BJJCork:WellSaid

2009 Silver Women Absolute White Belt UK Bristol Open Summer Leg
2009 Bronze Women Absolute White Belt Dublin Open
2009 Silver Women Absolute White Belt Irish Open
2009 Gold Women Total Absolute White/Blue Belt Irish Open
2010 Bronze Women Feather Blue Belt London Seni Gracie Invitational
2010 Silver Women Absolute Blue Belt Munster Open Cork
2010 Silver Women Total Absolute Nogi Munster Open Cork
2010 Gold Women Under 60kg Open Division Irish Open Dublin
2010 Gold Women Open Absolute Irish Open Du2009 Bronze 100.5kg white belt Bristol Open Summer Leg
2009 Gold 94.3kg White Belt Dublin Open
2010 SILVER 100.5kg Blue Belt 2nd Open Eurofight Dublin
2010 SILVER 100.5kg Blue Belt Glasgow BJJ Open
2010 GOLD 100.5kg Blue Belt Irish Open BJJ Championships Dublin
2009 GOLD 82.3kg White Belt UK Bristol Open Summer Leg
2010 GOLD 88.3kg Blue Belt 2nd Open Eurofight Dublin
2010 GOLD 88.3kg Blue Belt Munster Open BJJ Championships Cork
2010 BRONZE 88.3kg Blue Belt Glasgow BJJ Open
2010 GOLD 88.3kg Blue Belt Irish Open BJJ Championships Dublin
2010 Silver 82kg Blue Belt Division Glasgow Open
2010 Silver Absolute Blue Belt Divsion Glasgow Open
2009 GOLD 88.3kg IP Submission Tournament Intermediate
2009 SILV   88.3kg Blue Belt Irish Open
2010 SILV   Absolute Bristol Open Blue belt
2006 Bronze NSC -68Kg Novice
2007 Bronze NSC -68Kg Intermediate
2008 Gold Munster Open Gi Blue Belt Feather Weight
2008 Bronze Munster Open No-Gi  -75Kg
2010 Bronze Absolute White Belt Munster Open BJJ Championships
2008 Bronze Munster Open No-Gi  -75Kg
2010 Bronze Munster Open Gi Blue Belt -76Kg
2010 Silver 76Kg White Belt Munster Open BJJ Championships
2010 BRON 94.3kg White Belt Munster Open Cork
2010 GOLD absolute White Belt Munster Open Cork
2008 GOLD 94.3kg White Belt Irish Open
2008 GOLD 94.3kg White Belt Dublin Open
2009 GOLD 88.3kg IP Submission Tournament 1
2009 SILVER 82.3kg White Belt Dublin Open
2009 GOLD 88.3kg White Belt Irish Open
2009 Gold Juvenile UK Bristol Open Summer Leg
2009 Gold 76kg White Belt Irish Open
2010 Gold 82kg Intermediate NOGI  Irish Cup
2004 GOLD  70kg Amateur MMA League
2005 GOLD  75kg Galway JUDO Open
2008 BRONZE 76kg Purple Belt Irish Open
2008 BRONZE 76kg Purple Belt UK Bristol Open winter leg
2008 SILVER 76kg Purple Belt UK Bristol Open Summer leg
2009 SILVER 76Kg Brown Belt UK Bristol Open Summer leg
2009 GOLD Absolute Brown Belt UK Bristol Open Summer Leg

Exhaust.Proceed.Culitvate:Body.Mind.Spirit.

12YearOldYoga Champion. It’s amazing what the human body is capable of when motivated. Exactamundo–BRUH!

Fokai360:YellowmanGym

A Captain’s view in a visit to the training facility of Japan’s Original True fighter and one of the nation’s MMA pioneers and footlock afficionados–Noboru Asahi’sYellowmanGym

TrenchWarz13:VengeanceResults

Winners in the Circle

FokaiIreland:ShaneCallaghan

The movement for FokaiINternational is credited exclusively to the hardwork of our supporters. we are extremely honored to share this vibe with our extended friends and family in Ireland–a land widely known for its fighting Spirit. Much gratitude and even more respect. Thanks sincerely for being a part of this good vibe. Exhaust the Body. Proceed The Mind. Cultivate the Spirit.

FokaiIreland:CongratulationsToneSusuico

August 2010:Have a glimpse into the bluebelt promotion of Tony Susuico of the FokaiFamilia via the highly respected FernandoTerere! . GoodTimes

ForLife:FuryMadness

An open mind, strong work ethic and unbridled passion can go a long way. It’s helped former Guam resident and standout athlete Richard Chou make it in the world of professional sports.

