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2005
12/10/05
Proving
Grounds -
ROTR
Qualifer
(MMA)
(Hilo Civic Center)
11/19/05
ROTR 9
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)
11/14/05
3rd American National BJJ Championships
(Torrance Unified School District, Torrance, CA )
10/29-30/05
Brazilian Team Titles
(Equipes)
(Brazil)
10/05
Proving
Grounds -
ROTR
Qualifer
(MMA)
(Lahaina Civic Center, Maui)
9/05
Proving
Grounds -
ROTR
Qualifer
(MMA)
(Kauai)
8/27-28/05
International
Masters & Seniors BJJ Tournament
(Tijuca Tenis Clube, Tijuca, Brazil)
8/05 (tentative)
ROTR 8
(MMA)
(Las Vegas, NV)
7/23-31/05
World BJJ
Championships (Mundial)
(Tijuca Tenis Clube, Tijuca, Brazil)
7/23/05
BJJ & Submission Grappling Tournament
(TBA)
7/21-23/05
World Cup of BJJ
(BJJ)
(São Paulo, Brazil)
7/9/05
Proving
Grounds -
ROTR
Qualifer
(MMA)
(Hilo Civic Center)
6/4/05
Super
Brawl: Full Contact Showdown #3
(MMA)
(Kahuna's Sports Bar & Grill, Kaneohe MCBH)
5/21/05
MMA & Kickboxing Event
(MMA & Kickboxing)
(Waimanalo Polo Grounds)
5/7/05
ROTR 7
(MMA)
(Stan Sheriff Arena, UH)
5/7-8 & 14-15 & 21-22/05
Brazilian National BJJ Tournament
(Youth, Adult, Master & Senior)
(Tijuca Tenis Clube, Tijuca, Brazil?)
4/16-17/05
2005 Junior
Olympic Male and Female State / Regional Boxing Championships
(Boxing)
(Palolo Boxing Gym
/ Rec Center)
4/16/05
Warriors Quest
(Kickboxing, MMA)
(McKinnley H.S. Gym)
UFC 52: Couture vs. Liddell 2
(MMA)
(MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, NV)
4/15/05
Kickin It
(Kickboxing)
(Kapolei H.S. Gym)
4/9/05
Super Brawl
(MMA)
(Blaisdell
Arena)
UFC: 'The Ultimate Fighter Finale'
(MMA)
(Cox Pavilion, Las Vegas, NV)
|
|
April 2005 News
Part 1
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Quote
of the Day
"Within you right now is the power to do things you never
dreamed possible. This power becomes available to you just as
soon as you can change your beliefs."
Dr. Maxwell Maltz, American Plastic Surgeon, Author of ''Psycho-Cybernetics''
|
Super
Brawl 39: Destiny Results!
Niko KO's Suda!
Kikuchi and Gill Win The Titles
Super Brawl XXXIX: Destiny
Blaisdell Arena, Honolulu, Hawaii
April 9, 2005
By Chris Onzuka - Chris@Onzuka.com
This
was the first time that Super Brawl featured kickboxing matches,
which showed the resurgence of kickboxing from obscurity in the
state of Hawaii. From its height of filling the Blaisdell arena
when Dennis Alexio headlined kickboxing cards, kickboxing almost
died after Alexio stopped competing. Through smaller events,
kickboxing started making a comeback. It was definitely fueled
by the growth of MMA. MMA fighters needed a venue to improve
their striking skills. Hawaii has always been known as a successful
grappling location with regularly run grappling tournaments.
Only kickboxing events were missing, now with regularly held
kickboxing events, Hawaii's MMA fighters are rounding out their
arsenals and preparing themselves to make the next jump in their
skill level. Tonight was no different. Pride auditions winner
and Kona boy, KJ Noons made his Hawaii MMA debut. This is Noons'
first fight since winning the Pride auditions and after having
an intensive training camp session with veteran trainer and MMA
fighter Matt Hume at AMC in Washington. Noons showed crisp and
powerful punches and kicks, sending a tough Malik Williams to
the canvas. Noons took full advantage of Super Brawl's use of
Pride rules by landing a couple jumping stomps and head punts
on Malik Williams. Needless to say, Noons finished Williams,
but he could use a little more polishing before facing the world's
best. However, when you are in your early twenties, you have
that kind of time…and he has the potential.
It
was only a matter of time when rising stars Harvey Nakamura and
Mark Oshiro crossed paths. Both fighters have been gaining experience
and have shown great potential in their past fights. Oshiro used
his height and reach advantage to its best use and pounded on
Nakamura for three rounds. Nakamura reached deep and showed his
Samurai spirit by taking all that Oshiro could dish out and kept
coming. Oshiro is definitely ready to take a step up to the next
level of competition. The event was capped off by three title
fights. Super Brawl crowned the first Hawaii State Flyweight
Champion and North American Lightweight Champion. Jim Kikuchi
had beat Justin Mercado in Mercado's first MMA match. Mercado
has grown tremendously since then. The crowd was upset when the
most of the match was fought in the clinch. Kikuchi did a good
job on not allowing Mercado, a Golden Gloves boxing champ, to
utilize his strength. Kikuchi seemed to have separated his shoulder
in the first round, which caused him to fight cautiously. Even
with that, he did a great job in the clinch and took Mercado
down a few times. Mercado stayed active, but Kikuchi got the
nod from the judges.
One
of Hawaii's top 155lbers that is on the verge of becoming the
next big thing to come out of Hawaii, Harris Sarmiento took on
a relatively unknown, but extremely well versed, Kultar Gill.
Sarmiento did a great job of closing the distance of the 6'0"
tall Gill, catching kicks and firing off his signature overhand
right. Gill landed some great kicks and the final of the match
came when Gill took Sarmiento down and used those long arms to
slip in a rear naked choke when Sarmiento tried to scramble back
up to his feet. The main event pitted current Shooto and Super
Brawl Champion, Masanori Suda, who shocked Hawaii fans by beating
local favorite Egan Inoue. Niko Vitale who is, considered by
many, Hawaii's best 185lb fighter was brought into attempt to
take the Super Brawl Middleweight title back to Hawaii. Suda
has been on a tear and has not lost since early 2001. The fight
was pretty even, with both fighters exchanging and Suda's Judo
helped to counter Vitale's strength in the clinch. At one point
Suda threw Vitale and himself right through the ropes and out
of the ring. The finale was something that I had never witnessed
before. Vitale pulled off a "Running Man" punch, where
he jumps up in the air with a running motion and comes down with
a punch. That punch, landed right on Suda's mouth and knocked
him out! Vitale accomplishes his goal of taking the Super Brawl
Middleweight title back to Hawaii.
