UPDATED CALENDAR!!! 2008

Here's the updated calendar. Just a reminder that the SEA Grappling Games have been postponed till June but still no confirmed date. Also, two dates in Jakarta have been confirmed for June and November of this year.

I want to wish everyone the best of luck at the Philippine Gi & No-Gi Nationals in Manila this weekend. Please share your photos and comments about the event!

Ricardo Liborio seminar this Sunday at EMAC. Very excited for this and I will be sure to report with pics and hopefully a few comments from Ricardo.

-Luke

MARCH
(1-2) Philippine Gi & NO-Gi Nationals (Manila)
*Venue : SM Mega Mall , Ground Floor Building A
*Registrations and payments are due by : Wednesday 27 Feb
*Open to all Teams & Independent players
*info: HERE

(2) Ricardo Liborio Seminar (EMAC, Bangkok)
contact: bjjasia@gmail.com

(7-8) Pedro Sauer Seminar!!! (Beijing, Black Tiger Academy)
*Prof. Sauer recently received his black-red belt from Relson Gracie!!!
*rate: 1 day: 500RMB / 2 days: 800 RMB (open to all)

(30) "Lordz of Pain" Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/Grappling Tournament (Singapore)
*promoted by: Alive Academy Singapore (LINK)
*info: HERE

(30) Central Championship (Budokan in Aichi Prefecture, JP)

APRIL
(8) Leo Viera Seminar (Seoul, Korea)
*date still to be confirmed

(26) CDHK, Gi Open Tournament + black-belt-absolute (Hong Kong)
(27) CDHK, No-Gi Open Tournament + Andre Galvao/Eduardo Telles Seminar (Hong Kong)
*info: HERE

(26-27) All Japan Championship (Hikarigaoka Gymnasium)

(last week) John Will Seminar (Malaysia, KDT Academy)
*rate: KDT-members 300/550 RM, non-members 350/650 RM

(TBA) Prof. Frabicio Martins Seminar (Manila, Philippines)
info: HERE

MAY
(3-4) Pan Asians BJJ Gi & No-Gi International (PH)
*Registrations and payments are due by Wednesday April 30.
*Venue : SM Mall of Asia, Music Atrium
*info: HERE

(5) Rickson Gracie Cup (Hamamatsu Arena, JP)
*info: HERE

(9-10) Abu Dhabi International Jiu-Jitsu Cup
info: HERE

(25) Dumau Kimonos BJJ International Cup (Nagoya-Aichi, JP)

JUNE
(TBA) Southeast Asian Grappling Games (Bangkok)

(TBA) Dela Riva Cup (JP)

(5-8) Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF World Championship (JP)

(14) Synergy Jiu-Jitsu Championship II (Jakarta)(gi)

AUGUST
(17) Dumau Kimonos BJJ Championship (Kita-Kanto, JP)

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER
(TBA) 1st Asia Pacific Champions Cup Gi & No-Gi
*Winners of the Absolute / Advanced divisions will receive trophies
*Dates and venue to be confirmed ( Tentative date is Early October)
*info: HERE

(25-26) Japan Open Championships (Budokan in Aichi Prefecture, JP)

NOV/DEC
(29-30) 4th Indonesian Submission Championship (Jakarta)(open: gi/no-gi)

(29-30) Campeonato Asiatico (Tokyo, JP)

DECEMBER
(13-14) Philippine BJJ International Open Gi & No-Gi (PH)
*Venue : SM Mall of Asia
*Registrations and payments due by Wednesday December 10
*info: HERE

(21) Dumau Kimonos BJJ Japan Cup (Saitama, JP)

COPA DE HONG KONG: ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

Both Eduardo 'Telles' Moreira & Andre Galvao have been confirmed to compete in the black-belt absolute division for Copa De Hong Kong (April 26-27). In addition to their participation, they will also hold a joint-seminar following the no-gi portion, April 27.

6 additional black-belts from Japan and other locations have been confirmed to compete for the $2,000 (USD) prize-money as well.

