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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)

7/21-23/05
World Cup of BJJ
(BJJ)
(São Paulo, Brazil)

7/9/05
Proving Grounds -
ROTR Qualifer
(MMA)
(Hilo Civic Center)


5/7/05
ROTR 7

(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)


5/7-8 & 14-15 & 21-22/05
Brazilian National BJJ Tournament
(Youth, Adult, Master & Senior)
(Tijuca Tenis Clube, Tijuca, Brazil?)

4/2/05 or 4/9/05
Super Brawl
(MMA)
(Blaisdell Arena)

4/1-3/05
Pan American & Team Title USA vs Brazil BJJ Tournament
(BJJ)
(California State University Dominguez Hills, Carson, CA)

3/05
SUMA
(Kickboxing)
(Hyatt Waikiki)

3/26/05
Proving Grounds -
ROTR Qualifer
(MMA)
(Lahaina Civic Center, Maui)


3/25/05
Shooto Hawaii: Pro/Am
(MMA)
(Blaisdell - Hawaii Suite)

3/12/05
The Second Annual Maui Jiu-Jitsu Open
BJJ tournament

(BJJ)
(Maui War Memorial Gym, Wailuku, Hawaii)

3/6-7/05
Hawaii State High School Wrestling Championships
(Blaisdell Arena)

3/5/04
So Yo
u Think You Tough 8
(Boxing, MMA)
(Kauai)

Proving Grounds -
ROTR Qualifer
(MMA)
(Honolulu)

3/4-6/05
Arnold Schwarzenegger Gracie World Submission Championships
(BJJ & Submission Grappling)
(Columbus, Ohio)

2/27/05
2005 Hawaiian Championship of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
(BJJ & Submission Grappling)
(Saint Louis H.S. Gym)

G-3
(Kickboxing)
(Palama Settlement Gym)

2/19/05
Kickin' It
(Kickboxing)
(Kapolei High School)

2/12/05
So You Think You Tough 7
(Boxing, MMA)
(Kona Gym, Kona)

2/5/05
UFC 51: Super Saturday
(MMA)
(Las Vegas, NV)

 News & Rumors
Archives
Year 2004

January 2005 Part 2
January 2005 Part 1
December 2004 Part 3 December 2004 Part 2 December 2004 Part 1
November 2004 Part 3

November 2004 Part 2
November 2004 Part 1
October 2004 Part 2
October 2004 Part 1

September 2004 Part 3
September 2004 Part 2
September 2004 Part 1
August 2004 Part 3

August 2004 Part 2
August 2004 Part 1
July 2004 Part 3
July 2004 Part 2
July 2004 Part 1
June 2004 Part 3
June 2004 Part 2
June 2004 Part 1
May 2004 Part 3
May 2004 Part 2
May 2004 Part 1

April 2004 Part 3
April 2004 Part 2
April 2004 Part 1
March 2004 Part 3

March 2004 Part 2
March 2004 Part 1
February 2004 Part 3
February 2004 Part 2
February 2004 Part 1
January 2004 Part 3
January 2004 Part 2
January 2004 Part 1
Year 2003
December 2003 Part 3
December 2003 Part 2 December 2003 Part 1
November 2003 Part 3
November 2003 Part 2
November 2003 Part 1
October 2003 Part 2
October 2003 Part 2
October 2003 Part 1
September 2003 Part 2
September 2003 Part 1
August 2003 Part 3
August 2003 Part 2
August 2003 Part 1
July 2003 Part 3
July 2003 Part 2
July 2003 Part 1
June 2003 Part 3
June 2003 Part 2
June 2003 Part 1
May 2003 Part 3
May 2003 Part 2
May 2003 Part 1
April 2003 Part 3
April 2003 Part 2
April 2003 Part 1
March 2003 Part 3

March 2003 Part 2
March 2003 Part 1
February 2003 Part 3
February 2003 Part 2
February 2003 Part 1
January 2003 Part 3
January 2003 Part 2
January 2003 Part 1
Year 2002
December 2002 Part 2
December 2002 Part 1
November 2002 Part 2
November 2002 Part 1
October 2002 Part 3
October 2002 Part 2
October 2002 Part 1
September 2002 Part 3
September 2002 Part 2
September 2002 Part 1
August 2002 Part 2
August 2002 Part 1
July 2002 Part 3
July 2002 Part 2
July 2002 Part 1
June 2002 Part 3
June 2002 Part 2
June 2002 Part 1
May 2002 Part 3
May 2002 Part 2
May 2002 Part 1
April 2002 Part 3
April 2002 Part 2
April 2002 Part 1
March 2002 Part 3
March 2002 Part 2
March 2002 Part 1
February 2002 Part 2
February 2002 Part 1
January 2002 Part 3
January 2002 Part 2
January 2002 Part 1
Year 2001
December 2001 Part 2
December 2001 Part 1
November 2001 Part 2
November 2001 Part 1
October 2001 Part 2
October 2001 Part 1
September 2001 Part 3
September 2001 Part 2
September 2001 Part 1
August 2001 Part 2
August 2001 Part 1
July 2001 Part 3
July 2001 Part 2
July 2001 Part 1
June 2001 Part 2
June 2001 Part 1
May 2001
April 2001 Part 2
April 2001 Part 1
March 2001
February 2001
January 2001
Year 2000
Nov-Dec 2000
October 2000
Aug-Sept 2000
July 2000
March-May 2000

January 2005 News Part 3
 

Wednesday night and Sunday classes (w/ a kids' class) now offered!


For the special Onzuka.com price, click on one of these banners above!


