TeamPurebredLloydIrvin&TheAsianOpen

Two world champions, AsianOpen returning champions, other champions from Guam’s most competition decorated academy in Brazilian Jiujitsu Competitionthe will be accompanying a host of other AsianOpen, MarianasOpen, Tokyo Open to the Japan to compete in the 2nd annual AsianOpen BJJ Tournament.

Team Purebred/LloydIrvin’s Impact last year was phenomenal enough to gain the interests of the Asian Open coordinators and received nothing but praise from counterparts and associates in Japan and abroad for a stellar performance in 2008”s event. Returning with one 2th place novice team title, one 3rd place overall team title, 11gold metals, 4silver medals, 2bronze medals, and one new Guam BJJ blackbelt from last year’s Tokyo OpenJiujitsuChampionships, Team Purebred/LI is looking to echo last year’s prestige of the Tokyo Open BJJ Championships most outstanding single academy.

Accompanying Team Purebred/LI again will be world-profile BJJ athletes, returning instructors Mike Fowler and JT Torres. Eescorting with them the attention of the international BJJ media, Fowler and Torres will be joining Purebred/LI head instructor Stephen Roberto to bring testament to the high expectations from academies throughout Japan.

Both originating from the EastCoast United States( Fowler from Maryland and Torres from NewYork), the LloydIrvin BJJ instructors have both received criticisms in the past for a speedy climb to the ranks of black belts but have times over shut down all skeptics with phenmomenal results in competition against the world’s finest. Often traveling the globe to instruct and compete, we caught up with them from an interview conducted with the man many have come to know as CrazyMike, the east coasts version of one of our favorite super heroes and local fighter-athletes “Spiderman”, and one of Guam’s major leaders in Brazilian Jiujitsu.

First would like to begin by saying its an honor to have you guys back on island. You have contributed tremendously to Guam BJJ and it’s great to see you guys here again After watching all your clips on youtube.You’ve really helped A lot of guys and gals in BJJ here to expand their horizons and your success feels in many ways as our success.
Welcome back and thanks for your time. I know it’s a rock and roll schedule…

JT TORRES
How does it feel to return to Guam and what have you digested from your ventures here in BJJ?
What type of impact has Guam had on you as a repeat guest and guest-instructor?
JT:It feels great to be back on Guam! What I have digested is that the level of BJJ is rising here day by day. I first started coming out to Guam 2 years ago and every time I have come back, I can feel the BJJ force here getting stronger. This excites me because I love seeing the growth of the Gentle Art.

The islands are grateful…You fell into alignment with two Guam-based companies (Shoyoroll and Fokai) on independent occasions…What impact, if any, has this had on you and your digestion of GuamBJJ?
Yes I am VERY grateful of getting into alignment with Fokai and Shoyoroll. Both of these companies have helped me greatly! They show me great support and love when I am here on the Island and all over the world. They have also helped me in the styling department because I now have the sickest gear on and off the mats! I have also have meet the coolest people, that I now consider family, through these companies. Another thing about Fokai and SYR, thats I love is that, they treat me like family and make me feel very welcomed, which is what counts in the end…family and love.

What personal growth do you think BJJ has provided in your life?
I feel that BJJ has made me the man I am today. It has really made grow up because of the all the places it has taken me all around the world, all these great experiences it has provided me. I have meet some the coolest people during my travels and seen some of the coolest places as well. I am so grateful for BJJ.

How did it feel to fast excel to your blackbelt and what have you discovered in the new pool of sharks?
It almost feels unreal sometimes when I think about how fast I got my Black Belt and how well I am doing already. When I first got my Black Belt I thought to myself ” O damn, now I have to fight the Black Belts that I have been admiring since I was a 15 year old Blue Belt!”. Since being in these pool of sharks, I have learned that you really have to focus on always adding new weapons and expanding your game, because if you get stuck on one certain thing it can really hurt you in the long run and prevent you from doing well at Black Belt.

You are both testaments of the Grappling game plan. So what words might you have about the philosophy of moving forward with “the empty cup” (be formless like water) So BJJ—Sport or MartialArt? If both can you briefly discuss that synergy?The synergy is all about taking any style and being able to learn it and defeat it. This what I feel when I hear “be formless like water”. You should study all different games and prepare your game to overcome those.

What words of advice would you have for people interested in training BJJ?
The words of advice that I would give is to make sure when you started training BJJ, go in there with a open mind and open heart. You must really embrace BJJ into your life, if you wanna feel the full effect of this beautiful Martial Art. And it also a great workout! It will provided nothing but great joy, I guarantee it!

