FOR LIFE: SCOTTY DINGAS

Rest in Paradise Scotty Dingas… Now you can go where ever you want, how fast you want, popping wheelies the whole damn way, where no humans can knock you off your scoot. I know Luka and Eric got you at the gates and we will all meet again one day my brother. Journey well… I’ll miss you being here but I’ll always know you are with me.

Yo…. if you trained with or knew this dude shout him out, put him in your prayers, or tip a 40 to him. He was one of the OG SoCal Project boys and dedicated his life to Muay Thai and Motorcycles… he will always be remembered.

Love you Scotty.

–T BOOGIE ANDERSON

Familia:TobyImada via asianmma.com

an interview copied and pasted from www.asianmma.com

 

 

 

 

With today’s breed of fighters, it is not often that you see a fighter with over 50 professional fights. Toby Imada (30-18) is one of those rare MMA fighters. He has been fighting professionally since 1998 and has fought some of the best the world has to offer. To many Toby came into the spotlight in 2009, as part of the inaugural Bellator tournament. To others Toby came into the spotlight in 2010 when he defeated Andy Souwer (147-14) at the S-Cup in Japan. Toby has excited the Japanese and American fans with his unique grappling and aggressive style. So it is with great pleasure that we got to interview him and we hope you enjoy!

 

 

CJ: You have been involved in Martial Arts for a long time, can you talk about how you started? What was it like being involved with the sport of MMA before it was mainstream? How has the sport changed the most, in your opinion?

 

TI: It all started with Judo training. That’s where I had encountered wrestlers and jujitsu practitioners. Given my competitive nature, I felt like I needed to cross train and learn their techniques to eliminate whatever advantages they had. My training and success in competition caught the attention of promoters. So when I was invited to compete in NHB matches, I was tentative, but tried it anyway. I never entered MMA to be a fighter. I was always a martial artist with a competitive spirit. Training was a way of life, or a hobby if you prefer. i would attend school, work, and train regularly. and when the opportunity came around I would compete, then go right back to my routine. It was a life style. The sport has evolved to become more than martial arts. It has become something where people prepare otherwise known as “camp”. Money, glamour, fame, even politics have become such a part of it all.   

 

 

 

CJ: You have fought for a variety of organizations. What is it like being a journeyman/ronin? What are the advantages and disadvantages? Are there any organizations that you have been involved with that stick out in your memory?

 

TI: It feels like everyone hopes for me to lose and the the other guy to win. I kind of feel like I’m not wanted by anyone…hahaha but so what. I dont do this for acceptance. I do it for the previous reason. One advantage to that, which may be the only one, is that I get to go where ever I like. The down side to all that. I must always search for matches. Usually on my own. Bellator will always be memorable. However, to this date, I feel ShootBoxing has been the best to me. Every time I have been scheduled a fight, they have come through with everything they have promised, without having to remind them or fight over anything, and gone beyond. 

 

 

 

CJ: While you have fought a lot of fights, you are probably most famous for your involvement in 2 tournaments. The Bellator Season 1 tournament and the Shoot Boxing S-cup in 2010. Do you prefer fighting in tournaments or doing individual fights? Can you talk about what it is like fighting in a tournament?

 

TI: I like both. Individual fights take pressure away from having to worry about the next match. You also know exactly who you will be facing, given nothing happens and the is a last minute substitution.. I also like the seriousness of tournaments. Having to display a skill level where you can go into and leave a fight taking least amount of damage as possible. There is a greater reward winning several fights as opposed to just one. 

 

 

 

CJ: Speaking of your participation in the 2010 S-Cup, can you talk about how you got on Shoot Boxing’s radar? Did you pursue them or did they pursue you? What was your initial reaction?

 

TI: Getting into Scup was unintentional, if you can believe that. I had just come off of a fight and before i could get home I had been contacted by a friend asking if i would like to participate. I knew nothing of the organization. They thought I would be perfect for the rules. Apparently SB lost a fighter. Pressed for time and desperately needed to get the slot filled, somehow my name was brought up. I can imagine someone saying, “I bet Toby would take the fight..” I did. Im pleased with my wild decision.

 

 

 

CJ: Going into that tournament, you knew that some of the world’s best kick boxers and muay thai fighters were also entering the tournament. Names like Andy Souwer and Buakaw carry a lot of weight. How did it feel going into that tournament? Did you feel like you were representing MMA?

 

TI: Honestly, I hadn’t any idea who these people were or knew hardly anything about hem. Mind you I wasn’t completely sure what the ShootBoxing rules were either. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. My main focus was to not let anyone walk right through me.  

 

 

 

 

CJ: Can you talk about what it was like beating Andy Souwer, the multiple S-Cup Champion, in your first S-cup? What was your strategy? Is it one of the biggest wins of your career?