Tuesdays at 8:30PM on Olelo Channel 52
New Time!


 1/31/05

Quote of the Day

"Whatever your discipline, become a student of excellence in all things. Take every opportunity to observe people who manifest the qualities of mastery. These models of excellence will inspire you and guide you toward the fulfillment of your highest potential."

Tony Buzan, Peak Performance Expert and Creator of "Mind Mapping"

Ultimate Fighter on Spike at 9:00 PM Tonight!

What's up everybody! Just wanted to remind you catch the Ultimate Fighter on Spike TV tonight (9:00 PM on channel 76 in Hawaii, visit theultimatefighter.tv for full schedule). I've been told that Fokai will begin appearing on the show starting tonight. It will be worn by UFC president Dana White. Keep an eye out!

Thanks everybody!!

-Rich

KICKIN IT 2005 (AMATEUR KICKBOXING)
KAPOLEI HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM
FEB. 19, 2005 (DOORS OPEN AT 7:00PM)

MAIN EVENT

WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
NICK CORREA (140-146#) ALEX ZARIELLO
HSD (2-2) MUAY THAI (2-1)

DUE TO THE FACT THAT NOONE FOUGHT FOR THE 2004 KICKIN IT WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE AND THE BELT HAD BEEN BOUGHT ALREADY. CORREA AND ZARIELLO WILL GO TO WAR TO FIGHT FOR THE BELT THAT WASN'T CLAIMED BY ANYONE. CORREA WHO STEPPED UP 2 WEIGHT DIVISIONS BECAUSE HIS OPPONENT PULLED OUT WILL FACE THE NEXT QUALIFIED KICKIN IT FIGHTER WHICH IS ZARIELLO IN A MUAY THAI MATCH. BOTH FIGHTERS STAND CLOSE TO 5'11" AND WILL PROBABLY WEIGH IN AT 146#.

OTHER EXCITING BOUTS

PRESTON LEE 160-165# JUSTIN DANO
ANIMAL HOUSE HSD

ERIN GUILLORY 135-140# CLINT K.
ANIMAL HOUSE FREELANCE

ROBBIE OSTAVICH 80-85# KONA KEAALOHA
JESUS IS LORD HSD

AIKA SAMSON 135-140# KEONI KIPAPA
ANIMAL HOUSE TEAM YOKUZUNA

MIGUEL ASUNCTION 205-210# PAULO SHERIDAN
ANIMAL HOUSE MASTER BRO. ABE

DENVER GONSALVES 195-200# BENJAMIN PARKER
HSD TEAM PERCEPTION

ALAN ALCARAZ 160-165# KEA HUALATON
JESUS IS LORD ROB MONROE'S KICKBOXING

WALTER HA0 170-175# KAIKA TROYFU
ANIMAL HOUSE JESUS IS LORD

BRANDON GANITANO 145-150# DARREN JOSE
ROB MONROE'S K.B. HSD

PIT 150-155# HANS LEE
TEAM YOKUZUNA ANIMAL HOUSE

ALAN ULIT 170-175# BRYAN INGRAM
ANIMAL HOUSE ROB MONROE'S KICKBOXING

KAHALE 260# MIKE KIPAPA
DOGZ 4 LIFE TEAM YOKUZUNA

ALL MATCHES MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS OUT ON NONE OF THE KICKIN IT SHOWS. YOU GET TO SEE SOME FIGHTERS TURN FROM ANIMALS TO KICKBOXERS BY THE END OF THE YEAR. THIS IS WHERE SOME OF THE BEST LOCAL KICKBOXERS COME TO BANG. MISMATCHES ARE VERY RARE HERE WHICH IS WHY KICKIN IT USUALLY HAS 8 OR MORE FIGHTS ON EVERY CARD. ITS WORTH THE $15-$20 YOU SPEND TO GET IN . THIS CARD WILL FEATURE ALOT OF FIRST TIME FIGHTERS WHICH MEANS THEY WILL BRING THEIR PRIDE AND THEY'LL LEAVE THEIR BRAINS AT HOME CAUSE DAS HOW WE KICK IT!!!

Source: Promoter

POSTAL CONNECTIONS: PRIDE OFFERS ROYCE A BIG MONEY SPOT IN THE MIDDLEWEIGHT GP
By Tape Lord

Hello my friends,

My postal connections in the DSE/PRIDE organization are telling me that DSE/PRIDE has made a big money offer to Royce Gracie to secure his participation in the upcoming PRIDE Middleweight GP.

According to these sources, Royce has been offered between USD$450-475,000 per fight, plus a win bonus.

It is said that Royce is still considering the offer, and will give a final word in a few weeks.

Source: Fight Sport

 1/30/05

Quote of the Day

"A good heart is better than all the heads in the world."

Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton, 1803-1873, British Novelist and Poet

Hansen Out of EUPHORIA;
Franca Gets Rematch with Edwards
at February 26th Event

By Loretta Hunt

There's something different about Brazilian Hermes Franca. You can hear it in his voice as he talks about his upcoming rematch with Yves Edwards, a fight that has come about in the last week now that former SHOOTO champion Joachim Hansen has withdrawn from the card with complications from a broken hand. Franca was originally scheduled to meet up against Rich Clementi for the February 26th USA Versus the World event at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, New Jersey. With Hansen now officially out, Franca has been shuffled into the Norwegian's slot and Clementi will get a fresh opponent.

