HELIO GRACIE

1913-2009

Helio Gracie recently passed away at 95 years of age, we at BJJ-ASIA would like to take a moment to honor his memory. -Luke

http://www.graciemag.com/news/144/ARTICLE/13149/2009-01-29.html

http://www.graciemag.com/news/144/ARTICLE/13170/2009-01-30.html

http://www.graciemag.com/news/144/ARTICLE/13173/2009-01-30.html

SYNERGY WHITE-BELT CHALLENGE RESULTS

WWW.SYNERGYJIUJITSU.COM

Below 65kg
1. Budi Wibowo Synergy - Bandung
2. Dodi Lestiyo Synergy - Cilandak
3. Stefer Rahardian Synergy - CMAA


66kg-76kg
1. Frederic Martinoli Synergy - Setiabudi
2. Ikhwan Synergy - Cilandak
3. Patrick Winata Synergy - Muara Karang

77+kg
1. Rolly Polandos Synergy - Cilandak
2. Yosa Bismahadi Synergy - Bandung
3. Charles Hewitt Synergy - Bali

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

SYNERGY NO-GI (KELAPA GADING) WARRIOR CHAMPIONSHIP - RESULTS

Lightweight
1. Fendy Wijaya
2. Christian
3. Mogy

Middleweight
1. Budi Hermanto
2. Elsen
3. David Julizar

Heavyweight
1. William Gunawan
2. Wahyudi
3. Alfred Andy

Absolute
1. Budi Hermanto
2. Elsen
3. Simon

BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS AND COMPETITORS!!!

MMA PHUKET: NEW INSTRUCTORS

from: Ray Elbe

Marcos and David Avellan of the FFA team from Florida, will be teaching at MMA Phuket from Feb 1st-March 30th. Marcos Avellan a "Hellraiser" Textiera BJJ Black Belt won the 2005 USA ADCC Tryouts without having a point scored against him in the competition. Teaching along side Marcos will be his brother, fellow BJJ Black Belt and MMA Fighter David Avellan. David has competed in ADCC twice and is an MMA veteran of the WEC.

Marcos Avellan Highlight


David Avellan Vs. Jacare ADCC

RENZO GRACIE SEMINAR: PICS

If any single gym is having a great start to 2009, I would have to say it's EVOLVE MMA. In addition to the new appointment of Rafael 'Gordinho' Correa as the head BJJ instructor starting this April, here are some pics from the Renzo Gracie seminar. -Luke

INTERVIEW W/ JOHN BAYLON

(l to r)John Baylon w/ Mike Fowler

John Baylon, who recently received his BJJ black-belt, was kind enough to field some questions for BJJ-ASIA. Some may have only come to know about John since his match with Mike Fowler at last year's 'Hajime' event in the Philippines but he's been a strong figure in the Judo scene both locally and internationally. Thanks to Stephen for helping coordinate this interview. -Luke

For those that aren't familiar with you, could you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got started in BJJ?
I am John D Baylon 5’9 of height and I was born on Nov 6 , 1964 in the Philippines. I started training BJJ in 2002 during my preparation for the Asian Games.

You were recently awarded your black-belt in BJJ by Wado Toshiyuki at Aacademia Az in Japan. Could you tell us your history with Wado-sensei and training in Japan?
Since I started my BJJ training in Japan , Wado Toshiyuki is my instructor and every time I go back to Japan for training.

Even before your recent promotion, your accomplishments in Judo both locally and internationally have been very impressive. Could you share with us how you got started with Judo and how you came about cross-training between Judo and BJJ?
I started playing Judo since 1985 at Kodakan Judo Institute in Japan. Then I returned to the Philippines for two years. After two years I was back in Japan for seven years during this time I received the 6th Degree Red and White belt from Kodakan. I started cross – training between Judo and BJJ because the movements of these two are very similar and wherein I could develop my grappling skills.

