8 New BJJ Black Belts for Guam
Good Guys Wear Black.
Conduct, dedication, and proficiency have been the guidelines for any and every Purebred Jiu Jitsu Guam belt promotion.
Big respect for these folks that have been marinating in that grind.
On behalf of TheForce and Guam we would like to congratulate Ray Roberto, Jun Sun, James Paek, Mike Sanchez, Eric Sian, David Tuncap, Joshua “Wu” Jerome and Ken Concepcion on receiving their Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belts!
“This was our biggest black belt promotion,” Roberto said. “These guys have trained together for 10+ years and they’ve received all their belts here at Purebred Academy.” (quote from GSPN)
It is a great day for Guam martial arts with these 8 new BJJ Black Belts under Professor Stephen Roberto of Purebred JiuJitsu Guam.
Eric Sian and Michael Sanchez are the youngest black belts on Guam at age 24. There are now 15 black belts whom Roberto has promoted in his nine years as a black belt.
Keenan Cornelius back to Guam with his first lesson in Guam’s native and trademark weapon, the sling.
Keenan Cornelius & TheForce Fokai
Keenan Cornelius Slinging on Guam
HAFA ADAI,THE FORCE & THE MARIANAS OPEN!
Frank the Crank Camacho welcomes Keenan Cornelius back to Guam with his first lesson in Guam’s native and trademark weapon, the sling.
Good Vibrations and Culture Sharing with Keenan
#jiujitsuinparadise
#theforce
Black belts ready to fight at Marianas Open
April 15, 2016 by admin
Filed under BJJ Stuff, Onra, Special Forces
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.”
PACIFIC DAILY NEWS
‘A gentle art’
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.”
PACIFIC DAILY NEWS
Carbullido wins double gold
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
- Felipe Pena (BRA) vs Guilherme Augusto Santos (BRA)
- Joel Bouhey (USA) vs Terrence Aflague (GUM)
BRACKET TWO
- Keenan Cornelius (USA) vs Jacob Guerrero (GUM)
- Bryant Pangelinan (GUM) vs Igor Schneider (BRA)
The winners in each bracket will fight, with the winners of those fights contesting for the championship.
Fokai,The Force, & Legends: Fernando “Terere” Agusto
August 29, 2015 by admin
Filed under BJJ Stuff, Familia, FokaiCombatUNit, FokaiIreland
Photo and story from Gracie Magazine
Alan “Finfou “Do Nascimento just brought the venue to tears. After conceding the win to Fernando Tererê in their middleweight match, he handed Fernando Tererê his black belt. He later explained his actions: Fernando Tererê made what I am in Jiu-Jitsu. He taught me since the white belt. This belt, he gave one day and asked for 5 reais and I knew it he was going to buy crack. I told him then that I was going to give him back the belt when when he got back on his feet. There’s no better moment than that! I will sleep filled with joy and proud today!”
ONRA: FOKAI & THE MARIANAS OPEN
ONRA: Fokai&theMarianasOpen
Hafa Adai,
Brazilian Jiujitsu arrived on Guam at a time when No Holds Barred Fighting and Gracie Jiujitsu were virtually synonymous. It was a time when fighting proficiency was previously defined almost exclusively by kicks and punches. It was a time where the surprise onslaught of Jiujitsu’s combat worth had its representatives hardly ever losing in professional and amateur full-contact fighting competition.
Jiujitsu had flipped the script forever changing the world’s approach to self-defense training. It was the infant days of the UFC and the awakening of the beast that professional MMA has become today
As the sport of No Holds Barred Fighting evolved into Mixed Martial Arts competition, the curtains of secret techniques and strategies were opened wide for a receptive world to walk through. Martial Arts evolved speedily beyond the confines of style versus style and more towards conditioning and strategy. In due effect the rules, regulations, and point scoring system expanded Jiujitsu from “the Gentle Art” of self-defense to one of the most demanding facets of combat sports, high-level athletics, and unprecedented hand-to-hand martial science today.
Though no longer as dominant in MMA competition today. Jiujitsu has been cemented as the art and science that most significantly changed martial arts forever–paving the way for a still-evolving multidimensional approach to fighting, and offering to the masses a comprehensible and ready-to-use system of self defense.…
The Marianas Open was created in the thick of Guam’s Mixed Martial Arts heyday, and at a time when Guam Jiujitsu’s ambition began to sprout towards the light of larger tournaments. Under the council of World Competition decorated Jiujitsu Instructor/competitor Mike Fowler and Spearheaded by the efforts of Steven Shimizu and Tony Bashaw, the event modeled itself consistently with the International Brazilian Jiujitsu Federation events and standards—preparing Guam Jiujitsu practitioners with a test model and launching pad into larger events throughout Asia, The United States and towards creating the drive for a Guam-based Jiujitsu World Champion.
