MING WU MMA

Some buddies from Taiwan BJJ will be competing in this event. The best of luck to them and can't wait to see you all this August! -Luke

DATE/TIME: July 4, 2008 @ 7:30 pm
LOCATION: Taipei, Renai Rd., Sec 1, No. 17, 12fl.
台北大安區仁愛路一段17號10樓 (青少年育樂中心)

MORE INFO: http://www.wretch.cc/blog/mingwu

2008 CALENDAR

Just going over the remaining events this year. Please help correct any mistakes or help add to what is here. Thanks-Luke

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: Baret Yoshida

(30-31) Singapore International BJJ Championship (Singapore)
*info: fightworksasia@gmail.com

(30) Royler Gracie Seminar (Bali)
*contact: Niko Han, nikohan@gmail.com
*Jl. Oberoi, Gang Aora No.44 (across Lazumba Cafe), Seminyak

(30) Dragao International Cup (JP)
*Aoyama Budokan Hall Judo
*link: B-J-J.com blog

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

PROMOTER LOOKING FOR FIGHTERS

• ACTION ENTERTAINMENT INDIA IS PROMOTING A SERIES OF SEMI-PRO MMA SHOWS STARTING WITH 24TH AUG IN INDIA

• ALL INTERESTED FIGHTERS PLS SEND US AN EMAIL WITH YOUR FIGHT RECORD AND PROFILE PICTURE TO action.ent@gmail.com

• THE FIGHT CARD IS FILLING UP FAST SO PLEASE HURRY

• JUST 8 BOUTS ON THIS 24TH AUG SHOW

• 4 BOUTS SEMI-PRO AND 4 BOUTS AMATEUR

• IF YOU ARE AN UP AND COMING MMA FIGHTER AND LOOKING FOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO GET SOME GOOD FIGHT EXPERIENCE AND A BIT OF THE HYPE AND PUBLICITY … THIS IS THE PLACE TO BE

Last date for submission of fighter profiles 4th july 2008

KOF VIDS: MMA THAILAND

Here are some clips from the recent event, King of Fighters, here in Bangkok Thailand. The semi-finals have been set and will conclude in the coming month. BJJ was well represented in what was an informal match up of style versus style. I really hope this can help the promotion of both BJJ and MMA here in Thailand. -Luke

***note: I've removed these videos because they have consistently made my browser crash and automatically play whenever I am on the blog. I will update this post with links to the vids if you're interested in watching them. Sorry but it's gotten rather annoying for myself at least. -Luke

DOUGH-BOY

I am seriously cracked-out from all the long flights but am now sitting comfortably, surfing the web for all things jiu-jitsu. I do have other interests of course but that's not what this blog is about. I've been thinking about how I can keep myself focused even though I unable to train consistently like at home. I've mentioned before the practice of watching tournament footage, visualizing techniques, dissecting my recent matches and creating plans for when I can return to the mats. More than anything, I try to focus on the aspects of jiu-jitsu that make it so much fun. I can't get bent out of shape for not training as much as I'd like because these are my circumstances. I just want to be sure that when I do return, I really appreciate how good it feels to put on my gi, smell that funky dojo-aroma and get that edge back from training regularly.

These days I am feeling a little doughy, haha. Will try to fit in some training this trip before heading back to Bangkok. -Luke

JIU-JITSU PARADISE

Check out the link from Gracie Magazine on Niko Han's new spot in Bali:

Dojo Aora
Jl. Laksmana, Gang Aora No.44
Oberoi – Seminyak

http://www.graciemag.com/news/144/ARTICLE/10969/2008-06-24.html

BACK BUT NOT REALLY

Oh, man just got back from one trip and looks as though I will be back out as soon as tomorrow night for another. I was able to watch some tournament footage while traveling to curb my frustrations of not being on the mat with a lot of down time to think about my game and approach to competition. A friend of mine recently asked me who my favorites were in regards to BJJ fighters. It was tough for me to reply since there's a number of guys that I really enjoy watching but doesn't mean their game influences what I can/try to do.

With a few individuals I've been able to collect a number of their fights from purple to black-belt. In these clips it's pretty clear that the person has already established their game but is just one point of development. From purple to black I can see the same sweep, the same pass and setups but that they are being refined as time passes. I'm sure new things are added to the mix but the core is basically there. I'll admit I probably don't see everything yet when watching tournament footage but it's adding up and when I revisit certain fights I may catch something new here and there.

