SHOUT OUT: AMOS CHUA

Big shout out to Amos Chua for bringing home some gold at this year's Mundials. 

Original news: CLICK HERE

NEW BLACK-BELT INSTRUCTOR @ MUAY FIT (KL)

Welcoming a new black-belt instructor to the SEABJJ community, Prof Thiago Medeiros @ Muay Fit:

"This guy Thiago Medeiros is a BJJ BlackBelt 2nd Degre from Paulo Filho Former Pride Champion he is under Associao Oriente de Jiu-Jitsu, he is on MuayFit in Kuala Lumpur, Malasya holding BJJ and MMA classes, He was also former team mate with Vitor Belfort, Murilo Bustamante and another MMA guys."

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN: 2013 TAIWAN INTERNATIONAL BJJ/NO-GI CHAMPIONSHIP

TOURNAMENT REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE

Registration is now open for the 2013 Taiwan International BJJ / No-Gi Tournament. The tournament will be held in Taipei, Taiwan from July 20-21, 2013 at the National Taiwan University Sports Center with a Gi competition on 7/20 and a No-gi competition on 7/21. The Gi tournament will follow IBJJF rules.

Registration
The registration fee is NT$2,000 for both the Gi and No-gi events or NT$1,300 for just one of the events. A NT$200 fee is being charged this year to compete in the open category. The cutoff date for registration is July 12, so please sign up early to ensure your placement. We will not be accepting walk-in registrations. Payment is accepted only online via a PayPal account or credit card. To register, please click on the "Register (Individual)" link at the bottom of the page.

Early Registration
If you register by June 30, 2013 you get a free T-shirt and a 25% discount off your total registration fee.

Weigh-ins
Weigh-ins will be held the day of the events. Weigh-in times will be announced three days before the tournament.

If you are coming and require any help in finding a place to stay during the tournament or need any other help, please write totournament@taiwanbjj.org and we'll be happy to offer assistance.

Event Info

Start date:	2013-07-20 09:30 AM
End date:	2013-07-21 05:00 PM
Registration cutoff	2013-07-12
Location	National Taiwan University Sports Center (Taipei, Roosevelt Rd., Sec. 4, No. 1, B1)

REAL FIGHT 2

MMA Event REAL FIGHT2 show on Henan TV 
Collaboration with Wu ling feng.
杨茁 vs Jonny Gilbertson;
张立鹏 vs Chris Garcia:
Mateusz Piskorz vs Kim Dae Whan;
杨建平vs Steve Brown;

KEENAN CORNELIUS 'THE JOURNEY' BY DANIEL FAGGELLA

I'd like to introduce BJJ-ASIA's first guest writer, Mr. Daniel Faggella, a brown-belt under Alexandre Soca and owner of Black Diamond Mixed Martial Arts Academy. Daniel's work has appeared in such publications/sites as Jiu Jitsu Magazine and OnTheMat. Hopefully this is just the beginning for more to come from Daniel and other guest writers. Please kindly welcome Daniel the SEABJJ community. -Luke

-------------------------------------------------

photo taken from: www.bjjee.com

Keenan Cornelius- The Journey

These days all eyes are on Keenan Cornelius.  Recently, he has won double gold medals at the four largest tournaments in the world at the brown belt level.  In an interview with Stephan Kesting from Grapplearts, I was able to gain a bit of an inside look of Keenan’s beginnings from a novice Jiu Jitsu player with mostly losses on his record, to where he is now- undefeated at the brown belt level.

The Beginning

Keenan was born in Kona, Hawaii and grew up in Hilo as a young child.  He was there for seven years and then moved around to California, Nevada and Florida. 

Keenan began learning Jiu Jitsu with his stepfather, Tom Callos when he was 14. Callas had owned several martial arts schools and held a 6^th degree blackbelt in Taekwondo and blue belt in Jiu Jitsu.  The two mostly learned out of their garage in California utilizing local high school wrestlers and YouTube videos.  He trained like this for about two years with sporadic visits to gyms near Sacramento.