Competitors like Flavio Canto & Dave Camarillo have been known to successfully meld both the stand-up and ground game in competition. How have you approached either art in training and in competition?
I focus on the standing , but if I can’t make it I apply the grappling techniques

For those thinking about cross-training, what suggestions would you have for them in regards to their mindset and approach?
I suggest that they stay focused and give all of what you have.

Could you share with us your training regiment within a given week? and does this change when preparing for a major competition?
I have standing training at Rizal stadium ( 3 times a week , 2hrs per session) Grappling training ( 4 times per week – 2 hour sessions ). If I have my major competitions I go to Japan for Judo training at the University of Tsukuba or in Tokyo, cross training in BJJ Academia AZ Japan.

Your dedication brought you to Japan for extensive training as early as 2000. Please share with us your experience, cultural difficulties and how things have changed for you since those early days.
I experienced some difficulties during my stay in Japan , first of all the financial requirements, I needed to adjust to the environment including the Japanese culture , and I also had to study their language for me to be able to communicate with them.

Most recently, you fought one of America's better-known BJJ black-belts, Mike Fowler at 'Hajime', a Judo event in the Philippines. Please share with us your thoughts on this match.
It was an honor for me to be matched with Mike Fowler a famous BJJ Black Belt. During the competition I kept in mind that I will give my best to defend myself in front of the Filipino people.

What are your plans for 2009?
My plans for this year , I should be focused on training, for the SEA Games preparation. If I will be given the chance I want to join in some BJJ competitions.

Any advice you'd like to share with the community?
Being an athlete is a choice, may I suggest to those people who want to enter this profession assure yourself that you are willing to give your commitment in time, dedication and determination to be able to achieve your goals.

RAFAEL 'GORDINHO' CORREA: HEAD BJJ INSTRUCTOR AT EVOLVE MMA

Big news for SEA and especially Singapore. Rafael 'Gordinho' Correa accepts the position of head instructor for BJJ at EVOLVE MMA and will be moving to Singapore this April.


FROM: EVOLVE MMA

Rafael is the Head Instructor for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Evolve Mixed Martial Arts in Singapore. He is responsible for the course curriculum for the Renzo Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Program at Evolve Mixed Martial Arts. He brings over 25 years of experience in BJJ. Rafael grew up in Brazil next to the Gracie Family. He has been a close friend of Renzo's for over 30 years. Rafael has fought in hundreds of BJJ fights. He was the winner of the 1998 Mundials World Championships in the Black Belt Division. He is also a 4 time National Champion of Brazil (1994-1997) where he was voted the most technical fighter and also had the fastest submission (12 seconds). He is also a runner-up in ADCC Brazil. He has competed and won numerous other tournaments around the world.

Rafael has taught for many years in Brazil and the US. Prior to Evolve, he was the most senior Black Belt instructor (after Renzo Gracie) at the Renzo Gracie Academy in New York. The Renzo Gracie Academy in New York is the largest BJJ school in the world with over 1200 students in a single location. Rafael was also the Program Director at the school. He is a sought-after instructor on the BJJ seminar circuit around the world.

Widely regarded as one of the most technical Black Belts from Gracie Barra, Rafael holds a 3^rd Degree Black Belt under Carlos Gracie Jr.

Rafael is originally from Brazil.

FIGHTWORKS ASIA GYM: GRAPPLING & MMA TOURNAMENT

SUBMISSION/GRAPPLING & MMA (AMATEUR) TOURNAMENT 2009

Date: 21st /22nd Mar 2009
VENUE: FIGHTWORKSASIA GYM
TIME: 1300hrs
TICKETS: $10 for 1 day pass, $12 for 2days pass
Registration Fees: $30 for SUBMISSION/GRAPPLING, $50 for MMA(AMATEUR)

WEIGHT CATS:
63KG-70KG
85.5KG-91KG
70.5KG-78KG
91.5KG-98KG
78.5kg-85KG
98.5KG and above (SUPER HEAVY)

CONTACT: FIGHTWORKSASIA at 62856028 or check out www.fightworksasia.com.sg FOR MORE DETAILS.

