SHOUT OUT!!!

requested by: Sean

A shout-out to Melvynna Tambunan for her performances this past week at the Pan Asian BJJ/Grappling Championships in Manila, PH. Taking home 4-gold medals for both her weight + absolute in the gi and no-gi. And to top it all off, she was voted MOST TECHNICAL FIGHTER of the event, a first for female competitor here in Southeast Asia. Big congratulations to her and her team. -Luke

5TH TAIWAN BJJ/GRAPPLING TOURNAMENT

Attention all BJJ and No Gi competitors.

Taiwan BJJ will be hosting its 5th annual tournament Saturday August 23rd, and Sunday August 24th, 2008. There will be GI weight and absolute divisions held on Saturday, and NoGi weight and absolute divisions held on Sunday. No entry fees for brown or black belts. There will also be free entry for any women competitors. In addition, there will be a special guest Black Belt TBA. Start time will be 10am Sat. Hotel accomidation, registration costs and venue TBA. This competition will follow IBJJF rules. For additional information please contact demi115@hotmail.com. For registration please send full name, belt division and weight class. We will help to make your trip to Taiwan as enjoyable and memorable as possible.

See you on the mat!!

-Demitri Telfair
contact: demi115@hotmail.com

THAILAND BJJ/SUB-GRAPPLING OPEN!!!

info: bjjasia@gmail.com
Dear Fellow Athletes,

We are very pleased to announce the 2008 Thailand BJJ & Submission Grappling Open competition is set for September 27 and 28^th. We are committed to staging a top-quality event this year that you will not want to miss. The event will be held at Union Mall in Bangkok which can be easily reached by subway train. The competition venue is expansive and fully air conditioned. The mall provides easy access to food, ice and other items you may need. We will also organize an evening out to a good, inexpensive open-air restaurant in Bangkok on Saturday night. Please plan on attending this great opportunity to meet your fellow competitors and build our BJJ community. Forthcoming email announcements will provide information on entry fees, discounted hotel options and advanced online registration.

This year’s competition will be distinguished by the following-

• Expansive competition mat space covering at least 240 square meters
• High quality refereeing committed to protecting the safety of competitors, following IBJJF rules, and promoting the highest standards of sportsmanship
• First-aid support will be on hand
• Distinctive, presentation-grade medals and trophies
• First 100 competitors with paid registration will receive a custom-made rash guard
• Prizes for Most Technical fighter, Most Submissions and Absolute Champions
• Exhibition MMA matches
• Entry fees waived for Brown and Black belt competitors
• Separate, private changing areas and clean bathrooms all weekend

Please share this info widely as we look forward to hosting competitors from around the region and will do all we can to make the competition and your weekend in Bangkok a great experience. See you there! -BJJAT

BALI: SYNERGY JIU-JITSU

Just thought I'd spread the word that Niko Han has opened shop in Bali recently. Niko is one first to establish jiu-jitsu in the area and has created some of the toughest competitors in Southeast Asia in both BJJ and MMA. A Marc Laimon black-belt, his classes are not to be missed.

SYNERGY JIU-JITSU

PAN ASIAN + CDHK2: PICS!!!

courtesy of: Alex Esteves
Alex was kind enough to share his photos from this past weekend's tournament in Manila. Be sure to check out the rest of his photos: HERE

I'm always happy to share pics and commentary from you guys. Your input is what makes this blog what it is. Also, few more links have been added to the Guam section to your right. -Luke

RICKSON GRACIE CUP: RESULTS

info from: JJFJ

WHITE / ADULT :

GALO
1. Masanobu Mori (Nascer do Sol)

2. Soh Ohta (Axis)

3. Yuki Sorci (Axis)


PLUMA
1. Naohito Yamazaki (K.O.Shooto Gym)

2. Kener Santos (Yoski Team)

3. Masato Yokochi (RB Academy)

Felipe Ewasaki (Bonsai Japan)

PENA
1. Ryoji Yamaki (Jaws Jiu Jitsu)

2. Takahiro Tanaka (Nascer do Sol)

3. Masanari Ishikawa (Axis)

LEVE
1. Kyosuke Yokoyama (Axis)

2. Paulo Sérgio Sato (Extreme Barbosa)

3. Akira Higuchi (Nascer do Sol)

MEDIO
1. César Marques Silva (Gerson Jiu-Jitsu)

2. Teiti Ito (Bonsai Jiu-Jitsu Japan)

3. Marcel Yuzo Hayashi (Fighting Spirit)

Marcos Yossoyama (Rilion Gracie Japan)

MEIO-PESADO
1. Anderson Tokahashi (Rocha Toyokawa)
2. Syouichiro Nakajima (Nova União Japão)

3. Junior Silva (Ação Jiu-Jitsu)

Fábio Murão (Extreme Barbosa)

PESADO
1. Eduardo Sakamoto (Tokai BJJ)

2. Alex Haruki (De La Riva Japan)

3. Wagner Miyake (Nova União Japan)

SUPER-PESADO
1. Lucas Tani (Brasa Japão Team)
2. Makoto Matsumura (Carlos Toyota BJJ)

PESADISSIMO
1. Adrian Dumitru (Team Legnum)

2. Adriano Fisher (FCT BJJ)

WHITE / MASTER :

PLUMA

1. Israel Pereira (Bonsai Jiu-Jitsu Japan)

2. Masahiro Yoshida (Axis)

3. Luciano Konimi (Axis Hiratsuka)

PENA 

1. Kazuhumi Suzuki (K.O. Shooto Gym)

2. Jefferson Effen (Bonsai Jiu-Jitsu Japan)

3. Thadanory Rodrigues (Ação Jiu-Jitsu)

Yoshikazu Toyama (Gracie Humaita Japan)

MEDIO

1. Rodrigo Takemoto (Brasa Japão Team)

2. Walter Franco (Extreme Barbosa)

3. Renato Bedim (Carlos Toyota BJJ)

PESADO

1. Tatsuo Inoue


WHITE / SENIOR :

PLUMA
1. Hirofumi Yamashita (Axis Yokohama)

2. Masanori Takahashi (Axis Ichinomiya)

3. Nobuhiko Yamagiwa (Axis)

PENA
1. Valdir Benedito dos Santos (FCT BJJ)

2. Masahiko Kogo (Team Roger Machado)

3. Hiroyuki Kubokawa (Gracie Oceania Komono)

LEVE
1. Jean Gomide (Nova União Japan)