"I think that it will be better than Rich Clementi, because I want to face Yves Edwards again," a grounded Franca says of the switch. "I fought him before, so I know his game. He knows my game too, but it's better than fight against Clementi because I don't know Rich Clementi's game. Against Yves Edwards, I know what he's going to do, you know?"

It was only ten months ago that a noticeably slighted Franca swallowed a painful split decision loss to lanky Texan Edwards at UFC 47. Following his defeat to Josh Thomson just two months prior at UFC 46, Franca and his American Top Team comrades pulled no punches in expressing their dissatisfaction with the Edwards decision.

However, much has changed for the Brazilian lightweight in the past year. An in-house dispute last July forced Franca to seek new training arrangements elsewhere. Longtime friend and former PRIDE heavyweight champion Antonio Nogueira gained Franca entrance to the famed Brazilian Top Team, where he trained for three months this past summer. "Oh they are amazing," Franca comments of his new alliance. "I was training with the best like Minotauro [Antonio Nogueira], Rogerio his brother, Buscape, a lot of guys with my weight division like Rafael Diaz, Fabio Mello. It was like a new student at a new school."

With both his former ATT and current BTT brethren cheering from the sidelines, a gleeful Franca returned to October 2004's EUPHORIA 2, almost instantaneously jumping an overwhelmed Phil John's guard and submitting him in forty-seven seconds flat. He followed up the victory with a thirty-seven second knockout of Internet trash-talker Manny Reyes, a fight Franca says he took solely on the urging of his fans. And while Johns and Reyes can by no means be considered at the top of the lightweight food chain, the once head-strong Franca says he is grateful for the practice. "Day by day, I got more experience," Franca says. "I fought my first EUPHORIA [against Johns]. I fought Manny Reyes and I know he's nobody, but I fought. I had one more fight so it was experience."

Franca has also launched his own Jupiter, Florida academy, The Armory, in the last few months with partner Joe Hooligan. While the added responsibilities of running his own school keep him from returning to Brazil, various BTT teammates, including Rogerio Nogueira, have made the trip over to assist in Franca's training. American Top Team members Marcus Aurelio and Thiago "Pitbull" Alves are also preparing Franca for his upcoming rematch, a rematch he would have given his eye teeth to get ten months ago when he was convinced he had been robbed blind.

Today, the 10-2 Franca's resentment has all but diminished. "It was a good fight, you know? But he won," Franca now shares easily. "I don't want to give excuses. He won. I have the chance to face him again. I think I can change my game. Maybe I have big surprise, you know? We never know. Fights you never know. I hate talking about fights because we never know. But, I'm training hard.

Source: FCF

Roger Gracie defeats Ronaldo Jacare

Roger Gracie has defeated Ronaldo Jacare in the finals of the absolute category of the European Jiu-jitsu Championships in Lisbon, Portugal with a score of 2-0. The match spent most of the time with both athletes standing and attempting throws, but it was on the mat that Roger executed a sweep that got the points guaranteeing him the top of the podium in this season's first CBJJ tournament.

Before getting to the finals, Roger defeated Roberto Abreu and Rodrigo Soluço, tapping them with chokes from the mount.
Jacare passed through Fabrício Nascimento (mount choke) and
Lúcio Lagarto (points 6-2).

from Graciemag.com
translated for our readers

Source: Gracie Fighter

DSE President talks Pride 29
Rebound from New Year's Burnout
Prelude to Middleweight GP


After getting a bellyful of action in PRIDE and K-1 at the end of 2004, MMA fans in Japan and around the world are beginning to feel the pains of hunger for more. At this point, it appears as though the next installment in PRIDE's "number series," PRIDE 29, might be just what fans need to make the transition from year-end burnout to the Middleweight Grand Prix, which starts in April.

In a recent interview, Dream Stage Entertainment president, Nobuyuki Sakakibara vowed to continue creating cards for the number series that are every bit as exciting as the Grand Prix format. In the same interview, he hinted at what the main themes for PRIDE 29 would be, saying, "We want to put together some matches that will forecast what's going to happen in the Middleweight Grand Prix. Not necessarily all elimination matches, but also a number of matches between fighters who have already been chosen to compete in it. . . We also want to give Mirko a fight that will be his first step to attaining his goal for this year, which is to win the heavyweight title."

The DSE boss went on to tantalize fans by revealing that Igor Vovchanchyn would be competing in the middleweight ranks this year and naming a host of top name fighters who he is considering for PRIDE 29.

True to his word, Sakakibara and Nobuhiko Takada met with the press in DSE's Tokyo head office on Thursday and announced five matches for the February 20 event. Headlining the show will be the "Croatian Terminator" Mirko "CroCop" Filipovic versus Mark Coleman, who will be looking to avenge the loss of his protégé Kevin Randleman to Mirko in last year's Man Festival.

According to Takada, Coleman is currently training with Chuck Liddell and is close to being back in the form he was in during his glory days. Takada explained, "[After his victory on 12/31] Mirko offered to compete in our February show. As far as we were concerned, Mirko had proven himself worthy to fight for the championship a long time ago, so we suggested he take a warm-up fight in that show. But he told us that if he's going to fight he wants to fight a top class fighter, and called out Coleman after his fight with Randleman. It's going to be a dangerous fight for him. You might look at it as a prelude to the title fight."

Three middleweight fights were announced that will provide the "Grand Prix forecast" Sakakibara mentioned. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson will face Murilo "Ninja" Rua. This marks Rampage's return to the ring after his loss to Wanderlei Silva on last Halloween's PRIDE 28 card, a match many consider to be the best of 2004. By beating Silva's training partner- 'Ninja', he hopes to put himself back squarely into the champion's sights.