TONY EDUARDO SEMINAR: SHANGHAI BJJ

The poster says it all. February 8th, 1-3pm @ SHANGHAI BJJ

ALL OVER THE PLACE

I've overdone it again and have crippled myself by hitting the mats hard this week after being away on business. It's a good sore mind you but its also making me feel my age, haha. Since November of last year it's been a constant in/out for me with too many breaks in training. First it was Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, work work work and now Chinese New Years! So happy CNY everyone!

Posts may be a little spotty next week since I will be away, again, but will use the time to write a few pieces. One topic that I've been meaning to tackle is the 'bjj federation'. Just this past year both the Philippines and China have formed new federations looking to connect, support and represent the larger community. For good and bad, I think it's worth taking some time to see what it actually means to us, the practitioners.

On a local note, I thought I'd share a recent development in Bangkok where all schools are coming together for a collective team-training. There are four major BJJ schools in the greater Bangkok area which include: Bangkok BJJ, EMAC, 3 Monkeeez and Bangkok Fight Club. Starting this February 2nd, all four teams will come together at a single location to train, exchange and get acquainted with each other. We will do this for the next four months, the first Monday of each month.

February 2nd @ Bangkok BJJ, 6:30pm (Gi)
March 2nd @ EMAC
April 6th @ 3 Monkeeez, 6:30pm (No-Gi)
May 4th @ Bangkok Fight Club

All other locations, other than the one scheduled for that evening will be closed on that particular date. It's something we think is worth trying to help everyone grow.

-Luke

BLAST FROM THE PAST

Our good friend Pedro Schmall sent me these pics a few days ago. I think it's safe to say that we're in the 3rd generation of BJJ-ers and these pics are from the 1st. -Luke

These are some old photos of a good friend of mine a old school BJJ player that compete against many fighters even Royler and Rickson, a long tim ago when BJJ comunity was only Rio de Janeiro ... his nickname is Peixotinho and he is a Calson Gracie black belt from the golden years of Carlson Gracie Team... -Pedro Schmall

PHILLIPE NOVER PICS!!!

Want to thank Carlos 'Loco' Rosales from Gracie Barra PH for sharing some pics from a private seminar with Phillipe Nover, MMA fighter and BJJ black-belt. While on holiday visiting family, Nover shared some of his favorite moves with the private group for both BJJ and MMA. It's always great to see people returning, even if just visiting, and sharing their knowledge with us here in SEA. -Luke

TITANS COLLIDE!!! NEVERTAP ASIA

Here is a great pick of the final match between TMT's Andreas Hesselback and Bangkok BJJ's Sebastian Desvignes for the welterweight division. Hesselback took the gold by judges decision but from what I hear, it was a battle. Congratulations to both competitors, hope to hear more from those that attended.

-Luke

BRISTOL OPEN: UK

This was sent to me by our good friend, 'the Geeza' who will be sending some vids our way very soon. In the meantime, BJJ-ASIA is helping to spread the word about this upcoming event in the UK. You can check for more details here: WWW.BRISTOLOPENBJJ.ORG

-Luke

THIS PAST WEEKEND

Just got back to Bangkok yesterday afternoon to find so much has happened this past weekend. 3 separate events taking place here in Southeast Asia. Just a quick recap on each but I'm sure there will be more coming in. -Luke

NEVERTAP ASIA: PHUKET, THThis event was hosted by MMA Phuket, bringing an American event to Asia. 3x 3-minute rounds that would be scored by 3 judges with a focus on the submission and pushing of action. On a personal note, Team Bangkok was able to bring home 4 medals with each team placing in their respective events. A congratulations to all the competitors, the organizers and supporters.

EVOLVE MMA GRAND OPENING + RENZO GRACIE SEMINAR: SINGAPOREOne of the newest MMA schools to open in Singapore, they are the first Renzo Gracie Affiliate of Asia. I've been promised more info on this one but sounds like it was a great way to start the new year. Antonio 'Neto' Braga, Mundial BJJ Champion, has been teaching the jiu-jitsu program for the last month or so.

