TheTruthOfTommyHilfiger

Let’s find out if Non-whites really play such a small part
in the world. Stop buying any range of their product, perfume, cosmetics,
clothes, bags, etc.,

2) Scene took place on a British Airways flight between Johannesburg and London .

A White woman, about 50 years old, was seated next to a black man.
Obviously disturbed by this, she called the air Hostess. “Madam, what is
the matter,” the hostess asked. “You o! bviously do not see it then?” she
responded. “You placed me next to a black man. I do not agree to sit next to
someone from such a repugnant group. Give me an alternative seat.”
“Be calm please,”
the hostess replied. “Almost all the places on this
Flight is taken.

I will go to see if another place is available.” The Hostess went
away and t hen came back a few minutes later. “Madam, Just as I thought,
there are no other available seats in the economy class. I spoke to the
captain and he informed me that there is a seat in the business class.
All the same, we still have one place in the first class.” Before the woman
could say anything, the hostess continued: “It is not Usual for our
company to permit someone from the economy class to sit in the first
class. However, given the circumstances, the captain feels that it would be
scandalous to make someone sit next to someone so disgusting.” She
turned to the black guy, and said, “Therefore, Sir, if you would like to,
please collect your hand luggage, a seat awaits you in first class.”
At that moment, the other passengers who were shocked by what they had
Just witnessed stood up and applauded.

Both the above are true stories. If You are against racism, please send this message to all your friends;

FokaiMotorsports:SoapBox

OCaptainMyCaptain

Sorry for delays.  In Hokkaido for product development for future winter products.

FokaiFemme:LeftyCrisWithNo”H”

FokaiFemme welcomes on board CristinaCruz of TheFokaiFamilia on board for our online ventures.

http://www.cmarie-designs.com/photography.html

Sherdog’s2009StoryOfTheYear

StrikeForce:TheLifeAndTimesOfFuryMadness

Sherdog’s2009StoryOfTheYear:For the last few years, it has been debatable if any U.S. fight promotion truly had the merit to call itself the No. 2 organization behind the UFC other than by default.

That changed in 2009, as a regional outfit named Strikeforce matured from a four-show-a-year operation to a double-digit, major network-broadcasted promotion.

For its staggering growth, which included cable and network TV deals, as well as the signing of the world’s most coveted fighter, the rise of Strikeforce has been voted Sherdog.com’s 2009 Story of the Year.

It began on Feb. 5, when Strikeforce and the Showtime Network jointly announced that they’d reached a three-year broadcast deal for up to 30 events, with an option for Showtime’s parent company, CBS, to pick up four primetime shows at its discretion.

CBS had been shopping for another MMA partnership since Pro Elite, which promoted 20 EliteXC and ShoXC events, had closed its doors the previous October buried in $55 million dollars of debt. Three EliteXC events had generated enough heat for CBS in 2008 to whet its appetite for similar content. Talks between CBS and Strikeforce began quietly that December, and the promotion is said to have been selected over other established outlets like King of the Cage and the UFC, which had met multiple times with the broadcast network as well.

Owned by Silicon Sports and Entertainment and 20-year-plus kickboxing promoter Scott Coker, Strikeforce had held California’s first regulated MMA event in March 2006 to a record 18,000-plus attendance. By keeping overhead costs low and catering to its sports-hungry San Jose, Calif., market, Strikeforce had a reputation for turning profit, something not easily obtained in the industry.

Terms of the deal included Strikeforce’s $3 million dollar purchase of select assets of Pro Elite Inc. — of which Showtime owned 20 percent — including the company’s fight library and inventories, as well as promotional and marketing materials. Most importantly, Strikeforce was given access to nearly 150 EliteXC fighter contracts.

Strikeforce CEO Coker said he and his staff reviewed the contracts carefully, noting which fighters might complement their existing roster.

