2016 Marianas Open Official Press Conference

2016 Marianas Open

Featuring Black Belt Absolute Athletes:
- Felipe Pena
- Guilherme Augusto
- Keenan Cornelius
- Jacob Guererro
- Joey Bouhey
- Terrence Aflague
- Bryant Pangelinan
- Igor Schneider

The Official 2016 Marianas Open Press Conference was hosted by the Verona Resort Guam.

The 2016 Marianas Open has a huge Black Belt Absolute lineup that will bring world wide attention to our island of Guam. With $10,000 for the black belt absolute winner, this is an enticing 1st prize to any Brazilian Jiu Jitsu athlete.

It is truly an honor and a pleasure to have these world class BJJ black belts visit our beautiful paradise island, enjoy the hospitality of our people, learn about our Hafa Adai spirit and do what they do best showcasing their skills in front of our island and the entire world. Budo Videos streaming the whole event live online.

It is amazing to see Guam martial arts grow in the past years of BJJ being on island. Like Keenan Cornelius mentioned at the press conference, “Guam is the melting pot of JiuJitsu in this region.” Guam has three local boys (Bryant, Terrence & Jake) competing in the black belt division. We are excited to have 3 of our very own Guam BJJ black belts competing at the world class level.

It is nice to see the growth of martial arts and BJJ on Guam with the Marianas Open throwing this monumental event that brings in world class talent to the islands. May we learn, grow and foster the positives of martial arts for a better Guam. Saina Maase Marianas Open!

We are looking forward to the 2016 Marianas Open going down at the FD Phoenix Center in Mangilao Guam. Aside from the world class BJJ black belt line up, fans will able to enjoy martial arts competition at its finest the whole day with the Marianas Open kids, women and other belt adult divisions.

BUDO VIDEOS PPV: Secure your virtual seat now at:http://www.budovideos.com/pages/2016-marianas-open-live-ppv

4.16.16 – Sat, 12PM GU // 10AM – Philippines // 10AM – Hong Kong // 2AM UK
4.15.16 – Fri, 7PM LAX // 10PM NYC // 11PM Brazil

 

Guam Representative: Terrence Aflague on Budo Videos

Coach Terrence Aflague of Purebred Guam has trained his entire jiujitsu career on island. A family man, a father of 3 with a full time job–he still finds time and resurce to compete in larger tournaments off island. Her he offers some words of what it means to compete for the second at this level in his hometown

Black belts ready to fight at Marianas Open

 

The Marianas Open brought some of the top-tier talent in Brazilian jiujitsu to Guam to compete in the Absolute Black Belt Championship — eight competitors from all over the world, including 2015 Marianas Open champion Keenan Cornelius.

“It’s always a pleasure to come back to Guam,” said Cornelius. “I’ve been here three times now and I like it more and more every time. I actually train with a lot of tough guys from Guam. I think Guam is the melting pot of jiujitsu for the Pacific, so it’s great to be out here and compete with all those guys. The jiujitsu is really strong out here and I think it’s only getting stronger.”

The Marianas Open faced a setback Friday afternoon, when it was announced that another high-profile fighter, Rhalan Gracie — grandson of Helio Gracie, the founder of Brazilian jiujitsu — would be unable to fight due to a knee injury. Gracie’s knee had been previously injured but he was planning on making his return here in Guam. Gracie initially said that he was 50-50, but later determined that he couldn’t fight.

Though he’s disappointed he won’t be able to fight, he has enjoyed his time on Guam.

“One thing about the island lifestyle, they love jiujitsu, they love the fighting arts. They are very passionate about that,” said Gracie. “I think it’s a very good place to be and people have taken very good care of us. If you guys keep doing what you’re doing, there’s nothing but success up ahead.”

Though not originally scheduled to fight, Guam native Jacob Guerrero was able to step up at the last minute and fight in place of Gracie.

Guerrero will be facing off against Cornelius in the first round.

Along with Guerrero, two other Guam fighters will be participating in the Marianas Open. Bryant Pangelinan was born in Guam, but currently lives and trains in Concord, California. Terrence Aflague was born in raised in Yona, where he still resides and has trained since 2001.