Igor Vovchanchyn will take on Pancrase heavyweight champion Yoshiki Takahashi in a middleweight fight. This fight is a must-see, if for no other reason than to see how big a bruising Igor can shell out at middleweight.

The card, as it stands now, is rounded out by a middleweight matchup in Alistair Overeem versus Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, and a heavyweight matchup in Choi Mu Bae versus Sergei Kharitonov.

Takada reiterated to the press that the middleweight fights are not elimination fights. However, he added, "If any of the fighters lose big early on, or don't put on a good show, there's a good possibility that they will be eliminated." This comment will likely light a fire under the competitors, encouraging them put on a good show for the fans.

Other names mentioned by Sakakibara and Takada who have not officially been signed at this point are Ryan Gracie, Kazuhiro Nakamura, Hirotaka Yokoi, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, Ricardo Arona, Mario Sperry, and Paulo Filho.

By all indications thus far, it looks as though PRIDE 29 will more than live up to DSE president Sakakibara's promise to keep the number series interesting. It will definitely set the stage for the Middleweight GP and heavyweight title race. In some small way maybe it will even bring back the excitement and anticipation MMA fans felt at the end of last year.

Source: MMA Weekly

Catching Up with Dave Menne

In the modern era of MMA, more and more fighters are opening up training facilities and starting fight promotions as a means to supplement income as well as create a longevity for themselves after their fighting days are over. One such fighter who is taking on these responsibilities along with a continuing fighting career is former UFC Middleweight Champion Dave Menne.

"The school is going well, "said Menne, "like anything there are good things and bad things, but good things are happening now. Before we'd have three good things happen then ten bad things would happen, but it's getting better. We were in a deep freeze a week and a half ago, it was negative ten degrees, there was a ton of snow, but it's clearing up and last week things picked back up. The place is coming together and looks nice now, but it is still a work in progress. It's about six months from being what I want it to be."

Currently Menne's school is known as Minnesota Combat Arts but the name is soon going to change because of Menne's recognition that there's a stigma that comes with the fight game which turns off non-fighting individuals. "I incorporated under the MCA name but I'm going to change it to Northway Martial Sports and Fitness. Sometimes you get the regular population turned off at the idea of fighting and think it's only fighters who should be at the facility. So the name change is to make it easier for people to know that anyone can come in here and train, not just fighters," commented Menne.

Along with his facility Menne has recently gotten into the fight promotion game with the help of manager Monte Cox. Currently Menne is eyeing the prospect of putting on a show in the near future, "We have an Extreme Challenge event ready to go for April. We are just looking for a venue right now so it's hitching on finding the right place and date. We're trying to get a Saturday because Friday is not the best time in the metro area to have a show. People trying to get to the show hit traffic and that can cause a problem. Luckily we've been able to put together a few cards that people would be willing to take their time to travel to get to."

Not only does Menne wish to continue to work with others on promotions, he is hoping to branch out on his own soon as well, "I'm hoping this is going to segue into a separate identity. That way we can do our own shows here locally and if something bigger comes up we can do a co-promotion under two names. The first order of business is growing into a 2000 seat arena before anything and then go from there."

With all that is going on in Menne's business life one may wonder if he plans on taking it easy with his career, but according to Menne this year is going to be a continuation of his always busy fight schedule, "I'm hoping to fight 6-8 times this year. I would say hopefully in the spring I'll have my next fight. A lot of it depends on if I can have all business taken care of in order."

Menne continued, "The gym needs to take some semblance of order to the point that I'm not putting in 14-16 hour days between teaching, painting or laying mats. Hopefully I can try to put more energies into training and get a regular working schedule for myself and people in place to help me train."

When asked if he would go elsewhere to train for a given amount of time as he has done in the past, Menne seemed cautiously optimistic with such a prospect, "I would consider it, it's somewhat liberating to get away from everything and just train. To do that I'd have to make sure things are a little more in order; including, getting people who are versed in teaching classes, so the regular students are not feeling you have to be there for them to get a good work out. It would be nice to get a little vacation."

Menne's concentration on his growing facility has given him time to do things that have been long overdue for his career. One is having surgery on his eyes as Menne has fought the majority of his career with extremely poor eyesight; "I'm looking into getting corrective surgery. I can only see a foot or foot and a half in front of me depending on the light. I'm going to get PRK done because there is no incision. With Lasic surgery they have to cut your eye and they won't let you fight in Vegas if you have that. After I get it done I will only have to recover for about a month before I can be cleared to fight."

The decision came after Menne was forced to wear contact lenses during his fights which caused their own amount of problems. "In a lot of fights, if not all of them, I lost at least one during the fight, more often than not I lost both. When I fought in Kuwait I didn't lose any and I think when I fought Gil Castillo I only lost one, those are about the only times I can remember off the top of my head when I didn't lose both. Sometimes I'd blink them out and other times they'd get knocked out and it caused some problems with depth perception."

Menne has also finally gotten an official home on the web as a means to get the word out on his philosophies, career, and gym, "We just got www.DaveMenne.com set up. It's just a few pages right now but it's brand new and we'll be expanding it. We're going to change one part about how many titles I have. I only really count the UFC belt and the ones when I beat a guy who was a top one or two fighter."

In the coming months Menne will again be taking on the familiar role of cornerman as he continues his involvement in the lives of the fighters that train under him, "I've got a couple of guys fighting on the XKK (Xtreme Kage Kombat) next week. Roger (Huerta) will be fighting in Mississippi in March on a show with Darrell Smith and Naoyuki Kotani."