“Out of those 140 to 150 contracts on file, I would say 75 to maybe 90 of those guys were from the smaller (ShoXC) league,” said Coker. “We thought it wouldn’t be hard to re-create some of those fights for Showtime and build guys that we wanted to build, so two-thirds of those contracts went away because of that.”

EliteXC champions Jake Shields, Robbie Lawler, standout Nick Diaz and others had their existing deals optioned immediately. Coker scrutinized the remaining contracts.

“[We Asked] Is this somebody that can become a star, a journeyman, a superstar in sport, and how do they currently match up against the fighters that we currently have?” said Coker.

Showtime aired its first Strikeforce event that April anchored by a middleweight tussle between Strikeforce attraction Frank Shamrock and Diaz.

While some questioned if the contracts were legally transferable, Gina Carano, a star on NBC’s “American Gladiators” and a massive draw who’d made no more than $25,000 a fight during her EliteXC tenure, took a seat at the re-negotiation table with Coker. Coker pursued “the Face of Women’s MMA,” who’d also met with the UFC — which doesn’t have a women’s division — just one day before Strikeforce’s Pro Elite asset purchase. Coker signed Carano to a six-figure contract a few months later.

“In 2006, we did the first regulated women’s bout in the state of California between Gina Carano and Elaina Maxwell,” said Coker. “It was an amazing fight, a standing ovation. I’ve always believed in female MMA fights, and it was personal goal for me to get Gina back in the cage with Strikeforce. She’s a star.”

Coker promoted the first female-headlined major U.S. event ever on Aug. 15 in San Jose, Calif., where Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos iced Carano in the first round to take the promotion’s 145-pound title. Coker continues to bolster the promotion’s female ranks and has 135- and 145-pound eight-women tournaments planned for mid 2010. Promoting women’s MMA distinguishes Strikeforce from other top promotions worldwide, though Coker said that’s not the reason he does it.

“I always believed in female martial arts fighting,” said Coker. “To me, there hasn’t been a concentrated effort to say, ‘Well, we should do this because these other companies don’t do it.’”

Of all the A-list candidates at Coker’s disposal in the EliteXC purchase, Internet backyard brawling sensation-turned-fighter Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson was the lone high-profile fighter whose contract wasn’t optioned. Slice had done CBS’s best numbers, but was an MMA novice.

“We had the opportunity to pick him up, and at that point, we looked at our roster of heavyweights who could fight him,” said Coker. “We just didn’t think there was anybody that would match up well with him… Alistair Overeem vs. Kimbo? At the time Paul (Buentello) vs. Kimbo? Antonio Silva vs. Kimbo? Fabricio (Werdum) vs. Kimbo? I just thought all of those fights wouldn’t be competitive and that was the real issue behind it.”

Coker also questioned if Slice’s hefty EliteXC price tag would be worth it.

“Is he a 21-year-old potential who has a tremendous amount of an upside or is he a short-term solution when we’re really in this for the long distance race?” asked Coker. “I saw EliteXC walk on eggshells trying to match Kimbo… did we really want to be in that situation where we were walking on eggshells to match someone? We just didn’t want to do it.”

Slice parted ways with Strikeforce in August and was signed days later to appear on Spike TV’s “The Ultimate Fighter 10.” Slice’s inclusion in a house of UFC hopefuls brought in record-breaking ratings for the cable network, while the 35-year-old fighter’s December victory against Houston Alexander live on Spike banked over 5 million viewers as well.

Still, Coker doesn’t regret his decision.

“For his last fight, I think he’s fighting a guy that’s a weight class underneath him and they’ll always be looking for the right match to make sure he has the best advantage that he can have,” said Coker. “I’m sure we could have done the same thing, but we didn’t want to.”

Sans Slice, Coker made strong in-roads with the Japanese market to secure additional high-wattage talent. In early August, Coker announced a strategic talent-exchange alliance with Dream, one offshoot of the once great Pride Fighting Championships. Dream fighter Mitsuhiro Ishida graced the Strikeforce cage in mid August, and Coker’s flexibility with non-exclusive contracts has allowed the promotion to tap into talent like Jason “Mayhem” Miller and Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal, who both compete regularly on the Japanese circuit. Coker has grander plans for the partnership as well.