135lbs Kickboxing:
Tyson Nam (Lee's Shaolin Boxing, Honolulu) def. Jumar Dumalao
(808 Fight Factory, Waipahu)
TKO via referee stoppage due to leg kicks at 19 seconds in Round
2.
205lbs
MMA:
Reese Andy (AMC, Seattle, WA) def. Kala Kolohe Hose (Bad Intentions,
Waianae)
Unanimous decision [(30-27), (30-27), (30-27)] after3 Rounds.
135lbs
MMA:
Albert Manners (Puna Boyz, Puna) def. Ryan Lee (Bull's Pen, Honolulu)
Unanimous decision [(29-28), (29-28), (29-28)] after 3 Rounds.
170lbs
MMA:
K.J. Noons (City Boxing, San Diego, CA) def. Malik Williams (Puna
Boyz, Puna)
TKO via referee stoppage due to strikes at 2:43 minutes in Round
1.
135lbs
MMA:
Mark Oshiro (Bull's Pen, Honolulu) def. Harvey Nakamura (Grappling
Unlimited, Honolulu)
Unanimous decision [(30-26), (30-27), (30-26)] after 3 rounds
175lbs
Kickboxing:
Bryson Kamaka (808 Fight Factory, Waipahu) def. Allan Ulip (Animal
House, Ewa Beach)
Unanimous decision [(30-28), (30-27), (30-27)] after 3 rounds.
170lbs
MMA:
Mark Moreno (Bull's Pen, Honolulu) def. Kevin Barber (Team Canon,
Anchorage, AK)
KO at 4:03 minutes in Round 1.
Keiki
Exhibition MMA:
Triston Prebia (808 Fight Factory, Waipahu) vs. Kai "Boy"
Kamaka III (808 Fight Factory, Waipahu)
Super
Brawl Hawaii State Flyweight (145lbs) Championships
Jim Kikuchi (808 Fight Factory, Waipahu) def. Justin Mercado
(Grappling Unlimited, Honolulu)
Majority decision [(29-29), (30-27), (30-27)] after 3 rounds.
*Jim Kikuchi becomes the Super Brawl Hawaii State Flyweight Championships
Super
Brawl North American Lightweight (155lbs) Championships
Kultar Gill (Gibson Pankration, Canada) def. Harris Sarmiento
(808 Fight Factory, Waipahu)
Submission via rear naked choke at 2:45 minutes in Round 3.
*Kultar Gill becomes the Super Brawl North American Lightweight
Championship.
Super
Brawl World Middleweight (185lbs) Championships
Falaniko Vitale (808 Fight Factory, Waipahu) def. Masanori Suda
(Club J, Japan)
KO via "Running Man" punch at 4:09 minutes in Round
1.
*Niko Vitale becomes new Super Brawl World Middleweight Champion.
|
THE
ULTIMATE FIGHTER FINALS
Cox Pavilion, Thomas and Mack Center, Las Vegas, NV
April 9, 2005
Non-televised preliminary bouts:
Alex
Karalexis def. Josh Rafferty by TKO via referee stoppage due
to strikes at 1:40 minutes in RD 1.
Mike Swick def. Alex Schoenauer by KO at 20 seconds in RD 1.
Nate Quarry def. Lodune Sincaid by TKO via referee stoppage at
3:17 minutes in RD 1.
Josh Koscheck def. Chris Sanford by KO at 4:21 minutes in RD
1.
Chris Leben def. Jason Thacker by TKO via referee stoppage due
to strikes at 1:35 minutes in RD 1.
Sam Hoger def. Bobby Southworth by Unanimous decision after 3
rounds.
Televised bouts:
Middlweight Final:
Diego Sanchez def. Kenny Florian by TKO via referee stoppage
due to strikes at 2:49 min in Round 1.
Light
Heavyweight Final:
Forrest Griffin def. Stephan Bonnar by unanimous decision [(29-28),
(29-28), (29-28)] after 3 rounds.
Main Event:
Rich Franklin def. Ken Shamrock by TKO via referee stoppage due
to strikes at 2:42 min in Round 1.
|
Niko
Vitale On Midweek The Weekend
For those of you that didn't catch it on Thursday, MMA in Hawaii
has never received this kind of public acceptance and attention.
First the great article in the Star Bulletin and now this. 808
Fight Factory's Falaniko Vitale, who headlined last night's Super
Brawl card was on the cover of Midweek The Weekend where they
featured a three page story on him. The sport is growing, the
hard core fans, like our readers have known it and hopefully
with shows like The Ultimate Fighter on Spike airing a live UFC
event and incredibly good and entertaining, top notch television
shows like Fighters' Club TV.
Now come on, you didn't think that we were going to get away
without a shameless plug right?
Source: Fight Sport
|
Next
Weekend!
WARRIORS QUEST
"RESURRECTION"
McKinnely High School Gym, Honolulu, Hawaii
Saturday, April 16, 2005
One of Hawaii's Premiere Mixed Martial Arts event is BACK, mark
your calender as history will once again take place. Hawaii's
Baddest MMA and Kickboxing fighters will meet to square off in
one RING. WARRIORS QUEST has a reputation on bring exciting fights
and we promise to keep you entertained!!
Don't miss April 16, 2005 "RESURRECTION"
Source: Event Promoter
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Griffin
and Bonnar Steal Spotlight, Sanchez Claims TUF Crown and Franklin
Downs Shamrock
by Josh Gross
LAS VEGAS, April 9 — What Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar
did tonight — when two men stand toe-to-toe, throwing punches
and kicks and knees, trying to decapitate the other; when what
happens in the ring trumps anything outside it; when two men
lift a crowd to its feet in anticipation of something great …
and then have that faith fulfilled — this is the way it’s
supposed to be.
Some
call it barbaric. I call it beautiful.
In
the best mixed martial arts fight in recent memory, Griffin and
Bonnar, competing in the finals of the inaugural “Ultimate
Fighter” reality show, each eying a UFC contract, fought
with the pace and speed of lightweights in front of a packed
Cox Pavilion on the UNLV campus.
For
the novices, the MMA neophytes who were introduced to the sport
through Spike TV’s “The Ultimate Fighter,” they
should now understand what these brave men are about. Even if
they never watch another fight again, they’ll think of this
one at some point in their lives and a chill of the spine or
a smile will result.
After
Griffin (10-2-0) was named the winner following a brutal 15 minutes,
everyone stood and cheered. Had it been Bonnar (9-2-0) —
and without much argument it could have been — they would
have done the same.