For direct info & contact, please click: HERE

COPA DE MARIANAS TOURNAMENT RESULTS

In wanting to keep up with the tourney schedule, here are the results from last week's tournament in Guam. For more regular info from Guam, check out: www.fokai.tv

-Luke

COPA DE MARIANAS TOURNEY RESULTS

KIDS 50-56LBS.
1.KYRA ROCCO
2.ALEXANDER NEAL
3.BYRON CABACCANG

KIDS 59-68LBS.
1.DRAKE GUZMAN
2.ADRIAN GARRIDO
2.GIAN CARLO ROCCO

KIDS 70-79LBS.
1.JONAH WHITT
2.ALEX AFLAGUE
3.TRISTAN MAGDALERA

KIDS 83-95LBS.
1.SHAWN AVELLANA
2.DAVID SHIMIZU
3.AMBROSIO SHIMIZU

KIDS 107-115
1.ERIC ALCANTARA
2. DANIELLE CABACCANG
3.JOEY TAIMANGLO

ADULT WHITE BELT 130
1.JESSE MANGLONA
2.GERARD CRUZ
3.MIKE SANCHEZ

ADULT WHITE BELT 131-145
1.CARLO PENA
2.HECTOR GARCIA
3.STEPHEN KIM

ADULT WHITE BELT 146-160
1.DEAN BLAS
2.RICHMOND QUITORIANO
3.ALEX ESTEVES

ADULT WHITE BELT 161-175
1.DAVID HENSON
2.SHAWN DOWNING
3.LARRON GANDAOLI

ADULT WHITE BELT 176-190
1.JAMES LEE
2.JESSE PEREZ
3.DEREK DONDIANO

ADULT WHITE BELT 191-205
1.SHAWN EUSTAQUIO
2.KALIFA PALIK
3.ANTHONY LIMTIACO

ADULT WHITE BELT OVER 205
1.TONY NELSON
2.ROBERTO RIVERA

ADULT BLUE BELT 145 AND UNDER
1.KYLE REYES
2.MIGUEL AYUYU
3.OMAR DAMIAN

ADULT BLUE BELT 146-190
1.JOE CRUZ
2.BEN RAMOS
3.JAVIER MIRELEZ

ADULT BLUE BELT 205 AND ABOVE
1.JAMES PAEK
2.JOSHUA JEROME
3.CARLOS EUSTAQUIO

WHITE BELT ABSOLUTE
1.ANTHONY LIMTIACO
2.MIKE CARBULLIDO
3.KEN CONCEPCION

FEMALES ABSOLUTE
1.TRISHA MESA
2.DARA ROBERTO
3.DANIELLE CABACCANG

PURPLE BELT ABSOLUTE
1.RALPH GO
2.TERRANCE AFLAGUE
3.WILLIAM ESCOBAR

NOGI 130 UNDER
1.MIKE SANCHEZ
2.EDUARDO SALANTIN
3.AILEEN WONG

NOGI 131-145
1.CARLO PENA
2.KYLE REYES
3.TJ FRANCISCO

NOGI146-160
1.PAT FLEMING
2.ALEXIS CHAMPACO
3.ALEX CASTRO

NOGI 161-175
1.DAVID HENSON
2.JAVIER MIRELEZ
3. JOSH QUENGA

NOGI 176-190
1.JAMES LEE
2.RYAN MANIBUSAN
3.DEREK DONDOYANO

NOGI 191-205
1.ANTHONY LIMTIACO
2.KILAFWA PALIK
3.MASATO NAKAJIMA

NOGI 205 AND ABOVE
1.TONY NELSON
2.CARLOS EUSTAQUIO
3.JOSHUA JEROME

KIDS TEAM TROPHY
TIED BETWEEN GRACIE BARRA AND PUREBRED WITH 12 POINTS A PIECE

ADULTS TEAM TROPHY
PUREBRED/LLOYD IRVIN WITH 66 POINTS

BLOG NEWS

Yes, Ricardo Liborio coming to Bangkok is the big news I had mentioned this past week. Can't wait for him to get here and have the opportunity to learn from a BJJ legend.

Later this week I'll be able to talk about some developments with Copa De Hong Kong.

And...thought I'd let you guys know about Macau BJJ. Check them out in the links section under China.