“The goal is to do a fight in Japan with Dream and have the best Strikeforce fighters fight the best Dream fighters and then maybe do another fight in America where they’re best would come fight our best,” said Coker. “It would be similar to the WBC guys fighting the WBA guys. We have a tremendous roster that’s improving every day and Dream has an amazing roster. To me, these guys need to fight each other. These fights should happen. In boxing, these fights happen all the time, so why can’t they happen in MMA?”

In August, another door opened when struggling promotion Affliction Entertainment cancelled its Aug. 1 event two weeks out, leaving a cast of 20 fighters jobless. The world’s No. 1 heavyweight, Fedor Emelianenko, was among the castaways and he was suddenly a free agent. As closed-door negotiations with the UFC soured, stalled primarily on the UFC’s unwillingness to co-promote with Emelianenko’s M-1 Global management, Coker flew to Los Angeles to meet with the Russian company as well to try and strike a deal.

Coker called the three-day negotiations, held in a hotel lobby and conference room in Irvine, Calif., last August “organic.” Not in the U.S. at the time, Emelianenko was represented at the meetings by M-1 Global’s Vadim Finkelchtein, Joost Raimond, Apy Etcheld and Jerry Millen.

A co-promotional agreement was reached for four Emelianenko-headlined events, with an option for additional shows beyond that.

Six weeks later and not by coincidence, CBS exercised its option to broadcast its first Strikeforce event on Nov. 7 from the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, Ill.

“At that time, I had no idea how much (signing Emelianenko) would change the landscape of our company,” said Coker. “I’m so happy that we did it because it’s just such a great relationship. I’m so glad we pulled the trigger on that.”

Emelianenko’s tense two-rounder against Rogers netted strong ratings for the network. The bout was seen by nearly 5.5 million viewers, and became the ninth most-watched live bout in U.S. MMA history. CBS will air its second Strikeforce event in April, with Emelianenko likely at the helm again.

In December, Strikeforce scored another coup in the signing of the year’s second high-profile free agent, former UFC contender Dan Henderson, to a four-fight, 16-month deal. At first, Coker didn’t believe he had a shot at the two-time Olympic wrestler and dual-division Pride titleholder.

“I thought Dan was shopping around, but that he was really going to go back and sign with the UFC,” admits Coker. “We had lunch and some informal meetings, but it really wasn’t until I got a call from his manager saying, ‘Yeah, we want to be with Strikeforce. We don’t want to go back to the UFC. We’re ready to make a deal.’”

Henderson, who makes his debut for Strikeforce on CBS in April, is the first top 5-ranked fighter to jump from the UFC to Strikeforce. Coker doesn’t believe Henderson will be the last either.

“It’s a message to the fighters that there’s another alternative out there,” said Coker.

Possibly the promotion’s only black eye in 2009 was its inability to corral its heavyweight champion, Dutch striker Alistair Overeem, into a title defense since winning it in November 2007. Overeem, 29, was twice scheduled to put his crown on the line against Rogers and then Werdum, but withdrew both times with a hand injury. Instead, the former light heavyweight enjoyed a healthy run in Japan, competing in K-1’s year-end tournament and for the Dream promotion. Coker’s patience may come to an end in the new year.

“We always knew the fall was going to be busy with his K-1 schedule because that’s the way his contract was put together, but I want to make it clear that with Alistair we have a direct contract and his team have told me that he’ll be ready to fight in the second quarter (of 2010),” said Coker. “We’re going to hold him to it.
Overeem’s return will be much welcome, as a heavyweight contender’s bout looms between Emelianenko and Werdum, possibly in April on CBS.