After some success at some white belt competitions, Keenan had a breakthrough moment when he decided he wanted to do Jiu Jitsu for the rest of his life.  At the age of 16, Keenan took the GED, dropped out of high school, and moved back to Hilo, Hawaii to train with BJ Penn and to pursue Jiu Jitsu full time.  He stayed and trained there for three years.

At 18 years of age, Keenan made another bold decision.  He decided he wanted to be in a more Jiu Jitsu competition-focused environment because at the time in Hawaii, training was more MMA focused and the Jiu Jitsu training seemed to be too laid back for his goals.  It was because of this desire to take his career even more seriously that Keenan moved to Maryland in 2011 to train with Team Lloyd Irvin.  He would be there for nearly two years.

Maryland

The training environment at Team Lloyd Irvin was catered towards athletes wishing to pursue competitive Jiu Jitsu full time.  Keenan was surrounded by great trainers and training partners who were all passionate about the sport and driven to improve and succeed.

The type of class environment was different for Keenan as well.  Instead of a typical styled class of warm ups, technique display and learning, followed by some live sparring, the Team could practice the way they saw fit.  With supervision, Keenan and the team would drill what they wanted to for a period of time followed by intensive live rolling for an extended amount of time.

Being surrounded by determined and focused athletes all looking to improve, having a more structured and instructional class wasn’t needed.  In fact, through utilizing YouTube Keenan and the others could consistently watch the best competitors and study them.  They saw what worked and what could be improved on.  This sort of active learning and searching for information lead each person in the gym to find their own specific style of Jiu Jitsu game play.

Keenan believes that this sort of practice and training is very important because it gave him the freedom to grow in his own way.  It would be interesting to see if this is how most of the other top level competitors in world also train each day.  It certainly has moved Keenan from his days competing in the lower belts and securing a moderate win-loss ratio, to being undefeated at the brown belt level.

BJJ-ASIA CHARITY PROJECT: PART 2.2

I announced earlier this month there would be a second part to the new batch of charity t-shirts. Besides the 4x disc set of Caio Terra's "Modern Jiu-Jitsu", I will volunteer my services as a jeweler to 3x lucky winners. 

All those who purchase a BJJ-ASIA charity t-shirt will be elligible for a customized sterling silver pendant. Below I've included an example of the pendant with my own design laser-etched onto both sides. So it's up to you to have your own academy logo or a design of your liking. I will work with you to make it something you will be quite happy with. The pendant + chain is 28grams of 925 silver (sterling) and will arrive to you in quality Luke Satoru box-set. 

A pendant of this size and weight would retail between $150-200 USD depending on the design. Color is also an option with resin, so win and lets' talk design!

To purchase you own charity t-shirt, please CLICK HERE

http://seabjj.bigcartel.com/

http://sarnelliorphanage.org/

WHITE & BLUE FESTIVAL @ BKKBJJ/RGT: JUNE 29, 2013

Open BJJ tournament for white and blue-belts under IBJJF rules. This is a great opportunity to wet your competition-feet if you've yet compete or prep yourself for the upcoming tournament season. 

Hosted by Bangkok BJJ Academy at their new location, Trendy Office Plaza Sukhumvit Soi 13, room 402 (4th fl.). 

ALL ARE WELCOME!!! 

GI ONLY EVENT

member: 200 baht
non-member: 500 baht

*prizes and lucky-draw for winners/participants

*proceeds will be used for the production of the 2013 Bangkok Open (October 19-20). 

*PURPLE-BELTS!!! If there is enough confirmed interest for a purple-belt absolute division, we will add this to the day's list of matches. We require a minimum of 5 competitors for an open-weight division.


FACEBOOK EVENT (CLICK HERE)

WWW.BKKBJJ.COM

1ST CENTRAL TAIWAN BJJ OPEN: RECAP

I had missed this one but thanks to the folks at TWNBJJ & event producer Demitri Telfair, here are some pics from the recent Central Taiwan Open. I have to say, that's probably one of the coolest event spaces for a tournament. Congrats guys!