The
first round, I wrote in my notes, was the best of the card, possibly
the year. The second was “incredible, as good as the first.”
And though physically it seemed impossible for the final period
to live up to the other two, Griffin and Bonnar shared several
moments, enough to have the crowd on its feet the entire last
minute.
“It
was a great fight,” Griffin said. “Thanks Stephan.”
The
early pace was frenetic. No punch went unanswered. If the two
clinched, knees followed. “I worked on my footwork a lot,
my feints,” Bonnar said. “And sure enough after a few
minutes I bagged all that and were just swinging.”
“I
didn’t expect this,” Griffin said. “I thought
he would shoot and take me down but he’s a Golden Glove
boxer. He stayed up. That’s what he wanted to do so I did
it too.”
Though
they spent large portions of the fight on the feet, there was
skillful groundwork in spots. The only thing that could separate
them was the bell, and it came while Griffin seemed ready to
apply an armbar.
Before
the fight, Griffin talked about his love of fighting bloody.
Bonnar made that happen, popping the 26 year old in the face
in the second round, causing a stream of crimson to run from
the bridge of his nose.
“A
couple of times I caught him I was ‘oh, this is it. He’s
going. I’m going to finish him,’” Bonnar said.
“But the tough son of a bitch wouldn’t drop!”
After
a timeout to have the cut checked, the two were back at it.
“I
love a fight like that,” Griffin said. “I like to swing
for the fences and see what happens.”
The
fighters’ energy was met by the crowd’s, which stomped
the arena floor in unison when it wasn’t standing and cheering.
As
the fight headed into the final period, UFC co-owner Lorenzo
Fertitta carried a huge smile on his bearded face. It’s
believed that millions of people tonight watched Diego Sanchez’s
middleweight TUF victory, Bonnar and Griffin’s war and the
arrival of Rich Franklin.
Long
gone are memories of Zuffa’s biggest failure, UFC 33 —
their first foray into Las Vegas that fell flat in the face of
expectations. Jens Pulver and Dennis Hallman, you are forgiven.
Tito Ortiz and Vladdy Matyushenko, you too.
Goodbye
ghosts of UFC 33. You’ve been exorcised.
From
the day he entered the fighter’s house to tonight’s
season finale, there was never a doubt in Diego Sanchez knew
he would be the Ultimate Fighter. Two-minutes forty-nine seconds
after the opening bell, there was no longer a need for conjecture.
Sanchez
(15-0-0) stopped Kenny Florian (4-2-0), an upstart from Boston
who made the finals on the strength of his razor-sharp elbows,
to win the middleweight bracket of The Ultimate Fighter.
As
he’d done during the course of the 12-week show, Sanchez
imposed his will, refusing to move backwards when what he wanted
was right there in front of him.
Despite
being out-sized and out-gunned, 28-year-old Florian was hardly
out-hearted. But against Sanchez, a man resolute by the belief
that destiny brought him to this place on this night, he had
few options.
The
bout opened slowly, neither man willing to commit to the other.
Appearing at times to request that the 23-year-old Albuquerque,
New Mexico-native come to him, Florian circled while Sanchez
stood his ground in the center of the Octagon.
Soon,
Sanchez had Florian on his back, swarming the smallish middleweight
with punches. Florian tried to move his hips and create space,
but Sanchez’ non-stop aggression was too much.
From
the mount position, Sanchez pounded away, opening a sizeable
gash on the bridge of Florian’s nose. It was more of the
same until referee Steve Mazzagatti jumped in to prevent further
damage.
“My
coach (Greg Jackson) really got me mentally strong for this fight,”
Sanchez said. “I felt it was my destiny to win. I know I
caught him with one really good shot and broke his nose. Whether
I fight at 170 or 185, this is my life.”
And
in the end that was the real difference. Fighting is everything
to Sanchez. He pours his heart and soul into every fight-related
thing he does. Now, as the winner of the middleweight side of
the TUF bracket, he’s firmly entrenched in the UFC for the
next three years.
The
night’s main event was really an afterthought. Yes, it featured
one of the legends of the UFC against an up and comer who seemed
ready for the next step. But after the Bonnar-Griffin contest,
Ken Shamrock’s bout with Rich Franklin hardly had the same
appeal.
Franklin
dominated the action with his speed and striking until the referee
had to save Shamrock, 41, from further punishment, losing for
the second time in two fights at 205 pounds.
Shamrock’s
only moment of the fight, which lasted 2:44, came during an exchange
of leg locks. For a moment if appeared like he had Franklin in
some jeopardy, but the 30 year old from Cincinnati, Ohio remained
calm.
Following
a slip off a high kick, Franklin pounced on a downed Shamrock,
peppering him with several heavy shots from the half guard. Referee
John McCarthy gave Shamrock as much rope as he could, but simply
covering and absorbing blows wasn’t the “intelligent
defense” he requires of fighters.
“It
was an honor to fight [Shamrock],” Franklin said afterwards.
In
effect, the showcase in front of millions of fans was a coming
out party for Franklin, who’s heading back to 185 pounds
and a fight with middleweight champion Evan Tanner.
Source:
Sherdog
|
Quote
of the Day
"You will either step forward into growth or you will step
back into safety."
Abraham Maslow
|
Three
Championship Fights, Two New Champs Will Be Crowned!
Tonight!
There are some rumors that Niko Vitale is not coming into
the fight at 100%. These types of rumors always come up and add
to the anticipation of the fight. Inside word is that Niko and
Suda are coming into the fight at 100%. To add to the fanfare,
Niko Vitale's near invincibility in Hawaii is well documented.
He has not lost a match in Hawaii since 2001, and he has only
lost three times in his MMA career.
Super Brawl XXXIX: Destiny
Blaisdell Arena, Honolulu, Hawaii
April 9, 2005
Three
Title Belts on the Line; Thirteen Exciting Bouts in the Biggest
Event Ever.
Honolulu,
HI. March 31, 2005 - On April 9, 2005 at Honolulu's Blaisdell
Arena, Hawaii's premier M.M.A. (mixed martial arts) event series,
Super Brawl, will put on the largest event in its nine year history.
In the main event, Egan Inoue's former student, Falaniko Vitale,
looks to step from shadow of his one-time instructor as he fights
current champion Masanori Suda for possession of the 185-lb (Middleweight)
Super Brawl World Title Belt. Suda earned the 185-lb Super Brawl
Title Belt with his dominant victory over Inoue at the highly
publicized and sold-out Super Brawl XXIX on May 9, 2003. With
a win over Suda in Super Brawl XXXIX, Vitale will fulfill his
destiny of becoming Super Brawl's top fighter. The win will also
establish his position among the elite 185-lb fighters in the
world.
