DUMAU INTERNATIONAL JIU-JITSU CUP

photos by: Kaori Kaneko
Check out the pics taken from the samurai-woman's album on flickr. HERE

If you would like to use these photos, please contact: Kaori Kaneko @ http://samurai-woman.com/

5TH ANNUAL TAIWAN BJJ/GRAPPLING TOURNAMENT

from: Demitri Telfair
Here's the latest update on the tournament in Taipei this coming August 23-24, 2008. For more information, check out the facebook link: HERE

With Gi On (Sat) No Gi (Sun)

Adult, Master, and Senior
Rooster: under 57.5kg under 55kg
Super Feather: 57.6- 64kg 55.1- 62kg
Feather: 64.1- 70kg 62.1 – 68kg
Light: 70.1 - 76kg 68.1 – 74kg
Middle: 76.1- 82kg 74.1- 80kg
Medium Heavy: 82.1-88kg 80.1 – 86kg
Heavy: 88.1 – 94kg 86.1 - 92kg
Super Heavy: over 94.1 kg over 92.1 kg

Womens
Super Feather: under 50 kg under 47.5kg
Feather: 50.1 – 58 kg 47.6 – 56kg
Light: 58.1 - 65 kg 56.1 – 63kg
Meduim: 65.1 and over 63.1 and over

contact: tournament@taiwanbjj.org

BULL TERRIER BLOG

from: Bull Terrier Blog

wearing red: MARC/Brasa brown-belt, Lee-san (Korea)

***note: OK, I guess I can read even less Japanese than I thought since the pics on the blog are from the 'beginners tournament' and not Dumau International. -Luke

I wish I could read more Japanese but here's another post from Hashimoto-san and the Bull Terrier blog. Some pics from what I believe to be the Dumau International in Nagoya, Japan. Further down you'll notice some news on Stephen Kamphius from Fabricio JJ Philippines and what's been going on with the tournaments there. I would say that within SEA, the Philippines has the largest BJJ community with strong events throughout the year. -Luke

BULL TERRIER BLOG

WWW.B-J-J.COM

THE FIGHTWORKS PODCAST: ED KENNEDY

I am a regular listener to the The Fightworks Podcast for it's insightful interviews and updates on BJJ so it's no surprise that I recommend everyone to check it out. This week in particular, I really encourage everyone to take a listen to the interview with Ed Kennedy, a Romero 'Jacare ' Calvacanti black-belt (Alliance).

What makes this one such an interesting listen is that he's a regular guy like the rest of us with all the responsibilities of a fulltime career and family. He talks about what it's been like in his journey over ten years and how he's balanced everything to get where he is today and how he continues to be a student of jiu-jitsu. While the black-belt may represent a destination, it's just a part of the journey. -Luke

PODCAST #118

JAPAN: "BEGINNER'S TOURNAMENT

UPDATE: Just got some added information on this event. It's actually a tournament for those that have not placed 1st in a BJJFJ event, so all belts were represented. There was both gi and no-gi. -Luke

from: Brad Ku

Here are some photos from a recent 'beginners tournament' in Japan.

bjj black-belt Naoya Uematsu

BLOG NEWS

I'll be traveling for the next week so posts will be few until I get back. As always, bringing my gi with me in hopes of finding time to train while abroad.

Coming this month the mundials will be taking place in Los Angeles, California (USA). I know several guys from the SEA scene are heading over to compete. I want to wish them the best of luck and wish I could be there to cheer them.

For all you teams out there that have been taking their sweet time in sending me their logo. Remember, the best is to send as an Adobe Illustrator file (.ai) or in a basic black/white format. There's no financial commitment on your part, just help support the cause and be a part of the community. Due date: JUNE 2nd

-Luke

NAGOYA: MARCOS ANTONIO BARBOSA SEMINAR

photos by: samurai-woman
I wanted to share some photos taken at the recent seminar in Nagoya, Japan @ Trust Jiu-Jitsu Academy. The photographer is the lovely Ms. Kaori the 'Samurai Woman' Kaneko. She has a great catalog of photo work that covers a number of martial arts events in and out of Japan. Below, I've included some links to tournaments that relate to the SEABJJ scene. Any photos used, please be sure to give her credit and supply links to her site. Without proper credit, you're stealing! -Luke