 

TI: My strategy  was to be in his face and take every opportunity possible. Initially I tried to hit him from as any different angles as possible. I was very unorthodox, which may really have played a part in throwing him off. Inside fighting, causing a tie up then reacting with throws. What can I say, but smile.

 

 

 

CJ: You stated in a previous interview that your fight with Buakaw was the worst fight you’ve ever been in. Do you think the damage you took from earlier fights affected the fight? Would you be open to a re-match?

 

TI: Previous damage totally played a part in that. I was tired and feeling sore! I don’t know if anyone noticed, but I was already tired in round 3 versus Andy. Buakaw? Oh hell yes I would rematch. 

 

 

 

CJ: How was the experience as a whole? Is there anything you would like to say about it? Any good stories?

 

TI: The entire experience was great. I cant imagine how it could have been any better. Every detail was memorable enough. Hanging out with Enson and being shown around. Not very many people at all know what that is like. blush…

 

 

 

CJ: Your tendency to go for throws and submissions mixed with your toughness have made you a fan favorite in Japan. What is that like? How are Japanese fans different from fans in the States?

 

TI: Really?! I didn’t know all. I thought it was my last name hahaha. Ok, well, I feel more of their compliments are genuine. I didn’t feel like they were saying what they thought i wanted to hear. I am very honored an pleased to be appreciated by such a reserved culture   

 

 

 

CJ: Going into your fight with Satoru Suzuki, you were coming off of consecutive losses. How did you feel going into that fight, did you feel like you were fighting for your future in Shoot Boxing? During that fight, it seems like Suzuki escaped submissions and throws by collapsing to the canvas. Is this a problem in Shoot Boxing? What was your strategy going into the fight and how did it feel when you won?

 

TI: I was displeased with my previous performances. I got hit with a stomach infection for my fight with Andy which prevented me to recover from the weigh cut adequately. Also, I hadn’t as much time i had hoped for to prepare for such an opponent. It was all a learning process for me. I had to learn how to handle the travel, timing for training, and recovery. I had gathered my previous knowledge to prepare the best I could. Also, stepping up my training regimen. Opponents falling to the ground and grabbing on to the ropes made it a lot more difficult as well as frustrating. So I started working on counters for when they would, and was kind of hoping that they would. Falling to the ground is a problem in SB, but I now have a better understanding of the sport and the rules. SB has modified the rules slightly, to where they have become less tolerant and faster to penalize rope grabbing and falling to the ground in attempt to escape submissions, as seen when Suzuki attempted to fall to the ground when I had applied a standing guillotine.        

 

 

 

 

CJ: Can you talk about some of the friendships you have developed over there? Have you ever trained with any of the fighters over there?

 

TI: Seems I have developed a a friendship with several individuals at Caesar Gym as well as a few others.  Enough to encourage me further study Japanese language. They’ve been very welcoming. Their mannerism and character has left me spellbound. Unfortunately, I have not yet had the honor to train with any. I hope to someday very soon. I would hold a seminar as a gesture of my gratitude for allowing me to train with them. 

 

 

 

CJ: Because of your fights with Shoot Boxing, you are known amongst Japanese fighting fans. Have you received any offers to fight for an MMA organization in Japan? Would you like to fight for Pancrase, Shooto, DEEP or even One FC someday?

 

TI: Regrettably, I have not had any offers lately. I would be more than honored to compete in any of those organizations. As any who have witnessed, my style is anything other than boring.

 

 

 

CJ: I previously mentioned your participation in Bellator’s 1st season. Can you talk about that? It was during that season that your name became well known, due to your submission of the year over Jorge Masvidal. How did that effect your career? Have you and Bellator gone your separate ways now?

 

TI: At the time, I didn’t think the submission is would cause such a stir. I was excited to have come out victorious. Not sure if the submission is what brought me back or if it were my performances. I am no longer signed with Bellator. Don’t really know what happened there. My management at that time did something and just left me like that. 

 

 

 

CJ: Can you talk about your future? Do you have any fights lined up?

 

TI: My future, well i am definitely not staying young. Just like anyone else, my time in the sport is very limited. I have relocated and have a new gym. Taking a little time to train and take complete control of myself and training. Not to sound bitter, but things got very unstable for me at my previous location. Now I would be starting from scratch, but this time Ive brought all my knowledge and experience somewhere it can be put to really really good use.

 

 

 

CJ: Shoot Boxing has had a couple of events this year, have they contacted you? Would you like to participate in this years S-Cup?

 

TI: I would absolutely participate in every possible SB match. I feel with SB I can act, speak, and display who i am most openly without someone telling me how, when, or what it is they want me to do. The Scup tournament is bi-yearly, so there would be one until next year. My answer, then, would still be ABSOLUTELY, if/when they contact me. 