Huerta is currently considered by many to be one of the top American lightweight prospects and has recently relocated from Texas to Minnesota full time but not without issue. "Yeah, he's up here full time now and whining about the cold. I guess it could be worse, he could be training up in Canada, or maybe the North Pole," said Menne with a laugh.

Source: MMA Weekly

Japanese Fighters that fought in Hawaii Win:
Fukuda & Suda Win, Bow Loses

Shooto Results

Fight 1: Kyotaro Nakao (STG Yokohama) draws with Sakae Kasuya (K'z FACTORY) 20-19, 19-19, 19-19.

Cruiserweight Class B
Riki Fukuda (PUREBRED Tokyo) def. Masaya Inoue (PARAESTRA Kakogawa) by Decision

Bantamweight Class B
BJ (AACC) def Daiji Takahashi (Akimoto Dojo Jungle Junction) by 3-0 Decision 20-18, 20-19, 20-18

Middleweight Class B
Shinya Aoki (PARAESTRA Tokyo) def. Keith Wisniewski (USA / Duneland Vale Tudo) By Round 1 2:22 Armbar

Welterweight Class A
Ganjo Tentsuku (PUREBRED Omiya) def. Takumi (PARAESTRA Osaka) by 3-0 Decision 30-28, 30-27, 30-27

Bantamweight Class A -non title-
Mamoru (STG Yokohama) def. Junji Ikoma (Chokushin Kai) by Decision 30-27, 30-27, 30-26.

Light Heavyweight -non title-
Masanori Suda (Club J) def. Brian Ebersole (USA / American Kickboxing Academy) by Round 3 Submission (RNC) 2:59

Pacific-Rim Championship Tournament Final
Welterweight Class A
Koutetsu Boku (PUREBRED Tokyo) def. Ryan Bow (USA / PUREBRED Omiya) 2-0 Decision 29-29, 29-28, 29-28

Source: MMA Weekly

BJJ: NU athletes may fight at CBJJ

Away from BJJ Confederation competitions since 2002, when BJJ Olympic Confederation was created, Nova União is ready to come back. According one of the team leaders, André Pederneiras, Nova União athletes may fight at CBJJ, but they will not fight under NU's flag, which has major issues with BJJ Confederation's president Carlos Gracie Júnior.

- We don't agree with Carlinhos' ideas, but I cannot bother my pupils. Athletes from other teams compete on both Confederations, but Nova União ones only can compete at CBJJO. However, fighters will be representing their teachers and not Nova União - Pederneiras explained.

Source: Tatame

G-Shooto: Tavarez returns to Japan

First female Brazilian to fight MMA in Japan, Kimura/Nova União's black belt Michelle Tavares has already started her Vale-Tudo trains to face a new challenge: G-Shooto, all Female MMA event, which happens on March 17. BJJ black belt will also have a chance to have a rematch with her first opponent: Yuka Tsuji. All because Yuka will face a Japanese opponent on February 15 and the winner gets on Michelle at G-Shooto.

- I have chances to face Yuka once again. In Japan, people tell me that she only talks about facing me again!" said Tavares, who defeated the Japanese in July of 2003, at Deep. Missing only three weeks to the min fight, she will be hitting Rio de Janeiro to sharpen ground skills with André Pederneiras, Nova União's trainer. In last April, Michelle did the main fight of Bitetti Combat 3, when submitted Mayara Carneiro (Nordeste Combat) via katagatami.

Source: Tatame

 1/29/05

Quote of the Day

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read."

Groucho Marx, 1890-1977, American Comedian

Super Brawl & Steinlager Present:
FULL CONTACT SHOWDOWN #1
Results!

Super Brawl: Full Contact Showdown #1
Kahuna's Sports Bar & Grill Ballroom, Kaneohe Marine Corps Base, Kaneohe, Hawaii
January 28, 2005
By Chris Onzuka - Chris@Onzuka.com

The offspring of Super Brawl emerged in of all places, a Marine Corps base on the windward side of Oahu and featured one the Kaneohe stationed Marines, Steve Brynes and another Kaneohe native in Kolo Koka headlining the event. Super Brawl plans to run smaller events called the Full Contact Showdown series that will keep the Super Brawl name in the public's eye and possibly have the event be a feeder show for Super Brawl. Military servicemen and women along with a few locals packed into the ballroom for the first MMA event to take place on this side of the island. A moment of silence was taken to pay tribute to those Kaneohe soldiers who recently paid the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq. When the fights started, the crowd was on fire.

One of Hawaii's best fighters, Harris Sarmiento returned to action in an exhibition kickboxing match that contained a few "extra" rules. Kicks were allowed to be caught, fighters thrown to the ground and a lot more took place in this match that had the crowd at a fever pitch. Both fighters started roughing each other up, with Sarmiento catching Wa'o's kicks and punching him to the ground. After trying to throw each other down, Sarmiento got a warning from the referee for throwing a punch while both fighters were on the ground. The match had a lot more brawling until the referee called for a break and, in the heat of battle, Sarmiento threw a head kick that landed right in Ha'o's face. That was enough for the referee and he called the match. Kaneohe Marine, Steve Brynes made his crew proud by destroying his opponent. Brynes looked very polished for his debut, using striking to close the distance, taking the fight to the ground, working quickly into the mount and unloading with strikes for the submission..