Super
Brawl XXXIX will also feature two other exciting title matches.
Although close friends outside the ring, Kolo Koka of Kaneohe's
Mixed Martial Arts Development academy (M.M.A.D.) will match
Harris Sarmiento of Waipahu's 808 Fight Factory for the 155-lb
(Lightweight) Super Brawl North American Title. Koka and Sarmiento
have clearly established themselves as the top two 155-lb fighters
in Hawaii. They will put friendship aside for three rounds when
they compete for the 155-lb Title at Super Brawl XXXIX: Destiny.
In the other title match, Grappling Unlimited's Justin Mercado,
a former Golden Gloves boxer who also successfully competes in
Super Brawl, will compete against 808 Fight Factory's Jim Kikuchi
for the 145-lb (Featherweight) Super Brawl Hawaii State Championship.
Keiki
Exhibition MMA: Triston Prebia (Waipahu) vs. Tristan Kamaka (808
Fight Factory, Waipahu)
170-lb
Kickboxing: Bryson Kamaka (808 Fight Factory, Waipahu) vs. Allan
Ulip (Animal House, Ewa)
135-lb
Kickboxing: John Low (Honolulu) vs. Tony Rodriguez (Team Big
Dogs, Ewa)
135-lb
Kickboxing: Tyson Nam (Honolulu) vs. Jumar Dumalao (808 Fight
Factory, Waipahu)
205-lb
MMA: Tama Satele (Waipahu) vs. Rob Chong (Kaneohe)
205-lb
MMA: Kala Kolohe Hose (Waianae) vs. Reese Andy (Washington)
135-lb
MMA: Harvey Nakamura (Grappling Unlimited, Honolulu) vs. Mark
Oshiro (Bull's Pen, Honolulu)
135-lb
MMA: Albert Manners (Puna Boyz, Puna) vs. Ryan Lee (Bull's Pen,
Honolulu)
170-lb
MMA: Malik Williams (Puna Boyz, Puna) vs. K.J. Noons (City Boxing,
Washington)
170-lb
MMA: Mark Moreno (Bull's Pen, Honolulu) vs. Kevin Barber (Alaska)
155lbs
Super Brawl North American Title
Kultar Gill (Gibson Pankration, Canada) vs. Harris Sarmiento
(808 Fight Factory, Waipahu)
145lbs
Super Brawl Hawaii State Championship Title
Justin Mercado (Grappling Unlimited, Honolulu) vs. Jim Kikuchi
(808 Fight Factory, Waipahu)
185lbs
Super Brawl World Title
Masanori Suda (Club J, Japan) vs. Falaniko Vitale (808 Fight
Factory, Waipahu)
|
Fights
On Pay Per View In Hawaii
April 9, Sat
Ultimate Fighter Final Episode at 5:30 pm Hawaii time on channel
559 Spike
3:00 pm for the middleweight semi final replay
April 16, Sat
11:30-1:30 HST K-1 Dynamite with Royce vs Akebono
2:30-3:30 HST King of the Cage: Fists of Fury on channel 701
4:00 pm HST UFC 52 starts at 4:00 pm on channel 701
|
SILVA
TALKS ABOUT THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER
With the reality show season finale coming up live on tomorrow
night on Spike TV and the UFC 52 card set for a week later on
April 16th, Joe Silva has been a busy man.
The
UFC matchmaker had mixed emotions about doing a reality show
on Spike TV. He recently spoke with MMAWeekly about "The
Ultimate Fighter," the possibility of a season two, and
the season finale featuring the two bouts for the UFC contracts
and a main event between Ken Shamrock and Rich Franklin.
"I
told people for years the only chance the sport has to grow is
to get on TV.....but it was also scary when you've got TV because
it could also be the nail in the coffin. If you do a TV show
and it flops terribly, does that mean it's not viable? Does it
convince people it's not, and then it's over, so I'm thrilled
to see how well that it's done, and it's doing great." Silva
told MMAWeekly.
Further
commenting, Joe said, "It's very hard when you do reality
TV. You could have it where all the fights suck. If you get a
bunch of guys who clam up on TV. We've had that happen to the
regular show. People who were hilarious talking on the phone,
but you put a camera in front of them and they're like duh, duh,
duh. You know? Sometimes it's the people who seem quiet to you
actually are really good personality wise on TV, so until you
do it, you don't know. You do need a certain amount of luck."
Joe
was questioned about the way the fighters have conducted themselves
on television, and how they've represented the sport of Mixed
Martial Arts. Joe replied, "I think I know what you're talking
about. I mean you always get the criticism of people going oh
you're showing ultimate fighters as a bunch of drunken retards,
or whatever. What people are missing is these guys aren't ultimate
fighters. They're trying to be that.
The
ultimate fighters on the show are Randy Couture and Chuck Liddell,
and they act like professionals and carry themselves with dignity.
These are young guys trying to get to their level, and they're
going to make mistakes. They're going to have problems, and it's
about them trying to grow up and get to that level."
Silva
addressed a possible second season of "The Ultimate Fighter."
He said, "I would think there would be, but nothing is done
as far as I know. We'll just have to see. Depends on what kind
of deal they can cut, and if it makes sense to all sides. I think
it's a very cool thing. I really like the way that it's turned
out. I'd like to see a second season."
Source:
MMA Weekly
|
Master
Oswaldo Fadda dies at age 84
It was buried last Sunday, April 3, legendary Jiu-Jitsu Master
Oswaldo Fadda. At age 84, he suffered from Alzheimer's disease
and he didn't resist to bacteria pneumonia and passed away last
Friday, April 1. Living in Bento Ribeiro, Rio de Janeiro's suburbs,
Fadda learned Jiu-Jitsu with França Filho, who with Carlos
Gracie, was pupil of Conde Koma, the man who brought Jiu-Jitsu
to Brazil.
Oswaldo
Fadda commanded a legion of students in Rio de Janeiro and also
proposed a public challenge to Hélio Gracie's academy,
in early 50's. He wanted to prove Jiu-Jitsu was not a privilege
of a family. The challenge was held at Gracie academy and one
of Fadda's pupil, José Guimarães, "put to
sleep" Leônidas, a fighter from Gracie academy. His
pupils surprised Hélio's ones with feet-locks. So comes
from there the expression about the fight technique: "Suburban
move". By that time, Master Hélio also complimented
Fadda's pupils performances on the mat: "It's needed to
exist a Fadda to show Jiu-Jitsu does not belong just to Gracie",
Hélio said in interview to Revista do Esporte, a sport
publication, in January of 1955.