BEIJING BJJ: CHINAPedro Schmall and the team at Beijing BJJ have been putting together several events for beginners to earn some competition time. They promise for more events and really look to expand the BJJ community in China along with their neighboring schools.

JYAJAU CHALLENGE: SHANGHAI

Here's a new event focused on the beginners in BJJ at both white and blue-belt levels in Shanghai, China. -Luke

Date: 08th/Mar/2009 (Sunday) from 14:00~
Comps: BJJ/Grappling/Kick Boxing/MMA (No ground strikings)
Rules: Modified IBJJF rule, this competition is designed for beginners. So the referee (has all the rights in the rules) might stop matches if he/she feels dangerous to continue.

Venue: 上海　茂名南路　2F Kung Fu room - (Walk from Garden hotel "花園飯店" to "延安西路" direction for about 7 min.) Map : http://www.ddmap.com/map/21/point-376125-%C1%FA%CE%E4-%D3%E9%C0%D6%D0%DD%CF%D0.htm

Fees: RMB20.00

* Competitors mostly will be white and blue belts.

Organisers: BJJ Team Shanghai/Mushaku BJJ/Shengyi BJJ/Sojyau BJJ (Team 上海/Team 無錫/Team 常熱/Team 蘇州)

Inquiries: ken.kojima@hellermanntyton.com.cn

NEVERTAP ASIA: RESULTS

Girls Open Weight
Gold. Claire Haigh
Silver. Mariah Svennson
Bronze. Veronika Hamzeh

Featherweight 145lbs
Gold. Attiwat Suvinjijit
Silver. Sarun Satawin
Bronze/ Nitti Techottiasnee

Lightweights 155lbs
Gold. Felipe Enomoto
Silver. Alex Berezovik
Bronze. Will Elliott

Welterweights 170lbs
Gold. Andreas Hesselback
Silver. Sebastian Desvinges
Bronze. Andy Willis

Middleweights 185lbs
Gold. Jack Magee
Silver. Yohann Anderson
Bronze. Eric Sandberg

Light Heavyweights 205lbs
Gold. Yasnbey Enomoto
Silver. Johan Anderson
Bronze. Wiktor Svennson

Heavyweight 206+
Gold. Jonas Pensar
Silver. Vladamier Diaz
Bronze. Chris Stella

Open Weight Absolute
Gold. Yasubey Enomoto
Silver. Alex Berezovik
Bronze. Jonas Pensar

THIS WEEKEND: MMA PHUKET

from: Ray Elbe
Mike Swick Seminar Friday Jan 16th. 5pm Tiger Muay Thai Gym.
9x UFC veteran Mike "Quick" Swick will be hosting a FREE MMA seminar for anyone signed up for the Nevertap tournament. The seminar will start Friday the 16th at 5PM. Mike will cover several topics including, striking, submissions, and takedown defense. Following the seminar will be a Question and Answer opportunity and Swick will be available for photos.

Immediately AFTER the Mike Swick Seminar we will be holding "day before" weigh in's for the Nevertap tournament. Those of you who wish to weigh in the day before the grappling tournament will have an opportunity to do so. Friday the 16th from 6:30-7:30 PM at the "Tiger Muay Thai Grill" we will be conducting the first weigh ins.


January 17th will be the Nevertap Tournament.
Second weigh in's will begin at 10am and are closed at 11am. You must make weight by 11am. *NOTE: Competitors only need to make the competition weight once. We are holding two weigh in's for individuals interested in cutting weight to compete* Rules meeting starts at 11:30, and matches will begin shortly after a breif warm up period.

The first round of the Nevertap tournament is double elimination. This means you are guaranteed a minimum of two matches. If you lose your first match you will be bumped into a losers bracket. The winner of the losers bracket will face the winner of the original bracket in the finals for each weight division. After your first match if you lose you are eliminated from the tournament.

AFTER PARTY BBQ and Fights
The TMT BBQ will start at 7:30. Tickets for the BBQ can be purchased in the TMT office for 350 baht. The BBQ will be a buffett style, and will include soda, and keg beer. The fights will start around 8:00-8:30 and admission is included in the BBQ cost. Currently we have 4 amateur and 1 pro MMA fight scheduled, as well as several Muay Thai exhibitions.