ANTONIO MARCOS BARBOSA SEMINAR
2005 SEA GRAPPLING GAMES (BANGKOK, THAILAND)
2006 COPA DE HONG KONG

SAMURAI WOMAN WEBSITE

2008 JAVA SUBMISSION CHAMPIONSHIP

The Indonesian Grappling Federation is extending a cordial invitation to all martial artists to the JAVA SUBMISSION CHAMPIONSHIP 2008 sponsored by DJARUM SUPER on July 26 at the Kridosono Sports Hall in Jogjakarta, Indonesia.

The Championship will be a great opportunity for all students of the grappling arts in South-East Asia to come together to compete and exchange techniques in a friendly and competitive environment. All styles of martial art are welcome to join this competition. The competition rules have been designed to encourage fast action and submissions. But also do not favor one style over another as points are awarded for positions and techniques from all of the aforementioned martial arts.

Submission Grappling is the fastest growing martial art in the world and our mission is to promote and socialize submission grappling in Indonesia. The sport is highly competitive with the athlete demonstrating his techniques, abilities, and physical and psychological condition, with the objective of rendering his opponent into submission without the use of punching, kicking or any form of striking action. Valid moves are those which take an opponent to the ground, and neutralize, immobilize, and strangle him, or apply pressure on the large twisting joints.

Ethical behavior is what gives this sport credibility and security, which are indispensable factors in any sport. Through high standards of behavior, the sport has reached spectacular heights elsewhere in the world. Therefore, because Submission Grappling will one day soon become part of the greatest sporting show on earth, the Olympics, we need to promote Submission Grappling now as a sport in Indonesia.

With these thoughts in mind, we hope that you will come and support the JAVA SUBMISSION CHAMPIONSHIP 2008 sponsored by DJARUM SUPER on July 26 at the Kridosono Sports Hall in Jogjakarta, Indonesia. The fee is Rp.100,000 per competitor and free of charge for spectators.

If you have any questions please contact IGF at nikohan@gmail.com, or +62.856.1808804.

THE MISSION IS SUBMISSION!

Sincerely,

INDONESIAN GRAPPLING FEDERATION

SEABJJ T-SHIRT: DUE JUNE 2ND

I've posted a sample of what the t-shirt may look like, minus one or two logos that I have yet to work on. Please send these logos to me as Adobe Illustrator files (.ai) since this saves me the headache of re-drawing your logo. This will gaurantee your logo looking its best.

Remember, the due-date for your team-logo submission is JUNE 2nd, 2008!!!!

Thanks-Luke

INDIA: MMA VIDS

Parkash Awale vs Santosh Kumar Chowrasia


Andrew Canday vs Suresh Yadav


Sandeep Tayde vs Suresh Yadav

DJARUM SUPER'S SUBMISSION WORKSHOP: MAY 31, 2008

The Indonesian Grappling Federation will be hosting a 6-hour Submission Grappling/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu workshop that is sponsored by DJARUM SUPER on Saturday, May 31 in Jogjakarta .. For Free!

The whole martial arts community is invited to attend the workshop. Everybody will receive a free DVD and free lunch! The workshop starts at 8:00 am and ends at 3:00 pm, with a lunch break from 11:00-12:00 pm.

Date: Saturday, May 31

Time: 8:00am - 3:00pm

Where: Sports Hall Kridosono, Jogjakarta

For more information you can contact me at anytime, or Lukas Nugroho in Jogja at +62.813.28708500, or Johan Mulia in Solo at +62.818.02522417.

Don't forget, the Java Submission Championship 2008 will be held in Jogja on Saturday, July 26, and the Indonesian Submission Championship 2008 in Jakarta on Saturday/Sunday, November 29-30.

