Island Girl World Achievement:Pia Mia Perez

Incredible, Remarkable, and absolutely Amazing.

At just 21years old, Pia Mia Perez was just had picked by Music Phenom Madonna as Fashion Director of her new fashion label “Material Girl”.
With all the setbacks to excel in Hollywood that might work against a small island girl, Pia Perez (Pia Mia) has overcome all odds to make it to the top of the list from the legendary world pop-star icon.

Here is the link to an interview of Pia with two time Oyompian (and other Guam girl super-achiever) Maria Dunn at the Fokai Femme Shop @13North 144East

https://youtu.be/VAjl6QmvCgA

ONRA:Interview w/ Martial Artist, Brogan “Killer Bee” Walker

We got to sit down with the “Killer Bee” herself and had a couple of questions regarding her success not only in martial arts but in life.

 

What martial arts means to me personally:

Since I was young, studying martial arts has provided me with a meaningful personal philosophy.
Martial arts has enriched my life with principles that guide my personal growth and has allowed me to continue affecting the lives of others’ positively.

It is my personal belief that the way in which you understand your art/discipline reflects greatly in your life.
True mastery of your craft happens when it spills over into other areas of a our life.
The lessons I learn on the mat are the very same principles that drive my successes off the mat. When I feel tired or even injured in training but continue regardless, I begin to think ‘if I can do that, what else can I do?’ and from there begins a martial artists’ journey through the exploration of personal-potential. My shortcomings become evident as I push my mind, body and spirit to the limits and for that martial arts means the world to me. I am eternally grateful to be able to share with others what martial arts has taught me.

How it has affected me:

The way in which martial arts has impacted me the most is by its environment alone.
It has drawn many positive people to me through training. My students, team mates and coaches are the the people who, like me, are crazy enough to put on gloves or a kimono at the end of a long day at work or school and work on their craft.
It has taught me that it is our hard work and actions as a person that prove our value and not what others think about us.
Through making the transition to MMA I have seen how important it is to turn my ‘weaknesses’ into my strengths.

How does being an instructor Muay Thai affect you as a student of Jiu Jitsu?

Studying Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu go hand in hand. Though the techniques themselves are different, many concepts and theories are the same. Being a Muay Thai instructor, has taught me how to balance the responsibilities I have in learning and developing techniques, with the commitment I have to my students’ leaning and development.
First and foremost as an instructor I have to be proactive about learning and developing my own technique. Next I have to make sure that I can relay that information in a way that is easy for my team to comprehend without handing it to them on a silver platter so-to-speak. This means maintaining a delicate balance of sharing information and allowing room for self-discovery. It can be challenging but my goal is to be selfish with acquiring knowledge and selfless in sharing it. Becoming a student in Jiu Jitsu continues to remind me of this balance. Training Jiu Jitsu put me back in the ‘student mind-frame’ which reminds me to keep an open mind.

How does your venture in MMA fit into your life as a mixed martial artist?

If could answer this question in one word it would be ‘snug’
Between the demands of work and school I juggle my commitment to both Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu and train somewhere between 2-5 hours of each, every week. As I quickly learned, if you want to be competitive in Mixed Martial Arts you need to dedicate as much time as possible. Facilitating group classes and personal training takes up about 10-15 hours a week and I wake up early on alternating days to meet with my strength and conditioning coach/ nutritionist.
While it keeps my schedule busy not to mention hectic, I have the perk of being able to squeeze in time with my other half (fiancé Mike Sanchez) who trains with me much of the time. We are able to travel in order to learn different methods and techniques and don’t miss out on time with each other. Having such a strong support group made my transition to professional Mixed Martial Arts a very natural and positive experience.

#Teiya Strong: February 7.2016

Words by Sarah Filush , and Photos by Frank”the Crank” Camacho

 

 

When you hear the word “fundraiser” one wouldn’t typically affiliate it as a day of celebration. However, Fokai Femme’s #teamTeiya fundraiser was one like never I’ve seen before! There were no tears or sob stories, no talks of sympathy or sulking. We were there for no other purpose than to gather together and celebrate the victory of a young true Fokai warrior, Teiya Camille Van Meter.

 

This 5 year old  shaka throwing fighter is the true embodiment of the Fokai motto “Exhaust the Body, Proceed the Mind, Cultivate the Spirit” Teiya a long with the amazing support of her parents, Tara and BJ, fought 9 excruciating terrifying months battling brain cancer. Despite exhausting her body through numerous surgeries and treatments, this little rocker and her family proceeded to push forward defeating the odds and cultivated any ounce left in them to give thanks for every conquered obstacle. Thanks to the outpouring love and support from her family and Chamorros across the world, Teiya was able to give cancer the Shaka and ring the victory bell signifying her final completion of chemotherapy in November of 2015

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Fokai Femme’s #teamTeiya fundraiser was an appreciation gathering to celebrate the sacrifice and undying love of family, what I believe to be the true definition of Fokai Familia.