According
to his grand-daughter, Camille Fadda, besides all sadness into
Fadda's family, Master's burial was fulfilled of honor tributes.
"I am still emotional, but I was so happy to see many of
his students at the cemetery, doing their tribute and saying
so long to Fadda," Camille stated.
Source:
Tatame
|
FIGHTER
PROFILE: KEN SHAMROCK
There are
a select few athletes whose names are synonymous with their sport
so much though that they are inseparable of each other. Boxing
has Muhammad Ali, basketball has Michael Jordan, hockey has Wayne
Gretzky, and MMA has Ken Shamrock. Sure over the last few years
Shamrock has appeared more in a wrestling ring than he has an
MMA ring/cage, but there is no mistake, when the general public
hears the term “MMA” more often than not the first
name out of their mouths is Shamrock’s.
Few
fighters in our sport have had the longevity that Shamrock has.
He competed in what is widely considered the first two MMA organizations,
making his debut at the very first Pancrase show in 1993, Shamrock
was an instant crowd favorite with his massive sculptured physique
and intense attitude. Then when an upstart organization named
the UFC came into being wanting the most diverse set of fighters
ever assembled for an event they called upon Shamrock to bring
his “shoot fighting” style into the octagon. It was
there that long before he became known as “The World’s
Most Dangerous Man” that the true legend of Ken Shamrock
began.
In
his first fight in the UFC Shamrock quickly displayed the Pancrase
style leglocks that he would become known for, eliminating Pat
Smith before facing the UFC’s other biggest legend Royce
Gracie in the next round of the tournament format. In what would
become the signature match-up of the early days of MMA, Gracie
managed to outmaneuver the larger Shamrock defeating Ken on Royce’s
way to the first of three tournament titles in the UFC. With
the loss however Shamrock’s stock skyrocketed, instantly
becoming a marketing centerpiece for the UFC along with Gracie
leading to their highly anticipated rematch at UFC 5.
After
spending time in Pancrase dispatching the likes of fellow MMA
legends Maurice Smith, Masakatsu Funaki and Bas Rutten, Shamrock
returned in a superfight against Gracie, a first of its kind
for the fledgling UFC. After over 30 minutes of grueling battle
it became clear that Shamrock had learned from their initial
bout, fighting Gracie to a draw. The legends would never again
face each other but Shamrock would continue to match up against
fighters that would become legends themselves. Shamrock would
capture the UFC Superfight Championship defeating tournament
champion Dan Severn in their first bout at UFC 6, he would then
go on to defend the title drawing against Oleg Taktarov and defeating
Kimo before losing the title to Severn at UFC 9. After defeating
Brian Johnson in his next UFC appearance it would be the last
time that Shamrock would step into the octagon for nearly five
years.
After
spending much of the next four years pro wrestling for the likes
of Antonio Inoki’s New Japan Pro Wrestling and the then
World Wrestling Federation (where he earned his dubious nickname),
Shamrock decided it was time to return to the sport that made
him initially famous. However this time he would not be fighting
for his familiar haunts of the UFC and Pancrase, instead he would
be making his return to the fastest growing MMA company of the
time, Pride Fighting Championships.
In
his return bout Shamrock knocked out fellow former pro wrestler
Alexander Otsuka at Pride’s final round show of their first
ever Grand Prix, it became the first time Shamrock had ever knocked
out an opponent in his career. Then upon his second bout it seemed
as if Shamrock was well on his way to collecting a second straight
KO victory as he faced “Japanese Iron Head” Kazuyuki
Fujita at Pride 10. Having staggered Fujita with a series of
punches, knocking out Fujita’s mouthpiece in the process,
Shamrock had Fujita down on the canvas, but alas due to Shamrock’s
biggest weakness, a lack of conditioning, he could not continue
due exhaustion.
Shamrock
would next snap up a quick victory in his next fight out of Pride
before returning to face fellow former UFC legend Don Frye at
Pride 19. In what was billed as “Bad Blood” due to
the intensity level of the participants, the two battled it out
to a split decision in favor of Frye who managed to drop Shamrock
during an exchange but found himself amidst a painful signature
Shamrock heel hook as the fight ended. After taking time off
to recover from the battle against Frye, Shamrock would return
to the famed octagon once again to face yet another personal
challenge.
In
late 2002 Shamrock’s popularity with fans was further cemented
when he faced off against reigning UFC badboy Tito Ortiz for
the Light-heavyweight Championship at UFC 40. Up until that point
the Zuffa era of the UFC had difficulty matching the success
of early UFCs in which Shamrock competed under old ownership.
With Shamrock’s return the PPV buy rates soared to a then
high for Zuffa, showing that Ken was indeed still a viable commodity
with the company. Unfortunately his in-cage performance could
not match the show’s financial performance as it seemed
years of nagging injuries finally caught up with Shamrock as
he was dominated by Ortiz over three rounds culminating with
Shamrock’s inability to come out for a fourth. It appeared
that Shamrock may have finally succumb to the effects of age
and decline, but again as he had shown in his comeback in 2000,
there was more excellence remaining in the old lion yet.
In
2003 Ken was slated to face UFC veteran Ian Freeman in a heavyweight
battle at UFC 43 but was unable to compete due to injury, after
spending much of the year rehabbing, Shamrock was ready to return
in 2004 against old foe Kimo at UFC 48. Against Kimo it was clear
that Shamrock was healthier than he had been in years, he appeared
quicker, sharper, and all around more comfortable with his surroundings
as he dispatched his old foe in just over a minute with an unconventional
Shamrock weapon, the Thai knee. After further injury rehab and
contract issues, a proposed rematch with Ortiz fell by the wayside,
but now in 2005, the Lion’s Den leader returns to prove
to the world he’s still as dangerous as he ever was.
At
the upcoming The Ultimate Fighter television show finals, Shamrock
will be facing a young star on the cusp of becoming the next
big thing for the UFC, Rich Franklin. Over the last few years
Franklin has continued to become more and more impressive (minus
his “speed bump” in Japan in late 2003), a fact which
will not be lost on the veteran Shamrock. Ken himself has shown
that early knocks on his training style, constantly working with
the same people, was only temporary as he’s branched out
over the last few years to grow with the sport that has left
so many of Ken’s contemporaries behind. It is this diversification
that could be the key to outlasting the younger and presumably
hungrier Franklin who continues to edge closer to a title shot.
