ROLLAPALOOZA 5!!!

For those looking to what the new comp season has to offer. Be sure to check out Rollapalooza 5. A hilight for this event will be the kids/juvenile divisions + there will be more than one opportunity to fight since there is no single-elimination. -Luke  

The event will consist of GI divisions for WHITE, BLUE, PURPLE and BROWN during the first half of the event then NOGI divisions following a short intermission. Weight divisions for WHITE, BLUE and NOGI categories are as follows:

Featherweight: 139.9 and below

Lightweight: 140 - 159.9 lbs.

Middleweight: 160 - 179.9 lbs.

Cruiserweight: 180 - 199.9 lbs.

Heavyweight: 200 lbs. and over

Entries for the GI competition must weigh-in with the kimono on. Entries for the NOGI competition weigh-in without the kimono. If you are competing in both competitions you will only need to make weight once, prior to the GI portion of the event.

For PURPLE belts, we will have three categories: the LIGHT, HEAVY and OPEN divisions. On the day of the competition, all purple belts will be weighed and split into the light and heavy divisions according to their official weights. BROWN belts will have one OPEN division and one WOMENS division for each GI and NOGI.

JUNIORS divisions for 15-17 year olds will have 2 categories: below 70kg and above 70kg and now for the first time in Rollapalooza, we will have KIDS divisions for participants aged 8-14 years old with 3 weight categories: below 30kg, 31-40kg and above 40kg.

The Venue:

The Martial Arts Center (beside the College Covered Courts), Ateneo de Manila University Campus, Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City. The venue opens at 9:00AM and official weigh-ins from 9:00AM to 10:00AM. Competition proper is scheduled to begin promptly at 10am.

Registration:

Early Registration DEADLINE is on Wednesday, March 10, 2010. Entries received on or before the deadline can avail of a discounted registration fee of PHP600 for one event and PHP800 for both events. LATE and DAY-OF-EVENT entries will cost PHP650 for one event and PHP900 for both events. We will be following the IBJJF rulebook for this event (only straight foot locks allowed for NOGI divisions)

We at rollapalooza.tv are again very excited to bring you the first ROLLAPALOOZA event of 2010 and look forward to even more for the coming year. For any questions and inquiries about ROLLAPALOOZA 5, do not hesitate to contact us via e-mail at info@rollapalooza.tv (use "rolla5" as subject header) or call the tournament organizer at 0917-5374402.

Also STAY TUNED to rollapalooza.tv for more announcements. It is your continued support that allows us to have better and better competitions for the community, thank you!!!

check out: 

WWW.ROLLAPAOOZA.TV

I'M BACK

I've returned to Bangkok and thrown right into another whirlwind of work but it's still nice to be back. Trading in my coat for some shorts and sandals is awesome. The air is humid and thick but I'll get my blood thinned out soon enough. Detoxing from all the In'n'Out burgers and burritos back in California but it was worth it.

Over the next couple of weeks I'll be back-tracking and making posts of places I visited and trained at while traveling. I'll also have pics I took from the Abu Dhabi Pro JJ trials in Santa Cruz, California. 

-Luke

HAITI BJJ SEMINAR RAISES $4221 FOR HAITI RELIEF

Check out Gumby's write-up on the seminar with videos!!!

ON THE MAT

HAIT BJJ (FACEBOOK)

JIU-JITSU @ SHANGHAI EXPO

 This August 30-31 is the Shanghai Expo where jiu-jitsu will be demoed for the Chinese public.

HAIT BJJ SEMINAR @ HEROES MARTIAL ARTS

Today I had the great pleasure of participating in the Hait BJJ benefit seminar at Heroes Martial Arts in San Jose, CA. The seminar was organized by Alan 'Gumby' Marques and Sergio Silva, hosting a heavy roster of NorCal black-belts. From 11am to 5:30pm it was a jiu-jitsu marathon of techniques and celebration of the sport. A number of the black-belts commented throughout the day how special an event like this one is since it brought so many teams that wouldn't otherwise train together, under one roof. I'm sure this was especially sweet for those that know what it was like 10+ years ago when this was unthinkable. So it's very comforting to know that with each generation we get closer to doing away with the politics and celebrate the art and sport we all love.

I leave for Asia tomorrow so I couldn't imagine of what better way to spend the day than like this. Want to thank all the black-belts that volunteered their time and generosity. And of course to our hosts Gumby and Sergio. Everyone who made it should be very proud to be involved in such an event. I know we have the same opportunities to spread this kind of positivity in the SEABJJ community.

The seminar raised $4,200. All of which goes to Red Cross for Haiti Relief.

Check out my pics on Flikr: HERE

Mike Swain (center) & Gumby (right)

Prof Sergio Silva (black/white gi)

 

JAPAN: MATSURI "PRO JIU-JITSU"

Two SEABJJ regulars recently competed in Japan's Matsuri, a pro-jiu-jitsu tournament. Makoto Ikuta and Makoto Ogasawara won their respective matches. A congratulations to the two and hello to their teams Trust Jiu-Jitsu and Taiwan BJJ.