The American Red Cross

Chou, who played Division 1 collegiate volleyball at Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif., is a former member of the Guam national volleyball team as well as the recipient of the Most Valuable Player award in both the Interscholastic Basketball and Volleyball Leagues as a senior in 1997.

While he had a lot of success as an amateur, his professional success came in the world of mixed martial arts, and it wasn’t due to his athletic prowess. Chou’s work ethic has taken him from passing out promotional fliers for MMA events to his current position as a member of the matchmaking team for one of the largest professional MMA organizations in the world, Strikeforce.

“I am lucky I get to do this for a living,” the St. John’s School graduate said via telephone from San Jose, Calif.

“Most people never get to pursue their passion and I am grateful for it.”
Getting started

Going into his senior year of college Chou got his first taste of MMA through Brazilian jiu-jitsu when John Calvo, founder of Purebred Guam, invited Chou to train with him.

“He was a big athlete and I needed a sparring partner,” Calvo said.

Chou decided to give it a try and enjoyed the individual aspect of MMA since he always played team sports.

“It was something different. It was really intense,” he said.

Calvo immediately noticed Chou’s work ethic was off the charts. Calvo said he could foresee Chou doing bigger things because of his dedication and transparency.

“He always puts family first, he works really hard,” Calvo said. “He’s always got good ideas and he’s honest.”

After graduating college, Chou decided it was time to move on from volleyball and made the transition to MMA. Chou took his first professional fight in 2002 and two years later an opportunity to start doing work outside of the ring enticed Chou to try his hand at promoting. After six years of hard work, he’s made it.

Behind the scenes

Chou said his duty as a matchmaker for Strikeforce is more complicated than this guy fighting that guy. He describes a typical work day as “a constant state of motion.” On any given day he could be trying to schedule Fedor Emelianenko’s next fight, speaking with a fighter from Japan or, most recently, setting the stage for the release of “EA Sports MMA,” Electronic Arts’ newest video game.

Despite the hectic nature of the job, Chou said it is worthwhile when the fans and fighters enjoy the show. He compared it to the adrenaline high a fighter experiences following a rousing victory.

“We get a rush from putting on a great show,” he said.

He calls the sport his passion so going to work each day isn’t a chore. Chou likened it to a lifestyle since his leisure time consists of training or watching MMA.

“It’s a very big part of my life,” he added.
Picking himself up

But life wasn’t always a success for the 31-year-old. Prior to joining Strikeforce, Chou was working with another professional MMA organization called Elite Xtreme Combat. The company folded in October 2008 and Chou was left without a job.

“I took some time off and did some soul searching,” he said.

For the first time in several years, Chou was unemployed and left pondering which direction to head. Rock bottom is what he called that point in his life because the sport he loved so much, left him with nothing.

In spite of losing his job, his good reputation within the industry got the attention of Strikeforce’s chief executive officer Scott Coker. Coker then brought Chou aboard to fulfill the critical role of matchmaker.

“Scott really helped me take my career to the next level,” Chou said.

Coker said he reached out to Chou because the two had previously worked together when Strikeforce partnered with EliteXC to produce two MMA events.

“He stood out because he was doing most of the work,” Coker said via telephone from San Jose.
Hard work pays off

Coker said about 50 to 75 people apply for a job at Strikeforce each month, but Chou’s knowledge and passion for the sport separate him from the rest. Coker added that he has high aspirations for Chou in the next couple of years.

“Hopefully he can run Strikeforce one day and I can step down,” Coker said.

JD Penn, the president of Rumble World Entertainment, agrees that Chou has the dedication and work ethic needed to succeed. Rumble World Entertainment is a Hawaii-based MMA company that has hosted events such as the Rumble On The Rock series.

“I have worked with a lot of promoters and I would say he has a lot more dedication to this sport than anyone else. He understands how important it is to have a good work ethic and to be honest and genuine in this sport,” Penn, whose brother is professional fighter BJ Penn, said via e-mail.

JD Penn added that Chou has a wealth of experience in MMA because he has worked as a fighter, a referee and a promoter. Therefore, JD Penn believes Chou has the ability to navigate his career because of his vast experience.

“It’s really up to him,” JD Penn said.
Giving thanks

Chou said he met JD Penn in 2004 and the two clicked immediately. Chou began working with JD Penn to promote Rumble On The Rock. Chou credits JD Penn for introducing him to the promotional side of the sport.

