5’4&155lbs.ofMartialArtsTraining

ONRA:November18th,2010

Hafa Adai,

A Big Congratulations goes to Guam’s Bryant “theRock”Pangelinan of the Crispim BJJ Competition team as he collects for Guam his second World Championship securing a gold medal in the Masters Heavyweight Brownbelt division and silver in the Masters Open Weight Brown Belt Division.

Congrats also goes to former Guam High School Wrestling noteable—Zachary Rapadas who secured a gold medal in the Men’sPurple Belt featherweight division and to Maureen de Guzman for securing a silver medal in the women’s lighweight division of the GracieBarra Compnet 7 Tournament in California last weekend .

Guahan Warriors and Comquest’s Ronnie Borja lives up to the hype with his most recent MMA victory of formerly undefeated Micah Tobias of the Spike22Academy as Justin Cruz proves without a doubt that he is Guam’s Undisputed 135lb. Champion in what is being considered to be a very successful PXC21 held at the Marriot Hotel on November 12th.

Team Predator’s Nate Flores of Saipan fights valiantly but gets submitted 2:52seconds into the first round in his fight for the UrbanRealityCombatChallenge featherweight title in the Philippines on Novemebr 13th, in URCC18Relentless.

Welcome Back to Guam Marcos Olivera of the AbuDhabi Emirates BJJ Team. He will be hosting Classes at GTT Paradise Fitness from November 15th to the 19th with fellow BJJ World Champion, Carol De Lazzer.

The Purebred/lloydIrvin Jiujitsu Academy will be welcoming guest instructor and AbuDhabi World Pro2010 OpenWeight and 83kg. Champion Claudio Calassans of Atos BJJ in Sau Paulo Brazil, from November 29th to December 3rd.

Guam Jiujitsu is hoping for competitors to highlight the next MarianasoOpen Jiujitsu and Submission Grappling tournament in the men’s purple belt and men’s brown belt openweight divisions on December 4th at the Phoenix Center.

It took an off-island promoter to introduce us to the sport and it was years between events when local promoters got their ball in motion. 2010 and less than 15years later—all of the above in less than 30 days…

Its very interesting to observe the fabric that has been sewn with all the strings and ties of our ever-so-active Mariana Island Combats Sports Schedule.
In what used to be events so far apart and with spaces so wide in between—we are now at a completely revamped product in our island’s impressively busy combat sports atmosphere. From the events mentioned above we can gather that Guam;s outreach in Mixed Martial Arts and Brazilian Jiujitsu has reached as far as Brazil and the Emirates. That while local events are developing smaller gyms and smaller gyms are developing more quality fighters, former Guam residents and traveling residents combined continue to announce our flag in the worlds expanding atmosphere.

Saipan has risen valiantly as Guam’s descendant in World competition BJJ and MMA and is already industrially and athletically competitive with its predecessor. In this symbiosis we have found a self-sustainable industry with inter-ilsnd competition.

Yet even with that fact and with a governing commission that handicaps Guams footsteps in international MMA—our athletes continue to aim higher and shoot beyond the scoreboards of our local industry.

Talent from abroad knocking on our doors to get in and phonecalls from abroad for our talent to perform and instruct overseas, calls from around the globe from MMA champions and celebrities standing in line to visit Guam’s training paradise, World Champions and World Industry movers and shakers, and local MMA industry-ventured professionals working into the back offices of international promotions while reliable word hits the streets of Guam fighters advancing closer to their chances at becoming the Next Ultimate fighter… Surely the positive attributes of our combat sports atmosphere will make good sense of some disappointments in our trails such as: The fork in the road for GuamBrazilian Jiujitsu and Mixed Martial Arts, a questionnable commission as new sherriff in town , and financial setbacks our economy.

But all in all, with credit to all and discredit to none—it is awesome that we are all doing what we feel is best for an evolving and flourishing product.

While the wheels in our heads go round and round–Our breath of Martial Arts is strong and our fire for competition is burning. In the crossroads of victory and defeat; of redcorner, and blue-corner; of Professional and amateur—the epicenter of Micronesian Island Martial Arts at 13.N/144.E has created shockwaves across the Marianas that is shaking the charts of competitive Martial Art’s Richter scales across the globe.

From the backyard to the big screen—we have come far. With gas in our engine, surely we can look forward and inward from the roads that lie ahead.

From your proud co-passenger in a very big car—in 3rd gear and revving.

Thanks for dropping by.

GoodVibrations:Give!