2. Celso Yoshida (Brasa Japão Team)

3. Naoto Fujimura (Carlos Toyota BJJ)

MEDIO 

1. Katsuyoshi Fujii (Fukuzumi Jiu-Jitsu)

2. Paulo Silva (De La Riva Japan)


BLUE / ADULT :

GALO
1. ATSUSHI SUYAMA (RB ACADEMY)
2. DAISUKE KIKUCHI (AXIS)
3. MASAHIRO IIMORI(AXIS)

PLUMA
1. HIRO YAMANAHA(TOKAI BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU)
2. YOICHI MURASE(AXIS)
3. TOMOYUKI KINOSHITA(AXIS)
3.MASATOMO NISHIBAYASHI(AXIS)

PENA
1.HIROKI HANAWA(RB ACADEMY)
2.TATSUYA KARASAWA(AXIS GUNMA)
3.KAZUTAKA TAKANO(AXIS)
3.YASUMICHI FUJIWARA(AXIS YOKOHAMA)

LEVE
1.KOUTA OKAZAWA(AXIS ICHINOMIYA)
2.JULIANO MEDEIROS(DE LA RIVA JAPAN)
3.EIJI AMANO(AXIS)

MEDIO
1.LEANDRO KUSANO(OGAWA HIKINAN)
2.PATRICK MILLER(ALIVE)
3.LUIZ GOTO(RILION GRACIE JAPAN)

MEIO-PESADO
1.TAKESHI MATSUMURA(SUNDAY JIU-JITSU)
2.THIAGO AKIRA DOS SANTOS(ACAO JIU-JITUS)
3.ANDREI MAYER(AXIS HIRATSUKA)
3.YOUICHI YAMAZAKI(RB ACADEMY)

PESADO
1.JINICHI KANEYAMA(MITO DOJO)
2.EDSON DOS SANTOS(CARLOS TOYOTA BJJ)

SUPER PESADO
1.FABIO LARSEN(EXTREME PESADO)
2.THIAGO AMI(EXTREME BARBOSA)

BLUE / MASTER :

GALO

1. Kenji Miyauchi (Axis)

2. Antônio Melilli (FCT BJJ)

3. Richard Valentin (Ação Jiu-Jitsu)

Ricardo Nakandakari (Axis Yokohama)

PLUMA

1. Takeshi Matsushita (Grappling Shoot)

2. Atsushi Isobe (K.O. Shoot Gym)

3. Eiji Kubo (Axis)

PENA

1. Fumio Inaba (Axis Yokohama)

2. Komiya Ishida (Axis Ichinomiya)

3. Takashi Murata (Axis)

Yuzo Egashira (Axis)

LEVE

1. Roberto Brito (Carlos Toyota BJJ)

2. Atsushi Taniguchi (Nova União)

3. Yukimitsu Asaga (Red Shark)

LEVE

1. Hiroyuki Ooka (Axis)

2. Carlos Pavon (Carlos Toyota BJJ)

3. Elcio de Oliveira (Ação Jiu-Jitsu)

MÉDIO

1. Shinya Akagi (Mito Dojo)

2. Fábio Shiraiwa (Rilion Gracie Japan)

3. Yuji Takahashi (Red Shark)

PESADO

1. Yasuhisa Nakatani (Extreme Barbosa)

2. Jair Gomes (Carlos Toyota BJJ)

3. Alex Silva (Axis)

Nobuyuki Oishi (Axis)

PESADÍSSIMO

1. Yujiro Nakamura (Gracie Humaita Japan)

2. André de Abrantes (Gracie Oceania Team Japan)

BLUE/ SENIOR :

PLUMA

1. Taketora Makino (RB Academy)

2. Isao Furuya (Axis)

3. Yasuo Kimpara (Bonsai Jiu-Jitsu Japan)

Richard Cerruto (Axis)


PURPLE / ADULT :

GALO
1. KEI ITO (AXIS)
2. KOUSUKE TORIKAI (X-TREME KAWASAKI)

PLUMA

1. Yuto Hirao (X-Treme Kawasaki)

2. Anderson Rossi (Yoski Team Jiu-Jitsu)

3. Chio Kyu Hwan (Korea BJJ Academy)

PENA

1. Takuto Kako (Grappling Shoot Boxers)

2. Lee Hee Tae (Korea BJJ Academy)

3. Antônio Tomasausk (Ação Jiu-Jitsu)


LEVE

1. Juan Reyes (Axis Yokohama)

2. Kleber Koike (Bonsai Jiu-Jitsu Japan)

3. Yui Yamakawa (New Ground)

Yoshihiko Nakayama (Jaws Jiu-Jitsu)

MEDIO
1. ROBERTO SATOSHI (BONSAI JAPAN)
2. MARICIO RIBEIRO (BRASA JAPAO TEAM)
3. FERNANDO WALEVEIN (EXTREME BARBOSA)

MEIO PESADO

1. Juan Caio (Bonsai Jiu-Jitsu Japan)

2. Eric Fought (Nova União Japan)

3. Matheus Yuri Okumura (Brasa Japão Team)

PESADO

1. Noriyuki Kakuta (Axis)

2. Jackson Okamoto (Rilion Gracie Japan)

3. Keisuke Yoshino (RB Academy)

SUPER PESADO

1. Leandro Ribeiro (Fighting Spirit)

2. Lee Hyung Keun (Korea BJJ Academy)

PESADISSIMO
1. WANDERSON AMAKAWA (BRASA JAPAO TEAM)
2. YASUNORI FUJIWARA (BONSAI JAPAN)
PURPLE / MASTER :

PENA

1. Daigo Takahashi (Axis)

2. Tomeya Sasahara Filho (Gracie Humaita Japan)

3. Itaru Fukushima (Axis Yokohama)

Satoru Suzuki (X-Treme Kawasaki)

MEDIO
1. FLAVIO BUENO (GRACIE BARRA YAMANASHI)
2. THOMAS SCHINAMAN (AXIS)
3. MAX YUANO (EXTREME BARBOSA)

MEIO PESADO

1. Henry Stasiukiewicz (Axis)

2. Ewerton Rodrigues (Extreme Barbosa)

SUPER PESADO

1. Tetsuya Uchiyama (Jaws Jiu-Jitsu)

2. Marcus Abe (Ferson Jiu-Jitsu)

PURPLE / SENIOR :

PLUMA
1. TSUYOSHI ITABASHI (SUNDAY JIU-JITSU)
2. JUN HARA (DE LA RIVA JAPAN)
3. HIROYUKI ITAKURA (K.O. SHOOTO GYM)
YOSHIAKI NAKAMOTO (GRACIE BARRA NAGANO)

