LEGEND FC 7 TICKET CONTEST: QUESTION #1

QUESTION #1:

Which Legend FC fighter has the greatest number of wins? and how many?

***NOTE: The first person to send in the correct answer to luke@bjj-asia.com will receive a pair of tickets to Legend FC 7, redeemable at the City of Dreams ticket-booth. The winner will be announced tomorrow at noon. 

Good luck!

www.legendfc.com

BJJ-ASIA QUIZ/PRIZE: SPONSORED BY LEGEND FC

All this week we will be giving BJJ-ASIA readers an opportunity to win a pair of tickets to Legend FC 7, taking place February 11th in Macau. Starting today at 3pm (Bangkok time), a trivia question will be posted and the first to answer correctly will win a pair of tickets that will be ready for you at the City of Dreams ticket booth. The winner and correct answer will be posted the following day.

3x questions to win a pair of tickets.

Questions will be announced at 3pm (Bangkok time), Monday, Wednesday & Friday of this week!!!

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www.legendfc.com

Legend Fighting Championship 7 

date:	11th February 2012 --- 4:30 PM (prelims), 7:00 PM (main card)
location:	City of Dreams   map
rundown:	Legend returns to Macau for its first event of 2012 when City of Dreams exclusively presents Legend Fighting Championship 7 on Saturday, February 11! South Korea’s Bae Myung Ho returns to the Legend Ring for the first time since claiming the Legend Welterweight Title in July 2011. He puts both the belt and his undefeated record at Legend on the line against China’s top welterweight Li Jingliang. China Top Team standout Li is riding a three-fight win streak against some of Legend’s top welterweight contenders, including two highlight reel finishes and a Submission of the Night award. In the co-main event of the evening, Li’s teammate Yao Honggang will be making his own first defense of the Legend Bantamweight Title. The Shuaijiao master will be facing a dangerous but familiar competitor: compatriot Jumabieke Tuerxun. Bieke is one of the only men to ever defeat Yao in competition – a loss that Yao will be seeking to avenge in dramatic fashion. South Korea’s Choi Yeong Gwang returns to action from an injury that has kept him sidelined for almost six months. Seeking to re-establish himself as a title contender, he faces the man who replaced him in the Legend Featherweight Tournament: Filipino fighter Mark Striegl. And Striegl’s Japanese teammate Koji Ando looks to bounce back from a controversial decision loss when he takes on South Korean “Tornado” Song Un Sik. Also appearing on the card will be Legend veterans Matt Cain (Australia), Liu Wenbo (China), Michael Mortimer (Australia), Wang Sai (China), and Yang Hae Jun (South Korea).

BRAZIL BLOG: KINYA HASHIMOTO @ IBJJF EUROPEANS

Check out these familiar faces on the podiums at the recent Europeans. For the full write-up, check out our buddy Kinya Hashimoto's blog: CLICK HERE

NEW CONTEST & PRIZES TO BE ANNOUNCED MONDAY @ NOON

I just scored a nice set of prizes for BJJ-ASIA readers. Check in this Monday (Feb 30) at noon for what's in store and how you can win.

EDDIE GOLDMAN INTERVIEWS ROSE GRACIE: GRACIE US NATIONALS

No Holds Barred: Rose Gracie Explains Submission-Only Victories at Gracie U.S. Nationals

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman speaks with  Rose Gracie, the president of the Gracie U.S. Nationals and the Gracie Worlds.

The 2012 Gracie U.S. Nationals jiu-jitsu tournament, featuring both gi  and no-gi divisions, takes place Saturday, January 28, and Sunday, January 29, at the Los Angeles Fitness Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center (http://thefitexpo.com).

But unlike other jiu-jitsu and grappling tournaments, including this  event in previous years, the 2012 competition has a new set of rules: you can only win by submission. There are no points, no advantages, and no judges in these 15-minute matches.

Rose Gracie, who is the granddaughter of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu co-  founder Helio Gracie and the daughter of UFC co-founder Rorion Gracie, had become dissatisfied with the lack of offense, scoring, action, and technique she had seen in many jiu-jitsu and grappling tournaments.

"People can win a match without even attempting a technique at all,  and they're proud of it," she explained. "It's not jiu-jitsu anymore."

In addition, there will be drug-testing at the 2012 Gracie U.S.  Nationals, a first for such an event.

We spoke by phone on Wednesday with Rose Gracie about this event and  these innovative new rules. She also discussed the changing role of women in the Gracie family, and in jiu-jitsu and grappling as well.