In a time when Mixed Martial Arts was catapulting throughout the community, The Marianas Open started as a project to reset Guam back into basics and provide Guam with a preparatory event that would get our Jiujitsu competitors ready for larger tournaments. In the beginning, this extended hopes of a better training environment for our MMA hopefuls; but I n the process further distinguished Sport Jiujitsu from MMA competition. This effort has since expanded to evolve Jiujitsu far beyond the shadows of Mixed Martial Arts and into its own light.
Today , alongside the Copa De Marianas, its mission has been successful with its veteran competitors garnering medals and gold medal finishes in events across the world as well as the ADCC Combat Championships and the Jiujitsu World Championships. With the momentum of 14 successful events, the Marianas Open and Copa de Marianas serves as the Ultimate Gathering for Guam’s Jiujitsu and Submission Grappling Community.
This 12th edition of the MarianasOpen, with four Copa de Marianas to add inside of 10years in the making—–the vision of the promoters and long-time supporters
of the event has taken form.
GuamJiujitsu has fast improved to dominate tournaments in the Asian-Pacific region times over with more medals than we can count in the PanAsian Brazilian Jiujitsu and No-Gi tournaments in the Philippines and repeat outstanding individual and team performances in the TokyoOpen and Asian Open tournament in Japan.
Through the baby steps taken from the MarianasOpen, Guam athletes have been kept in a motion that has helped to elevate our athletes to the mats and even podiums of World BJJ Power tournaments such as the Pan-American Jiujitsu Championships, the Pan-Kids, the US Open, and even the World Championships in California.
As a longtime supporter of the Marianas Open, FokaiIndustries is taking this opportunity to salute the organizers, competitors, champions and sponsors of the Marianas Open for helping walk the steps for the positive footprints that Guam has placed firmly in World Jiujitsu today.
FokaiIreland:The CorkOpen
June 19, 2014 by admin
Filed under BJJ Stuff, FokaiIreland
Enjoy kids ……….Thank you to all of you who came down to support and represent your Team at this years Cork Open ….We hope you all made it home safe …See you again soon at the No Gi later on in the year …Thanks Tony .
Sinceeversince:PurebredJiujitsu
HEres a video interview were sharing from Sirena Mafnas. Its an interview on some good core questions with Stephen Roberto, the Head Instructor of PUREBRED JIUJITSU:Guam’s original,most qualified, and longest standing Jiujitsu Academy
1 pair (size 34) blue fight trunks
3 oval patches
3 femme tees (small)
1 femme tank (large or medium)
1 femme tote bag.
ONRA:GuamJiujitsuServesJapan
When Jiujitsu first started on Guam, the absence of a Jiujitsu Academy enticed us to learning the other grappling arts to enhance our very limited jiujitsu game. We had enrolled into Freestyle Wrestling and Judo training in hopes of not only learning their techniques but also for extra mat time after practice. Inconsistent combat philospohies with our Judo instructors often widened any gap that might have existed between Judo and Jiujitsu on Guam. The growth of Jiujitsu in effect, had worked completely independently and more than 15years later still–the best of Guam Jiujitsu is yet to gel with Guam’s highly resourced national Judo program. . Almost two decades worth later, Stephen Roberto travels to Japan to open an affiliate Jiujitsu academy in Sapporo when ironically…Guam Jiujitsu made larger moves in WorldJudo than it ever had before. Heres an article copied and pasted fromt eh Pacific Daily News on Roberto’s adventure in Japan
Roberto builds bridges: Rival martial arts open to learning from each other
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Taught judo black belts: Purebred Jiu-Jitsu Guam lead instructor Stephen Roberto demonstrates a crucifix armbar on Mark Pangelinan. The crucifix armbar is one of the moves Roberto showed Tokai University judo students during a clinic held recently in Japan. Grant Wieman/Pacific Daily News/gwieman@guampdn.com
Purebred Jiu-Jitsu Guam lead instructor Stephen Roberto, a black belt in his sport, recently was invited to a teach a ground-breaking clinic to the judo team at Tokai University in Japan.
The opportunity came about at the last minute, Roberto said, but it was too monumental to pass up.
“To be invited is unprecedented,” Roberto said. “I got Facebook messages from all over the world for doing that. I’m not a judo black belt. For me to get invited as a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt made waves in the sport.”
The invitation was part of a new wave in judo, Roberto said, where the traditionally conservative, strict sport has begun to open up to new possibilities. That includes trying to pick up tips from jiu-jitsu, a rival sport that has traveled a different historical course.