ALVIN AGUILAR

NAME: Alvin Aguilar
INSTRUCTOR: Kazeka Muniz
ORIGINAL TEAM: Gracie Barra
SCHOOL IN SEA: Gracie Barra Philippines
WEBSITE: www.graciebarraphilippines.com
CONTACT INFO: alvin_aguilar@hotmail.com
HOMETOWN: Philippines

LETS HEAR FROM YOU

While posting may not be so consistent this coming week, I invite all of you to write in with ideas about what you'd like to see on BJJ-ASIA. Perhaps there's an individual that has an interesting story regarding their BJJ journey that the community would benefit from hearing. It may not always have to be the black-belt story that makes for a great story. Anyways, just a thought.

I extend this information through the year, so no pressure, haha.

-Luke

THIS COMING WEEK

Just wanted to thank everyone for helping out with the calendar. Wanted to get a jump start on the coming season and will be updating the previous post as more things come in. Also, heading out of town on business so posting may be a little sporadic for the next week.

The holidays have brought a number of out of town guests to Bangkok which has been great.

Best of luck to everyone that is competing this coming weekend in Phuket, TH @ NEVERTAP ASIA. We have a number of competitors representing Bangkok from all four schools: Bangkok BJJ, EMAC, 3Monkeeez, Bangkok Fight Club. All of whom are competing as a single team.

-Luke

CALENDAR 2009

JANUARY
(16) Mike Swick MMA seminar (Phuket, TH)
*info: MMA Phuket

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

(17-18) Renzo Gracie & Rafael 'Gordinho' Correa Seminar (Singapore)
*info: EVOLVE MMA
*poster: HERE

FEBRUARY
(8) Rollapalooza 2 (PH)
*info: more to come

(8) Tony Eduardo seminar (Shanghai, CH)
*info: www.shanghaibjj.com

(22) Motorone Cup Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Tournament (Seoul, Korea)
*info: more to come

MARCH
(1) Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championships, Asia Trials (JP)
*info: JJFJ

(1) Ming Wu 4, MMA (Taipei, TW)
*info: MING WU MMA

(7-8) Philippine Gi & No Gi National Championships (PH)

(8) Jyayau Challange (Shanghai, CH)
* info: Inquiries : mailto:ken.kojima@hellermanntyton.com.cn

(21-22) Submission Grappling/MMA tournament (SG)
*info: www.fightworksasia.com.sg

MAY
(2-3) Pan Asian BJJ International Gi & No Gi Championships (PH)

(?) Rickson Cup (Hamamatsu, JP)
*info: more to come

APRIL
(25) Java Submission Championship (Indonesia)

(??) Mauricio 'Tinguinha' Mariano Seminar (Bangkok + Hong Kong)
*info: scheduling dates now, still open for your academy to host Tinguinha
*contact: bjjasia@gmail.com

OCTOBER
(3-4) Champions Cup Gi & No Gi (PH)
*(a special event for all belts under 76kg and over 76 kg winners will
receive prizes and throphies)

NOVEMBER
(7) Indonesian Submission Championship

DECEMBER
(5-6) 2009 Philippine BJJ Gi & NO Gi International Open (PH)

RENZO GRACIE SEMINAR: SINGAPORE

Renzo Gracie and his Chief Instructor, Rafael Gordinho, will be distinguished guests at Evolve MMA for the Grand Opening at the gym (Paradiz Centre, #02-22 in Singapore)on 15 January (7-9pm).

The Grand Opening is FREE of charge and visitors are encouraged to attend and hear Renzo speak on BJJ, MMA and bringing Gracie Jiu-Jitsu to Singapore. Local media will be in attandance and Evolve MMA will be raffling off gifts throughout the evening (i.e. Renzo Gracie competition gi's and belts signed by Renzo, Private Lessons with Braga Neto, Evolve MMA T-Shirts signed by Renzo, tickets to attend the Renzo Seminars, etc.).