“I am very grateful that JD gave me a start in the business,” Chou said.

Chou thanks his parents for their constant support and understanding as well as teaching him the value of hard work. He also thanks his coaches throughout high school and college.

Chris Shepherd, Chou’s high school volleyball coach, said Chou was able achieve success at a higher level because his dedication to volleyball at the time was unmatched.

“He was always the first one in practice and the last one to leave,” Shepherd said.

Chou credits Shepherd for helping him play collegiate volleyball. Chou also thanks Calvo, Melchor Manibusan, Steve Roberto and Roman Dela Cruz for introducing MMA to him. He is also appreciative for the friendship and support he has received from JD Penn.
Life lessons

No longer at the bottom, Chou said MMA has taught him about life and the importance of perseverance, patience and having faith.

“You just got to grind it out,” he said. “There were a lot of intelligent people who got into MMA and failed. It’s a really tough business.”

He added that hard work and passion are the two key ingredients for people striving to break into the sport. Whether in the ring or behind the scenes, Chou said always remember to have fun, don’t burn any bridges and try to absorb as much as information as possible.

“Be a sponge and take it all in.”

FokaiInfantry:JTTorres

FokaiFemme:VallesGarcia

(CNN) — Some headlines are hailing her as the bravest woman in Mexico. Marisol Valles Garcia, all of 20 years old, says she’s just tired of everyone being afraid.

Valles Garcia, a criminology student, became the police chief this week of Praxedis G. Guerrero, one of the most violent municipalities in the border state of Chihuahua. She was the only person who accepted the top job in a police force whose officers have been abducted and even killed.

“Yes, there is fear,” Valles Garcia said Wednesday in an interview with CNN en Español. “It’s like all human beings. There will always be fear, but what we want to achieve in our municipality is tranquility and security.”

There’s good reason for the fear. Just this past weekend, a 59-year-old local mayor, Rito Grado Serrano, and his 37-year-old son, Rogoberto Grado Villa, were killed in a house in which they they were hiding in nearby Ciudad Juarez. Another area mayor was killed in June.

Video: Young woman decapitated in Juarez

Video: Tourism strong despite violence

Video: Record 105 tons of pot seized in Tijuana

Juarez is the bloodiest city in Mexico, with a reported 2,500 people killed in drug violence this year. Praxedis G. Guerrero is located about 35 miles southeast of Ciudad Juarez. Both are in the state of Chihuahua, which borders Texas.

Nationwide, the federal government says, more than 28,000 people have lost their lives since Mexican President Felipe Calderon declared war on the drug cartels after taking office in December 2006.

Valles Garcia sees a non-violent role for her 13-member force, which will be mostly female and unarmed.

“The weapons we have are principles and values, which are the best weapons for prevention,” she told CNN en Español. “Our work will be pure prevention. We are not going to be doing anything else other than prevention.”

Valles Garcia said she aims to establish programs in neighborhoods and schools, to win back security in public spaces and to foster greater cooperation among neighbors so they can form watch committees.

She has recruited three other women to join the force in the small municipality of 8,500 people, the government-run Notimex news agency said this week.

Valles Garcia said Wednesday she gladly accepted when Mayor Jose Luis Guerrero offered her the job. The first couple of days have gone smoothly, she said.

“Truthfully, we have been very tranquil,” she said. “The people have received us very well. They have even supported us. They say it’s a great project and they will be with us 100 percent.”

Still, the notion of a largely female police force being helmed by a woman — and a young one at that — does not seem to sit well with some people in a country that still retains vestiges of machismo.

“Are there no men in Chihuahua?” read a headline on a blog on the Periodista Digital website.

But Valles Garcia believes what the job may need is a woman’s touch.

“We are simply going to talk with them, with the people, with the families, giving them confidence so they will quit being afraid, so they can leave their houses,” she told CNN en Español.

“We have hope that we are going to exchange fear for tranquility and security.”

ONRA:October22nd,2010

Hafa adai.

TrenchWarz 13: Vengeance is set for Oct. 29 at the Saipan World Resort while Josh Calvo will be competing in a featured bout at Rumble on the Ridge 14 in Washington on the 30th.

Reminding ourselves of Guam’s impressive resume in martial arts, we can marvel at the fact that Guam’s footsteps in the martial arts world are not just incredible — our atlas of achievements also make us into a credible martial arts identity.