It will indeed be very instructive to see how these new rules work out  at this event, so expect a follow-up soon after the event.

FULL INTERVIEW: CLICK HERE

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Also, check out Eddie Goldman's interview with local MMA star, Vaughn 'Mr Blud' Anderson who is currently the MMA Coach at Legacy Gym in Ubon, Thailand.

VAUGHN ANDERSON INTERVIEW: CLICK HERE

ERIC GERBER SEMINAR @ MUAY FIT (MALAYSIA): FEB 24

http://www.muayfit.com/

CHINA TOP TEAM @ LEGEND FC

Prof Ruy Menezes w/ Li Jing Liang

Prof Ruy Menezes w/ Yao Honghang

This coming February 11th is the next edition of Legend FC, featuring Yao Honghang (CTT) in a title-fight against undefeated Jumabieke Tuerxun at 135lbs. Also, Li Jing Liang (CTT) will have a title shot against Bae Myng Ho (Korea) at 170lbs. 

Two great matches to look forward this next month in Macau.

http://www.legendfc.com/events/

CHINOOK!!! WINNER OF BJJ-ASIA/REDSTAR BJJ PHOTO-CONTEST

I am very pleased to announce the official winner if BJJ-ASIA's first photo-contest, sponsored by Redstar BJJ Gis. Tikhamporn Chinook Auscharanuwat is the winner of his very own Redstar Competition Gi with 896 votes, 48% of the total votes out of 1,850. Of over 80 photos submitted, Chinook made it to the top-5 alongside Jonna Baquillas, Erwin Nolida, Dean Thompson and Martin Mauhay. All of whom will receive their own SEABJJ community t-shirt and runners-up, a pair of SEABJJ grappling shorts.

A big congratulations to all the finalists and a great turnout from the community and readers of BJJ-ASIA. This will be the first of more contests like this take place within the year. Thanks again to our sponsor Redstar BJJ Gis and to you, the community.

We took some time to chat with Chinook about this interests in BJJ and photography.

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Could you share with us a bit of the context of your photo?
This Photo was taken at the first No-Gi Festival held at Fairtex, every one was so excited about this event. Tomi san was coaching his teammate from SSJJ. I was sitting next to Ref table which was close to Tomi san and his team. I remember that match was exciting and it was a good match however the way Tomisan coached his friend was so too energetic and drew my attention away from the match :D So I turned back and tried capture the moment.

How long have you been training BJJ and what got you started in the first place?
Royce Gracie's fights in UFC got me into BJJ world I always wanted to train Jiu-Jitsu for a very long time but I wasn't ready back then until August 2010. I started my first BJJ class at EMAC( Niti taught the class that night) and I started training No-Gi with Eric Gerber at Fairtex a month after that. And then I realized that I just fell in love deeply with BJJ. Now I've been training BJJ for almost 2 years.

And how about your interest in photography? When did this start and what subject do you enjoy most photographing?
I was introduced to photography when I was a little boy, my parent sent me to a photography summer camp just for fun.. I didn't pay attention much to the class because it seemed to be very difficult for me shooting photo in film format back then. I found many people around me afraid of camera because they always find themselves look bad in the photos.That is why, I became more interested in study more serious about photography a couple years ago because I wanna make people around me be happy when they see photos of themselves. I love every kind pf photography ( street photography, landscape, portraiture, sport or action photography ) but what I love most is taking photos of friends and family :D

What do you believe makes a good photo?
I believe that " be prepared and be at the right place and the right time" make a good photo.

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!!!

Yes, I know it's the 2nd day of the New Year but I haven't been in front of the computer for some time since getting back to town. Hope all those who do celebrate CNY had a wonderful time with friends and family. For you lucky-bastards that have the week off, come visit Bangkok for some nightlife and training. 

CRISTIANO KAMINISHI SEMINAR @ Q23 ACADEMY (JAN 28 @ 4PM)

I DAY LEFT TO VOTE!!!

I return to Bangkok today from my work-trip and there's one day left to vote for best-photo on BJJ-ASIA photo contest. The winner will receive a brand new competition-Gi from Redstar BJJ. Both second and third place will receive SEABJJ grappling shorts and all top-5 finalists will receive the SEABJJ community t-shirt.

As I write now, there's roughly a 40-vote spread between 1st and 2nd place. Will things change within the next 48 hours?