INDIA: 2008 ASIAN OPEN MMA CHAMPIONSHIPS

NASIK'S TIGERS GYM DOMINATES 2008 ASIAN OPEN MMA CHAMPIONSHIPS AND COTC FIGHT NIGHT SHOW

FULL PICTURE GALLERY: HERE

Nasik India - The fighters of the internationally famous 'tigers gym' from nasik once again proved their mettle by dominating the wins at the 2nd Asian Open amateur mma championships which was held at balkawde indoor stadium, bhagur devlali on 16th May.The event was attended by a packed stadium of mma enthusiasts and martial arts fighters from all over the country including West Bengal , Tamil Nadu , Karnataka and Kerala.The 1st Asian Open amateur MMA championships was succesfully held last year at Fravashi International Academy , Gangapur Nasik.

Mixed Martial Arts or MMA is a 'reality fighting sport'based on the three styles of martial arts fighting : 1]standing up fighting[boxing , kickboxing muay thai] , takedowns [judo , wrestling] and submission fighting [jiu-jitsu] And India is proud to have Daniel Isaac as the pioneer of both MMA training and MMA Championships for the country. Daniel Isaac began conducting MMA training at Tigers gym since the year 2000 and founded the tigers international fight team in 2003 , since then many top mma fighters from tigers gym have competed and won at international mma events. The All India Combat Sports Federation[AICSF] and the All India Kickboxing Council [AIKC] both have headquarters in Nasik and jointly host national and international MMA events in India.

International and National fighters arrived in Nasik road on the 14th of May and the official weigh-ins and rules meetings were held at the tigers gym office nasik road on the 15th which was presided by the organising commitee led by Jitu Jain [AICSF event co-ordinator] and Shyam Godse [AIKC gen secretary].Vice President of the AICSF Lorelei Isaac welcomed the fighters and team managers at the official rules meeting.AICSF safety and medical team led by chief of med dept Dr S Rajasab of West Bengal expained the importance of safety to the fighters attending the event.

Advocate Gorakhnath Balkawde and Daniel Isaac led the fighters at the opening ceremony as the 200 plus fighters sang the National Anthem.The amateur mma championships were held on the 15th & 16th May from 11am-6m during which aspiring amateur mma fighters competed and gave their best to prove that they are the best amateur mma fighters in India.Aslam Nabilal Nadaf of the Sangli Muay Thai gym defeated Ghumare Moreshwar of Bulls gym Nasik in a hard fought technical bout to win 54-57kg category.Andrew Canday of Bulls Gym Nasik defeated Suresh Yadav of the Howrah Top Team , andrew finished the fight in 45 seconds of the opening bell by submitting Yadav by a rear neck choke.Swapnil Barve of tigers gym lost to Devendra Surendra Gharwadve of Busawal boxers in the finals of the k1 kickboxing event.

On the 17th of May "Clash of the Champions - Fight Night" was held featuring some of the top professional mma fighters from India. This event is usually held following every Asian Open MMA event to give inspiration to up and coming amateur fighters since the fight card of this event always features top mma stars who represent India on the asian and world mma stage. Bhupesh Kamble[Tigers gym] defeated B Umashankar[Chennai Muay Thai] by first round KO in the heavyweight K1 rules bout. Abhijeet Petkar[Tigers gym nasik] beat Javed Zamir Mulla [Sangli Muay Thai Gym] in an exciting 3 round heavyweight fight. Sandeep Tayade [Tigers Gym] defeated champion fighter of the Sangli Muay Thai gym Parkash Shreepati Awale in a closely fought 3 round battle and "Superkick" Shafiq-ur-rehman [Tigers gym] defeated challenger Ajay Ghodajkar [Sangli Muay Thai] by submitting him with an arm-bar lock within 30 seconds of the first round.Ajay Ghodajkar is the 2007-2008 WAKO Pro[India] 65 kgs champion and was sent as a special rep fighter of WAKO Pro [India] to challenge the COTC champion Shafiq. The Tigers gym team of both amateur and pro fighters was coached by indian mma star Alan "The Bull" Fenandes.

-TIGERS GYM

SEABJJ T-SHIRT ENTRY DUE-DATE!!!

Alright. Some of you have been crazy-fast in getting your team logo in and others have taken a bit longer. I still have not received all the logos that have been promised to me via e-mail. I have a business trip coming up so I will give till JUNE 2. Upon my return, I hope to have everyone's logo that wishes to be involved. Remember, if you're team logo is not on this shirt, it's no one's fault but your own.