Kolo Koka, who grew up in Kaneohe, could not have ended the event any better, but recovering from an early takedown by Estrada, landing a solid knee. Estrada scrambled up to his feet while Kolo took his back and pulled off a beautiful belly to back suplex, causing Estrada to land right on his shoulder. Koka quickly followed up with strikes, not allowing Estrada time to recover, causing the tap out. Based on their response, the crowd definitely loved the show and the promoters promised to bring another show back and hopefully more of the Kaneohe natives will be on the card.

Exhibition: Amateur Kickboxing
Kai "Boy" Kamaka III (808 Fight Factory) vs. Richard Kailoa
Draw

Amateur MMA: 3 Rounds X 3 Minutes
David Grenados (California) drew Ryan Lee (Bulls Pen)
Draw [(29-28), (28-29), (28-28)] after 3 rounds.

Exhibition Kickboxing: 3 Rounds X 1.5 Minutes
Walter Ha'o (Animal House) def. Harris "Hitman" Sarmiento (808 Fight Factory)
Disqualification for striking after the referee called for a break in the third round.

185lbs. MMA: 3 Rounds X 3 Minutes
Steve "El Toro Blanco" Byrnes (Bulls Pen) def. Jesse Rangel (California)
Submission due to strikes from the mount at 1:32 minutes in Round 1.

Main Event:
165lbs. MMA: 3 Rounds X 3 Minutes
Kolo Koka (Team MADD) def. Candido Estrada (Fresno, CA)
Submission due to strikes at 55 seconds in Round 1.

2005 Hawaii Junior State Championships of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Is Today

The tournament which was referred to as the Gracie's Kids Tournament (I just made that up) finally has an official name, 2005 Hawaii Junior State Championships of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Venue: Relson Gracie Main Academy
844 Queen Street, 2nd Floor

Date: January 29, 2005
Time: 10AM - 2PM
9:30AM Rules Clinic
8:30AM Weigh-ins


Ages 16 and under


Inviting all competitors ages 5 to 16 years old

Sponsored by the Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Associations of Hawaii

The Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Associations of Hawaii would like to cordially invite you and your students to join us at the 2005 Hawaii Junior State Jiu-Jitsu Championships on January 29, 2005 at this year's Host Club-The Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Honolulu, Hawaii.
We have invited youth competitors from schools around the state including HMC, Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu, Gracie Kailua, BJ Penn Jiu-Jitsu, and every Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Association including: Honolulu, Aiea, Kaneohe, HK and more. We are excited and eager to see all of Hawaii's youth exhibit their great talent at this exclusive event.

We strongly recommend that all competitors and coaches be at the tournament no later than 8:30 AM on Saturday to weigh-in and to find parking (Parking stalls are available at Queen Bee Restaurant on the corner of Queen St. and Cooke St. between 8-2 PM; there are also parking spaces on adjacent streets-please observe neighboring business signs and city and county regulations as to avoid ticketing and towing).
The rules clinic will be held at 9:30 AM with the competition beginning promptly at 10 AM.

The top four competitors in each division will receive a trophy (one 1st place, one 2nd place, and two 3rd places) generously provided by Hawaiian Pacific Chiropractic. In addition to awards, all competitors will be qualified to win other prizes. We would love to see all competitors, spectators, family, martial artists, etc. gather in this friendly atmosphere established to promote the awesome art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu among our youth in this great state of Hawaii.

Sincerely,
Ronn T. Shiraki
Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Kaneohe Team

If Ronn Shiraki has not contacted you, please email him at: Kaneoheteam@yahoo.com


Tournament Rules and Regulations


· Registration fee is $20
· All competitors must compete with a clean white or all blue Jiu-Jitsu GI (kimono). No mixed colors or black GI will be allowed.
· Any competitor who displays unsportsmanlike-like conduct before, during, or after the match, will be disqualified and forfeit the registration fee.
· It is the competitor's responsibility to find out when his / her match will take place.
· Any competitor who does not show up before his/ her match will automatically forfeit the match and registration.
· Any competitor who deliberately tries to hurt an opponent, (including slamming while in the guard) will be disqualified.
· The competition organizers are not liable for any injury and/or accident involving competitors.
· We reserve the right to combine weight categories.
· This information may be amended or changed at any time.
· The athletes will not be allowed to apply traumatic holds; only competition sport Jiu-Jitsu holds will be permitted.
· All parents of youth participants must fill out a waiver prior to weigh-in.

Divisions and Time Limits are as follows
Ages Limits Time
5 Mixed 2 minutes
(5 year olds will start on knees)
6 Mixed 3 minutes
7-8 Mixed 4 minutes
9-10 Mixed 4 minutes
11-12 Mixed 4 minutes
13-14 Mixed 4 minutes
15-16 Mixed 5 minutes

Note: Weight classes (to be determined at tournament)
Competitors may be moved up or down a division depending on weight.

Competition Scoring System
· Throws and Takedowns 2 points
· Knee on the Belly 2 points
· Technical Sweeps 2 points
· Passing the Guard 3 points
· Front Mount Position 4 points
· Back Mount Position with Hooks 4 points

Illegal Techniques
The following techniques have been banned to protect the youth competitors from injury. Judges will stop techniques if harm appears imminent (referee decisions are Final).
· No Straight foot-locks (ages 15 and 16 only)
· No Toe-holds
· No Heel-hooks
· No Knee-bars
· No Small joint manipulation (fingers and toes)
· No Wrist-locks
· No Fish-hooks
· No Neck-cranks
· No Slamming
· No Can-openers
· No Swearing
· No Spitting
· No Striking of any kind

Contact Person
Ronn T. Shiraki
Phone: 387-1961 Email: Kaneoheteam@yahoo.com

Happy New Year’s Fighters’ Club TV Fans!