LEVE
1. ALESSANDRO NAGAISHI (AXIS)
2. SHIGETAKA YAMADA (AXIS YOKOHAMA)
3. HIROYUKI KITAMURA (KAMPHIUS BJJ PHILIPPINES)
MINORU TANAKA (GRACIE BARRA NAGANO)

MEDIO
1. CHUMACERO LOPEZ FERNANDO (FCT BJJ)
2. MARCELO IWASAKI (GRACIE BARRA FUJI)
3. TSUYOSHI ICHIHARA (JAWS JIU-JITSU)
BROWN / ADULTO :

PLUMA
1. JUN ZAIMA (NEX)
2. KENJI URABE (PARAESTRA - HACHIOJI)
3. ITCHAKU MURATA (NEW GROUND)

PENA
1. NOBUHIKO KITAHARA (AXIS)
2. YUTA YOSHIDA (NOVA UNIAO JAPAN)
3. ICHITARO TSUKADA (NOVA UNIAO JAPAN)
3. JOAO LENINE KAWAUTI (GRACIE OCEANIA TEAM JAPAN)

LEVE
1. MARCOS SHINKAI (FCT BJJ)
2. CHRISTIAN FUNAI (CARLOS TOYOTA BJJ)

MEDIO
1. KRON GRACIE (RICKSON GRACIE CENTER)
2. AKIRA HOSOKAWA (ALIVE)
3. DAISUKE NAKAZAWA (PARAESTRA KAWAGOE)
MAX FERNANDES (EXTREME BARBOSA)

PESADO
1. PHILIP YEOMANS (AXIS)
2. LEANDRO SAKAMOTO (AXIS)
3. TAKESHI SHINKAWA (TEAM LEGNUM)

BROWN / ABSOLUTE
1. KRON GRACIE (RICKSON GRACIE CENTER)
2. JUNIOR CAVALCANTE (ROCHA JIU-JITSU)
3. PHLIP YEOMANS (AXIS)
3. KOETSU YAMAUCHI (AXIS)
BROWN / MASTER :

MEDIO
1. CURTIS VEGA (RICKSON GRACIE CENTER)
2. FERNANDO PRADO (GRACIE BARRA YAMANASHI)


BROWN / SENIOR :

LEVE
1. KAZUHIKO ODA (AXIS)
2. RONALDO CHIDA (GIBA LOTUS - JAPAN TEAM)

BLACK / ADULT :

PLUMA
1. JOAO CARLOS KURAOKA (AXIS)
2. RICARDO MATSUMOTO (DE LA RIVA JAPAN)
3. HIROSHI WADA (AXIS)
3. MAKOTO SAWADA (PARAESTRA KAWAGOE)

MEDIO
1. MARCOS SOUZA (BONSAI JAPAN)
2. SHIGUEO KOBAYASHI (EXTREME BARBOSA)
3. YOSKI SUTO (YOSKI TEAM JIU-JITSU)

MEIO-PESADO
1. ANDRE GALVAO (BRASA TEAM)
2. RODRIGO TANIGUTI (AXIS)

SUPER-PESADO
1. EDUARDO TELLES (TEAM NINE NINE)
2. KOICHIRO OKA (K.O. SHOOTO GYM)

BLACK / ABSOLUTE :
1. ANDRE GALVAO (BRASA TEAM)
2. EDUARDO TELLES (TEAM NINE NINE)
3. RODRIGO TANIGUTI (AXIS)
3. KATSUNORI KATANIWA (AXIS)
BLACK / MASTER :

LEVE
1. EDSON LUIS MISSIO (ACAO JIU-JITSU)
2. ROGERIO CRISTO (ROCHA TOYOKAWA)
3. TAKASHI KANDA (AXIS FUKUOKA)

MEDIO
1. AKIRA OWADA (ACAO JIU-JITSU)
2. OZEIAS BUENO (JAWS JIU-JITSU)

BLACK / SENIOR :

PENA
1. YUSAKU KUMAGAI (AXIS)
2. GERSON DOS SANTOS (GERSON JIU-JITSU)


FEMALE RESULTS :
WHITE

PLUMA
1. Fumika Fukuzumi (Fukuzumi Jiu-Jitsu)

2. Karen Melilli (FCT BJJ)

3. Masami Motojima (De La Riva Japan)

LEVE
1. Simone Takara (Axis)
2. Marcela Hagio (Carlos Toyota BJJ)

MEDIO
1. Kanako Mori (Grappling Shoot Boxers)

2. Vanessa Tanabe Guimarães (Extreme Barbosa)


BLUE

GALO
1. Noriko Akimoto (AACC)

2. Reiko Kiyota (Axis Ichinomiya)

PLUMA
1. Yuko Seko (Axis)

2. Kayo Ueda (Axis Chiba)

3. Shirleine Takaki (Ogawa Hekinan)

Shiho Yaginuma (Paraestra Kawagoe)

MEDIO
1. Simone Tomasausk (Ação Jiu-Jitsu)

2. Paula Shimamoto (Brasa Japão)
PURPLE

PENA
1. Marcia Cristo (Rocha Toyokawa)
2. Kim Jung Hee (Korea BJJ Academy)

LEVE
1. Silmara Ottane (Rocha jiu-Jitsu)
2. Rie Matsushima (Axis)

TRAINING PARTNERS/TEAMMATES

Things have calmed down a bit with so many tournaments week after week and it's given me some time to reflect on some aspects of training. From observation there is a growing number of black-belt instructors making their way to Asia that are permanent to semi-permanent which is great. And while not every school is blessed with that leadership and direction of having such a person, I thought I'd write about teammates/training partners which is the other half of the equation. Having started jiu-jitsu in New York at a great school, I moved to Bangkok with a strong introduction to the art. And while I've had some fantastic instructors and mentors over the years, I always give credit to my teammates. Regardless of who is leading the class, it's these guys that have seen me through my ups and downs in training. Not to take anything away from my coaches but this isn't was this article is about. What I want to hilite here is the importance of the company you keep at your school and on the mat. When I first arrived to Bangkok there was only one place that I knew to train BJJ and this is where I would meet the core group of guys that have been around for the past 3+ years. Granted I live in a city of transient workers/friends but luckily enough this core group of guys have been here for me.