Thanks to everyone who's already sent theirs in. I have been busy sourcing printers and comparing prices to make it the best shirt that I can. The sooner I can wrap up the design half, the closer I can get to a definite price. Whatever the prices may be, I will offer a team-discount if you buy 'X' number of shirts to be determined later.

DUE DATE: JUNE 2ND!!!

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
Beijing BJJ
Synergy JJ
Gracie Barra Philippines
Kowloon BJJ
BJJ Borneo

TEAMS I AM MISSING:
Kreation BJJ
Fight G
Will Machado Singapore
Bangkok Fight Club
Tiger Muay Thai
Gracie Barra Hong Kong
Impakt
Hong Kong BJJ
Taiwan BJJ
Evolution BJJ
Gracie China
Universal Grappling
KL BJJ
Marcos Escobar BJJ
The Pound
Purebred Guam?

INDIA: TIGER GYM'S RAJ SINGH

Tiger Gym's Raj Singh fought recently at the 70kg against Adam Little of Scotland at the prestigious "Power of Scotland 4" WMC sanctioned Muay Thai fight show.

RED BELT: MOVIE REVIEW

Taken from www.OnTheMat.com, a review of David Mamet's Red Belt. I had posted a while back Mamet's podcast interview on TheFightworksPodcast so if you haven't had a listen, be sure to visit the site or sign on as a itunes subscriber. by: Gumby

As an instructor, you come to realize that you cannot truly understand something until you have the ability to explain it someone else. In this way Red Belt, the new movie from Dave Mamet, is his attempt to explain to the masses what Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is.

A word of warning however: those of you expecting the Enter the Dragon or Karate Kid to spark a revolution in Jiu Jitsu enrollment, Red Belt is not that movie. Red Belt is essentially a drama with large amount of the back and forth dialogue Mamet is known for. The main theme is not so much Jiu Jitsu itself in that Jiu Jitsu is as much a metaphor for one man’s value system that not necessarily compatible with the world of today about him.

Since we here at OntheMat rarely do movie reviews, we feel compelled to talk about this film on two levels, first and foremost on how successful of a movie this is and secondly if the portrayal of Jiu Jitsu rings as authentic.

Knowing what I was getting into definitely helped my enjoyment of the movie; people I attended with who were expecting a more straight forward action picture were bound to be disappointed. There are certainly some intense action sequences but this is hardly the focal point of the movie.

The story centers around instructor owner Mike Terry (a great performance by Chiwetel Eliofor), a man dedicated to Jiu Jitsu and the concepts of old world principles and honor. While he has a handful of loyal students and is content with his program, he’s also barely making rent on his studio. Tradition versus commercialization is certainly a theme that can resonate with many activities, but it will particularly hit home with an audience of Jiu Jitsu enthusiasts. A chance encounter a shaky Laura Black and an accidental gunshot through the academy window sets off a series of events that will take Mike through the seedier elements of Hollywood and the world of Mixed Martial Arts, which he initially disdains. It’s an enjoyable ride, filled with a few surprising plot twists I won’t give away here culminating in a MMA tournament that doesn’t exactly go as everyone would have expected. The ending is bound to controversial from a few different perspectives, but it invites the viewer to make several conclusions on their own.

Throughout the movie Mamet uses his opportunities to showcase Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, most obviously in the action sequences, but more often in the teachings and the words of wisdom from Mike Terry. I can see instructors and students alike uttering lines like “there’s always an escape” and “I teach people to prevail, not to win” across academies. As a vehicle to promote Jiu Jitsu it may not necessarily excite the uninformed view into wanted to sign up with a local academy, but it will certainly give them a lot to think about and hopefully an appreciation of the art. People well versed in Jiu Jitsu may have a few new insights because of Red Belt as well.

The authenticity of the Jiu Jitsu in Red belt is high, and fans of the art will certainly enjoy recognizing many people who worked on the film. Randy Couture has a fairly substantial speaking role . John Machado has a big role in this movie as well (fair to mention he had a starring role in his own movie, Brazilian Brawl which is somewhat of a cult classic among BJJ affecdionados). A major fight scene takes place Renato Magno (who also happens to be Mamet’s instructor) and Ricco Chipparelli. Ed O’ Neil, the actor who introduced Mamet to Jiu Jitsu and now a black belt himself, has a small walk on role as well. The legendary Dan Inosanto portrays the Grandmaster.