 

- Black Belt Adult - under 67kg (10 min)

Ikuta Makoto (Trust JJ) 10 - 2 Murakami "Sankakun" (Purebred Kyoto)

 

- Brown Belt Adult - under 82.3kg (8 min)

Ogasawara Makoto (Nova Uniao/Taiwan BJJ) 8 - 0 Senda Yutaka (Jyusenkan)

 

Ikuta is awarded "Best fighter" from ISAMI.

 

original post from: KLN BJJ BLOG

MARTIAL COMBAT FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP: COMING TO SINGAPORE

taken from:  EVOLVE-MMA BLOG

The Martial Combat Fighting Championship, Asia's largest and most prestigious MMA event, is coming to Singapore in May 2010!  It will be held at the multi-billion dollar Resorts World in Sentosa and will be broadcast to 350 million people across 24 countries by ESPN StarSports.  Martial Combat Fighting Championship has invited only the top fighters from Asia and around the world to compete in Asia's most elite MMA championship.

Evolve MMA is the only academy in Singapore to be selected to compete in the prestigious Martial Combat Fighting Championship.  The Evolve Fight Team has already begun its training preparations.  From the Evolve Fight Team, you will see BJJ World Champion Leandro Brodinho Da Silva, Pancrase Champion Tommy Yang, Muay Thai expert Mitch Chilson, WBA Boxing World Champion Yodsanan Sityodtong, BJJ World Champion Braga Neto, Muay Thai striker Chatri Sityodtong, MMA fighter Setsuma Takeda, Wrestling whiz Brian Choi, MMA specialist Judd Sanchez, and many other Evolve fighters.

The Asian Mixed Martial Arts Federation is the governing body for the sport of MMA in Asia and will be working closely with Resorts World to ensure the success of the Martial Combat Fighting Championship.  Several of the top MMA organizations in Asia worked jointly together to create the Asian Mixed Martial Arts Federation, the first and largest of its kind in Asia.  Additionally, many of Asia's top MMA gyms and organizations have also joined the Federation.  For the Founding Members of the Asian MMA Federation, please see below: 

Founding Members of the Asian MMA Federation:
ESPN (Asia)
ESPN is the top sports content provider in the world.  ESPN Asia (ESPN StarSports) has a network across 24 countries in Asia with over 350 million viewers.  It will be the main broadcaster of the Martial Combat Fighting Championship as well as other top MMA events in Asia.     

Ultimate Martial Arts Combat (China)
UMAC is one of China's largest MMA organizations and also produces the Ultimate Martial Arts Combat Fighting Championship.  UMAC produces some of the best MMA fighters in China.

Evolve Mixed Martial Arts (Singapore)
Evolve MMA is Asia's top MMA training organization with authentic World Champions in Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, and No Gi Grappling.  In addition to its World Champions, Evolve MMA also has current professional fighters in the UFC, the Art of War, Jungle Fight, Lumpinee Stadium, Mundials, and more. 

Tiger Muay Thai and MMA (Thailand)
TMT is Thailand's top MMA gym headed by TUF veteran and rising MMA star Magical Ray Elbe.  Additionally, Tiger Muay Thai has authentic World Champions in Muay Thai.  It is a popular Muay Thai training vacation place for a few top UFC fighters like Mike Swick and Roger Huerta.

Universal Reality Combat in (Philippines)
URCC is Philippines' largest MMA organization.  Headed by MMA superstar and BJJ Black Belt Alvin Aguilar, URCC produces the top MMA events in Philippines.  It also houses the top MMA fighters in Philippines.

NeoFight (South Korea)
NeoFight is one of Korea's top MMA organizations.  NeoFight has some of the best MMA fighters in Korea.

BJJ 30+

Felipe Costa is one that I definitely admire as an active competitor who consistently places in the adult division even though he qualifies to compete in masters. He just recently put out this youtube video documenting his returning to training after a serious injury. This is the first episode shairng his preparation for the 2010 competition season. I believe it showcases how things can be done despite what difficulties may arise. We're all susceptible to injury and aging but it's how we adapt that makes the difference. Hope you find it as inspiring as I do.-Luke

BJJ SEMINAR FOR HAITI RELIEF: FEB 21 @ HEROES MARTIAL ARTS (SAN JOSE, CA)

I know this one isn't in Southeast Asia but wanted to help spread the word since all the proceeds go directly to Red Cross for Haiti Earthquake relief. The seminar will have some of Northern California's most notable black-belts sharing their jiu-jitsu. I return to Asia the very next day so will be sure not to miss this one to learn and most importantly, help.