Clusters of family, friends, and strangers poured into the shop to purchase their #TeamTeiya Fokai shirts, throwing Teiya’s signature shaka as they pose for the paparazzi. Children hustled about the shop munching on cookies as parents drank coffee and mingled talking about Teiya’s amazing journey to recovery. Others lined up for autographs from local author Joan Awa who donated her limited edition children’s book  “Nana and Jose’s Coconut Day” as a gift of appreciation to those who came out to support the cause.

Despite not being able to physically be there, witnessing the impact little Teiya had on loved ones and strangers a like was powerful and inspiring to say the least. Her story and electrifying smile has motivated all of us to approach life with a happy heart, to never give up hope, to fight the good fight, and to give life the shaka despite whatever curve balls come your way.

So shakas out to Teiya, her wonderful family, and the rest of you good vibes warriors! You are what makes this world a better place. Keep on keeping on!

Sarah Filush is Miss Guam Earth 2012,; A videographer and humanitarian–she is also one of the active leaders on Guam trying to combat our island’s most devastating coconut tree predator-the invasive Rhino Beetle

 

Coconuts,TheForce,&Joan Awa

Her purpose is to provide literature for children abroad to learn about an island they may never get to visit–forr the Mariana Islands it’s an extended effort to bring local children back to  basics with reading books instead of ipads.  She has piles of articles published throughout Guam printed media and currently blogs for www.chamorritaswimwear.com.

Meet Joan Awa, the author of Nana and Jose’s Cocnonut Day,  a children’s book soon to be distributed free-of-charge  to underprivileged children throughout the Pacific

We are on a revamp with theForce and are happy to have her on board for some future and positive projects.

Giving is her motivation and writing is her tool.  Here she breaks it down on what powers  her up to write and what the Force means to her

 

Using ‘the Force’ in Writing

By: Joan Awa

To be very honest, I didn’t realize I was using ‘the Force’ all the time when it comes to writing.  It’s a little too excessive actually. Maybe, what I mean to say is, it’s something subconscious.  When I was asked to guest blog for Fokai on what motivates me to write and what ‘the Force’ means to me, I came to an understanding that the two actually go hand in hand; in fact, holding hands.

I would have never knew I had a knack for writing if I hadn’t gone back to college. I didn’t take the usual route of going straight to college for four years after graduating from high school, then finding a job to utilize my degree.  If anything, i’m considered one of the ‘older’ graduates in the pool of graduates that were only allowed to drink alcohol the year before while i’ve been partying for over decade.  Anyway, while I was attending, and still unsure of what major to choose, I took a history class that literally changed my life: a professor of mine, looked me straight in the eyes and blatantly told me: my writing was crap.  I was devastated. To make a short story more short: telling me that I sucked was what motivated me to do better, to continue to do so, and, to prove him wrong.  But first, I needed to find what I was doing wrong.

 

When I think of the word ‘force’, there’s a negative connotation that’s attached to it.  It makes me squint my eyes and wrinkle my nose when I hear the word; it’s bad. But since the birth of ‘Star Wars’ and the introduction of the all-powerful and positive Yoda, who is a beloved and highly intelligent character from the movie, he has introduced another use of ‘the force’ and translates it as something to be very positive.  Yoda shows us that it can be used to your advantage, if you know how to use it the right way.  There are many definitions to the word but I have chosen to use and live by: strength, energy, exerting power or influence, a powerful effect and achieving through coercion.  These words can translate to something of great value and purpose. Through the years, Fokai has been getting the message across – that we all have been put here ‘for a grand purpose’ and I completely agree.  I truly believe that I have been placed here at this exact day and time to share my knowledge and skill of writing to those who have lost interest in it.  With technology at its ultimate peak, we have a tendency to lose our connection with what exists right before our eyes.  Humankind’s skills sets have dwindled and we have become weak minded, spirited and it also shows in our physique.  From the time of warriors, hunters, gatherers, farmers, etc. we are losing our powers and naturality as a people.  Even if i’m just one person and my contribution to society is microscopic, I may possess a powerful influence to slowly change our mindsets to retain the skill sets of our predecessors. 

Writing, is my weapon of choice to seek my answer of my existence, to assist those in finding their purpose and, to make the possible happen.  The Force is in everybody, we just have to seek it – within us.   