 

 

 

CJ: In your opinion, what makes a fighter?

 

TI: In my opinion a fighter is someone with a particular spirit. Someone that can dig deep within them-self despite failure, anguish and struggle, will not give up. Call us stubborn. Determined.

 

CJ: Is there anything that you want to say? To your Japanese fans? To your American Fans?

TI: Toby is still in good condition. training, healing, ever improving. Thank you for all the support, cant wait to return and put on a great show for the fans.  

 

 

 

We at asianmma would like to thank Toby for his time and to wish him the best

For Life: Josh “The KILLA” Calvo Fokai

Thank you sir. Much respect for what you do. Para I Onra for sure.

FORLIFE: JULIAN DUENAS SABLAN

SGT Julian Sablan (Combat Engineer) from Killeen TX, keeping the island with him whereever he goes, and supporting the movement. sinceeversince

FORLIFE: SGT Brown 12 Aug 2012

SGT Brown (Combat Engineer) Very Honored to have him defend our country and show his support for the movement.

Strength & Honor: RIP. Rayn San Nicolas

from Guampdn.com

Rayn San Nicolas helped save two of his cousins on Saturday, before succumbing to the waves himself.

The mother and a sister of the 14-year-old who drowned Saturday afternoon at Ritidian Point in Yigo are proud of the teen who, even in the face of danger, thought of helping others before himself.

Rayn San Nicolas was the only one of four swimmers who didn’t make it back to shore after struggling in the waters off Ritidian during a family picnic Saturday afternoon.

“He helped our younger cousin first, then helped our older cousin,” said Naomi San Nicolas, Rayn San Nicolas’ sister. “I think that’s why he didn’t make it in, because he was tired.”

The other boys who were in the water talked about how Rayn San Nicolas saved them from being swept out, according to the San Nicolas family.

“He was able to do that before he was swept away,” said the teen’s mother, Monica Flores San Nicolas, crying.

Monica San Nicolas remembers her son as “a very good, very loving and very respectful boy.”

The teen was an honor student, excelled in sports and volunteered at his church. He was about to start his freshman year in high school.

On Saturday, rescue officials received a 911 call for distressed swimmers at 2:42 p.m., according to the Guam Fire Department. Four swimmers, one of whom was Rayn San Nicolas, were struggling in the water. The other three made it back to shore.

Rayn San Nicolas went missing in the rough waters at Ritidian Saturday. Divers found him almost two hours after a search-and-rescue operation began. He’s the seventh water-related death on Guam this year.

Rosary services start today at St. Anthony’s Church in Tamuning.

The teen was looking forward to starting high school in the fall at Father Duenas Memorial High School, with his 15th birthday just around the corner in September.
Left his mark

He had just completed eighth-grade at St. Anthony Catholic School and left his mark there, according to his sister, Naomi San Nicolas.

“He played sports and excelled in all that he did — soccer, cross country and volleyball,” she said. “He was an honor student at St. Anthony and was inducted into National Junior Honor Society.”

Monica San Nicolas said her son also played soccer for the Guam National Team and made Top 10 in the middle school All Island Cross Country Competition last school year. He also was active in the community, waking up early to handle the projector for the 6 a.m. Mass at St. Anthony Church.

“He always talked to us about everything that interested him, from skateboarding to sports to school — everything,” Monica San Nicolas said. “He was such a good boy.”

“He was such a compassionate person that he risked his own life for the lives of his cousins,” his older sister added.

ForLife:DestinyAnderson

Hearing no evil with the FokaiFamilia…

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1756407883

ForLife:TimPablo

Tim Pablo:ProudChamorro TrueChelu. BarretSubmissions Competition Team.U1FokaiFamilia…From the heart…literally!

FromTheFire:TheFistofFury

TheFokai: FistofFury award is a salute given to individials/organizations commited and in action towards the goodwill and honorable service of martial arts and its positivie contributions to the people–

it was awarded to TrenchTec Saipan and its positive steering of the worldwide growing sport of MixedMartialArts competition.

TrenchTech/PurebredSaipan was unfortunately set afire by an arsonist two weeks ago. The cage was burned, the mat was burned, and all teh equpimpent was left destroyed. But something the fire couldnt destroy was the will of its members.

Fighting fire with Fire…TrenchTech Saipan will rise again.  The fire of Saipan martial arts is truly UNstoppable.Best of Luck and Here to support for the Ressurection…

13N144E:SurfingTumonisNoJoke

Hafa Adai,

Let me start by saying that I consider myself forever a student in the water and though I feel I’m not anyone to say—im going to say it anyways. In a 32mile long island where the beach is inevitable and never more than 30minutes away—Its in our islands best favor to make a harder push for improved water safety awareness and water safety education.