TRUST
The relationship you have first starts with a mutual respect and trust. I respect the fact that you are trying to push your game as much as I am in return. I trust that you play at a pace/level that you know to be safe and without intention of hurting me or yourself. Now whether you take this for granted or you simply don't care, I believe this is an aspect that aids to the familial nature of most schools. These are your brothers and sisters that come in day after day, putting in their time and making themselves available to train with you.

EXCHANGE
These are the guys that know your game best. They have the luxury of training with you regularly and have learned from or adapted themselves to you. This has effected me in several ways both good and bad, depending on how you look at it. In one case I was able to use my favorite choke several times over on one of the larger guys in the academy. Besides being a natural athlete, he's a very quick learner. So eventually he asked me what I was doing that was catching him and not wanting to be stingy, I explained to him some of the details. Well, within the week it was nearly impossible to catch him with that choke. So while I may have temporarily ruined my favorite choke, it gave me a better training partner. There are no secrets in jiu-jitsu really. If not from me than someone else would have explained it to him. So why not take the moment to share with him? Since then, I've asked him plenty of questions that have helped me deal with his game and potentially with those that might apply the same technique in tournament. All in all, we're all responsible for our own progress. You get as much as you give.

SUPPORT
I had written earlier that with more comp time I am able to hear my buddies coaching me from the sidelines better. I don't know about everyone else but I would say that we're a pretty vocal team when it comes to coaching and talking our buddies through the match. We keep time, take video and alert our friend to a better position/submission. Now he/she can choose to follow our suggestions but at the same time, the opponent is able to hear it all so it can play both ways. Even though I am the one that is fighting I never feel alone, I have my whole team backing me up.

HUMILITY
We're all working to improve and with that, you're going to have your good days and bad days. Cause we're all improving more or less parallel to each other, I don't waste my time thinking who's better than the other. So regardless of how I may see myself and my skills, there's always that moment when you get caught. Give credit to your buddy, don't take it away from him/her by making excuses cause this is the time to tap, in training. Be honest with yourself and do yourself the favor of figuring out why. If you've been open, I'm sure your buddy is more than willing to share with you how it went down. The moment you take the attitude like you have nothing to learn from your training partners is when you stop improving. Man, when you get caught and it was spot on, I actually am happy for my friend and get even more amped to do better.

The topic has been on my mind for quite some time since moving here to Southeast Asia. There have been times when training was at it's most ideal and other times when it kinda sucked, haha. Regardless, it's been my teammates that have given me so much of themselves and hopefully I have done the same in return.

This month, I will be losing two teammates as they are leaving Bangkok. I want to dedicate this article to them and in particular Mr. Scott 'Momo' Calver. Scott is moving to Singapore, the city in which he came from prior to living in Bangkok for 3+ years. I am sure the guys out there will appreciate having him back cause the man is a beast. A key figure in my training as it's been a motivating factor to deal with the man's pressure, kung-fu grip and persistence for the kimura from every-which-way. He's saved me on and off the mat, a good friend. We'll miss you Scott. And to Pat, best of luck back in the US. I will miss your beyond-octopus-flexibility. -Luke

Scott 'Momo' Calver and Andre Galvao (CPDHK2)

PICS: RICKSON GRACIE CUP

Found these on a Japanese blog that references BJJ-ASIA. They've got a nice collection of images from the recent RG Cup. Check them out here: BULL TERRIER BLOG

RICKSON GRACIE CUP: VIDEO

***UPDATE: Kron Gracie has received his black-belt and will be competing as a bb in the upcoming worlds!

Kron Gracie vs. Juninho

PAN ASIAN BJJ/GRAPPING CHAMPIONSHIPS: PICS!!!

courtesy of: Stephen Kamphius

Big congratulations to those who particpated. As always the tournaments just get bigger and better. -Luke

TERENCE YAM: CDHK2 PICS

BJJ has inspired me to do a lot of things and I'd say most of them are positive. One of them is to get myself a nice SLR camera and take as many action/candid pics as I can at the tournaments. Granted, I'm still new to this and am improving my skills as we speak but I thought this would be a great time to introduce another BJJ/camera enthusiast, Terrence Yam. I was introduced to his work through Thomas Fan (Kylin/BTT BJJ) and have to say he's got some nice pics.

I've attached a few hilites but if you have a moment, check out his gallery at the link below.

TERENCE YAM GALLERY
password: terence

-Luke

2008 PAN ASIAN INTERNATIONAL BJJ/GRAPPLING COMPETITION: RESULTS!!!

submitted by: Stephen Kamphius
NO-GI DAY SUNDAY (MAY 4, 2008)

Team Results
1st-Tiger Muay Thai (81 points)
2nd-Team Fabricio (62 points)
3rd-Carlson Gracie Guam (53 points)
B-New Breed Academy (51 points)

AGIP Most Technical Fighter Award: Melvynna Tambunan - Kreation BJJ Singapore

Juniors Under 66 kg
G-Miguel Ayuyu - Carlson Gracie Guam
S-JR Santos - New Breed
B-Steven Kim - Carlson Gracie Guam
B-Dennis Castro - Submission Sport - Fabricio

Juniors Over 66 kg
G-Mike Carbullido - Carlson Gracie Guam
S-Aldo Vergel De Dios - New Breed Academy
B-Neil Ferreira - Team Fabricio
B-Klemens Yu - Team Fabricio

Women's Under 55 kg
G-Melvynna Tambunan - Kreation Singapore
S-Nikki Ng - Team Fabricio
B-Angie Bartholomew - BJJ Borneo
B-Em Matias - Team Fabricio

Women's Over 55 kg
G-Nyko Maca - New Breed
S-Ashley Pueblo - Carlson Gracie Guam

Women's Absolute
G-Melvynna Tambunan - Kreation Singapore
S-Nyko Maca - New Breed

Masters Over 76 kg
G-Marco Cenojas - Team Fabricio
S-Noel Ang - Team Fabricio
B-Stephen Graham - BJJ Borneo

Men's Basic Under 62 kg
G-Violeto Agustin - Team Fabricio
S-Robert Mellana - New Breed
B-Marvin Yap - Team Fabricio
B-David Denisi - New Breed

Men's Basic 62.1 - 69 kg
G-Dennis Castro - Submission Sport - Fabricio
S-Francis Uy - Alliance - Fabricio
B-Enoch Herbert - BJJ Borneo
B-Macky Siazon - New Breed

Men's Basic 69.1 - 76 kg
G-Aubrey Guerrero - Carlson Gracie Guam
S-Chong Tze Siang - BJJ Borneo
B-Marco Cenojas - Team Fabricio Davao