There's two guys from Japan that have gotten my interest: Yusuke Honma and Dai Yoshioka. Dai in particular has been one of the early black-belts to come out from the Purebred Japan camp. Nowadays he sports a super-loose judo gi with no patches which probably means he's unaffiliated. Both took silver in their weight at the last mundials and represent the growing number of high-level of competitors outside of Brazil and United States. Just some food for thought as it helps me better understand how I want to progress and find my own voice in all of this.

Renan Borges vs. Dai Yoshioka

MARIANAS OPEN

MARIANAS OPEN
2008 AUGUST, 30 2008

LOCATION:
F.D. PHOENIX CENTER, GUAM

WEIGHT CLASSES:

NO-GI
130 under
131 - 145
146 - 160
161 - 175
176 - 190
191 - 205
205 over

GI (2kg/4.4lbs allowance for the GI)
134.4 under
135.4 - 149.4
150.4 – 164.4
165.4 – 179.4
180.4 – 194.4
195.4 – 209.4
209.4 over

EVENT IS GI AND NO-GI

1. for no-gi competition, t-shirts or rash guards must be used
2. hygiene check will be done.(any rash or ring worms will forfeit you from competing)
3. gi tops and bottoms must be matching, other than that any color gi will be allowed
4. weigh ins will be made before your first match..for gi competitors, you must weigh
in with the gi ON. if you do not make the weight that you signed up for, you match will be forfeited.

Any other questions and registration please e-mail Tony at groundzerotumon@hotmail.com

ADD US ON MYSPACE
www.myspace.com/marianasopen

Thank You and GOOD LUCK!

more info to come.....

OUT OF TOWN

I will be away for another week on business so posts will be few.

Thanks again to all the teams who've submitted their team logo for the shirt. My plans are to finalize the shirt layout and have things printed this coming July. I'll be sure to post a final pic so everyone can have a look but so far the response has been positive.

I'm always down to hear your suggestions or any bit of news that relates to the community. -Luke

NAGOYA: CICERO COSTHA SEMINAR

Another installment from our friend Kaori Kaneko. Be sure to check out the rest of her pics HERE. -Luke

KOF: MMA THAILAND

Not too long ago I received an e-mail that was all in Thai and now have the info in English thanks to a good friend. From what I can tell it's basically a battle of styles but I'd say one of the premiere MMA events in Bangkok. There have been a number of MMA exhibition matches along with Muay Thai but it hasn't developed as fast as you would think. For whatever reason, I hope to make it to this event to take pics. The fighters will be wearing pads and headgear. If you're in town, definitely check it out as I will have some teammates in there mixing it up. -Luke

Trailer: http://www.manytv.com/videos/2638-King_Of_Fighters_1.php
Interview: http://www.manytv.com/videos/2665-Interview_KOF.php

June Sat 28,2008 @ Asawindum Stadium, Raminthra BKK

weigh in: 8:00 am ~ 9:00 am.
event starts: 10:00 am ~ 6:00 pm.

Locattion-Asawindum Stadium, Raminthra BKK

map: http://img76.imageshack.us/img76/1876/mapasawindumgn3.jpg

location picture
http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/4353/asawindum001cm5.jpg http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/2678/aswindum02rs5.jpg http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/6156/asawindum003lb3.jpg

more hotel for comp:
http://www.bossotelinn.com/home.html (special rate at $45 include breakfast)

URCC XII "SUPREMACY"

from: Juan Carlos Paredes
DATE/TIME: Saturday, July 5, 2008 @ 8:00pm
LOCATION: A.VENUE EVENTS HALL (MAKATI AVENUE, Makati, Philippines)

The Universal Reality Combat Championship is the Philippines' first and biggest Mixed Martial Arts event featuring the best MMA fighters in the country.

URCC XII 'Supremacy' is headlined by middleweight champ Caloy Baduria in another SUPERFIGHT where he'll meet welterweight titleholder Eduard Folayang in a common weight division. Also headlining the fight card is Bantamweight champion Lino 'The Terminator' Tagacay going up against FOKAI Guam's Justin Cruz.

Also featured at the event is rock sensation URBANDUB!!! Catch them perform live all throughout the event!

FOR TICKETS, CALL TICKETWORLD 8919999 or log on to www.ticketworld.com.ph.

For more information call the URCC Hotline 09064616968

BAKBAKAN NA!

http://www.urccmma.com/ http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=15776443087

THAILAND BJJ/GRAPPLING OPEN

The Thailand BJJ/Grappling Open will take place here in Bangkok on September 27-28, 2008 @ Union Mall. Below are some of the details concerning the event. For more information, please check out the THAILANDBJJCOMP blog.