Jiu-jitsu was once a major martial art in Japan, Roberto said, used primarily for self-defense, but it became less important in the past few centuries and with that, judo started to grow.
National power
Judo, a martial art used almost exclusively in sporting competition, is now much more popular in Japan, and Tokai University is the national power. A number of world champions, including two-time champion Hitoshi Sugai, have honed their craft at Tokai.
“In my martial arts career, especially here on Guam, Tokai University is known as an elite judo — strictly judo — university,” Roberto said. “A lot of the guys that graduate and do well on the college circuit and at Tokai are more than likely going to get recruited for the Japanese national team.”
Roberto is no stranger to conducting jiu-jitsu clinics. He’s traveled to several countries, including Japan, Ireland and the Philippines, to do just that.
But his turn in judo class was a new one, and it came as a surprise.
In late February, Roberto was in Sapporo, Japan, visiting Yoon Sugawara, a friend and former student who is opening a Brazilian jiu-jitsu affiliate gym there. The two had planned to host coaches from the Tokai University judo team, but time conflicts forced a change of plans.
Because of the respect Roberto has in the martial arts world, Tokai decided it couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see what skills he could share with its judo team.
Invitation
Sugai, now the technical director for Tokai University judo, invited Roberto to team training the next day.
“I didn’t even know what they wanted me to show,” Roberto said. “They told me they’d show me the next day. … That was the first time that I ever taught in a non-Brazilian jiu-jitsu setting. And, of course, they’re all black belts. That was just super intimidating.”
Language barrier
Roberto admits that his ability to speak Japanese is “bad, at worst,” but he wasn’t concerned about trying to instruct in a language he was unfamiliar with.
He showed jiu-jitsu techniques, slightly modified to comply with judo rules, and said the students picked it up easily.
“Grappling on the mat is like communicating with each other. You can kind of get what they’re saying” Roberto said. “They were familiar with the position, but they took the new details that I showed them. They took it openly.”
Roberto spent the first four years of his martial arts career as a judo student, but he said he moved away from the sport because the strict rules and impracticality to everyday life made it unappealing to him.
He’s always respected the sport, though, even as he’s become a black belt in rival jiu-jitsu, but working with the students at Tokai gave him a new appreciation for where judo is heading.
“I want people to understand that it’s not a bad rivalry, it’s good, but just give jiu-jitsu the respect it’s deserved,” Roberto said. “That thinking inside the box and not being able to think outside the box in judo? Now that box is crushed. They’re open now. They’re opening their eyes, they’re opening their minds and that’s a good thing.”
Evolution
“That shows that they want the sport to evolve and they’re finally giving jiu-jitsu the credit it deserves. To me, that’s a very big achievement. I think that’s the biggest thing that could happen.”
Roberto said he hopes he can continue the relationship and build bridges, not just between the two arts, but between Guam and the rest of the martial arts community worldwide.
That’s a two-way street, and while he shared techniques, he also took lessons away from Tokai.
Most notably, he said, is the work ethic and dedication to their craft the students there have.
Mutual respect
The mutual respect he shares with his Japanese judo counterparts will now have a base to grow from.
“In Japan, the way they train is very tough. They’re elite-level athletes,” Roberto said. “I’m blessed and grateful. Everything happens for a reason. I’m that kind of thinker.
“It says (Guam) is recognized for its martial arts athletes. People recognize my gym brand. More importantly, all that stuff is connected back to Guam.”
Asian Open 2013
Professor Stephen Roberto tells of seminar in Japan
Mar 05, 2014
Today was a a special day in my jiu jitsu career. I was invited by the head coaches of Tokai University to conduct a seminar on ground techniques. I was so honored and humbled by this. The rivalry between judo and jiu jitsu has been ongoing. To be invited by the powerhouse university in Japan to share technique is an incredible opportunity. I shared my turtle guard attacks and guard passing systems to a grateful and eager squad who I later found out are their “A” team. 2 hours of technique followed by one hour of intense sparring. They were impressed by my teaching and even more impressed as I held my own with high level black belts and then to find out that I’m 39yrs old! I was invited back at the end of training and look forward to helping bridge the gap between bjj and judo. And its not every day were I get to teach a room full of black belts! Full room so I couldn’t fit everybody in the pic. #bjj #judo #jiujitsu #tokaiuniversity #newaza #grappling #japan #blackbelt #technique #tatame #bjjunitedtacteam #nsbjj #purebredbjjguam #yamatodamashii
Amazing:JTTorres on Grappler’sPlanet
Grapplers Planet Exclusive Interview with JT Torres
Interview by (GP King), questions and editing by Josh Sequeira (GP Bodmon)
Jonathan Torres, also known as JT, or ‘The Spiderman,’ is a first degree black belt part of team Atos, who trains and teaches in San Diego, California. Despite only being 24 years of age, JT has built a name for himself as a world class competitor, and one of the most exciting BJJ practitioners in the game today. 2013 was a major year for JT as he won a bronze medal in both the IBJJF Pan Ams, and the very prestigious ADCC Championships. However, JT’s greatest accomplishment this past year, was conquering the title of Black Belt World Champion, as he took home the gold medal in his division at the IBJJF No-Gi Worlds. We got a chance to chat with JT and ask him a variety of questions about competing, his plans, and about his striking resemblance to a Dutch celebrity. Enjoy!