Best of luck to the contestants and thanks to everyone for participating.

-Luke

SHOUT OUT: NEW BROWN-BELT, NORMAN GO!!!

 

Gracie Humaita 1st degree black belt Prof. Alvin Aguilar recently concluded his first seminar of the year for Deftac Cebu held at the Baseline Restaurant and Sports Complex last January 15, 2012 a day before the Grand Mardi Gras, Sinulog. Alvin taught his Deftac Cebu team the latest guard sweeps and passing techniques to his students headed by Norman Go.

After the seminar, Prof. Alvin handed out stripes and belt promotions to the deserving individuals headed by no other than Deftac Cebu's coach, Norman Go who received his much deserved brown belt from his instructor. Receiving their purple belts were Keeno Jingco, Leo Quincy Gaerlan and Bryan Espino. The team's newest blue belts are Carlo Siguan, Vijay Vasandani, Mikhail Wu, Philip Alkuino, Carl Rizon and Vaughn Donayre, who won his second pro MMA fight a day before in URCC Cebu 7.

Congratulations to all who got their stripes and new belts! Deftac Cebu just got bigger and stronger with a brown belt, 4 purple belts and close to 30 blue belts on the team!

Attached are photos of those who got their new belt promotions

New Blue Belts (DSC_2736)

From right to left: Mikhail Wu, Vijay Vasandani, Norman Go, Prof. Alvin Aguilar, Christian Wong (Deftac Purple Belt), Carlo Siguan, Philip Alkuino, Vaughn Donayre and Carl Rizon

New Purple Belts (DSC_2737)

From right to left: Robert Mellana (1 stripe), Leo Quincy Gaerlan, Norman Go, Prof. Alvin Aguilar, Christian Wong, Keeno Jingco and Bryan Espino

New Brown Belt (Norman Go w/ Prof. Alvin Aguilar)

 

www.cebujiujitsu.com

 

 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTES, PLEASE KEEP SPREADING THE WORD!

It's great to see the feedback on the photo-contest and to see so many friends, teammates and readers cast their vote for the best-photo contest, sponsored by Redstar BJJ Gis. I've given it a decent amount of time to cast your vote but as of right now we have Chinook (Thailand) and Jonna (Philippines) in the lead with less than 15 votes between them (as of the time of this post). 

It's pretty clear that in addition to BJJ, I have a deep passion for photography, which was rekindled a few years ago when I began documenting the tournaments I would attend. So these two loves, BJJ & Photography, have been growing side by side. And while I take photos of just about everything to the joy and dread of my friends who are often the subjects of my photos, there is a definite skill/practice needed for action photography. 

1. Know your camera and what it can and can't do. Just like a new gi, it's not going to make you a better player but make the best with what you've got.

2. Know your sport. The more informed you are about what's going on and what you can anticipate will happen, the better chances you'll get the shot. 

3. Practice Practice Practice. When I first started I probably brought home several thousand shots that would be edited down to one hundred and these days I'm shooting near a thousand and editing it down to two-hundred. Much like drilling, it'll take 10,000 repetitions to master and ingrain the move to where it becomes a simple reaction when live. 

4. Love what you do and have fun. Whenever you truly enjoy something, it shines through and is obvious to everyone around you.

I'd like to thank all the applicants that sent in their photos. There were a number of awesome pics that didn't get included but of over 80 photos submitted, only 5 could make it to the finals. 

CRISTIANO KAMANISHI @ PHUKET TOP TEAM (JAN 21ST)

www.phukettopteam.com

PHOTO CONTEST: TOP 5 FINALISTS!!!

Thanks to our panel of judges, we now have the top-5 finalists for BJJ-ASIA's first photo-contest sponsored by Redstar BJJ gis. The first place winner will receive a brand new Redstar Competition Gi (white) with second and third place winners receiving SEABJJ grappling shorts (yet to be released). All finalists will receive a SEABJJ community t-shirt courtesy of BJJ-ASIA. 

So here is how it works. Each photo is assigned a letter and to the right of the blog, you will see a place to cast your vote. The last day to vote for 'best photo' is January 21st.

GOOD LUCK AND GET ALL YOUR FRIENDS TO VOTE!