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

We will also be offering a special competitor's discount at the Golden Palace Hotel located on Sukhumvit, Soi 1. It's a 5 minute walk to the skytrain and is ideally located in Central Bangkok.

The cost per person per night will be only 675 baht ($21 USD). For 835 baht ($26 USD) an American breakfast will be included. All rooms have air conditioning, cable TV and mini-bar. The Elefin Cafe in the hotel lobby will also offer all athletes a 20% discount on all food and drinks.

The hotel has a nice swimming pool, a great Thai spa for a post-competition massage, and is conveniently located across the street from the world famous Bumrungrad Hospital (let's hope you don't need it).

For reservations, please contact: mkt@goldenpalacehotel.com with reference to 'BJJ COMPETITION'. This special offer covers September 26-29, 2008.

ATTENTION:
We are also looking to put on several exhibition MMA fights which will be supported by FBT MMA gear. Please contact Mr. Simmerman for more details: marksimmerman@gmail.com. In addition, we are organizing brown/black-belt superfights in either gi or no-gi. Those interested, please contact Mr. Simmerman as well.

This event is brought to you by the support of BJJAT (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Association of Thailand), Bangkok Fight Club, EMAC and BJJ-ASIA.

CAN'T GET ENOUGH

It's just raining cats and dogs with the amount of media on Andre Galvao but just got these from our good friend Kei. These are from the week of Copa De Hong Kong 2 (April 26-27) where Telles & Galvao took time to train at KLN BJJ. Check out Kei's blog from time to time for updates on the Hong Kong scene and the boys at Kowloon BJJ. -Luke

SAMULIME BLOG
KOWLOON BJJ






vids taken from: samulimu

SYNERGY JIU-JITSU'S NEW LOCATION: BALI

Just thought I'd post notice of Niko Han's new spot in Bali. They've got some great events in Indonesia with no-gi submission tournaments and MMA events. For more info, check out their site: SYNERGY JIU-JITSU or contact Niko: nikohan@gmail.com

2008 MUNDIALS VIDS

UPDATE: These videos have been taken off from youtube for one reason or another. Perhaps by request from either party, I am not sure.




Haven't checked but if there's a repeat I'll take it off later. These are mostly Brasa based vids courtesy of ctowersy1 -Luke

CLASSIFIEDS: TIGER GYM INDIA

www.tigersgym.com is looking for a part time webmaster , the work requires 2 hours daily of online work 5 days a week , responsibilities inculde updates , designing , working with images and video embeds contact tigersgym@gmail.com. -DANIEL

ABSOLUTE CHAMPION! XANDE RIBEIRO

photo from: PESH PHOTO
Xande beats Roger Gracie 4-2 to become the absolute champion.

Check out THE FIGHTWORKS PODCAST for Caleb's play-by-play of the final day at the mundials.

MUNDIAL REFERENCES

Fulfilling my bjj-geekiness I've been following the mundials as best I can by checking on a number of sites, most of which I have referenced on this blog already. So below is a list of links for you guys to check out if you haven't already on what's been going on this past weekend. -Luke

THE FIGHTWORKS PODCAST
-In the last two posts Caleb gives a live report on the matches along with an audio recap.

BULL TERRIER 'BRAZIL BLOG' by Kinya Hashimoto
-While this is in Japanese, he's got some great pics from the mundials of noted Japanese competitors like Yukinori Sasa and Dai Yoshioka.

GRACIE MAG
-While not as detailed, hilights and pictures can be found here.

ADCOMBAT
-I check here for updates by Kid Peligro.

8TH ALL KOREAN BJJ CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Korea BJJ Confederation will be hosting the All Korean BJJ Championships this June 20th, 2008. Below you can find the info.TIME & DATE: July 20th, 2008 (Sunday) 10am-5pm

WEIGH-INS: 9:30am-10:20am

LOCATION: Sosa-gu 'Songnae Gymnasium', Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea (subway station: Line no. 1-Jung-dong Station, Gate no. 1)(10 minute walk to gymnasium)GI: white, blue & purple
NO-GI: open-level, just check weight

WEIGHT DIVISIONS:

a. Adult division (19year over)

-55.5kg, -62kg, -68kg, -74kg, -80.3kg, -86.3kg, +86.3kg
b. Student division (19year under)

-55.5kg, -62kg, -68kg, -74kg, -80.3kg, -86.3kg, +86.3kg
c. Master division (40year over), Female division