My name is Roman Dela Cruz and aside from bodyboarding for the past 25years I have been standup paddling TumonBay the past 5 just as often if not more than anybody else and after seeing a growing interest– just wanted to give some proper caution to folks possibly looking into surfing those waters and also for some insight on that reefline in general.
.
I was paddle surfing over the reef at Tumon Bay this past weekend and had to run the risk of spoiling what might’ve been some serious fun when aggressively advising 3 younger paddlers (in 2kayaks) to leave and to go back towards shore. I don’t really care to yell at anyone and generally hate aggression towards people but had to take drastic action because of a drastic situation. You were heading towards the real impact zone, enroute to freak sets that were much bigger than they might have appeared from shore. Maybe you could’ve landed a backflip gloriously for a photo finish and story of a lifetime or you could’ve been enroute to a violent thrashing between coral heads. The kayak that you capsized would’ve been a hundred times more difficult to turnover in the whitewash even if you could’ve held on to it, the tide was fast pulling out and there was less than an hour left of sunlight..

\I’m not sure if it was the same bunch that came back out regardless or if it was a different one but though you did catch some nice waves true—you were extremely lucky that the bigger ones had backed off because the waves you caught and the place you were waiting were done so in the danger zone.

As inviting as the waves might look and as sunny as the sky might’ve be—it’s a real bad call to chance those waves unless you are fully prepared for the dangers that come with it.
Undercurrents most aren’t aware ,a razor sharp coral reef, and the unbelievable power of sizeable surf can turn a moment of paradise into a state of panic and disaster in a second. The reef were dealing with has already scarred countless strips of human flesh(including mine)—and just yards away from another surf spot on the reef that unfortunately claimed the lives of two young paddlers barely a year ago January 2nd of 2011.

It has been more than a year since this heartfelt tragedy and unfortunately still—many of us haven’t learned from a mistake too often made—the underestimation of our surrounding reefs and waters. Almost a year to the date—our papers almost had to write the headlines of another 2 tragedies in Tumon Bay—this time with 2 standup paddlers last Saturday afternoon. Had it not been for the fine work of our Department of Parks and Recreation lifeguards—we might’ve been starting the new year with another hard lesson in water safety.
Launching off the same beach on the first weekend of the new year—with waves double overhead over the reef and the tide outgoing…without the sensibility to at least have a leash to your board is an extremely bad decision. Obviously we all still need a lot of work…
The dangers of the reefline at Tumon Bay are no joke when its flat and can be a real monster, especially when waves are in that picture. In the midst of enjoying the paradise of where America’s Day begins–We gotta try to remember to not allow alcohol and the spirit of adventure cloud the air of common sense. Death defying acts unfortunately don’t always defy death but if adventure must be our pursuit then we should at least go to far measures to be prepared to do so.

When approaching water—remember that we are dealing with something very much alive and something very much capable. It moves in many ways, and what works for uscan just as easily work against us and vice versa. To arrive properly into its dynamics it’s always best to have a god understanding and/or to get a qualifiable opinion of its current conditions. If you’re planning a day at the beach—at least understand what the tides are doing. Its on page 6 of the pdn or if youre frequent—keep a tide chart handy. Know what time the sun is setting so youre not venturing into the darkness and always always always keep an eye on the kids. It’s not much but its definitely a start.

Tumon Bay seems to be more active than ever…The paddlers are blazing up and down the coast, as they avoid swimmers getting their, while skimboarders slide along the beach where friends and families might be barbecuing. The hotels are having their dinner shows, the tourists are taking their photos, while a growing amount of runners continue to enjoy the view as the stand up paddlers happily enjoy the best seat in the house (haha)…

The waters of Tumon Bay are truly a place to be but, like anywhere else, are to be done so with extreme caution. From the reef –the lifeguard towers are a lot further than they look and people far and away cant necessarily recognize your screams of help if a situation over the reef goes bad. When in doubt—don’t go out. You’ll live to ride another day.

Im not gonna lie—I’m the guiltiest guy of going over that reef when its cranking but im putting in a ton of work and preparation before doing so…and still im just asvulnerable. Suuuuper stoked on Tumon Bay and its waters…and knowing for sure that its best enjoyed when done so responsibly, preparedly, and in effect truly respectfully.

Lets not wait for another tragedy and progressively exercise better awareness in water-safety to pave the way for less if not zero tragedies in the future and to work hard to develop the tools and skills—for a better chance to turn the monster into majesty, for a better understanding of what to do when a situation goes bad, and for the humility and sensibility to sometimes just sit back, watch, and appreciate.

Roman Dela Cruz
Tumon Bay Resident
Concerned Citizen

Next Page »