Finally, I have to announce that the SEA Grappling Games in Bangkok will not take place this March. June will be the soonest time the tournament may happen but no dates have been confirmed. Sorry to those who were looking to make travel plans to Thailand for March but thanks for the e-mails.

ATTENTION!!! MANILA TOURNAMENT DUES!!! *Registrations and payments are due by : Wednesday 27 Feb

That's it for now.

-Luke

RICARDO LIBORIO: BANGKOK, THAILAND!!!

So we're working on the details but Ricardo will be in town this coming week. I only write March 2nd because that seems to be the most likely date but I will have a hard confirmation by this Wednesday-Thursday. I will also be checking on whether Ricardo has time for privates as well.

If you are not familiar with Ricardo, he is one of the very first Mundial champions and voted most technical fighter in 1996. He is also one of the co-founders of Brazilian Top Team as well as the founder of American Top Team in Florida (USA).

We are very fortunate to have him as our guest and we hope as many of you guys can make it this week. Please contact me for RSVP and more info.

-Luke

ARTICLE FROM GRACIE MAG, MUNDIALS 1996: HERE

NEW BLACK-BELT INSTRUCTOR: SHANGHAI

submitted by: Stanley Tam

















Just want to let the community know that we have a full time black belt teaching in Shanghai now.

His name is Tony Eduardo Lima, a Rilion Gracie black belt, South American BJJ champion and ADCC competitor. Tony will be teaching full time at our academy and will be in Shanghai for the next six months (hopefully longer!). Prior to arriving in Shanghai, Tony was teaching out of Ralph Graice's academy in SF.

Our website is currently being updated with the latest information and will be online in the next couple of week.

Our head instructor, Chet Quint, will still be making regular trips to Shanghai. We are very fortunate to have regular access to 2 black belts, especially in an isolated (BJJ-wise) place like China. We welcome all who wishes to come train with us!

BLOG NEWS

It's amazing, people actually respond to my posts! I want to thank Fang for letting me in on the BJJ scene in Malaysia. In addition to the two schools I already had posted, he let me in on the news about Marcos Escobar, a Brasa black-belt teaching in KL. Check it out in the links section under Malaysia

Again, keep'm comin'! Keep voting on the gi poll as it will serve a good cause.

On other news, Copa De Hong Kong has 6 black-belts confirmed to compete in the bb comp for prize-money. It should be an exciting event with strong performances. There will be more news concerning this comp later.

-Luke

BLOG NEWS

It's always nice to get back to my training routine and shed all that extra-stuff from sitting on my ass while traveling. I do what I can to watch a lot of BJJ tournament footage to work on visualizing the movements and scenarios. I'll admit I enjoy watching tournament footage. My cardio may suffer from the lack of training but at least I feel strong positionally. I guess the other thing that goes when not training is my timing and flow. Give it a week or so and I should be good to go.

Anyways, besides my training woes there have been some new developments. The gi-poll has been doing well and I appreciate everyone's input. Please continue to take part. My motive for putting this up is to educate myself on what the SEA public wants. We can't help that prices go up + shipping costs + customs. What we can do is recognize what we like and what works for us and hopefully, in the future, supply something that is ours. So please, take part in the cause.

I also have some interviews in the works but they may take a little time. Trust me, I think it'll be worth the wait. Again, if you guys feel there is someone in your community that is making a real contribution to SEA BJJ, please let me know. Take the time to interview them and let us know what they are up to. For instance, how many black-belts are there in SEA? Let me know!

I hate being a tease but there could be some potentially big news for BJJ in Bangkok, Thailand but I won't say anything until it's confirmed.

Shoot me an e-mail as I'm always up for suggestions. I have some friends who will be competing in the Pan Ams in a few weeks. I want to wish them the best. If anyone is going, please take some pics to share on the blog! We also have some big tournaments coming up this season so looking forward to hearing from all of you on those as well.

Safe Training!

-Luke

JJFJ: JAPAN

I am not sure whether this is common knowledge but from my recent visit to Japan, I found Rickson Gracie has taken part in creating the Jiu-Jitsu Federation of Japan. Together with Helio Gracie, management will also include; Takamasa Watanabe, Marcos Barbosa, Atsushi Watanabe and Minoru Fumikawa. This is apart from the existing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation of Japan.