To
defeat Franklin, Shamrock must overcome his conditioning issues,
as Franklin has shown, he can go a full hard 3 rounds and still
have enough in reserve to finish a fight. Shamrock must not allow
Rich to outlast him and use a weary Shamrock’s pride against
him as Ken has never been one to back down and conserve himself
even in the face of adversity. If Ken can keep his cool and work
smartly out of trouble, his experience may just overcome Franklin
who at times himself has left openings but up until now has not
faced many fighters who could exploit his weaknesses.
More
is at stake in this fight than just mainstream television exposure,
the winner could easily see themselves facing the winner of the
upcoming UFC Light-heavyweight Championship fight at UFC 52.
With the division currently going through an overhaul in talent,
anyone with an established base in the division can quickly make
a case for themselves if they perform well. For Shamrock this
could mean a chance to do something none of the former 1st generation
MMA stars have done, put a championship shine on the twilight
of a career that has already made him a legend and further it
just a little bit longer. A loss and we could be seeing the beginning
of the end of one of the most storied careers in the sport, but
if Shamrock has anything to say about it, if he goes out, he’ll
go out fighting, just as he always has.
Source:
MMA Weekly
|
FIGHTER
PROFILE: RICH FRANKLIN
He only
has one loss in his career and he has the talent to be a top
10 fighter in two weight divisions. The latest installment of
Rich Franklin, the fighter at 205 pounds will return to his "old"
weight class on the biggest stage he has ever been in, in his
fight career.
Franklin
is one of the more exciting fighters in MMA. He has NEVER gone
to a decision in his entire career. The one knock against him
though is the fact that he hasn't fought in front of millions
of people on Spike TV and has never been a main event fighter
on any card, let alone the biggest card in UFC history on free
television. Shamrock has had the type of experience in both MMA
and the WWE.
Rich
Franklin has never lost in the famed UFC Octagon. He took out
Jorge Rivera in a true "War of 04" at UFC 50. He made
short work of Edwin Dewees at UFC 44, and Franklin is one of
two fighters that has finished Evan Tanner.
Franklin
who is 16-1 in MMA has finally focused on being a "full
time" fighter and now that he has eight fights left on his
current UFC deal, he has the ability to fight at either 205 or
185 which is good in terms of future fights for the UFC.
When
you break down his upcoming fight with Ken Shamrock, the major
advantage he has over Shamrock is his striking ability. He has
the ability to get the legend out of there if the fight stays
on his feet.
Franklin
is the superior striker and probably has even better jiu-jitsu
skills then Shamrock. The other advantage Franklin has over Shamrock
is cardio at this stage of his career.
The
one thing that concerns both Franklin and his camp, is the weight
disadvantage he will have in this fight. Yes Franklin on Wednesday
in Las Vegas weighed 215. But he has been an accordion in weight
cutting and weight gaining flip-flopping from 185 to 205 pounds
for the past two years. Will that have an affect on him? MMAWeekly
Radio host Frank Trigg said it could, especially his cardio.
(Trigg will go into more detail today on MMAWeekly Radio).
Bottom
line. Rich Franklin is the younger fighter, he is at this time
in the prime of his career, and has more weapons that the old
veteran, the 40 year old Ken Shamrock. Does he have the nerves
and emotions to deal with his first main event in front of millions
of people? We find out tomorrow night on national TV.
Source:
MMA Weekly
|
Sanford
is Ready
Tomorrow Chris Sanford fights Josh Koscheck. However in Chris'
mind it will not be Koscheck that he will be fighting, but instead
a stereotype super-imposed on him by the show. Randy Couture
opted to have Leben return despite the fact that Leben had already
had his chance in the cage and lost. The logical matchup would
be for Sanford to fight Jason Thacker since neither man were
given a chance to fight on the show. Suprise, suprise, Thacker
will be fighting Leben. (can't risk 3 losses in a row for Leben).
Sanford is a formidable striker so "let's give him the wrestler".
Coincidence? You be the judge. Sanford is used to having the
cards stacked against him and still coming out on top. Everything
looks setup nicely, but Sanford might be more than a stereotype.
Source:
Gracie Fighter
|
INTERVIEW
WITH DUANE “BANG” LUDWIG
Q: What do you know about your opponent for ROF 16?
A: What I know about Sam Morgan is that his ground skills are
really good and from what tape I have seen of him, he always
comes to fight.
Q:
How long have you been training for this fight?
A: With this fight being my MMA return, I started training earlier
than usual so for this particular bout, I've been training for
a few months now.
Q:
What game plan do you have?
A: Right now, there is no real game plan but I can tell you this,
I will no longer be considered just a striker. My MMA skills
as a whole have evolved.
Q:
What was the number one factor that made you decide to become
a fighter?
A: The #1 factor that made me a fighter is the way God drew up
my wiring diagram in his workshop up in Heaven because I have
always wanted to be a fighter, I grew up fighting.
Q:
Who has been your toughest or most memorable fight?
A: Good question, I have had a lot of wars, especially with Genki
Sudo in the UFC. That was a very tough fight, but so was my fight
with Ole Laursen in the K-1 MAX North American Qualifier. So
there is no single toughest fight, but my most memorable fight
was against Jens Pulver because there was so much behind it all.
That was my first world title victory and just the way it went
down. It was a really good time up in Canada, I had BAS there,
my manager Sven Bean, my buddy Christian, my boxing coach Trevor
and a lot of friends from California were up there too. It was
just a crazy night for us all.
Q:
What are your goals in the sport?
A: My goals have changed in the last year because I have already
won 2 world titles in 2 different sports, so I tried to find
a new motivation for fighting after that.† First, I just
wanted to make money, but that wasn't much of a motivator for
me.† I went through a little soul searching at one point
and realized what mattered most to me and that was my own happiness.†
I'm happy that I get up early and train before work, work 8 hours
as an electrician so I am securing my future, then train again
at night. That is what makes me feel good inside. I love working
and training. Then the actual fighting is the bonus on top of
it all, I get to put my skills to the test, save a little money
and feel like I'm the man for a night.
Q:
Who is your favorite fighter of all time?
A: My favorite fighter of all time in BAS RUTTEN.
Q:
If you could fight anyone, who would it be and why?
A: I'd really like to kick the S**T out of Manny Reyes, but he
won't take the fight. He was offered the fight 2 times now and
both times he said no. Looks like he is all talk. One thing for
sure though, I'll see him one day.
Q:
What are your hobbies?
A: Everyone knows what hobbies BANG has, "do you like how
I referred to myself in the 3rd person?" training and spending
time with my wife.
Q:
What is in your CD/MP3 player right now?
A: Right now I have the Rocky Sound Track in my truck's CD player.
Q:
What is one thing that would surprise ROF fans to learn about
you?