The action sequences showcase a number of popular moves, although sometimes because of the cinematic choices and direction the action is a bit hard to follow. It is nice that Mamet is able to showcase a few different aspects of Jiu Jitsu, including academy training, sport/sport fighting and self defense, the last one showcasing some version of stick fighting in addition to Jiu Jitsu. The action is for the most part believable and the final sequences are very exciting. A few points do require a bit of a suspension of disbelief; it’s a little difficult to believe that the California Athletic Commission would sanction the type of handicapping of bouts that Red Belt suggests (and in an interview Mamer does declare this was a work of Hollywood fiction, however I can vividly remember having train with one or both hands tied in my belt at times.)

In the end this Red Belt is an entertaining film and it portray Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in a positive light, so it’s easy to recommend this film. Ultimately, this movie is about a modern day samurai and sticking to one’s principles in a corrupted world and I think (as Jiu Jitsu Jitsu students and instructors ourselves) we can certainly relate to the main character of Mike Terry.

ABU DHABI CUP: RECAP

by: Ray ElbeHere is the article written by Gracie mag with the author being flown in to cover the event. GRACIE MAG

I lost in the Semi finals to gold medalists , Hassen Moussa who is a BJJ Brown belt and was in the 2000 Olympic 's in Sydney for Judo (making it to the 7th round). Overall this was an amazing competition, really showing the level of commitment the leaders of the gulf have in investing money to BJJ. The ahtletes here, many of them were professional soldiers training with private lessons from BJJ BB's on daily training regiments...for free..because the Kingdom sponsors them. -Ray

2008 CALENDAR

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

(31) Djarum Super's Submission Workshop (Jogjakarta)
info: Saturday, May 31st @ 8am-3pm (Sports Hall Kridosono, Jogjakarta)
contact: Lukas Nugroho in Jogja at +62.813.28708500

JUNE
(TBA) Dela Riva Cup (JP)

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

(13-15) Crazy Monkey Defense Seminar (Singapore)
*contact: kreationjits@hotmail.com

JULY
(12) Marianas BJJ/Grappling Cup (Guam)
*more info to come

(20) All Korean BJJ Championship (Seoul, Korea)

*link: www.kbjjc.com

(26)Java Submission Championships (Jogjakarta)

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

(23-24) 5th Taiwan BJJ/Grappling Tournament (Taipei, TW)
contact: demi115@hotmail.com
*special guest TBA

SEPTEMBER
(27-28) Thailand BJJ/Grappling Open (Bangkok, TH)
contact: bjjasia@gmail.com or marksimmerman@gmail.com
*organized by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Association of Thailand
*info: facebook RSVP + BLOG LINK

OCTOBER
(TBA) Team Fabrico Nationals (PH)
*inner-club competition

(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
(6-7) Philippine BJJ International Open Gi & No-Gi (PH)
*Venue : SM Mall of Asia
*BB super-fights
*Registrations and payments due by Wednesday December 10
*info: HERE

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

JANUARY (2009)
(17) Nevertap Tournament (Phuket, TH)
*no-gi event + seminar
*info: NEVERTAP

VIDEO: TMT'S RAY ELBE @ 2008 ABU DHABI INTERNATIONAL JIU-JITSU CUP

Tiger Muay Thai's Ray Elbe represents SEA at 2008 Abu Dhabi International Jiu-Jitsu Cup. The tournament was promoted by Emirates BTT Black Belt instructor Carlos Santos under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Mohamad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and featured $33,000 USD worth of cash prize money.

VIDS: PAN ASIAN BJJ CHAMPIONSHIP

I can't tell you how much youtube kicks ass far as finding tournament footage. I assume no one can be offended by me posting their video on the blog because that's what it is there for. Thought I'd hilight some matches that I came across. -Luke

Ali Sulit vs Dimitrios Tsitos

Froilan Sarenas vs Ariel Valenova

Ray Elbe vs. Froilan Sarenas

Carlos Bergante vs unknown

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