“Competing for the Marianas as a homegrown black belt, this is a big opportunity for me,” said Aflague. “I don’t have to travel or leave the island. I just had to jump on this opportunity and drive from Yona to Mangilao and mix it in with these guys.”

For Pangelinan, having the opportunity to come home and fight is something he’s looking forward to.

“It’s an honor to be asked to come home and fight,” he said. “After always wanting to compete on Guam, it’s almost come full circle so it’s nice. The vibe is great, everything has been perfect, and I’m just ready to get out there and represent Guam.”

Three of the fighters — Felipe Pena, Guilherme Augusto Santos and Igor Schneider — traveled all the way from Brazil to fight in the Marianas Open. Santos and Schneider, both new black belts, said they were excited to be on the island and were looking forward for the opportunity to pull off an upset.

Pena, however, could perhaps be the favorite to take the championship from Cornelius, though he did lose to him in the pair’s only previous meeting. A former world champion, Pena’s already claimed the European Open Championship this year. He’s enjoyed his time on Guam so far, particularly his trip to Cetti beach, but had to admit he was a caught off guard when he got the invitation to fight in the Marianas Open.

“To be honest, jiujitsu here has surprised me a lot,” said Pena. “When I got invited, I looked at the map and saw a really small island and said, ‘Man, I didn’t even know there was jiujitsu there.’ I got here and so many tough guys, a lot of black belts, and I’m happy to be a part of this tournament. I think you guys are doing a great job bringing all the athletes here.”

Along with the chance to fight in paradise, the $15,000 purse was a huge factor in getting these talented fighters to Guam. The goal is that offering big prize money will bring fighters to Guam, and in return the island’s jiujitsu scene will grow even larger.

Cornelius said from what he’s seen the past couple years, that goal is well on its way to being accomplisched.

“I think this tournament is probably one of the biggest things helping bring eyes to Guam and also helping promote jiujitsu as a whole all around the world,” he said. “This would be considered one of the top-tier tournaments for offering prize money. You guys are already on par with some of the best jiujitsu tournaments in the world. I think that’s why you are attracting such talented athletes.”

The Marianas Open is being held Saturday at the Father Duenas Phoenix Center in Mangilao. Doors open at 8 a.m., with the Absolute Black Belt Championship beginning at noon. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for kids.

MARIANAS OPEN

BRACKET ONE

BRACKET TWO

The winners in each bracket will fight, with the winners of those fights contesting for the championship.

 

Bryant Pangelinan Guam BJJ Black Belt Fokai & TheForce Interview

Bryant Pangelinan Guam BJJ Black Belt

Fokai & TheForce Interview

Bryant Pangelinan BJJ
- BJJ Black Belt under Carlos Sapao
- Pan American No Gi Black Belt Champion
- 3X BJJ World Champion
www.sabrebjj.com

Fokai & The Force had the opportunity to interview Guam native, Bryant Pangelinan, on martial arts, combat sports competition and life skills on and off the mat.

We will see Bryant back in action on April 16th on home soil at the 2016 Marianas Open.

2016 Marianas Open Black Belt Competitor Roster:

Cristiano Kaminishi
Luiz Panza
Bryant Pangelinan
Rhalan Gracie
Felipe Pena
Keenan Cornelius
Igor Shnieder
Guilherme Agusto

Bryant Pangelinan Fokai & TheForce Full Interview Below:

 

Kirk Cruz & FOKAI/TheForce

Back in Action: TheForce

Kirk Cruz, is a loooong tjme friend, a surf partner, and shredder sinceeversince, 
7 years ago he was involved in a tragic motorcycle accident which resulted in the amputation of his right leg. The terrible timing spiraled him into a dark place but with faith, prayer, and the positive thinking, his life had taken a turn for the best. 
Today marks another day of his return to the surf. 
Here he is with photographer Shane Rayfielfld and his son Zack for a major score in God’s Country (Talofofo Guam)

#nevergiveup
#chooselife
#cultivatethespirit

Tony Piaulig T.A.S.A facilities at the Saggan Kotturan Chamoru

F is for FESTPAC:

Taking a break with Master Navigator Tony Piaulig at the T.A.S.A facilities at the Saggan Kotturan Chamoru.

We are honored to work alongside these great sailors who are a growingly rare breed. Under the apprenticeship of Tony Piaulig–rain or shine, they navigate themselves throughput the Pacific without the use of modern day instruments.