A: Surprising fact about BANG? Probably that I am really nice
and very easy to get along with, but I joke around a lot so people
take it wrong at times and think that I am being a dick, but
I'm not.
Q:
UFO's... fact or fiction?
A: UFO's? Fiction man. That would be some cool shit though. Fighting
out of the 7th Galaxy, Representing the Alien's Lair, Coagular
"THE MORTAL EATER" Mutopar.
Q:
Who wins in this MMA match: BIGFOOT or The Abominable SNOW MAN?
A: Bigfoot bro, the Snow would pull a hamstring trying to warm
up.
Q:
Any one you would like to thank?
A: SOME THANKS TO MY LOCAL SPONSORS, EAS SPORTS SUPPLEMENTS,
TODD CADWELL AT HEALTH WITHIN FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC, BROTHER'S
BBQ, PROFILE AUTOBODY, XS ENERGY DRINK, GLCDIRECT.COM, SPRAWL
FIGHT SHORTS, KTFO.TV, REAL FIGHT GEAR, BASRUTTEN.TV, NHBFIGHTS.COM,
DUANEBANGLUDWIG.COM, SVEN BEAN AND JESUS.
Source:
MMA Weekly
|
ROYLER
SPEAKS
Australian
journalist Adam Orlowski recently interviewed Royler Gracie while
Gracie was in Australia. Here's what Royler had to say:
AO:
Welcome to Adelaide Royler.
Royler:
Thank you.
AO:
Can you start by giving us a bit of your competitive history?
Royler:
Sure thing Adam. Well, I have been competing in BJJ tournaments
since I was 6 years old, but I never took BJJ seriously until
I was about 17. I never believed I would become a good fighter,
because I was so skinny, weak and scrawny. It took me a very
long time before I realized I could become good at BJJ. I used
to go to the gym with my brothers and fathers and just play football
(soccer) all day long, while they all wrestled on the mats. I
thought they were crazy. But, one day I realized I could tap
out all my brothers and not even try that hard. It gave me a
lot of confidence and I just started training more and more,
until I became a world champion.
AO:
How about the Vale Tudo part?
Royler:
Well, I started competing in Vale Tudo fights in the mid-90's,
to test myself as a fighter. I felt that I had accomplished all
I could as a BJJ fighter and submission wrestler, so with the
help of my brothers, I started to train for Vale Tudo. I was
offered a big amount of money to fight in Japan and since I could
not attract sponsorship in Brazil for my BJJ fighting, I decided
to take up Vale Tudo, full time as a fighter. You know how it
is, you have a wife and kids to feed, so you go where the money
is. Since then, I have been fighting and teaching full time.
AO:
Did you give up competing in BJJ, when you started fighting MMA?
Royler:
No, I competed for a few more years still, just not as often.
I just got too old to be the best in the world at BJJ, and I
needed new challenges in my life, by 1999.
AO:
So you stopped competing in BJJ, in 1999?
Royler:
Yes and no. You see, I stopped competing in the Mundials, but
started competing in the Abu Dhabi Submission Championships instead.
AO:
How long have you been competing in BJJ for?
Royler:
I competed from the ages of 6 years to 33 years. I'm 39 years
old now, so I guess in total, going by my brother Royce's calculations,
I've been doing BJJ for 40 years, hahahaha.
AO:
Do you prefer fighting in MMA or BJJ more?
Royler:
Definitely BJJ. It's where my heart lies, and it's what my life
is all about. BJJ has given me everything I have today, MMA is
just an athletic pursuit that pays me a lot of money now.
AO:
What was your career highlight?
Royler:
Winning my first BJJ world championship. I was so proud, I couldn't
even talk after I won. I was not just proud for myself either,
I was proud for my father, my family, my training partners and
all my supporters. I will never forget that moment.
AO:
What's the worst decision you made in your career?
Royler:
Hahaha, well, that's very, very, very easy. It was last year.
I was surfing in the Maldives (Small group of tropical islands,
of the southwest coast of India) with some friends of mine and
I got a call from a K-1 representative asking me if I'd like
to fight in a few weeks time, because they were looking for a
new opponent for Genki Sudo. I wasn't interested in fighting
MMA for them, so I said no. He said what would it cost to get
me to fight? I told him an insane amount of money and he laughed
and hung up the phone. I told everyone about this and they all
laughed their ass off at the amount I just asked for. Anyway,
20 minutes later, the guy called me back and said "No Problems",
I told the man that there was no way possible, that I'd accept
the fight on that short notice. He then offered even more money
again. Shit man, there's no way I could refuse that!!!
The
reason why this was so stupid though, is because I didn't prepare
well, I didn't take Genki seriously and I didn't take myself
seriously. I made a bad effort in preparing for that fight and
I was simply sucked in to taking a fight, that there was no way
of winning. I cheated myself in accepting that fight. I am very
regretful for that. My father taught me better than that and
I suffered the consequences of that poor decision, by being knocked
out. I was very lucky that the referee stopped Genki in that
fight, because he could have given me brain damage if he kept
on smashing my head in, like that, hahahahahaha. I believe you
should never fight Vale Tudo/MMA without being paid well, but
you should also never accept a fight without being well prepared.
Especially when fighting very good opponents.
AO:
What's your advice to those thinking of fighting MMA for the
first time?
Royler:
Some things to consider:
*
Don't go in to Vale Tudo fights unless you have prepared by training
for at least 9 months, for 5 days or more per week.
*
Don't do it if you are trying to prove that you're a tough guy.
Just doing MMA training makes you a braver man that 99% of the
rest.
*
Make sure you have a good trainer, who has your interests at
heart, not just the image of your club/team/your trainer's ego.
*
Don't be fooled that you won't get hurt, Vale Tudo contests often
end with broken hands, jaws, arms and legs. This is a very tough
sport and has a history of promoters not willing to take care
of fighter medical costs/injuries.
*
Only about 20 fighters in the entire world get paid very well.
Most professional fighters get paid about the same per year as
a call centre worker. If you want to make lots of money, become
a boxer, lawyer, or make pornography.
*
If you can, try some amateur MMA or Pancrase fights first. There
is no point in jumping in at the deep end if you don't have to.
Fighting with pads, in an event where there's about 10 people
watching, is invaluable experience, as you can learn to get rid
of those first time nerves, while being in a relatively safe
area.
AO:
Were you made to compete in BJJ as a kid?
Royler:
No, my father never cared if I competed or not. He hoped I became
good at football (soccer), but insisted I do some sort of sport,
for my health and fitness. There was never any pressure as a
child to even do BJJ, I just joined in because it was fun to
jump around on the mats.
AO:
What were the family expectations of you, from competitions when
you were younger?