 

 

 

 

 

FightLikeaGirl:BroganWalker

Gaining confidence: Elite Muay Thai School instructor Brogan Walker, center of back row, is shown with some of her students at the Chalan Pago community center, where classes are held. One of her students is Ysef Neth, who stands next to Walker on her right. Ralph T. Rivera/For Pacific Daily News
Gaining confidence: Elite Muay Thai School instructor Brogan Walker, center of back row, is shown with some of her students at the Chalan Pago community center, where classes are held. One of her students is Ysef Neth, who stands next to Walker on her right. Ralph T. Rivera/For Pacific Daily News
Written by
Ralph T. Rivera
For Pacific Daily News

Filed Under

Sports

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With domestic violence grabbing headlines and bullying in school a constant concern for parents, it’s become somewhat of a challenge to seek out ways to combat these issues.

That changed for many individuals when Muay Thai practitioner and kru (instructor) Brogan Walker stepped foot on the island and set out to build a program that teaches students the many positive aspects of the martial art. Her pragmatic approach focuses on character building and physical fitness.

A native of California, Walker finds life on Guam very enjoyable. She began her martial arts career as a student of karate. She later began training in Muay Thai and has since added jiu-jitsu to her list of martial arts credentials. She opened the Elite Muay Thai School more than a year ago and by all indications has been highly successful in teaching the martial art to dozens of her young and adult students.

“I’ve been training in the martial arts for a very long time and can’t see myself doing anything else. Opening up my own school has always been a goal of mine. Martial arts is my passion and teaching kids the art of Muay Thai is very rewarding.

“Teaching kids can be very challenging because of many factors, but that only motivates me to work harder. I want them to learn the history of Muay Thai along with paying homage to the art. At the end of the day, they learn something valuable and that really is the goal of my program,” said Walker.

There’s a proverb that personifies kru Walker’s approach to helping her young students, “It takes a village to raise a child.”

The monthly fees at Elite Muay Thai School are relatively reasonable. Ysef Neth, 12, of Ordot, was highly interested in joining a class, however, his family lacks the resources to pay the fee. Enter good neighbor and family friend Eloise Sanchez. After hearing of the family’s dilemma, Sanchez took it upon herself to pay the fee for Neth.

When asked what motivated her do this, she responded: “I sensed his desire to join the class and from my personal experience, knew kru Walker’s program was a good fit for Ysef. I felt that he had the potential to do well in the class and that is why I wanted to help. He’s a very respectful young man and the benefits he is receiving from Muay Thai will be with him for the rest of his life, and it will help him to grow into a strong citizen, so to me, that was worth the investment.”

Neth enjoys the many aspects of Muay Thai. He especially likes how it teaches him to gain the confidence in avoiding trouble in school. He said that practicing the martial art was not a means of learning how to fight; rather, he looked at it as a way to build self-confidence and mental toughness, traits that help him to make wiser decisions in dealing with whatever difficulties he encounters.

“I like coming to class because kru Walker is a good instructor. Not only does she teach us how to kick and punch, but she also talks to us about the importance of staying in school and how to handle situations that happen in and outside of school. I learned that you don’t have to fight to prove you’re tough and that avoiding or walking away from a fight is the right thing to do,” said Neth. “In this class I’ve learned confidence as well as being humble. It’s also fun because kru Walker makes it a fun class, but also a disciplined class. I like it here and I hope to do this for a long time,” he added.
For women only

In addition to providing instructional classes to kids and adults, kru Walker also has a women-only class that she holds on Saturdays. These sessions are relatively new, and kru Walker encourages women from all walks of life to come out and participate in the sessions. It brings health and wellness benefits that are essential in living an active lifestyle. The instructional classes are predicated on the importance of helping women build self-assurance along with teaching basic self-defense skills.

“Part of the reason (for having a women-only class) was because of discussions I’ve had with family and friends about the domestic violence problem on the island.

“I think it’s time for the community to unite and put a stop to not only domestic violence but violence overall. My goals are to teach them to defend themselves as well as help them build self-confidence,” said Walker.

“By teaching them these skills, they can walk about with a sense of confidence that they will be able to handle any situation,” she added.

For more information on Elite Muay Thai School, contact kru Walker at 929-0993 or visit her website at www.facebook.com/EliteMuayThaiCamp.

Fokai Femme: Pia Mia

Published on Jan 16, 2013

Maria Dunn talks with Pia Mia Perez, a local girl, who is living out her dreams of making it in Los Angeles, working as a singer, songwriter, dancer and actress.

Miss Korea Visits Guam

Thank you for stopping by the beautiful island of Guam Miss Korea, Sara Kim!

FokaiFamilia&FokaiFemme:MariaDunn

YougoGirl:LouiseCecchone

Abit ofg the FokaiSpectrum, but an toast of respect to the evolution of Women’s roles in our society

Madonna will soon find herself in a whole new material world: the pages of a comic book.

The star will have her life story told in 32 pages by Bluewater Productions Inc., the latest celebrity to be part of its semi-regular line of “Female Force” comics, the publisher said Thursday.