GP: JT, you’re an avid competitor. What is your routine like, the day of a tournament?
JT: My routine the day of a tournament is pretty simple. First I wake up, and I weigh myself to make sure I am on weight. I follow this up with a super-hot shower, because I feel it wakes up all my muscles! Then, depending on where my weight is at, I will eat a small breakfast, which usually consists of oatmeal and fruits. After breakfast, I head over to the venue, check my weight again and then I start to warmup by going for a light run and then stretching. After a good warm-up, I put my music on, get in the zone and wait for my name to be called.
GP: Lately you have been competing at middleweight, despite having some incredible success at lightweight. Is there any particular reason for the change in weight class on occasion, and is this something you plan to do more often?
JT: I have been fighting middleweight here and there just because I am at a point where my body weight is naturally a middle weight and I wanted to test it out. To be honest, I am not sure if my move to middle weight is permanent or temporary. Over the years I have just put on more muscle and weight naturally. I actually started competing at light-featherweight as a blue belt. My body is at point where I can follow a strict diet and make light weight, or I can eat clean but just more and fight middle weight and still feel great. I think in the future I will be a middle weight permanently.
GP: This past year, you accomplished a major milestone in your career winning your first Black Belt World Title! How did it feel to accomplish such a feat at the 2013 No-Gi Worlds?
JT: Winning my first Black Belt World Title at the No-Gi Worlds this past year felt amazing! I felt like all my hard work finally paid off!! It was one of my greatest moments in life!
GP: Do you currently teach BJJ at all JT? What is your idea of an ideal class breakdown?
JT: Yes, I actually teach the Kids class at Atos San Diego. The way I break down a class is like this: 15 mins of warmups and 30-45 mins of drilling and technique and then my favorite 30-60 mins of sparring.
GP: You eat, sleep, and live BJJ, what kind of questions do lower belts typically ask you about the art, and what do you tell them?
JT: Lower Belts typically ask me, “What can I do to improve my game?” and I always answer, “You have got to have an open mind to whatever technique you come across, and I recommend you compete at least once.”
GP: Any comments on the possibility of you being related to world famous DJ and Dutch music producer Afrojack? Are you aware of the striking resemblance?
JT: Haha, I am not related to him, but no, I wasn’t aware till now! We do look like!
GP: To wrap things up JT, what are your immediate plans for this year?
JT: My immediate plans for this year are to fight in the Pan Ams and Worlds, and then after the Worlds, get some more tattoos!
We would like to thank JT Torres for his time, and wish him the best in his competitive career and future endeavors!
The GP Team.
Revamp:NorthShoreJiujitsu
May 1, 2013 by admin
Filed under BJJ Stuff, FokaiHawaii
When Tracey and I came to Hawaii in 2010, our plan was to open a gym and start a life here. Things from the beginning were great. We took on the non profit kids club at first at a local recreation center. The only times available at the center were the kids class times, so we had to look elsewhere for the adults. We live on the countryside so there isn’t many commercial buildings. Everything is residential. A local house with a gym was available to hold classes at and the non profit was extended to cover adults as well and a service was brought to a community that it had been without for so long. The good fortune was short, and because of the landlords drug addiction, we lost the gym. Or it was lost for us. Since we started working the non profit we have had a great response from the community, but the local recreation center where we taught the kids classes would only allow one class per week for the adults.
Now due to the recent Lloyd Irvin situation we lost the non profit for the kids. That was our biggest class and we want to get them back in Asap. Since 2011 we have struggled to find a gym to serve the area where we live, and it is finally coming true. I wasn’t sure about even writing this letter, but I need your help! To keep up with the cost of starting a new non profit, insurance, rent, mats. Whether a donation to the club by monetary means or equipment new/used. Anything to help us reinstate the kids class get us up on our own feet. We only have one month to prepare and the current tenants won’t move out until the day before we move in, so if any questions, message me here or email Northshorebjj@gmail.com Please share!
Thanks for your time
Mike and Tracey Fowler
Head Instructors
North Shore Jiujitsu Club