Men's Basic 76.1 - 85 kg
G-Jed Baluyot - Team Fabricio
S-Skip Leido - New Breed
B-Mike Paulate - Alliance Fabricio
B-Juanito Estimada - Team Fabricio Davao

Men's Basic Over 85 kg
G-Johnny Kumstadter - Tiger Muay Thai
S-Michael St. Claire - Tiger Muay Thai
B-Neil Ferreira - Team Fabricio
B-Edison Uy - Team Fabricio

Men's Basic Absolute
G-Mike St. Claire - Tiger Muay Thai
S-Johnny Kumstadter - Tiger Muay Thai
B-Enoch Herbert - BJJ Borneo

Men's Intermediate Under 62 kg
G-Carlo Peña - New Breed
S-Jan Cortez - New Breed

Men's Intermediate 62.1 - 69 kg
G-Cody Stevens - Tiger Muay Thai1
S-Jan Cortez - New Breed
B-JR Santos - New Breed
B-Miguel Ayuyu - Carlson Gracie Guam

Men's Intermediate 69.1 - 76 kg
G-David Henson - Carlson Gracie Guam
S-Allen Chong - BJJ Borneo
B-Byron Evarista - Carlson Gracie Guam
B-Mike Carbullido - Carlson Gracie Guam

Men's Intermediate 76.1 - 85 kg
G-Jason Saggo - Tiger Muay Thai
S-Cody Stevens - Tiger Muay Thai
B-David Henson - Carlson Gracie Guam
B-Mike Hutchinson - Tiger Muay Thai

Men's Intermediate Over 85 kg
G-Roberto Rivera - Carlson Gracie Guam
S-Noel Ang - Team Fabricio
B-Stephen Graham - BJJ Borneo

Men's Intermediate Absolute Division
G-Jason Saggo - Tiger Muay Thai
S-Cody Stevens - Tiger Muay Thai
B-David Henson - Carlson Gracie Guam

Men's Advanced Under 76 kg
G-Ralph Go - New Breed
S-Mauricio Pontalti - Tiger Muay Thai

Men's Advanced Over 76 kg
G-Ray Elbe - Tiger Muay Thai
S-Dimitrios Tsitos - Gracie Barra Shanghai
B-Froilan Sarenas - Team Fabricio
B-Wade Henderson - Tiger Muay Thai

Men's Advanced Absolute
G-Mauricio Pontalti - Tiger Muay Thai
S-Dimitrios Tsitos - Gracie Barra Shanghai
B-Froilan Sarenas - Team Fabricio
B-Wade Henderson - Tiger Muay Thai

2008 PAN ASIAN INTERNATIONAL BJJ/GRAPPLING COMPETITION: RESULTS!!!

submitted by: Stephen Kamphius

GI-DAY SATURDAY (MAY 3, 2008)

Team Results 1st-New Breed Academy (108 points) 2nd-Team Fabricio (104 points) 3rd-Carlson Gracie Guam (58 points) 4th-Gracie Barra (23 points) Kids Team Results 1st-BJJ Indonesia 2nd-BJJ Philippines AGIP Most Technical Fighter Award: Ralph Go - New Breed Academy Kids Under 35 kg G-Dimas Rizki - BJJ Indonesia S-Tony Pakanen - BJJ Indonesia B-Vincent Cruz - Carlson Gracie Guam B-Marcus Quizon - Team Fabricio Kids 35-40 kg G-George Moffat - BJJ Indonesia S-Jason Chu - BJJ Indonesia B-Liam Aguilar - Gracie Barra B-Martin Eala - Team Fabricio Kids Over 40 kg G-Oliver Holt - BJJ Indonesia S-Randy Bachtiar - BJJ Indonesia B-Thompson Holt - BJJ Indonesia B-Moira Mahilum - Team Fabricio Juniors Under 60 kg G-Miguel Ayuyu - Carlson Gracie S-JR Santos - New Breed B-Mohammed Azrin Kadri - BJJ Borneo Juniors Over 67 kg G-Ben Tan - Team Fabricio S-Steve Kim - Carlson Gracie Guam B-Mike Carbullido - Carlson Gracie Guam B-Neil Ferreira - Team Fabricio Masters Under 79 kg G-Arnold Yen - New Breed S-Mojo Mahilum - Team Fabricio B-Ian Ampongan - Team Fabricio Masters Over 79 kg G-Noel Ang - Team Fabricio S-Juan Sy - Team Fabricio Women's Division Under 53 kg G-May Masuda - Gracie Barra S-Angie Bartholomew - BJJ Borneo B-Nikki Ng - Team Fabricio B-Em Matias - Team Fabricio Women's Division 53 to 58 kg G-Melvynna Tambunan - Kreation BJJ Singapore S-Ashley Pueblo - Carlson Gracie Guam Women's Division Over 58 kg G-Camille Hipolito - Team Fabricio S-Cat De Leon - New Breed Academy Women's Absolute Division G-Melvynna Tambunan - Kreation BJJ Singapore S-May Masuda - Gracie Barra B-Cat De Leon - New Breed Academy Men's White Belt Under 60 kg G-David Denisi - New Breed S-Julius Villacio - Submission Sport - Fabricio B-Julius Macasaet - Team Fabricio B-Mac Cunanan - Team Fabricio Men's White Belt 60.1 - 65.0 kg G-JR Santos - New Breed S-Carlo Peña - New Breed B-Robert Mellana - New Breed B-John Cuyugan - Gracie Barra Men's White Belt 65.1 - 72.0 kg G-Macky Siazon - New Breed S-Lance Raeper - New Breed B-Mars Cenojas - Team Fabricio B-Ian Nadres - Team Fabricio Men's White Belt 72.1 - 79.0 kg G-David Henson - Carlson Gracie Guam S-Juanito Estimada - Team Fabricio B-Jaguar Tang - Team Fabricio B-Anthony Hung - Tiger Mauy Thai Men's White Belt 79.1 - 88.0 kg G-Paulo Tancontian - Team Fabricio S-Jed Baluyot - Team Fabricio B-Manny Jimenez - Team Fabricio B-Edison Uy - Team Fabricio Men's White Belt 88.1 - 98.0 kg G-Roberto Rivera - Carlson Gracie Guam S-Ben Tan - Team Fabricio B-Arnold Arnaiz - Team Fabricio B-Patrick Lagniton - Team Fabricio Men's White Belt Over 98 kg G-Mario Salas - Carlson Gracie Guam S-Nicoloai Nasrabadi - Team Fabricio Men's White Belt Absolute Division G-Lance Raeper - New Breed S-David Penisi - New Breed B-Robert Mellana - New Breed B-Neil Ferreira - Team Fabricio Men's Blue Belt 60.1 - 65.0 kg G-Ken Noda - Team Fabricio S-Dino Montalbo - Gracie Barra Men's Blue Belt 65.1 - 72.0 kg G-Mike Carbullido - Carlson Gracie S-Miguel Ayuyu - Carlson Gracie B-ND Fernandez - New Breed B-Martin Tiu - Gracie Barra Men's Blue Belt 72.1 - 79.0 kg G-Jason Saggo - Tiger Muay Thai S-Ramon Isla - Gracie Barra B-Allen Chong - BJJ Borneo B-Arnold Yen - New Breed Men's Blue Belt 79.1 - 88.0 kg G-Carlos Bergante - New Breed S-Gabe Baker - Carlson Gracie Guam B-Allan Drueco - Team Fabricio B- Therddie Escovilla - Team Fabricio Men's Blue Belt Over 88.0 kg G-Karl Medina - Team Fabricio S-Noel Eric Ang - Team Fabricio Men's Blue Belt Absolute Division G-Allan Drueco - Team Fabricio S-Carlos Bergante - New Breed B-Martin Tiu - Gracie Barra B-Chris Ilagan - Gracie Barra Purple Belt Under 79 kg G-Ralph Go - New Breed S-Ariel Valenova - New Breed Purple Belt Over 79 kg G-Ali Sulit - New Breed S-Dimitrios Tsitos - Gracie Barra Shanghai B-Froilan Sarenas - Team Fabricio B-Wade Henderson - Tiger Muay Thai Purple Belt Absolute G-Ralph Go - New Breed S-Froilan Sarenas - Team Fabricio B-Dimitrios Tsitos - Gracie Barra Shanghai B-Ariel Valenova - New Breed Brown Belt Division G-Mauricio Pontalti - Tiger Muay Thai S-Nicolai Holt - Cobrakai