2013 TAIWAN INTERNATIONAL BJJ/NO-GI CHAMPIONSHIP

www.taiwanbjj.org

PROJECT LIFESTYLE MANILA: CAIO TERRA

FACEBOOK + SEABJJ FB GROUP

Thanks to social media and sites like facebook, the world feels smaller but that's not a bad thing, persay. In fact, I think it's done a great deal of good to connect the community at large and make information available about events even faster. So with the advancement of technology and need for speed, it's helped add to what motivated me in first place to start BJJ-ASIA. 

With that said, have we connected via facebook yet? If not, I invite you connect with me. It's here that I often post news or links that may not make it to the blog (here). At the same time, I've made another platform within facebook for the SEABJJ community. It's here everyone is free to post information about what they're doing or events they'd like to promote. So if you haven't joined the group and are interested, please do so!

Overall, for the blog I haven't had as much time as I'd like to write original content but am aiming to do some writing in the near future. I am also open to publish guest writers if the quality and content is appropriate. If you're interested, please e-mail you work to luke@bjj-asia.com. 

let's connect: (click below)

BJJ-ASIA'S FACEBOOK

SEABJJ COMMUNITY FB PAGE

SEABJJ STORE: BACK ONLINE!!!

Previously SEABJJ goods were sold on the defunct 'bangkokfightshop' site but now things are back on! I've posted two items specifically to raise money for Sarnelli House Orphanage via 5-year anniversary & SEABJJ community t-shirts. If your country is not listed under the shipping options, please contact me directly and I will amend this!

All who purchase an anniversary shirt will be eligible to win a soon to be announced prize. Plus! Send in a photo of you wearing said shirt and possibly win Caio Terra's 4x disc instructional DVD set, "Modern Jiu-Jitsu". That right there is a $130 USD value!

Keep checking for the next lucky-draw prize!

CLICK HERE!!!
WWW.SEABJJ.BIGCARTEL.COM

JIU-JITSU NERD: VOL. 00

Hello, my name is Luke and yes, I am a Jiu-Jitsu Nerd. The latest project from international jiu-jitsu-journalist Kinya Hashimoto, volume 00 of 'Jiu Jitsu Nerd'. Regardless if you can read Japanese or not, it's a cool magazine filled with photos documenting the scene in and out of Japan. Always cool details and highlights on upcoming fighters. 

Copies can be bought at Budovideos or at the Bull Terrier Shop. Check out the links below. 

BJJ-ASIA 5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY CHARITY PROJECT: PART 2.1

With the 2nd batch of charity t-shirts in stock now, I'd like to introduce the first of a two part lucky-draw prize. All those who bought from the first batch of charity shirts will be included in this draw. A winner will be declared once we've sold out of this last batch. 

THE RULES:
*e-mail a photo of you and or team wearing the charity t-shirt to luke@bjj-asia.com
*please keep resolution to 72dpi but length of photo no less than 1000 pixels
*please include your team logo in the background or a location that represents where you are from
*deadline will be when we have sold out of charity t-shirts

THE PRIZE:
* CAIO TERRA's "Modern Jiu-Jitsu" 4x disc set (new, unopened)
      -I bought this myself when Caio was in Bangkok and am donating it to this part of the       lucky draw

SHOW YOUR COLORS

We did a great deal of good this past year with the sales and donations collected for the BJJ-ASIA 5-year anniversary charity project. All proceeds went to the Sarnelli House Orphanage in Nong Khai, Thailand. I'd like to celebrate this accomplishment by collecting as many photos of those who bought a shirt to share with the organizers of the orphanage. I plan to make another visit to Sarnelli House this summer and would love to show them the generous members of the SEABJJ community. 