“Our goal is to show the little-known events and influences that resulted in Madonna becoming the phenomenon…

HAFA ADAI,

Among other things…Congratulations to the promoters, fighters, and staff of Pacific Xtreme Combat 24 who, with almost 200,000estimated television viewers, were able to produce a very successful event with their major step into the Philippines as KelvinFitial secured the PXC Heavyweight Belt in his rematch against the at-the-time reigning champion Roque Martinez.

CukiAlvarez and Jason Tarkong of TrenchTech Purebred Saipan visited Palau this week to conduct an introduction to Mixed Martial Arts seminar in with Palau Mixed Martial Arts.

And eyes are on the PurpleBelt Open and BrownBelt Open divisions of this Saturday’s MarianasOpen at the PhoenixCenter, Guam’s signature event in Brazilian Jiujitsu and Submission grappling competition.

Support Your local wrestler! The Guam Grappling Organization is hosting a Wine tasting and food paring @ Meskla on June 29 . 6-9pm. $50.00 donation goes to Team Guam Wrestlers for 2011 World Championships from September 12-18th i Istanbul , Turkey .

And an overdue and sincere congratulations goes to theUniversalAlliance’s Christiana Cruz for securing a silver medal in the Womens’s Feather Weight Division in the IBJJF Jiujitsu World Championships  on June 2nd in California.

We have seen many different extending facets of our island’scombat sports . From our long-time traveling competitors in TaeKwon Do, to our islander’s off island ventures in KyokushinKarate, our wrestler’s trek’s into the Olympics and our island’s many successful stories for boxing at the SouthP acificGames .

We’ve seen the growing sophistication of our industry as We’ve watched total fighting sport evolve from NoHoldsBarred fighting to MixedMartial Arts Competition. We’ve watched local fighter athletes conduct everything from fundraising carwashes to full-blown sold out events at our islands biggest venues.

We watch admiringly as our islander’s venture overseas to faraway and exotic lands such as Russia, Brazil, AbuDhabi, and Thailand to name a few. And we’ve sat just as astoundly as we’ve seen elite athletes and world celebrities visit Guam repeatedly from just-as-faraway places .

We’ve witnessed a growing interest in hand to hand combat sports from our armed forces and we’ve watched our island soldiers succeed and advance time and time again in the relatively recently formed MACP programs and tournmanents abroad

All of these things and all these different corners, nooks, and crannies are in the cultivation of our island’s very supportive audience yet one topic of serious interest and development that seems to often escape much-deserved attention is our women in combat sports.

Women in combat sports is definitely not a new thing. Thinking of women in local  martial arts, its easy to remember TaeKwonDo’s familiar name in EleanorMinor, personally I can remember being thrown around effortlessly by Aikido’s Minegishi Sensei of Guam AikiKai, we watched Sera Chargualaf technically dismantle a much larger opponent in Guam’s first female MMA bout in Fury3:Round2, and our island continues to cheer for the Guam Amateur Wrestling Federation’s Olympic veteran and ever-hopeful Maria Dunn.

It seemed that before, we only had brief instances and only the occasional training and very-temporary partners with women in martial arts training, with women in combat sports competition. But today that isn’t the story.

What’s amazing is that in the martial arts evolution of our local women in skill is in their ability to remain as feminine, and in some ways remind us of the art in martial arts. Even without the testosterone you’d think is necessary in fight sport Their growing formidability offers testament to the assets of precision in timing, technique, and strategy—things nowadays often overshadowed by the more aggressive physical qualities of stamina, endurance, and explosiveness often displayed by the super-athletes that our modernized combat sports have been reflecting today.

Aflague, Cabaccang, Cruz,Dunn, ,Gandaoli, Roberto ,Velez, Wong—how many times have we seen these names in competition? How many more times will we see them? How many more names will we be given reason to remember? Female athletes who are helping to pave teh way for more women atheltes and ambassadors in the art of Brazilian Jiujitsu. They are making the sacrifices and crossing the miles to illustrate a serious pursuit of combat sports success and martial arts reward. These are the names that have offered us in women not mere sideshows or experiments in sport and entertainment—but for the sincere and formidable windows into the non-discriminating passion and road that comes with martial arts training and/or in sport and in just as much as for men—for the love of the game.

There is much to be applauded for the leaps that our women are making in training and for the bounds that they are making in competitiion. In awe of things we might want to offer a photo, in support of things, we might want to offer a hand, but in light of everything they’ve been doing and in confidence of their contribution to our martial arts and martial sports identity—what some of us might have reluctantly missed out on before, and what we may happily offer them now and ongoing…is respect.

Looking forward to watching the women’s division at the Marianas Open.

You go girl.

Thanks for dropping by.

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