Here are your finalists:

A: Chinook

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B: Dean

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C: Erwin

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D: Martin

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E: Jonna

DARE 1/12: PICS + SHORT RECAP

I know the results have been out since late Saturday and the press release sent yesterday but it's never a quick thing to edit 1000 pics down to just under 300 covering 7 fights from last weekend's DARE 1/12. The third edition to the leading MMA event in Thailand, the DARE team has come together nicely as things ran smoothly and without delay. Outside of the headlining match, the fighters were not as recognizable in the SEA scene compared to those in DARE 2/11 but all gave an awesome performance.

Thai fighters out of Chiang Mai are showing strong with improved ground skills, quickly taking things to the mat while the seasoned foreigners standing toe-to-toe and punching it out. The standout fights fro me was "Ronin vs Mad Dog", "Jon Nutt vs the Latino" and "BK vs Daiju Takase". While there was no shortage of 'gameness' in any of the evenings fights, these were particularly brutal and most of which went the distance.

www.darelive.tv

***NOTE: Some have had trouble accessing the flickr album but is now adjusted. Album is now open to view to the public.***

Below are some hilight pics from the evening but to check out the full album: CLICK HERE

CRISTIANO KAMINISHI SEMINAR @ Q23 ACADEMY (JAN 28 @ 4PM)

bio:
o Cristiano Kamanishi started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with master Taka Watanabe in December 1997 at the then Gracie Japan Academy (Now Axis Jiu-Jitsu Academy) in Tokyo.

He has participated in many tournaments all over the world and has an impressive record of more than 140 fights in BJJ most by way of victory. He has amassed victories over current and past world Champions Romolu Barral, Braulio Estima, Roberto Abreu (Cyborg), Marcos Broa, Fabio Trindade, etc ... and has matched up impressively in fights against Fabricio Werdum (recently winning over Fedor), Tarsis Humphreys, Robert Drysdale, Andre Galvao, Roberto Godoy, Fabio Leopoldo, etc ...

Cristiano received his black belt on Dec 16th 2006 from master Taka Watanabe.

In 2001 and 2002 Cristiano went to Rio de Janeiro/Brazil to train at the BTT/Brazilian Top Team alongside big MMA legends Ze Mario Sperry, the Nogueira brothers, , Murilo Bustamante, Ricardo Arona, Paulo Filho, Carlos Barreto, Vitor Belfort, Fernando Margarida, etc ...

In 2004 Cristiano started fighting MMA professionally with a current record of 8 wins, 1 loss and 2 no contests. He is a 4 time "Deep Impact" champion and the Current "HEAT MMA Heavy Weight Champion."

In 2008 he started training MMA at the ATT-American Top Team in Florida/USA and has trained extensively with many fighters from UFC, WEC, Strike Force, Shine, Bellator, etc ...

In 2009 Cristiano went to Shanghai/China to teach at Alavanca BJJ Academy and performs many seminars in BJJ and MMA in Japan and Brazil.

2010 Cristiano decided to return to BJJ competition for the first time in almost 4 years.

Same year he defended his title as champion of the HEAT MMA event in Japan for the first time. He won in the 1 round by arm-lock .


Principais Titulos no Jiu Jitsu

7x times All Japan Jiu Jitsu Champion (98,99,00,01,02,06 e 10)
6x times Copa Dumau Jiu JItsu Champion .(Japão)
2x Ground Impact JIu Jitsu champion .(Japão)
Panamerican Jiu Jitsu 2002 Champion (Orlando/Florida)
Campeão Paranaense de JiuJitsu 2002 (3 etapas-Curitiba,Guaratuba e Londrina)
Campeão Paranaense de Jiu Jitsu 2010 (Curitiba)
Campeão Central Japan Jiu Jitsu 2001 .(Nagoya)
Campeão Hawaiano de Jiu Jitsu 2000 (USA/Hawaii)
Campeão Copa do Brasil de Jiu Jitsu 2002 (Niteroi-RJ)
Campeão Copa Surfight de Jiu Jitsu 2002 (Belo Horizonte-MG)
Campeão Asiático de Jiu Jitsu 2006.(Tokyo/Japão)
Campeão Copa Viva Jiu Jitsu 2006 (Japão)
Campeão Copa Gracie Barra 2001 (Japão)
Campeão Copa Barbosa de Jiu Jitsu (Japão)
Campeão Copa Koral de Jiu Jitsu 2003 (Japão)
Campeão Copa Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Club 2001.(Japão)
Campeão Copa AXIS Jiu JItsu 2006 .(Japão)
Campeão Copa East Japan 1999 .(Japão)
Campeão Copa da Amizade de Jiu Jitsu 1998.(Japão)
2 colocado Campeonato Brasileiro de Jiu Jitsu 2002 (São Paulo)
3 colocado Campeonato Europeu de Jiu Jitsu 2011 (Portugal/Lisboa)
3 colocado Campeonato Panamericano de Jiu Jitsu 2011 (USA/Irvane)
etc...