Some of the Black Belts who are scheduled to attend:

Alan “Gumby” Marques (Heroes Martial Arts)
Sergio Silva (Team Silva)
Garth Taylor (Kaijin MMA)
Mike Vann (Claudio Franca BJJ)
Stan Kendricks (Triune BJJ)
Odilion “OJ” Domingues (Triune BJJ)
Sandro “Batata” Santiago (Sandro Batata BJJ)
Julio Echeverria (Sandro Batata BJJ)
Kurt Osiander (Ralph Gracie BJJ)
Justin “The Machine” Holder (Ralph Gracie BJJ)
Dave Clahan (Ralph Gracie BJJ)
Chris Smith (Tiger Martial Arts)
Mike Prudencio (One World BJJ)
Mikyo Riggs (Marin MMA)
Ricardo Barros (Ricardo Barros BJJ)
Daren Uyenoyama (FTCC Combat Club)
Marcos “Yesamo” Torregrossa (Cassio Werneck)

Here is the seminar info:

Heroes Martial Arts
460 South Market Street
San Jose CA 95113
408-288-8857

CONTACT INFO: (taken from www.heroesmartialarts.com)

Any questions or for those willing to donate/participate/volunteer, feel free to contact seminar organizers Gumby (gumby@onthemat.com) or Sergio Silva (sergiobjj@hotmail.com).  Black belts wanting to instruct, please contact Gumby to reserve a time slot for yourself.

HAITI BJJ (facebook) 

HEROES MARTIAL ARTS (web)

MORE PRO-MMA-3 VIDS

PRO MMA 3- 4th fight (68kg 150lbs)
Per Eklund (Legacy Gym, Thailand)
vs.
Joe Taimanglo (Spike 22 Academy, Guam)
Luxy Nightclub Taipei, Taiwan. Feb 7th. 2010

courtesy of Narouque

PRO FIGHTING III: VIDS

PRO MMA 3. Main Event 70kg (155lbs)
Demitri "Narouque" Telfair (Taiwan BJJ)
vs
Joe Lopez (Spike 22 Gym, Guam)
Luxy Nightclub Taipei, Taiwan. Feb 7th. 2010

PRO FIGHTING III: PICS

 Thanks to Gareth Griffiths we've got pics from this past Saturday's fights in Taiwan at PRO Fighting III. Be sure to check out his flickr account at the link below. Will post a recap of the evenings fights once I get them in. -Luke

 

  

LINK: PRO Fighting 3 - Quick Hits

IT'S BEEN TOO LONG

In the past 2 months, I've trained no more than 4x times and each time at a different academy cause of my travel schedule (Santa Cruz, San Jose, Renton, New York). I'm definitely feeling the effects of being off the mat for this long as my knees are starting to ache and am feeling unsteady. I find it interesting that my old injuries are acting up instead of going away and when I'm training regularly, it's less of an issue. Besides the physical problems that I've been having, I am definitely going over some mental hurdles about my training or lack of. I could say the past few times that I've trained I wasn't at my best but I think it's more than that. Acknowledging how the promotion is effecting how others see me and how I need to step up is a big part of it. So it's an added pressure I'm putting on myself and one that I can't avoid. Ultimately it's about me coming to terms with starting at the bottom again as a newly promoted purple in a ocean of people with equal if not better skills/experience/conditioning. I'd like to have a healthy perspective on things but that doesn't always sit well with my competitive side. The side which pushes me to say I have to do better or at least hang with the guys that I'm training with. So while jiu-jitsu is still fun, it's definitely gotten more intense.

Another issue that's come up from being off the mats for this long and by choice because I'm not injured is my motivation to do anything physical after the days work. While I don't have loads of downtime, I know I could do much better about scheduling time to train but I haven't. Instead, I'm passing out by 9:30pm in front of the tv which is pretty sad or at least I think so. Not sure if it's the weather or pace of things here in NorCal but I'm definitely slower here than I am in Thailand. Maybe I need the sleep but I know I need to get back into shape as well.

Anyways, I know there will be lulls in training for a number of reasons. Right now it's work that's been keeping me away but I'm curious to know what others have experienced. 

How have people dealt with these gaps in training due to injury, work, family obligation, financial issues, etc? Please share if you're willing in the comments section of this post.

If I can add a happy ending to this post is that I've made time to train tomorrow morning without fail.

-Luke

PACIFIC RIM ORGANIZED FIGHTING: FIGHT-CARD

 

 

NEVERTAP ASIA 2

WWW.NEVERTAP.ASIA

NAKAMURA K TARO SEMINAR: SHANGHAI

HOST: Olive MMA Club

LOCATION: Alavanca JJ Academy

DATE: 27-28 of February

*Limited to 20 persons so book your spot soon!!!

THE REAL GEEZA: 2010 EURO ABSOLUTE BLACK-BELT FINAL- Submission #671

Gustavo Campos vs Rodrigo Calvacca. Lisbon, February 1st 2010. Watch until the end. . . . 

It's been a while since we heard from our friend the Geeza but here's a new vid straight from the Europeans. Not to see the Geeza hasn't been keeping up with posting new vids so check out his youtube page, HERE.