RICKSON GRACIE CUP

taken from: ADCOMBAT
by: Kid Peligro

The Rickson Cup was held this past weekend in Japan. Black belts from various regions competed in the event. In the finals of the Absolute it was once again Andre Galvao v Eduardo Telles. Galvao won by advantages 4 -2.

Kron Gracie won the Brown Belt weight and absolute as well. Kron had a total of 8 matches 4 in the weight class and 4 in the absolute. Kron won all his matches except for the finals of the absolute by submission each in under 3 minutes. In the absolute finals Kron faced Junior Cavalcante, a 220 pounder from Rocha JJ. The match was an epic battle with Kron submitting Junior with 12 seconds to go in the match to continue his incredible submission streak.

Pics courtesy Synia

SHOUT OUT: MORE BLUES!

Demitri Telfair

Francois Lamothe-Charlebois

Danny Hathiramani

I know this is a little late coming but with all the updates it unfortunately got pushed back. After strong performances at Copa De Hong Kong 2, we have 3 new blue-belts. Congratulations to Demitri Telfair & Francois Lamothe-Charlebois for their promotion from Andy Wang. And for those that attended the Telles/Galvao seminar, Danny Hathiramani was awarded his blue-belt from Telles himself. I know the body of blue-belts is growing compared to when I first moved to Bangkok 3 years ago, almost all white-belts. Keep it up! -Luke

UPDATE: SEABJJ T-SHIRT

OK, so the issue of color vs. monochrome has been brought to my attention from several of you. Not sure if this represents the opinion of those that have b/w logos but thought I'd be open to the option of getting the price for either.

Once I receive all the logos (SOONER THE BETTER) and a rough estimate of how many you as a club would like to purchase, then I can get settled on the price and we can go from there. If I feel it serves the interest of the community, then I will go ahead with a full-color shirt. Sound good?

So, please send in your logos as soon as possible. I will also be contacting some of you that need to send me a better quality logo. I can only produce from what you give me so if it's a 2"x 2" logo with 72dpi for resolution, you're kinda screwed. For those who aren't techno/graphic savvy, ask your friend who is and they'll explain.

-Luke

TEAM LOGOS I HAVE RECEIVED SO FAR:
Alive Singapore
KDTA
NewBreed Philippines
Shanghai BJJ
Tigers Gym
Macau BJJ
Bangkok BJJ
EMAC
Brutal BJJ
Kamphius-Fabricio JJ
Kylin BJJ
Gracie Barra Taiwan

MANILA REPORT: PAN ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

I'm expecting the tournament results from Manila relatively soon as I hear it was a success. With over 200 competitors and new teams representing Borneo, Thailand and Singapore the representation in SEA is growing.

I am not sure of the details but there was a brown-belt division with representations from Synergy Jiu-Jitsu and Tiger Muay Thai. The overall team-champions are NewBreed Phillipines.

A big congratulations to all those participating.

-Luke

SEABJJ T-SHIRT

I have an idea that I'd like everyone to help me with. I've created a SEABJJ logo that I'd like to incorporate into a t-shirt to represent the community. The picture I've posted above is just a sample of what it will look like but what's missing is your team logo. As best I can, I'd like to include as many team logos from Southeast Asia to cover the back of the shirt. I would need these logos e-mailed to me as an Adobe Illustrator file.

With the support of each school the look of the shirt will represent a unified body of people connected by BJJ. Let's continue to show our pride and represent.

-Luke

***note: I've already received a few e-mails and it sounds like not everyone has the type of file that I am asking for. If that's the case, please contact me and let me know the situation. I will see what I can do. Thanks -Luke

PARTICIPATING TEAMS (SO FAR):
NewBreed Philippines
Tigers Gym (India)
Alive Singapore
Kowloon BJJ
Bangkok BJJ
EMAC
Macau BJJ
Beijing BJJ
Shanghai BJJ
KDTA
BJJ Philippines
Taiwan BJJ

***NOTE: Below is a sample of what I have to change when I get a jpg color logo. I import it into Illustrator and manually remove the color so that it can be a monochromatic image. In this case it was easy cause the image file was large but what made it difficult is that there is a lot of freakin' detail and it just took me a while. In some other cases, I am getting low-res jpgs and these are not coming out as well. I want to produce a quality product so if you can, Adobe Illustrator file is best. In the case I can't make your logo, I will e-mail you to see what options there are. -Luke
Below is another sample of the changes I made. Luckily this was sent to me as an Illustrator file so it was much easier for me to work with. Perhaps this is all too much info but thought it was worth informing everyone about.