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/living/2010/11/04/can.lotto.winner.donates.all.cbc?hpt=T2

How God spends 11MillionDollars

ONRA:November4th,2010

We should use Guam’s influence in BJJ, MMA

By Roman Dela Cruz • For Pacific Daily News • November 4,2010

This past weekend in Saipan, Trench Warz13 pulled off an outstanding event showcasing talents from the U.S., Japan, Guam, Saipan and Tinian. Meanwhile, Joshua Calvo found his first mixed martial arts defeat via guillotine-choke to the undefeated Lyle Beerbohm in Rumble on the Ridge 14 at the Snoqualmie Resort in Washington. Good luck to Guam’s Herman Torrado, formerly of GroundFu/Spike 22 Yona — the mixed martial arts instructor from San Diego’s Purebred Undisputed is en route to Las Vegas today for a chance at becoming Guam’s next star in “The Ultimate Fighter.” Premier XTreme Combat 21 is on deck for Nov. 12 at the Guam’s Marriot Hotel, and Saipan’s Nate Flores of Predator Combat is heading to the Philippines for the Urban Reality Combat Challenge (URCC18: Relentless) for his chance to capture the featherweight title on Nov. 13.

Last week, many of us found it a pleasure to read of Richard Chou’s evolution to becoming an MMA industry world figurehead. Years before we read of Patrick Ayuyu’s fighting in the K1 Grand Prix and another year we read about Joe Duarte making the spot in the first season of “The Ultimate Fighter.” This year we are finding that Guam-originated company Shoyoroll is among the leaders in the world for Brazilian jiujitsu kimono manufacturing. How many other merits of success (and failure) are Guamanians going to establish in the nooks and crannies of this industry? And, when are we going to exercise these resources to their capacities?

Reflecting on where we have been eventually leads us to questions of where we might go. Though we can never speak surely about the future — something is for certain, and that is that the Mariana Islands are well-connected in the world of (mixed) martial arts.

Compared to days before, though the local industry may not seem to have its same spectator appeal, it nonetheless, continues to make its impact on a much-larger-than-Guam observing audience.

With so many different achievements in MMA and BJJ events around the world, with many of our people getting involved in the industry as well as in competition, and with the undying support of the many on island that continue to support our hungry and thirsty industry — it is only a matter of time before we find a method to further escort our efforts to a larger pedestal and connect the dots to really illustrate the majesty of the island’s collective and competitive martial arts bigger picture.

Slowly but surely.

Thanks for dropping by.

Respect:RIPAndyIrons

According to sources close to the surfer, rumors have been confirmed that three-time World Champ Andy Irons has died today. The cause of death is currently unknown.

Irons missed his Round 1 and 2 heats at the Rip Curl Search Puerto Rico stop on the ASP Men’s World Tour Saturday due to illness and was traveling back home to Hawaii when he passed away.

Irons was arguably the most dominant surfer of the early to mid 2000s. In addition to his world titles, Irons had 19 world tour victories and has the distinction of being the only surfer to have won at every location on the tour. But more significant than the statistics was his reputation as perhaps the only true rival nine-time World Champion Kelly Slater has ever known, and the two engaged in some of the most memorable title races in history.

Irons returned to the World Tour this year after a one-year hiatus. While his results had been up and down, a recent win at the Billabong Pro Tahiti in August signified a return to form in the kind of powerful, barreling surf in which he made his reputation.

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

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

TrenchWarz13:VengeanceResults

Winners in the Circle

ForLife:FuryMadness

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

The American Red Cross

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Behind the scenes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Be a sponge and take it all in.”

Voice:WeAreGuahan

ONRA:VoiceOfThePeople

Reverse: Letting fighters who face charges compete sends wrong message October 15, 2010 *

The decision by a Superior Court of Guam judge to allow two mixed martial arts fighters who face charges in assault cases to fight sends the wrong message to this community. The American Red Cross On Tuesday, Judge Vernon Perez gave the OK for Alex James Castro and Kyle Reyes to be released from their house arrests conditions for one night, so they can fight in PXC 21 on Nov. 13.

PXC 21 is a mixed martial arts event. Castro and Reyes face aggravated assault charges resulting from a fight at a Tumon karaoke bar on Feb. 6. Castro also faces charges in another case, in which he is alleged to have pistol-whipped a man and demanded $3,000 a month. Both men are under house arrest, the conditions of which prevent them from fighting in mixed martial arts events. It makes no sense that two men facing charges of committing violent attacks on others to participate in an event in which they will be allowed to commit violent attacks on their competitors.

The goal of fighters in these events is to either knock out their opponent, or force them to quit under the threat of being choked into unconsciousness or face having a bone broken. Mixed marital arts has been laboring to become accepted as a legitimate sport, on par with boxing, judo or other martial arts. A recent law provided regulations for the sport and requirements for fighters and event promoters. And some mixed martial arts participants have been making an effort to reach out to youngsters and emphasize that the violence is supposed to be kept within the ring, and that the skills from the discipline shouldn’t be used anywhere else.

The judge’s decision to allow these two individuals to fight in a mixed martial arts event sends the opposite message. It gives the perception that it’s OK for trained fighters with deadly skills to use their abilities outside the ring. The night of the fight still is weeks away.

It’s not too late for Perez to do the right thing and reverse his order

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