MISSION STATMENT:
Played by thousands around the world, Jiu-Jitsu is the heart and soul of JJFJ and as the guardian in Japan of this most cherished game, we have a great responsibility. This responsibility does not end with organising Championships and Seminars; it extends to safeguarding the traditions of Jiu-Jitsu, developing the game around the world and to bringing hope to those less privileged. This is what we believe is the very essence of martial-arts.

We see it as our mission to contribute towards building a better future for the world by creating through Jiu-Jitsu, a healthy body, mind, and spirit. This mission gives meaning and direction to each and every activity that JJFJ is involved in - Jiu-Jitsu being an integrated part of our society.

Of course this comes with added events to the already intense BJJ calendar in Japan. Most significant would be the Rickson Gracie Cup. Taking place on May 5th, 2008 at the Hamamatsu Arena. For a full list of their events, you can link HERE. I will add these dates to the calendar as well.

1ST BJJ-ASIA POLL!!!

I know it can be a rather subjective matter when it comes to which gi you like best. Factors like body-type, fabric choices, weight, production details and fashion can all come into play. And not that there can be a single gi that is loved by all. That is not my intention but I am curious to know what the SEA community favors. I noticed some trends when I go from place to place. Japan for instance has it's own market of gi's that don't make it overseas too often. Brands like Isami, Lutador, Reversal, Adjust and Dumau are some that I've seen. And now in the States, Lucky Gi's (OTM) are getting a certain amount of attention but any of these gis are costing around $150-200+ USD.

I know there are some individuals out there that have gone ahead and produced gis for their local market and that's great. Nothing against the established brands but the cost of living and general expenses is quite different than in the US or Japan. So to spend 'x' amount dollars for a gi can be difficult for some. And with the aim of promoting and helping the sport to grow, it would be great to address the community here.

So if you geek-out on things like this, just as I do, take a moment and make yer vote. The poll will be open for roughly a month from now.

-Luke

HILITE CALENDAR

Here are some tournaments I'd like to hilite in the coming season. Plenty of great events to choose from. Again, I encourage all of you to take part in reporting on behalf of your team or country. I'd love to post pics and accounts of any of these events since I cannot attend most of them. I hope to make a few to compete myself. -Luke

LINK

LINKLINK

I'M BACK

Two weeks is a decent amount of time to be away on business but I managed to train a few times during my trip. Here's a recap of some of the spots. -Luke

SHINJUKU SPORTS CENTER (TOKYO, JAPAN)












One of my earliest instructors, Tokuro Aoyagi, returned to Tokyo after living in New York for 10+ years. He's presently a brown-belt under Fabio Clemente (Alliance NYC) and decided to take me to the Shinjuku Sports Center. It is a government sponsored building that holds a number of facilities open to the public for a very small fee. One particular room is outfitted with judo-mats with more than enough space for a small tournament. After paying 400 yen (roughly $4 USD) for an all day pass, we got changed and began warming up. In the room there were several different groups practicing martial arts. There were no-gi grapplers with MMA gloves on, aikido, karate, kung fu, caporeira and what I think was jeet kun do. Everyone is doing their own thing with little mind paid to those in and out of the room. The vibe was pretty relaxed and it was nice to see people training in a such a casual and informal environment. Tokuro explained to me that before guys like Yuki Nakai (Paraestra) had a place to train, they all came here. The early stomping grounds of Japan's present day black-belts was the Shinjuku Sports Center. If you happen to be in the area, be sure to pronounce it, 'spo-sen' which is how the locals say it for convenience sake.



























































































































AXIS JIU-JITSU ACADEMY (TOKYO, JAPAN)











Now this was my second time training at Axis but more than a year between visits. This time around I went with another Japanese friend who had just moved back from New York. The training here is great as they're a technical group of guys, most of which are on the small side. These days without much consistent training I'm walking at 95 kilos (roughly 200 lbs). Even so, I found it very challenging. One of the things I really enjoy about training at other schools when I'm traveling is that it takes me out of the dance-routine that can often happen when your training partners are too comfortable with your game. How is a complete stranger going to handle my weight and style of passing? And while I am not there to crush guys, I am there to challenge myself and create opportunities to learn.