At the same time, I've got our 2nd batch of anniversary shirts , with a new lucky-draw once all are sold out. I won't announce the prize just yet but it'll be equally awesome as before. 

please e-mail photos to: luke@bjj-asia.com
    *72dpi, max length 1000 pixel

please e-mail shirt purchase requests to: luke@bjj-asia.com
    *include size, quantity per and shipping address
    *$20 USD per shirt (sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL)

2013 BANGKOK OPEN: OCT 19-20

Just a quick note for those planning their competition calendar. This October 19 & 20, BKKBJJ will be hosting the 2013 Bangkok Open. Expect all good things and more to come. 

2013 COPA BULL TERRIER: JULY 7, 2013

Bull Terrier Fight Gear, Alavanca Jiu Jitsu Academy Bring you  

COPA　BULL　TERRIER　2013

When:　7th July,2013

What time: 9:00 Opening of Venue, 10:00 start of competition

Where: Taito river city Sports Center (First Stadium)

       1-1-10 Imado Taito, Tokyo 111-0024

ONLINE REGISTRATION: 1st May,2013 ~ 30th June, 2013

Please check www.btfightgear.com

QUALIFICATION OF ENTRY:

In good health without infection.

Sign is required for Junior who compete.

AWARDS:

TEAM

Trophy to Top Three Teams.

Cash Prize 50,000JPY to Adult Team Championship

Cash Prize 20,000JPY to Kids Team Championship

Points are given to winner - 9pts, first runner up- 3pts, 3rd- 1pt.

Individual

Medals to Medalist of each weight division/absolute category.

Bull Terrier Gis to Absolute winner of each belts category.

ENTRY FEE:

Adult Male   4,000JPY (Absolute  +1,000JPY)

Adult Female 3,000JPY (Absolute  +1,000JPY)

Junior       2,500JPY

If only Absolute, same price as weight division.

* No entry fee for all black belts competitors.

PAYMENT METHOD:

For Local

1. Cash delivery service by Japan Post office - Please enclose the correct amount with the entry form and send to below address:

Bull Terrier Co.,ltd

1F 1782-1 Shimoishida-cho,

Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka

435-0006 JAPAN

Tel: +81 53 421 2534

Deadline: 30th June, 2013

2. Local Bank Transfer - Handling charge paid by payer

Deadline: 6th July, 2013

3. Pay at venue at the day -  Entry fee +1,000JPY

For Overseas

1. Pay at venue at the day -  Entry fee +1,000JPY

2. Paypal through Credit card or Paypal account

Deadline: 6th July, 2013

RULE:

Follow IBJJF 2013 rule

WEIGHT CATEGORY:

Weight Divisions : (Competitor must weigh-in with his/her gi and belt)
Male (Adult/Master/Senior) - Kg

(ALL RANK OF BELT)

Galo ~57,5

Pluma~64,0

Pena~70,0

Leve~76,0

Medio~82,3

Meio-Pesado~88,3

Pesado~94,3

Super-Pesado~100,5

Pesadissimo ~above 100,5

Absolute~ OPEN

Female - Kg

(ALL RANK OF BELT)

Galo~44,3

Pluma~48,3

Pena~52,5

Leve~56,5

Medio~60,5

Meio-Pesado~65,0

Pesado~69,0

Super-Pesado~73,0

Pesadissimo~ above 73,0

Absolute~ OPEN

*Weight class which insufficient of competitors will be contacted for cancellation or move of classes.

Kids - Kg

Male Juvenile (16-17 years old) Born in 1996 ~ 1997

5 minutes match

White, blue, purple belt

Rooster class (Galo)-53.5kg

Light featherweight (Pluma)-58.5kg

Featherweight (Pena)-64.0kg

Lightweight (Leve)-69.0kg

Middleweight (Medio)-74.0kg

Medium heavyweight (Mediopesado)-79.3kg

Heavyweight (Pesado)-84.3kg

Super heavyweight (Super pesado)-89.3kg

Ultra heavyweight (Pesadissimo) +89.3 kg

Open class (Absolute)