TOURNAMENT-FEE:
1 class: $30(player license), $50
2 class: $50(player license), $80
3 class: $70(player license), $100

CONTACT:
tkks2@hanmail.net

www.kbjjc.com

SEABJJ T-SHIRT: TEAM LOGOS

***note: click on the image for full-scale view.So these are the logos that I have so far and I've made the appropriate changes for a single-color print. I'm thinking blue on white but haven't decided just yet. I've also made them all proportionate to each other. The order is random and doesn't reflect the final layout. Let me know what you guys think. -Luke

TRAVEL PICS

This past week I got to train at a number of academies while in Los Angeles, California and Las Vegas, Nevada. It's one of the many blessings I have to be able to travel for work and still make some time to train here and there, making new friends along the way. I thought I'd share some of the pictures taken and a short recap of each spot. -Luke

LEO VIEIRA Located in La Habra, California it's a relatively new spot from what the website tells me. I got train here twice and on both occassions, Leo's youngest brother Leandro was heading the class. Everyone was really chill and very open to help me out with the technique at hand. Learned an awesome drill for defending the guard. My trip was just a few days short of the mundials but what hurt even more was that I just missed the weekend seminar with Ricardo who was coming in the weekend that I would be in Vegas.

TINGUINHALocated in Anaheim, California this would be my second visit to the academy. For those who haven't read, I got to interview Tinguinha via e-mail so check it out HERE. You'd think that I'd be prepared to deal with the sweeps from open/spider-guard but no, I got myself swept over and over again. On both occasions there was a nice focus from stand-up to ground that I don't deal with so much personally but should. A real pleasure to train here.

COBRA KAI (MARC LAIMON)The final weekend of my trip I was in Las Vegas and got some time Saturday morning to attend the open-mat session. The academy is located just off the strip just behind Cheetah's (strip club). I only say this cause if you're taking a cab, it's an easy marker between Highland Blvd. & Ave. Considering it's Saturday morning, most of us would be nursing a hangover from the night before but in-spite of all that, guys come to train and train hard.

I want to thank everyone that made themselves available to train with me and help me out when I needed it. Also to everyone that kicked my ass, it's much appreciated. Best of luck to all the guys preparing for the mundials. A special thanks to Leandro, Tinguinha and Sonny. Hope to visit again in the near future. Thanks -Luke

SEABJJ T-SHIRT

Having just gotten back, I've looked over the logos that have been sent in so far. First, thank you to everyone that has already sent their logo in, I know everyone may not be so computer-graphic savvy but your efforts are much appreciated. For those who have yet to turn their logo in, please do so ASAP. I know I made the deadline June 2nd but it's more important that I include as many that want to be involved. If you're not in it's not cause I didn't do my best to get you involved. -Luke

PARTICIPATING TEAMS:

CHINA: Macau BJJ, Shanghai BJJ, Beijing BJJ
HONG KONG: Kowloon BJJ, Kylin BJJ, Gracie Barra HK
INDIA: Tiger Gym
INDONESIA: Synergy JJ
MALAYSIA: Brutal BJJ, KDTA, Borneo BJJ, Marcos Escobar
PHILIPPINES: Kamphius-Frabricio BJJ, Newbreed, Gracie Barra PH
SINGAPORE: Kreation JJ, Alive SG, Fight G, BJJ SG
TAIWAN: Taiwan BJJ, Gracie Barra Taiwan, Evolution BJJ
THAILAND: EMAC, Bangkok BJJ, Tiger Muay Thai

***IF YOU DON'T SEE YOU TEAM NAME HERE, CHANGE THAT BY SUBMITTING YOUR LOGO TO BJJASIA@GMAIL.COM

I AM MISSING: Gracie China, Impakt, HK BJJ, Universal Grappling, Will Machado SG, Bangkok Fight Club

RODNEY KING SEMINAR: CRAZY MONKEY DEFENSE

Rodney King, the creator of Crazy Monkey Defense System and BJJ blackbelt under Rigan Machado and Chris Haeuter, will be holding a seminar in Singapore this June! It is a 3-day event not to be missed comprising of BJJ and MMA.

The details:
Fri 13th June 8pm - 10pm (BJJ)
Sat 14th June 1pm - 3pm (MMA)
Sun 15th June 1pm - 3pm (MMA)

Cost is SGD$50 for kreation members and SGD$60 for non members per session.

Please send your bookings to Kon at kreationjits@hotmail.com

See you guys there!

UPDATE

I will be back in Asia this week and will post some pics that I took while training at several schools in the US. I had a great time but am looking forward to getting back home. -Luke