MMA record:
3 x Vencedor do PRIDE CHALLENGE (Japão)
3 x Vencedor do DEEP IMPACT (Japão)
1 x Vencedor do Club DEEP (Japão)
1 x vencedor do MARS 09 (Japão)
5 x Vencedor do HEAT (Japão)
1 x Vencedor do TAMA FREE FIGHT (Japão)
HEAT MMA Heavy Weight 2009 Tournament Champion.

ONE FC: BATTLE OF HEROES (FEB 11, 2012 // JAKARTA!!!)

www.onefc.com

UPDATING THE 2012 CALENDAR: SEND YOUR DATES IN

I just sent out a number of e-mails requesting dates for events this coming year. If you know of any and would like to share, please e-mail me. Last year proved there are more events than ever and the last thing we want is for schedule conflicts. A number of the larger events have kept steady with the time of year they take place but with new events coming up, let's be mindful of how timing can benefit the turnout. 

Much appreciated,

Luke

LEGEND 7: FEB 11, 2012 (MACAU)

www.legendfc.com

Legend Fighting Championship 7

date:	11th February 2012 --- 4:30 PM (prelims), 7:00 PM (main card)
location:	City of Dreams   map
rundown:	Legend returns to Macau for its first event of 2012 when City of Dreams exclusively presents Legend Fighting Championship 7 on Saturday, February 11! South Korea’s Bae Myung Ho returns to the Legend Ring for the first time since claiming the Legend Welterweight Title in July 2011. He puts both the belt and his undefeated record at Legend on the line against China’s top welterweight Li Jingliang. China Top Team standout Li is riding a three-fight win streak against some of Legend’s top welterweight contenders, including two highlight reel finishes and a Submission of the Night award. In the co-main event of the evening, Li’s teammate Yao Honggang will be making his own first defense of the Legend Bantamweight Title. The Shuaijiao master will be facing a dangerous but familiar competitor: compatriot Jumabieke Tuerxun. Bieke is one of the only men to ever defeat Yao in competition – a loss that Yao will be seeking to avenge in dramatic fashion. South Korea’s Choi Yeong Gwang returns to action from an injury that has kept him sidelined for almost six months. Seeking to re-establish himself as a title contender, he faces the man who replaced him in the Legend Featherweight Tournament: Filipino fighter Mark Striegl. And Striegl’s Japanese teammate Koji Ando looks to bounce back from a controversial decision loss when he takes on South Korean “Tornado” Song Un Sik. Also appearing on the card will be Legend veterans Matt Cain (Australia), Liu Wenbo (China), Michael Mortimer (Australia), Wang Sai (China), and Yang Hae Jun (South Korea).

DARE 1/12

We're less than a week away from the first year's event, DARE 1/12. Already the 3rd installment in Thailand's leading MMA event. Looking forward to it, I'll see you all there. -Luke

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DARE 1/2012 is just a few days away. We hope you are ready for some Epic fireworks, live from Bangkok!!!

7th of January 2012 - next Saturday - join us at Club Insomnia Bangkok or watch the fights live at www.darelive.tv!

FIGHT ONE - ROCK vs CAPO (http://darefightsports.com/news/rock-vs-capo)

FIGHT TWO - THE BEAST vs LANNA WARRIOR (http://darefightsports.com/news/the-beast-vs-lana-warrior

)

FIGHT THREE - RONIN vs MAD DOG (http://darefightsports.com/news/ronin-vs-mad-dog)

FIGHT FOUR - MAJOR vs PYRO (http://darefightsports.com/news/major-vs-pyro)

FIGHT FIVE - EZ2DJ vs TDR (http://darefightsports.com/news/ez2dj-vs-tdr)

FIGHT SIX - BK vs TAKASE (http://darefightsports.com/news/bk-vs-takase)

Due to an unfortunate, last minute training accident of Cris Haja, THE GAME vs HAJA fight has been re-scheduled and will headline the next DARE event, "DARE 2/2012".

Stay tuned for more updates about DARE 1/2012!

ONE MILLION DOLLARS. IN A CAGE. GAME ON.