BJJ-ASIA TAKES 2ND PLACE: BEST BJJ BLOG OF 2008

I just got the news that BJJ-ASIA took 2nd place in the recent 'Best BJJ blog of 2008' contest held by THE FIGHTWORKSPODCAST. A big congratulations to WWW.SHOGUNHQ.COM for taking 1st and a thank you to all that voted and showed their support for BJJ-ASIA. It's an honor just to be nominated and I must thank the judges for recognizing the site in the top five.

Thanks to Alicia Anthony, Luca Atalla, Kid Peligro and Caleb.

Let's continue to make things even better for 2009.

-Luke

NEW ACADEMY: STUDIO 23

I got to meet Albert Lim at the Bangkok tournament this past September and learned that he had competed in five consecutive events that season, placing in all and I believe most were golds. Well, besides having a great competition year, Albert gets to celebrate the new year with the opening of his own academy in Malaysia, STUDIO 23. They recently held their grand opening with public demonstrations and tour of the facility. A big congrats to Albert as I'm sure it was a considerable undertaking. Besides BJJ, the facilities offer personal training, CMD and a full dance program headed by Albert's wife.

I'm jealous of his 2nd floor mat area with it's wide open windows, I'm sure it's great during the summer time. -Luke

http://www.studio23.my/

DURING THE HOLIDAYS

I thought I'd share some pics from our friends at Kowloon BJJ with their recent trip to Seoul, Korea. One of the spots they visited was MARC with Mr. Lee, a Leo Vieira brown-belt. Being a very active competitor, Mr. Lee travels extensively to train outside of Korea bringing back with him a wealth of knowledge and experience. As one of the leading BJJ academies in Korea, he is also one of the founding members of the BJJKA. Thanks to Kei, Taki and Kubo. Luke

2009

Well, I'm back in Bangkok now and it's official, the New Year holiday has come to an end. Not that I'm complaining but it's nice to get back to my normal routine. Got to spend plenty of time with the family traveling through parts of Northern Thailand like Mae-sot, Chiang Mai, Pai and Chiang Rai. Returning to Bangkok just in time to catch the countdown, the wife and I were too tired to head out and join the crowds. Our New Years Eve was a quite one with pizza and movies.

I want to extend my condolences to those that lost friends and family members in the tragic fire at Santika that evening. Before having heard the news, I received a number of texts and e-mails asking if we were alright. Thank you for your concern. If anything, this tragic lost will spur some real change in how things are regulated in the city for everyone's safety.

On other news, the new year is already off to a quick start with the first tournament of the season in Phuket, Thailand with NEVERTAP ASIA this January 17th. Unfortunately I will be away on busines during this time but I'm sure there will be plenty of coverage coming from the host team MMA PHUKET.

I'm also working on an interview and some material regarding BJJ federations and what does that mean to the community. I think there are some good questions out there that effect all of us so hopefully it'll spur some healthy dialogue. Of course with the holidays I didn't train as much I would have liked but it did give me time to reflect on what I was able to accomplish in 2008 and what changes I may need to make for 2009. I may not have a specific new years resolution to share with you but probably just a reaffirmation of what my priorities are/should be. FAMILY, WORK, BJJ(EVERYTHING ELSE). I'll admit the blog and my own training have have made other parts of my life feel as though they were 2nd tier and I have to address that. Some big changes are about to take place as my wife and I are expecting our first child. So it looks as though I have some gowing up to do, hahaha. It's probably the most exciting thing to happen to me and I am very much looking forward to this new stage in my life. I won't know for sure how different things will be until the baby arrives. So, bare with me as things may or may not be as consistent as they have been. I will also have to kick things up a notch with work which might be a surprise to some, does not involve BJJ. I am a jewelry designer and produce my own line of men's jewerly under the name LUKE SATORU. The site hasn't been updated for a bit so that's one of the first things to get done in the new year. I've been wanting to create a line for 'fighters' but haven't produced anything just yet so maybe that'll be a new one for 2009.

Anyways, hope everyone had a safe holiday season and looking forward to the new year.

Luke