Male Juvenile (16-17 years old) Born in 1996 ~ 1997

5 minutes match

White, blue, purple belt

Rooster class (Galo)-44.3kg

Light featherweight (Pluma)-48.3kg

Featherweight (Pena)-52.5kg

Lightweight (Leve)-56.5kg

Middleweight (Medio)-60.5kg

Medium heavyweight (Mediopesado)-65.0kg

Heavyweight (Pesado)-69.0kg

Super heavyweight (Super pesado)-73.0kg

Ultra heavyweight (Pesadissimo) +73.0 kg

Open class (Absolute)

Teen (13-15 years old) Born in 1998~2000

4 minutes match

White, gray, yellow, orange, green belt

Rooster class (Galo)-40.3kg

Light featherweight (Pluma)-44.3kg

Featherweight (Pena)-48.3kg

Lightweight (Leve)-52.5kg

Middleweight (Medio)-56.5kg

Medium heavyweight (Mediopesado)-60.5kg

Heavyweight (Pesado)-65.0kg

Super heavyweight (Super pesado)-69.0kg

Ultra heavyweight (Pesadissimo) +69.0 kg

Junior (10-12 years old) Born in 2001~2003

4 minutes match

White, gray, yellow, orange belt

Rooster class (Galo)-30.2kg

Light featherweight (Pluma)-33.2kg

Featherweight (Pena)-36.2kg

Lightweight (Leve)-39.3kg

Middleweight (Medio)-42.3kg

Medium heavyweight (Mediopesado)-45.3kg

Heavyweight (Pesado)-48.3kg

Super heavyweight (Super pesado)-51.5kg

Ultra heavyweight (Pesadissimo) +51.5 kg

Pee Wee (7-9 years old) Born in 2004~2006

3 minutes match

White, gray, yellow belt

Light featherweight (Pluma)-24.0kg

Featherweight (Pena)-27.0kg

Lightweight (Leve)-30.2kg

Middleweight (Medio)-33.2kg

Medium heavyweight (Mediopesado)-36.2kg

Heavyweight (Pesado)-39.3kg

Super heavyweight (Super pesado)-42.3kg

Ultra heavyweight (Pesadissimo) +42.3 kg 

Mighty Mite (4-6 years old) Born in 2007~2009

2 minutes match

White belt only

Light featherweight (Pluma)-17.9kg

Featherweight (Pena)-20.0kg

Lightweight (Leve)-24.0kg

Middleweight (Medio)-26.0kg

Medium heavyweight (Mediopesado)-29.0kg

Heavyweight (Pesado)-32.0kg

Super heavyweight (Super pesado)-35.0kg

Ultra heavyweight (Pesadissimo) +35.0 kg

Enquiry

Please email to info@btfightgear.com

KATA BEACH UPSER-FIGHT: ANDREW LEONE VS ERIC KELLY

This past week, the first Kata Beach tournament took place in Phuket, TH. Produced by the

folks at PTT. Here's the super fight between Andrew Leone & Eric Kelly. 

ADCC SOUTH EAST ASIAN: PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL OPEN

see www.adccphilippines.com

The Asia - Pacific Submission Absolute will be held in August. This is a new  event to be held each year ever in the Philippines or Australia.


There are no points just advantages for submission attempts or win by submissions , with three or four weight divisions per belt to find the Absolute Champions.


Match times will be the standard times are between 5 - 6 minutes all penalties remain the same.

Please visit: www.www.bjjfp.com

SHOUT OUT: NEW BLACK-BELT

BJJ-ASIA would like to give a shout-out for long-time supporter, Toru Takayama (Fukuzumi Jiu-Jitsu) on his recent promotion to BJJ black-belt. Takayama-san has been coming to Thailand to compete for a number of years and we've always appreciated the energy he's brought the competition mats. 

He received his black-belt from Prof Shinsuke Fukuzumi (Antonio Barbosa) this past March 17th. 

おめでとうございます!!!