Take, for instance, the late and honorable Carlos Palacios receiving his KyokuShin black belt from the Great Mas Oyama, or maybe, Guam aikido’s Ben Galarpe having a very direct relationship with the seemingly untouchable Koichi Tohei of the Ki Society — or, maybe, looking at what’s impressive in our MMA profile such as Melchor Manibusan serving in the corner when Enson Inoue submitted The Legendary Randy Cotoure in Professional Shooto or John Calvo fighting the at-the-time UFC world champion Dan Severn at the University of Guam field house. These accolades, along with the not-so-spoken-of ventures and the endless accounts of our unsung heroes, give testimony to our legitimate collective footprint in the martial arts world.

Contributing to all that is the fact that Bruce Lee really isn’t dead and that he’s really been training with your friend’s uncle in the jungles of Talofofo (just kidding). We can all attest that not only do we have a lot to say; but also that, of Guam, there is much to be said.

Something that seems to be a big issue these days and one matter that should be of great concern to our martial arts and mixed martial arts communities is the topic of bullying.

Whether it be in high school or in the workplace, or unfortunately even occasionally in local politics — a reality of life is that the abuse of power exists in more places than it needs to be.

After Guam’s first foot in the door to No Holds Barred Fighting Competition — it seemed that the transformation from NHB to MMA would also graduate us beyond the evolution from ring to cage and would escort our sport from a still-admirable proving ground for spirit, to a true contest of skill

the eyes of the idealist — MMA was to be destined more as a platform for martial arts and/or martial skill and less a podium for violence.

Today, a decade and a half later — is this still the case? Reading articles and hearing cases of bullying accounts of students’ feeling threatened at school, of being unjustly intimidated into work decisions; taking into account the impressive popularization of MMA in the islands–it’s helpful to question ‘What role does MMA play in this situation and have we become a part of the solution or a part of the problem?

Keep it in the cage

Years ago the fellows at Premier Xtreme Combat had the initiative to launch the campaign to “Keep It In the Cage.” I Really have to tip a hat to that because they did a great job of gathering some of our most proven fighter-athletes to voice and endorse the campaign. Shortly thereafter, the phrase caught on and in more than a few places the words have become a household phrase.

Although the intention had been admirable and surely offered healthy advice for the people; it had inadvertently delivered a mixed message and missed a few highlights for the hopes of MMA’s aspired variable in the Guam Anti-violence Equation.

The martial arts in MMA goes far beyond — “I want to fight this guy but I only want to do it legally so I’m going to resolve this fight professionally,” way of thinking. The martial arts in MMA stands to offer the virtues of respect, honor, and humility to those first in search of not martial arts — but entertainment.

Outside of offering the figurative promise of the ability to defeat a man with a single move — arguably martial arts true power stands in the ability to cultivate the rationale and psychology to often resolve confrontation without the necessity of violence.

And in situations where confrontation is inevitable (and there are such situations) — martial arts also teaches us to fight for honor and self-defense as opposed to fighting with malice and self-glorification.

How can we pass this onto our athletes present and future? How can we pass this to the tens of thousands more in the audience? And most importantly, how can we accept, embrace, and practice this ourselves?

Just as Football goes far beyond being a tackling contest;In its best light — MMA can or should be recognized and communicated far beyond legalized violence and far beyond the facilitation of grudge matches.

In this pursuit of strength — we should remind ourselves that martial arts is a whole lot more than just being a tough guy — and the potential of MMA holds more for us than just becoming or identifying who is the the toughest guy.

Mixed martial arts has been alive and sustatining on Guam for 15-plus years.We are nearing or at an age of longevity where our MMA talent isn’t about harnessing what talents we might find in our fighters. We have arrived at the opportunity, we have grown with a wider knowledge to introduce athletes into this sport and from the get-go encourage them towards a code of conduct and an experience forged not in just the pursuit of victory, but in the values of honor, respect, and humility.

In truth, the weight of MMA’s obligations should not rest on any single identity’s shoulders and we can easily find credit and credibility in our current industry. But, as citizens and residents of Guam, the obligation for the conscious effort to improve if not maintain our island should rest on the shoulders of all. So, for the sake of martial athletics and competition, not for the sake of legalized violence — let us keep it in the cage. But maybe we can also go beyond that and start or continue this movement for a bully-free environnment, with a head rooted in the common sense of what helps society to better function properly and from a heart aiming for a more peaceful yet still exciting community.

Thanks for dropping by.

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