In the near future I know I will have a world title as Black Belt around my neck! I also want to fight MMA, becoming UFC light weight Champion in the near future, after I am done accomplishing all of my BJJ goals of course. Some words I like to live by are: ” A true champion always finds his way” and ” You make yourself and you destroy yourself”. Ok guys thank you so much for everything! and keep training hard!!!

-JT Torres
ForMike what are your thoughts of Guams BJJ training and goals after living here
And then returning as a guest instructor? What are the positives and negatives of training onGuam?
Guam is on a level that most gyms in the mainland strive for. After living here and seeing where the jiujitsu is now from when I left, it’s awesome! Amazing how high the level is continuing to rise. For sure will see more and more world champions come out from the island. The only negative is the distance from most of the best tournaments. Other than that, nothing comes to mind.

How do you feel Purebred/LIGuam is doing in BJJ, not just in competition but in terms of an academy and lifestyle?

The guys at Purebred have come to show the level and standard you would expect to see from the students of a martial arts academy. Even the young kids have great manners and conduct themselves like real blackbelts.

Off trac k—what words would you have of instructing and training beside our island’s favorite Frank”TheCrank”Camacho ?
Frank is a real blessing to have as a training partner. The most well mannered and hard working guy you will meet. He is elevating his game to such a high level! One of my favorite guys to train with.

What personal growth do you think Guam has provided in your life?
Guam helped me grow up and into my own. Learning just as much about living from Stephen Roberto from watching his example. A great role model within the gym. The island life opened me up to a better mindset and really helped me for the better.

Seeing how the team has grown, what might you have to say about this years participation in the Asian Open?
This is our biggest year yet! A solid squad with hard training. Can’t wait to see the amount of medals the team brings in!!

What positive impact(s) can you see resulting from Guam’s participation in this event?
Purebred is continuing to put Guam on the map and make noise thoughtout the world. This tournament will only further solidify what is already there!

What additional steps do you think can be made to improve Guam’s position in WorldBJJ?
More gyms on island should really buckle down and get serious. The more serious you take it, the better the results for everyone. Bring the level up of everyone.
You are both testaments of the Grappling game plan. So what words might you have about the philosophy of moving forward with “the empty cup” (be formless like water) So BJJ—Sport or MartialArt? If both can you briefly discuss that synergy?
Always have a empty cup. Be humble. Accept what people show you and really take the time to understand. It will click in A sense and you will understand what you have been shown.

What words of advice would you have for people interested in training BJJ?
Take that leap! Proven over and over the most effective martial art. No matter age size shape boy girl, jiujitsu is for everyone. It will better your life in coutless ways! Jiujitsu saved my life.

Anything else to add? Words to live by?
Thanks to the people of Guam for the blessings and hospitality while on island. To many more trips! Team Lloyd irvin purebred. Fokai since ever since.

Good training
Mike Fowler.

INNERVIEW STEPHEN ROBERTO:
So please tell us something about this years tournament and what it means to lead,coach, and compete alongside TeamPurebredLloydIrvin to the 2010 Asian Opens?
We are a team of 34 comprised of members from Purebred Jiu Jitsu Academy Guam and Team lloyd Irvin camp Springs, Maryland The Asian Open Jiu Jitsu Championships is Considered one of the top 5 Events in the IBJJF (In ternatinal brazilian jiu jitsu federation) Mundials (Worlds), Basiliero, Pan Ams, Europeans Champs, Asian Champs. I’m stoked about competing. The team has trained hard and prepared well for this tournament. The next best thing to competing is watching your team compete.

What’s new for this years team?
the team was exposed to some incredible technique from so many incredible black belts that have come to Guam and trained at Purebred. from the Mendes Brothers (Rafael and Guilherme), Mike Fowler Jt torres, Shishido isamu and many other black belts from japan. They brought alot of new technique and strategy that is used at the highest level. If we drill and apply we cant go wrong. I’m starting to see such an advanced game from all belt levels.

what it means to have Fowler and JT back in the gym.
Wether your training with them or hanging out they are very inspiring for ones jiu jitsu. Sick technique and good vibes. They’re definately on the cutting edge of todays jiu jitsu.

And why the AsianOpen?
Japan is the birthplace of jiu jitsu, its so nostalgic and voodoo like. Also the japanese and brazilian competitiors are top notch. Alot of japanese have no social life. all they do is work and train. real warriors. The team trains for the best and the Asiatico is where its at.