Sorry for the delay over the holidays, but things were really hectic, so me and the guys thought we’d take a month off. The good news is that we’re back in action and Episode 28 has been cut and submitted to Oceanic Ch.52 (Olelo—Oahu) programming. It will air in our usual timeslot, Tuesday nights at 830pm. Look for the premier on Feb. 1st, and then repeats on the 8th, 15th, and 22nd.

Episode 28 features:

Highlights from Superbrawl 37 (Haw. Adv. Waterpark)

-Anthony Torres vs. Shawn Taylor

-Kai Kamaka vs. Tony Espitia

-Ronald “the Machine Gun” Jhun vs. Jason “Mayhem” Miller (+intvw w/ Jason)

-Intvw w/ Superbrawl Promoter T.Jay Thompson

Highlights from the 155Lbs SUMA (Stand Up Martial Arts) tournament at the Hyatt Regency

-Harris Sarmiento, David Yeung, Kaleo Kwan, Ryan Roy, Jerry Farabay, Jack Thames, Tristan Witt

-Intvws w/ SUMA announcer Mike Tanaka and fighters, Jack Thames and Kaleo Kwan

Technique of the Week: by special “request” (you’ll see what we mean) FCTV Host Mark Kurano w/ his famous “Judo Chop”

and don’t miss the outtakes where you’ll get to see your favorite FCTV hosts (Chris O. Mike O. and Mark K.) give you some insight on how a show’s made…

Comments, Questions, Suggestions to:

fightersclubtv808@hotmail.com

Mahalo!

TITO ACCEPTS SHAMROCK'S CHALLENGE,

APPEARS ON BEST DAMN SPORTS SHOW

Ken Shamrock came on MMAWeekly Radio last week and challenged Tito Ortiz to a fight. Shamrock thought that Tito turned him down. According to Ortiz on his own website, that isn't the case.

"One week and two days left till I get in the octagon. This fight will be a great one. I feel confident and ready to go to war. This will be one of the toughest fights I have fought in a long time. I am in great shape and no injurys for once. I will have my hands full but so will Belfort. This fight will go down in history as one of the best. I want to say something to Ken. I accept the challange if you wants it. Its up to Zuffa now! I want to thank all of my fans for the support. Tell everyone about the fight on feb 5th.....PLEASE..... - Tito Ortiz

Ortiz was on last night's Best Damn Sports Show on Fox Sports Network. He promoted the fight with Vitor and said he learned a lot in his losses to Couture and Liddell.

He also introduced the top three submissions in UFC history. First one was Ken Shamrock over Dan Severn, second clip they showed was Evan Tanner over Robbie Lawler and third was Matt Hughes over Frank Trigg.

It was a quick segment as Ortiz appeared with Tom Arnold (who at one time referred to grappling as gay porn) and former NBA player and Detroit Pistons player John Salley.

Source: MMA Weekly

"DO OR DIE" FOR THE CROW?

David "The Crow" Loiseau faces a tough opponent next Saturday night at UFC 51. He steps in against the "Diesel" Joe Riggs. Loiseau was recently featured on MMAWeekly SoundOff Radio's 18 fighters in 18 days and spoke about Joe Riggs and the fight. The countdown to UFC 51 continues.

Joe Riggs is a very local and confident fighter. Some may even say cocky. Loiseau was asked if he's seen some of the comments made by Riggs. "Honestly man, I don't go on the internet man. I don't go on these things before a fight. I focus on what I have to do. I've just heard that he's very confident and he's looking right past me. That's perfect with me, you know, because anybody with a little bit of intelligence who will fight me in the middleweight division, will know that he's in for a war. I'll give a war to anybody. Anybody that makes 185, you know, is in a war. If you think you're just going to walk through me, fine man, you're just going to have a big wake up call."

Further commenting on Riggs, Loiseau said, "I have a lot of respect for Joe. I've trained very hard for this guy. You know, I've seen him fight. I know what he's able to do, and he's a solid fighter. A very, very solid fighter. He's strong. He's got good conditioning. He's solid and I respect him a lot and that's why I trained so hard. I'm just happy to fight man. I'm just happy to fight. You know, I'm not in it for the money. I love this sport, man. I love to fight, man. If I were a millionaire, I'd fight for you guys for free."

David has trained hard for this fight as he has stated. When asked if he focused on anything specific in his preparation for Joe Riggs, Loiseau replied, "Make sure conditioning was at it's best. You know, make sure conditioning was, my conditioning was going to be off the hook."

Looking at the fight itself and how it may play out, David commented, "We'll know when the bell rings man. We're both exactly alike. We're both able to ground and pound and stand up. You know what I'm saying? We're both good. We're strong in the clinch. We're strong on the ground. He's knocked out people on the ground. So did I. I knocked out people standing up. I don't know if he did, but he knocked down some guys. I don't know if he knocked them out. We're both very versatile. We're both the future of the sport."

Concluding the interview, Loiseau thanked his sponsors. "I'd like to thank Joey Oddessa of www.BetOddessa.com, thanks for the support. MVP Nutrition, KTFO.tv, thanks for the support. Tri-Star Gyms, thanks for the support. MMAWeekly.com, thanks for the support." To hear the interview in its entirety, like "The Crow's" toughest fight, click on the radio archive.

