianas.

The evolution of our fighter athletes, the growing scope of their horizons, the increased attention for Guam overseas is a definite testimony that in a number of ways—Mixed Martial Arts has “sharpened our blades” as participating and productive members of a world community.

So its all this momentum behind us yet we are at a massive speedbump for the future of liveprofessionalMMA here in Guam. But you know what, speedbumps are made for a purpose, just as are detours. Hopefully our local MMA’s industry’s roots in martial arts will offer the wisdom and method(s)that will turn what could be the demise of MMA into the redirection towards better things in a venture we have worked too long and hard for.

Difficult days might be ahead for professional combat sports here in the islands. But hopefully the years of rising in adversity, the sincerity of ambition in island pride, the intelligence of an evolving industry will find a way to continue provide our fighter athletes with platforms to showcase their skills, with vehicles to move us forward, and with landmarks to guide those that will surely follow.

Thanks for dropping by.