On this occasion, I also got to meet Watanabe-san, the head instructor of Axis Jiu-Jitsu, a Rickson Gracie black-belt. I believe he is Japanese but raised in Brazil since he speaks Portuguese, Japanese and English (all with a Brazilian accent). The instruction and technique was really something as all the movements felt very natural and versatile to all body types. Watanabe-san also informed me of an exciting event coming this year. Rickson Gracie will be sponsoring a BJJ tournament in Japan, something he has not done since 2000. I will report more once I've received further details.

Another hilite of this visit was one of the sparring partners I had. On this day, I wasn't the only visitor as there was a hakujin (white-guy) and then two judoka. One of which has recently made quite a name for himself having beaten one of the top-ranked in his division as an Olympic hopeful. I got to roll with Satoshi Ishii, a monster of a guy who competes at the 100 kilo weight division. I believe he took silver at the 2006 Asian Games. I wish I could end this story with me winning by kimura or armbar but sadly no. I came really freakin' close to passing his guard but made some mistakes and gassed out to his monstrous power. Really nice guy though, kind of a gentle-giant of sorts. Another cool thing is that a judo black-belt of his competition level is coming to take BJJ classes. Wish I could have had a second chance, damnit.


The second city on this work tour didn't give me much opportunity to train but I did finish my trip in New York. Again, just like in Tokyo, I'm greeted with snow followed by sleet and rain. So walking in either city in this kind of weather definitely took a toll on my body. I earned my self a wonderful hacking-cough with plenty of phlegm. I had planned on stopping by my old school, Alliance but got tied up with work and running around. I did manage, although not sure how, to make it to my friends 6:30am class. Josh Griffiths was recently awarded his black-belt from Kenny Florian and now heads StudioX on 27th between 6th & 7th (Manhattan).

















STUDIO X (NEW YORK)

















It's been quite a while since I've woken up this early to attend anything at that hour. I would have just as likely not slept and wait for class to start. I think I had gone to bed at 3am that night anyways. Anyways, once you're there and the drills have woken you up, it's a great way to start your day. With training all done, the rest of the day is yours. For such an early class, there's a healthy number of students, most of which were blue and all there to give it their best.

Josh has always been one of my favorite instructors for his comprehensive and wholistic approach to jiu-jitsu. As he was there when I first started, it was great to show him how much I've improved and to get some added pointers. He's an individual that not only has done will in competition but looking to be an accomplished teacher as well. He takes an invested interest in his students.

So, now that I'm back in Bangkok it's time to get back to business. I want to thank all those I got to train with and the schools that are always so welcoming. I look forward to seeing everyone again in the future. In the next month or so I should be here but come April I'll have another travel fit. So look forward to some reports from Hong Kong and (cross your fingers) Seoul, Korea. It'll be my first time there and I hope to get at least one opportunity to train.

SHOUT OUT: FAIXA PRETA!!!

I just got word that Synergy Jiu-Jitsu's own Niko Han has recently been promoted to black-belt by Marc Laimon (Cobra Kai). A big congratulations to Niko as I'm sure it's been quite a journey so far. Looking forward to seeing more from him with the tournaments he's produced and from his exceptional students as well. -Luke

COPA DE HONG KONG 2

Dear Professors and Club leaders,

Hi, my name is Kei Kita from KLN BJJ, Hong Kong. (www.kln-bjj.com)

We are pleased to announce that we are now confirmed to hold Gi and No Gi
competition on 26th (Sat) and 27th (Sun) of April, 2008. As our special main
event of the 26th, we will have black belt absolute Gi tournament and the
winner gets USD2,000 instantlly. If you are a black belt of BJJ, please
consider to enter the tournament.

We are planning to invite the world champion class black belt as a guest
fighter and for seminar on 27th, after No Gi competition. Details to be
announced.