VIDEO: EDUARDO TELLES VS. XANDINHO IZIDRO

courtesy of: Mr. Jon Jones

Semi-final match between Telles and Xandinho at Copa De Hong Kong 2 (April 26, 2008).

VIDEO: ANDRE GALVAO VS. MAKOTO IKUTA

courtesy of: Mr. Jon Jones

This is Galvao's first match in the black-belt absolute at Cope De Hong Kong 2 (April 26, 2008). Makoto Ikuta represents Trust Jiu-Jitsu from Japan and was last years Japan Open Champion in his weight.

VIDEO: GALVAO VS. TELLES

courtesy of: Mr. Jon Jones

Andre Galvao met Eduardo Telles in the final match of the black-belt absolute at Copa De Hong Kong 2 (April 26, 2008). Enjoy! -Luke

SHOUT OUT: NEW PURPLES

Just wanted to give a shout out to some recent promotions.

First, Vince Choo at KDT who received his purple from John Will (Machado). And following their strong performances this weekend in HK, both Vaughn Anderson and Warren Wang were given their purple from Andy Wang. A big congratulations to all three guys and to the rest of us, keep training! -Luke

***addition: Dennis Huang has also been promoted to purple by Andy Wang.

Vince Choo, John Will, Sam Wee
Dennis Huang, Vaughn Anderson, Warren Wang

INTERVIEW W/ ANDY WANG (TAIWAN BJJ)

This past weekend Andy took a moment to speak with us about what he's been up to and commented on the progress that BJJ has made in the area in the last 4-5 years since he first came to teach. Having spent the last couple of months in Taipei guest teaching at Taiwan BJJ, he is planning on heading back to the US to continue his training and MMA career. Andy's team had a great performance this weekend, taking 2nd in the gi and 1st in the no-gi. -Luke

COPA DE HONG KONG: GI RESULTS

Here are the results for the gi-day. Again, please inform me if there are any mis-spellings or corrections needed to be made.-Luke

WHITE-BELT
GAIO
1. Kwong (GB HK)

PLUMA (adult)
1. Robert Lucas (Shanghai BJJ)
2. Danilo (Macau BJJ)
3. Delfino (Macau BJJ)

PLUMA (senior)
1. Tiago (Macau BJJ)
2. Gus (KLN)

LEVE (adult)
1. Demitri Telfair (Taiwan BJJ)
2. Douglas Pieterse (BTT HK)
3. Kyle Belzer (Taiwan BJJ)
3. Donaldo Tong (GB HK)

LEVE (master)
1. Alexandro Esteves (Purebred)
2. Shiloong (GB HK)

MEDIO (adult)
1. Francois Lamothe Charlebois (Taiwan BJJ)
2. Luiz (Macau BJJ)
3. Oliver Hayakawa (Shanghai BJJ)

MEDIO (master)
1. Leo2 (KLN)
2. Danny (Impakt)

MEDIO (senior)
1. Charbel (Macau BJJ)
2. Danny (Impakt)

MEIO PESADO (adult)
1. Bryan (Macau BJJ)

MEIO PESADO (master)
1. Mike Kwok (BTT HK)
2. Robert Zen Berimbau (BTT HK)

PESADO (master)
1. Jan (GB HK)
2. Forrest (KLN)

SUPER PESADO (adult)
1. Chris Munro (GB HK)
2. Stanley Szeto (BTT HK)

SUPER PESADO (master)
1. Stanley Szeto (BTT HK)

ABSOLUTO (~76KG)
1. Demitri Telfair (Taiwan BJJ)
2. Mike Kwok (BTT HK)
3. Min (KLN)
3. Kyle Belzer (Taiwan BJJ)

ABSOLUTO (76.1KG~)
1. Luis (Macau BJJ)
2. Bryan (Macau BJJ)
3. Victor (KLN)
3. Nicholas Young (Taiwan BJJ)

BLUE-BELT
GAIO (adult)
1. Lee (KLN)
2. Leo1 (KLN)

GAIO (master)
1. Leo1 (KLN)

PLUMA
1. Kimihiro Hirose (NEX)
2. San Su Li (Trust)
3. Dennis Huang (Taiwan BJJ)

PENA (adult)
1. Yoshihiro Hara (KLN)
2. Donnly (KLN)
3. Stanley Tam (Shanghai BJJ)
3. Isaac Chang (Taiwan BJJ)

PENA (master)
1. Stanley Tam (Shanghai BJJ)
2. Donnly (KLN)

LEVE (adult)
1. Benny (KLN)
2. Hoin (KLN)

LEVE (master)
1. Kazuyuki Takase (KLN)
2. Justin Meinhardt (BTT HK)

MEDIO (adult)
1. Warren Wang (Taiwan BJJ)
2. Justin Lee (Taiwan BJJ)

MEDIO (master)
1. Warren Wang (Taiwan BJJ)

MEDIO (senior)
1. Mark Simmerman (EMAC)

MEIO PESADO (adult)
1. Ryan Meichiano (Shanghai BJJ)

MEIO PESADO (master)
1. Sebastien Desvignes (EMAC)
2. David Sinclair (Taiwan BJJ)

PESADO
1. Jon Jones (Taiwan BJJ)
2. Luke Chaya (EMAC)

SUPER PESADO (mix)
1. Dean Tompson (BTT HK)
2. Pat (Macau BJJ)

ABSOLUTO (~76KG)
1. Benny (KLN)
2. Hoin (KLN)
3. Lee (Trust)
3. Dennis Huang (Taiwan)

ABSOLUTO (76.1KG~)
1. Vaugh Boyd Anderson (Taiwan BJJ)
2. Jon Jones (Taiwan BJJ)
3. Mark Simmerman (EMAC)
3. Pat (Macau BJJ)

PURPLE-BELT
LEVE
1. Ralph Go (New Breed)
2. Brad Ku (KLN)

MEIO PESADO
1. Shotarou Suzuki (Paraestra Tokyo)

SUPER PESADO (master)
1. Ali Sulit (New Breed)

ABSOLUTO
1. Ali Sulit (New Breed)
2. Dimitrios Tsitos (Shanghai BJJ)
3. Ralph Go (New Breed)

FEMALE-ABSOLUTO
1. Soici (KLN)
2. Liz Law (BTT HK)
3. Aki (KLN)

BLACK-BELT ABSOLUTO
1. Andre Galvao (Brasa)
2. Eduardo Telles (Nine Nine)
3. Xandinho Izidro (BTT HK)