Royler:
When I was 10, my father said to me that he'd give me $20.00
if I won my tournament and $40.00 if I lost my first fight. I
didn't understand this at the time, but later on in life, I realized
that losing is just as valuable as winning, because you learn
something new from every challenge you face in life.
AO:
What Age Were You When You Received Your Black Belt?
Royler:
I was 18 years old.
AO:
Why not when you were any younger?
Royler:
Because we don't give Black Belts to those under 18. They have
a different belt and grading system for youth and children. We
don't believe a child should ever receive a black belt, as it
gives that child a false sense of security in defending themselves
in a real life dangerous situation. Children should be taught
that no matter how good they are as a competitor, they should
not try to fight an adult. I find that seeing an 8-year old with
a black belt in a Karate or Ninjitsu dojo is very sad. Because
they are really setting that child up to be grossly disappointed
when faced with an actual dangerous situation, or fight on the
street, because they will be horribly hurt by any attacker. I
believe we all have a responsibility as adults and educators,
to teach our children better than that.
AO:
What's in your near future?
Royler:
I will be fighting in the next Abu Dhabi and I will fight 2 or
3 more Vale Tudo fights in the next year or two. After that,
I will retire. I'm getting too old for all this now and it's
soon going to be time, to hand over the knowledge and opportunity
for all my young fighters to take advantage of.
AO:
What do you plan to do with your time, once you've retired from
fighting?
Royler:
I will continue to teach children at my academy in Brazil, as
well as privately train fighters each morning. I will also travel
a bit more, doing seminars, and attempt to keep spreading Gracie
Jiu-Jitsu around the world. I would like to help many of my students
go on to become champions now, in both Vale Tudo fighting and
BJJ.
AO:
How do you deal with students who go too hard in training?
Royler:
I don't really have that problem, as I reinforce the fact that
training must always be fun, about the technical, the basic elements,
and relaxed nature of BJJ. I believe if you always start lessons
off by telling the students to not go hard, just concentrate
on the technique, you will avoid having this problem. Trainers
who allow their students to go too hard, will face the difficulties
of lower attendance, as getting injuries stops people from training,
or being in the mind-set of regularly coming to training, unless
feeling 100% fit. My students only ever go hard when training
for a tournament, even then though, they don't go that hard.
BJJ is about being aware and thinking two steps ahead of where
you are. Rushing and using all your power to throw your opponent
around won't lead you to becoming good at what you do, learning
to set up your opponent will.
AO:
Why do Brazilian fighters always thank Jesus so much, after winning?
Royler:
Because you must always pay homage to Rickson... hahahahaha,
just kidding. It's because many people are religious in Brazil.
AO:
Outside of BJJ and Vale Tudo, what are your major passions?
Royler:
My family and surfing. Sometimes I honestly question in what
order those are, too. Hahahahahaha.
AO:
What defines a truly "great" fighter?
Royler:
Far more than what he does in the ring. A truly "great"
fighter should be able to teach to others everything that he
learns. He should give his time to give advice to children, and
he should represent himself and his trainers with respect. Anyone
can be good at throwing a punch, but it takes a much bigger man
to teach others how to throw, when to throw, why not to throw...
you know what I mean?
AO:
Have you trained in other styles of martial arts?
Royler:
Yes, a little of many different martial arts. Apart from BJJ
though, wrestling and boxing is all that I train in. They are
the most useful for my fights, especially the boxing.
AO:
Why did you start Brazilian jiu-jitsu?
Royler:
Because everyone else in my family did it. I grew up around the
sport, and apart from football (soccer), there really wasn't
much else to do when I was growing up.
AO:
What do you think the differences are, in the way Australians
train BJJ compared to Brazilians?
Royler:
You Aussies seem very serious, and very structured with your
classes. You all seem to train very hard and your cardio is a
bit better than Brazilians of the same belt level are. Brazilians
tend to train a bit slower, but for a longer period of time.
We train six or seven days a week though, and seem more focused
on BJJ as a sport. Many Australians do it as part of a Vale Tudo
curriculum. Take your club for example, Adam, (ABS Extreme Combat):
You guys offer BJJ classes five times a week, but only three
of those are sport BJJ classes. The other two are from a Vale
Tudo style of training. Many of the students here are training
BJJ, but you are the only one who competes in it. The others
do it because it makes their Vale Tudo skills more rounded.
In
Brazil, not as many people work full time, so we can take much
more time with our BJJ training. Don't forget, many people live
in poverty in Brazil, unlike Australia. BJJ gives many poor people,
especially the youth, a chance to do something constructive with
their spare time. In general, in Brazil, classes teach more about
creativity in your game, not just perfecting a standard stock
of moves, positions, and reversals. Our style of BJJ, in Brazil,
is a little different to that in Australia, though. It often
has to be, as Australians are much bigger and heavier than most
Brazilians.
AO:
What is your view on the amount of politics in BJJ?
Royler:
I think it's bad that it's already gone the way it has. I don't
really like it. We have instructors here in Australia that tell
their students where they can and can't go. Hell, they threaten
to ban them from the club if they go to certain places to train,
or go to certain seminars, if it's not being held at their gym.
It's really sad, and it totally goes against what these head
instructors/managers have been told and trained to do. I always
tell my students to feel free to try all different clubs and
trainers. Everyone should try different gyms until they find
the one that suits them best. You won't ever reach your full
potential under an instructor who wants to keep you there and
take your money. If my student does not enjoy himself, he should
find someone else to train him, which more suits his own needs.
There is nothing wrong with this.
AO:
What two movie stars would you like to see in an MMA Bout?
Royler:
I don't really care, so long as I get to fight them, hahaha.
AO:
What's your thoughts on BJJ trainer Bruno Panno?
Royler:
Bruno is a great BJJ teacher and fighter, but don't you ever
let him fool you, because his surfing is even worse than his
English. I mean it, seriously. I think he just walks to the beach,
surf board under his arm, and then just stands in front of the
water and day-dreams. He is a very bad surfer compared to me.
Hahahahaha, but seriously, Bruno is a wonderful BJJ trainer and
he's one of the best in the world at what he does. Anyone who
trains with him is very lucky and will learn more than they ever
expected. His current students are perfect examples of that.
AO:
Thanks for your time Royler.
Royler:
Thank you very much.
Source:
Fight Sport
|
Quote
of the Day
"Our deepest fear is NOT that we are inadequate. Our deepest
fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light,
not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, "Who
am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?"
Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God; your
playing small doesn't serve the world. There is nothing enlightened
about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around
you."
Marianne Williamson 1952-, American Author, Lecturer on Spirituality
|
|