#fokai
#satawal 
#clothandculture.

PRIDE FC: Enson Inoue vs Igor Vovchanchyn FULL FIGHT VIDEO

PRIDE FC: Enson Inoue vs Igor Vovchanchyn FULL FIGHT VIDEO

Enson Inoue submitted who seemed like an unstoppable Randy Couture in 1999 in Vale Tudo Japan ..this cemented him to the world as a Premiere fighter athlete and true world contender.

In this fight against Igor,– most people felt that Ensons groundfighting game would easily defeat Igor, but the only problem is that Enson wasnt there for the win.He was there for the fight.

Inoue was hospitalized for days with fractures to his skull, a shattered orbital, and a broken eardrum,etc … its funny that despite that, this still goes down, above all his other career highlights, as his favorite fight.

For Enson still its not nearly about winning the fight nearly as much as it is about the Way you Fight. .. Its easy for anyone to say that they will fight to the end. For others, its impossible to say that they wont.

Yamato Damashii is a Way of Life

#yamatodamashii
#purebred
#sinceeversince

Watch full fight below.

JUST ADD WATER: Guam Fire Rescue

Much respect to these heros and all Fire Fighters out there.

Product Development with Guam Fire Rescue and their custom Fokai Dryfit Hoodie and Quickdries.

 

 

 

 

Saipan Fighter Evolution! History of Trench Tech Purebred Saipan w/ Cuki Alvarez

Saipan Fighter Evolution! History of Trench Tech Purebred Saipan w/ Cuki Alvarez

 

TRENCH TECH PUREBRED SAIPAN was established in October of 2004. It is an Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)/FITNESS academy formed to provide an outlet/safe haven for interested Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) practitioners to train and practice their fighting skills IN AN ORGANIZED AND PROFESSIONAL SETTING.

In May of 2004, when FURY FIGHTING ISLANDS brought the first ever octagon MMA event to the Marianas in Tinian, several Saipan warriors stepped into the cage for the first time to compete. All of the CNMI combatants fought valiantly but they all lost to their more experienced counterparts/opponents from Guam. It wasn’t that they lacked the heart and determination to compete, it was that they lacked the MMA fighting skills and techniques to fight competitively. That’s when TRENCH TECH was born.

Since 2004 Trench Tech Purebred Saipan has had a professional MMA instructor from Japan (PUREBRED OMIYA’S- Tetsuji Kato) live, train and TEACH the much needed skills so lacked. They chose the word “TRENCH” because it is synonymous with the Mariana Islands and “TECH” for “technical teachings” aka “DEEP TECHNIQUE” which Cuki Alvarez vowed to help understand and learn and eventually teach our local combatants and aficionados.

Trench TECH has grown tremendously over years and has been providing MMA training for a lot of the fighters you see today competing locally. There has been 19 TRENCH WARZ events, 18 RITES OF PASSAGE (Amateur) events and 11 Grappling/Jiu Jitsu tournaments to date since 2005. It is Trench Tech’s mission, desire and goal to continue bringing top level MMA events to our islands and produce Champions from the Islas Marianas! It is also through this mission that we vow to “CREATE FRIENDSHIP THROUGH FIGHTING!”

LONG LIVE THE ISLAND WARRIORS! LONG LIVE MMA!

Watch Full Interview of Cuki Alvarez, President of Trench Tech Purebred Saipan & President of Trench Warz.

ONRA: Pat Ayuyu REAL FC MMA Fight Week and w/ Interview

ONRA: Pat Ayuyu REAL FC MMA Fight Week and w/ Interview

Congratulations to Pat Ayuyu on his split decision victory in REAL Fighting Championships in Japan. This moves Pat into the finals against multiple time BJJ world champion Roberto “Satoshi” Sousa. The winner of the finals will not only hold the title of Lightweight tournament champion, but win a $20,000 cash prize.

We got to catch up with Pat Ayuyu the week of the fight to see what this Rota native warrior is up to in the world of martial arts. During this trip in Japan we ran into some of the Fokai familia!

Enjoy both videos below!

REAL FC FIGHT WEEK!

 

FULL INTERVIEW w/ Pat Ayuyu

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