COPA DE HONG KONG: NO-GI RESULTS

Here are the results for the no-gi, April 28, 2008. If there are any mis-spellings or errors please let me know and I will make the correction. -Luke

No GI Advance Under 65kg
1. Lawrance Law (KLN BJJ)
2. Lee (KLN BJJ)
3. Kai Huang (Taiwan BJJ)

No GI Norvice Under 75kg
1. Demitri Telfar (Taiwan BJJ)
2. Shiloong (GB)
3. Richard Clavy (GB HK)
3. Alexandro Esteves (Purebred/Loyd Irvin)

No GI Advance Under 75kg
1. Makoto Aramaki (KLN BJJ)
2. Ralph Go (New Breed)
3. Issac Chang (Taiwan BJJ)
3. Hoin (KLN BJJ)

No GI Novice under 85kg
1. Nicholas Young (Taiwan BJJ)
2. Luis (Macau BJJ)
3. Leo2 "Karagi" (KLN BJJ)
3. Robert Zen Berimbau (BTT HK)

No GI Advance under 85kg
1. Vaugh Boyd Anderson (Taiwan BJJ)
2. Sebastian Desvignes (EMAC)
3. Kensaku Kojima (TRUST Jiujitsu)

No GI Novice over 85.1kg
1. Forrest (KLN BJJ)
2. Mike Kwok (BTT HK)
3. Well Wang (Taiwan BJJ)

No GI Advance over 85.1kg
1. Dimitrios Tsitos (Shanghai BJJ)
2. Ali (New Breed)
3. Francis Magbitang (Taiwan BJJ)
3. Patrick (Taiwan BJJ)

No GI Absolute Novice under 75kg
1. Demitri Telfar (Taiwan BJJ)
2. Ming (KLN BJJ)

No GI Absolute Advance under 75kg
1. James AKA "Koji" (Academia Az)
2. Lawrance Law (KLN BJJ)
3. Leo1 (KLN BJJ)
3. Kai Huang (Taiwan BJJ)

No GI Absolute Novice over 75.1kg
1. Kurt Scholtes (Taiwan BJJ)
2. Ryan (KLN BJJ)
3. Well Wang (Taiwan BJJ)
3. Graham Ravdin (BTT HK)

No GI Absolute Advance over 75.1kg
1. Dimitrios Tsitos (Shanghai BJJ)
2. Vaugh Boyd Anderson (Taiwan BJJ)
3. Jon Jones (Taiwan BJJ)
3. Sebastian Desvignes (EMAC)

COPA DE HONG KONG RECAP (PART II)

APRIL 28, 2008Starting the second day early with weigh-ins I treated myself to a classic HK breakfast of noodles, fried egg, toast and what looked like a grilled slice of ham. The turn out for no-gi was smaller than the day before but from what I could see the same core group of competitors that were placing showed up. With the look on some of the faces I'm sure there were a few that stayed out a bit late so things didn't pick up to a little later than schedule. This time out, I decided to use a little more discretion with taking pictures and focused on my matches. The knee was feeling tight but I could roll without too much discomfort. With some added wrappings and knee-pads, I was good to go.With the brackets being smaller, it was separated between 'novice' and 'advance'. The latter consisting mostly of blue-belts and up so it definitely had a wider spectrum of skill but I think overall it matched up well. I kid you not, this day was all about guillotines and ankle-locks. There were a few triangles here and there but the footwork seem to take center stage when it came to the subs. I can vouch as I got tapped in my second match in the absolute to an ankle-lock. I'd say I'm lucky that I return home with just one injury and not two, haha. The matches were fast and intense as there wasn't much stalling and people were really going all out for the tap. Despite my knee, I felt really good about my performances and probably had more fun competing this day than the previous. I think by this point I had relaxed enough about injury and just decided to put it all out there.The rules were a definite factor as they hadn't really been defined until just prior to the event starting. I give a lot of credit to Mark 'Vesuvius' Simmerman for leading the meeting as one of the few in the area that have taken the referee course. Having done so at the recent Pan Ams, he's been a great resource for understanding the details that in many cases define who won the match. He's been very vocal about the importance being aware of the rules related to each event for the success and the safety of the fighters. I hope to see this as a growing trend as we all take responsibility for ourselves and each other.

SEMINARAs the day came to a close many would have to leave in order to return home in time for work on Monday but a decent number were able to stay for the seminar held by Eduardo Telles and Andre Galvao. The seminar was all about gi and gave the finer details of the final black-belt match on Saturday. The one move that everyone wanted to hear about was Galvao's reverse-ezekiel that won him the match over Telles. A funny thing about the seminar was that Makoto Ikuta was there with a whole series of questions for Galvao, having lost to him the previous night. Really nice guy but at one point Galvao jokingly told Ikuta that he would have to pay for a private with all the questions he had for him. Just watching Ikuta at the seminar you could see light-bulb after light-bulb over his head as Galvao went through the sequence of moves. With just a few minutes left, everyone formed two lines to have their asses kicked by the two instructors. I opted to watch and take pics as you can see in the pics.

To be honest, I think at that point I was a little overwhelmed with all things jiu-jitsu. For two days of fighting, taking pics, interviews and jiu-jitsu talk my brain couldn't retain any more. I come back and think of it as a jiu-jits fantasy weekend, haha. With a little business to take care the next day I could afford to head out for some beers and hang out with the other stragglers before the week would start.I made a lot of new friends this trip and got a lot of positive feedback for the blog. Not too many people know what I look like so it's a bit funny to be recognized for this geeky thing I do. Some tell me I offer them an office distraction and perhaps this is my own. Just want to thank everyone for their support and readership. Some of you may have noticed that Andy Wang is in some of the photos I took. He's been in Taipei teaching at his academy for the last couple of months and is heading back to the US. I got to speak with him for a few minutes and will post my video interview late this week.

Other than that, a congratulations to the organizers and competitors. I'll see you at the next one.

picture links:
DAY 2: NO-GI
DAY 2: EDUARDO TELLES + ANDRE GALVAO SEMINAR

-Luke

ARTICLE: MACAU DAILY TIMES

Sara Farr, a Macau BJJ representative, was kind enough to share the article she had written for the Macau Daily Times on this weekend's tournament. Check out the link: HERE

It's great to hear BJJ getting press and that more women are taking an interest in the sport. I hope to see the number of female competitors grow as there's a lot of talent out there.

***note: The only flying-armbar (and a successful one mind you) was accomplished be a female competitor this past weekend.

-Luke