Also risk wavier form and entry form are attached, if you print out both
documents with filled in and bring at the registration, we'll give you
"HKD20 DISCOUNT" from the entry fees. (Payment to be made at weight in,
10:00am to 10:30am on 26th and 27th of April, 2008).

15th of April - IS THE DUE DATE FOR PRE-ENTRY (Please return the risk wavier
form and the entry form via email.)

Updated Info : www.samulime.blogspot.com

COPA DE HONG KONG 2 - Hong Kong Brazilian Jiujitsu Open Tournament

Date : 26th (Sat) - GI/Weigh in from 10:00am 10:30am
27th (Sun) - No GI/Weigh in from 10:00am 10:30am

Venue : Saiwan Ho Basket Ball Court: 2 Holy Cross Path, Sai Wan Ho, Hong
Kong
http://www.centamap.com/cent/index.htm

Black Belt Absolute - Winner gets USD2,000 + Top black belt seminar
Rule : CBJJ Rule - http://www.ibjjf.com/

GI
- Weight Categories (With GI) - We only weigh in once in the morning of the
competition (At registration).
Following weights are "with GI".

Male
・~57.5kg : Galo ・~64.0kg : Pluma ・~70.0kg : Pena ・~76kg : Leve
・~82.3 : Medio ・~88.3kg : Meio Pesado ・~94.3kg : Pesado
・~100.5kg : Super Pesado ・100.6kg~ : Pesadissimo　・Open : Absoluto

Female
・~48.5 : Galo ・~53.5kg : Pluma ・~58.5kg : Pluma ・58.6kg~ Medio ・Open :
Absolute

NO GI
Weight Categories (NO GI) - We only weigh in once in the morning of the
competition (At registration). Circle your weight category. If you wish to
compete in Absolute, circle Absolute as well.

- Male
Novice – Less than 1 year in BJJ, grappling Training and white belts
①~65kg ②~75kg ③~85kg ④85.1~

Advance – Over 1 year in BJJ or grappling Training, above blue belts
①~65kg ②~75kg ③~85kg ④85.1~

- Female
Absolute – Only 1 category

Inquiries : copadehk@kln-bjj.com

Thank you very much for your time. If you require further inquiries, please
do not hesitate to contact myself.

Kind regards,

Kei Kita
KLN-BJJ
www.kln-bjj.com

NEW CALENDAR!!!

I've made a few corrections and have been given some new info regarding tournaments in the Philippines. Thanks for the inquiries and comments as they help me to keep this as acccurate as possible. Still in cold cold New York but will have a nice report to post when I get back to Bangkok. -Luke

FEBRUARY
(17) Dumau De Eqiupe (Konosu-Saitama, JP)

(17) Setsuma Takeda Seminar (Singapore, Shitoryu Karate Singapore Assocation)
*hosted by Alive Singapore Academy and is open to the public @ $30 per person (3 hours)
info: HERE

(23) Copa De Marianas (Guam)
info: groundzerotumon@hotmail.com

MARCH
(1-2) Philippine Gi & NO-Gi Nationals (Manila)
*Venue : SM Mega Mall , Ground Floor Building A
*Registrations and payments are due by : Wednesday 27 Feb
*Open to all Teams & Independent players
*info: HERE

(2) Ricardo Liborio Seminar (EMAC, Bangkok)
contact: bjjasia@gmail.com

(7-8) Pedro Sauer Seminar!!! (Beijing, Black Tiger Academy)
*Prof. Sauer recently received his black-red belt from Relson Gracie!!!
*rate: 1 day: 500RMB / 2 days: 800 RMB (open to all)

(30) "Lordz of Pain" Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/Grappling Tournament (Singapore)
*promoted by: Alive Academy Singapore (LINK)
*info: HERE

(30) Central Championship (Budokan in Aichi Prefecture, JP)

APRIL
(8) Leo Viera Seminar (Seoul, Korea)
*date still to be confirmed

(26) Copa De Hong Kong (Hong Kong)
* more to be anounced!