In addition, a distribution deal with Shine International, which represents “The Biggest Loser” and other hit programming in over 150 countries, has already yielded soon-to-be-announced deals on Bravo TV in the UK, Latin America and Australia, which will provide a widened revenue stream.

Strikeforce also struck a licensing agreement with video game juggernaut EA Sports in the latter part of 2009 and will be the “premier” fight organization featured in its EA Sports MMA game due out later this year.

With 16 Showtime and four CBS-broadcasted events slated for 2010, on all fronts, Strikeforce’s future looks bright.

FokaiTaiwan:PacificRimOrganizedFighting

Fokai Industries makes another go at INternationalMMA

FokaiSaipan:RitesOfPassage

Local faves vs Korean pros in Rites of Passage 8

Trench Tech, Inc. will open its 2010 season with a bang as its initial offering, Rites of Passage 8: Fearless will have Korean pros challenging local favorites.

Trench Tech president and promoter Cuki Alvarez said they will mark the new season with a first, as Korean fighters, Hyun Gyu Lim, “Dr. Kang” Bung Chan Kang, and Young Nam Gu will be making their debut in CNMI MMA via ROP 8. Fearless is slated for Feb. 12 at the Royal Taga Hall of the Saipan World Resort.

“Since we have a big Korean community here, I think this will be a great opportunity for Koreans on Saipan to get more in tuned with the sport of MMA and create new networks and friends,” Alvarez said.

Lim will be facing veteran Slade “The Rage” Adelbai with the former hoping to improve his 5-3-1 win-loss-draw record. The 6’2” Lim holds two TKO wins and one KO. He had a doctor stoppage win against Japanese Noburi Onishi in May, 2008 and another TKO victory over Hiroshi Masabuchi in March of the same year.

Lim’s three other wins were against Brandon Magana in Korea (triangle choke), Lucio Linhares (KO punch) in Russia, and Seong Yeol Ahn (unanimous) in Korea. The Korean Top Team bet lost to Dmitry Samoilov in the U.S. in February last year, Max Fernandez in December 2008, and Greg Soto in 2007. His lone draw was against compatriot Jick Yong Kim in Korea in 2006.

Adelbai also has one draw in his record and holds seven wins and three losses. The Saipan bet’s victories were all via TKO and his victims include John Rasiang, Paul Iginoef, Charles Aiken, Antonio Nekaifes, Joe Rabauliman, Neil Taisacan, and Troy Munoz.

Another local favorite, Fasi “Quikdraw” Jesse will be dueling Kang in a 155-lb. bout. Jesse boasts of a 5-1-0 win-loss-draw slate, absorbing his lone loss at the hands of Guam’s Alex Castro during last month’s Trench Warz 11: Redemption.

Jesse has a better record than Kang, who holds a 3-2-0 mark and only has one win via KO. Kang’s first two wins were in 2006 and his latest was in August, 2008, against Yasayuki Nakamura. His losses were all via TKOs.

In the third Saipan vs. Korea fight, Chris “No Love” Laayug will be pitted against Gu in a 145-lb. bout.

Laayug has a 3-2 win-loss record, dropping his last bout when he bowed (TKO) to Guam’s Jon Delos Reyes in Trench Wars 10: Collision in July. Laayug’s victories were against Kevin Esteves (KO), Derrek Chan (TKO), and Ben Mettao (submission).

Gu holds a 1-2-1 mark, posting his lone win (submission arm-bar) against Young Sun Kim in 2006 in Korea. The Korean fighter will be making his return to the octagon cage after three years of absence.

Meanwhile, Alvarez is calling on all fighters interested in competing in Fearless.

“ROP is an amateur event and is the proving grounds for young up and coming talented fighters who want to take their fighting skills to the next level of MMA competition. Fighters will earn their right to pass onto bigger, more prestigious shows, such as Trench Warz, Fury, and PXC,” Alvarez said.

Legendary:YellowMan,GregoryIsaacs,and13.N/144.E

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.

FokaiFamilia:CotchDiaz

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