(26-27) All Japan Championship (Hikarigaoka Gymnasium)

(last week) John Will Seminar (Malaysia, KDT Academy)
*rate: KDT-members 300/550 RM, non-members 350/650 RM

(TBA) Prof. Frabicio Martins Seminar (Manila, Philippines)
info: HERE

MAY
(3-4) Pan Asians BJJ Gi & No-Gi International (PH)
*Registrations and payments are due by Wednesday April 30.
*Venue : SM Mall of Asia, Music Atrium
*info: HERE

(5) Rickson Gracie Cup (Hamamatsu Arena, JP)
*info: HERE

(9-10) Abu Dhabi International Jiu-Jitsu Cup
info: HERE

(25) Dumau Kimonos BJJ International Cup (Nagoya-Aichi, JP)

JUNE
(TBA) Southeast Asian Grappling Games (Bangkok)

(TBA) Dela Riva Cup (JP)

(5-8) Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF World Championship (JP)

AUGUST
(17) Dumau Kimonos BJJ Championship (Kita-Kanto, JP)

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER
(TBA) 1st Asia Pacific Champions Cup Gi & No-Gi
*Winners of the Absolute / Advanced divisions will receive trophies
*Dates and venue to be confirmed ( Tentative date is Early October)
*info: HERE

(25-26) Japan Open Championships (Budokan in Aichi Prefecture, JP)

NOV/DEC
(TBA) 4th Indonesian Submission Championship (Jakarta)

(29-30) Campeonato Asiatico (Tokyo, JP)

DECEMBER
(13-14) Philippine BJJ International Open Gi & No-Gi (PH)
*Venue : SM Mall of Asia
*Registrations and payments due by Wednesday December 10
*info: HERE

(21) Dumau Kimonos BJJ Japan Cup (Saitama, JP)

Tiger Muay Thai

By: Ray Elbe

We had nearly 25 participants and another 10 spectators show up for BJJ
Black Belt Bobby Southworth's two day MMA seminar. Bobby a veteran of
both the UFC and PRIDE showed several techniques mastered at the
American Kickboxing Academy. He conducted the seminar free of cost to
all participants. He covered a Double/Single leg combination from
within the clench, as well as takedown defense. The second Day of the
seminar Bobby went over protection yourself from halfguard, sprawling
to take the back, and setting up Tony Desuza's Twister submission.

*Below is a SHORT video of the first day of the seminar. Unfortunatly
it only shows a glimpse of the seminar~~~>I'll have the full video
edited an on Youtube in a couple weeks*

http://youtube.com/watch?v=-YjlgfofNuE

Feb 7th and 8th Tiger Muay Thai offered another Free MMA Seminar
conducted by 7x UFC veteran Mike "Quick" Swick. Swick covered several
MMA submisisons including his patented "Swick-O-tine" and
"Swick-Acanda" chokes. Assistant MMA instructor Wade Henderson competed
for the Bangla Stadium 82 Kilo Muay Thai championship belt on the night
of the 8th. Winning via TKO in the 4th round, Swick was brought into
the ring as the special presenter of the championship belt ;)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=l12x-oLIW78

We also recently purchased South East Asia's first American
manufactured/imported MMA cage. Tiger Muay Thai is now home to a 27
foot, 7 sided cage.
www.sinisterangelcages.com is the manufacture of the cage. (they
produce the KOTC Midwest Cages)

...Currently I'm back in the states. Been training with Joe Riggs in
preparation to his upcoming StrikeForce battle against Pride Vet Joey
Villaseneor.

BLOG NEWS

It's been snowing here in Tokyo which is something I haven't seen for some time now. The weather could be nicer but I'm having a good time nonetheless. So far the two places I've managed to train at; Shinjuku Sports Center + Axis Jiu-Jitsu. More on those later but just wanted to say I haven't disappeared.

Heading to the States tomorrow and looking to train when in New York.

-Luke

BLOG NEWS

I apologize for absence but have been away for work. I`ve been in Tokyo for the past couple days now and got to train a bit yesterday. I will report more on my experience when I can sit down and do a decent job of writing it out along with pictures. Won`t be back at my regular routine until mid-February so things may be a little sporatic in the next week or so.

I still have another interview on its way, along with an article that I am working on.

Hope you`re all doing well and training is coming along.

Luke