Source: MMA Weekly

WHO HAS THE BETTER GROUND GAME?
CHRIS LYTLE TALKS ABOUT HIS GAME

Chris "Lights Out" Lytle has slowly crept his way into the top ten welterweights in the world. February 5th, he faces another top ten ranked welterweight, Karo Parisyan. In a night that will name an interim UFC Heavyweight Champion, finally crown a UFC Middleweight Champion, the Lytle vs. Parisyan bout will make more clear the UFC Welterweight pecking order. Chris Lytle spoke with MMAWeekly SoundOff Radio about the fight with Parisyan and the possibility of a future title shot.

Karo Parisyan plans to put "The Heat" on Chris Lytle. Chris is used to putting out flames though. He works full time as a firefighter, regularly putting in 56 hours a week at the fire station. About working as a fireman, Lytle stated, "I love my job that I do here and, it's a pretty good schedule. It gives me time to kind of do it so....It gives me a good balance. Coming here, it kind of keeps in my mind, everything in perspective and everything. I still get plenty of time to train. Not quite as much as I would like but, I think I make up for it in other areas like I'm smarter about how I train. I feel like I live a pretty good lifestyle. I don't go out drinking and whatnot, doing other things that kind of make it harder on me. I feel I've gotten smarter as I've gotten older. This job here, I just love it. I can't see ever quitting it."

Chris gets the opportunity to do a little bit of training at work. "I can lift weights and I can run and stuff but, I mean, I don't really have any mats or anything set up for that. Some of the stations have like a punching bag, heavy bag. I can hit the bag and stuff but, if I had mats and someone to come in here with me, I could. That wouldn't be a problem. I just don't have the access to that right now." Said Lytle.

Discussing his opponent, Karo Parisyan, Lytle has this to say, "I've watched about three of his fights I think. He's an excellent fighter. I mean, just watching him, watching the way operates on the ground. It's just so smooth. It just kind of flows from one move right to another. It's nice to watch actually but, I think this is just a really good match up for both of us just because, I mean, the way I see the fight. He knows what I'm going to try to do. I know what he is going to try to do. I don't think there's going to be too many surprises. It's just going to be who can impose their will on the other man."

Lytle feels he has the advantage standing but, when asked who has the advantage on the ground, Chris responded, "I definitely know that's where he wants to be. I don't know. I've never felt like I've been in terrible trouble when I've been on the ground. So, I don't really know who would have the advantage there. I feel like I would have my advantage on the my feet so I would say he's definitely going to feel comfortable on the ground. I know that for a fact. Like I said, he's extremely skilled at the way he moves on the ground but, it's kind of hard to get a feel until you're in there with him. You know what I mean?"

Lytle was asked how this fight will play out and if he feels like he can get a knock out over Karo. Chris stated, "I don't think anybody in this sport is above being taken out on their feet. I mean, with the small gloves you wear, it's only going to take one or two punches. I wouldn't rule it out but, I'm preparing to win the fight anywhere the fight goes. I don't really care. I'm training for the ground. I'm training for the feet. It all just depends on when that break is going to come."

Click on the radio archive and listen to what the world's most dangerous man had to say about his upcoming fight in April.

The show is free for those who listen live at 9am Pacific/12 Noon eastern by logging on www.mmaweeklyradio.com

Source: MMA Weekly

MMA PUBLIC BETTING ON TERRELL OVER TANNER

You've heard the term, put your money where your mouth is. It seems the MMA public is putting their money on David Terrell according to oddsmaker Joey Oddessa.

Joey is the premiere handicapper in MMA as he has a new website called betoddessa.com and he is also a consultant for one of our sponsors at sportsbook.com. He has broken down the latest odds on what is going on and how the public is betting.

Line started with David Terrell -140 Evan Tanner +120 ......The public criticized me for opening Terrell the favorite, but it was the right move. TERRELL is being bet UP A LOT. Tanner has gotten some buyback, but TERRELL is now -175/+155. I still like Tanner.

Line started Vitor Belfort -125 Tito Ortiz+105 ..............this bout currently sits at the same number. There has been 2 way action thus far, SLIGHTLY more on BELFORT , but NOT enough to move the line. BELFORT -125/+105.

Line started Andrei Arlovski -120 Tim Sylvia -100 ........................TIM SYLVIA is now the FAVORITE at -120/+100. Thre are smaller bets on ARLOVSKI, but most big bets were on TIM SYLVIA.

Line started Nick Diaz -230 Drew Fickett +190.............Short money on FICKETT. nothing significant , but went to -225/+185 on DIAZ.

Chris Lytle -110 Karo Parisyan -110.........2 way action........great line. Hasn't Moved since opening. PK -110/-110.

Joe Riggs -185 David Loiseau +165 ..........Public money on Riggs....nothing huge yet.......Riggs moved to -200/+170. Despite public opinion, I think Loiseau may well be able to pull off the upset of the night. This line is gonna be interesting nearer to fight time.

Phil Baroni -300 Pete Sell +250......Line hasnt moved a bit with Baronis replacement. He is relatively unknown..........small bet on Underdog may just be the guys taking a shot on the biggest underdog on the card.

Started at James Irvin -130 Mike Kyle +110...........Huge Money on Irvin.....the newcomer to the UFC. Kyle looks like shit in training and insiders are taking a shot at the newcoimer. IRVIN is currently the FAVORITE at -175/+155.

Line started at Justin Eilers -110 Paul Buentello -110 ...........A good amount of money moving in on EILERS, possibly because he is better known of the two after his KO win over Mike Kyle in UFC. EILERS sitting at -145/+125 now.

Source: MMA Weekly

PRIDE MIDDLEWEIGHT GP NEWS

The word amongst insiders in the Japanese media is that the PRIDE Middleweight GP will consist of a 16-man field. Two fighters from each team will be allowed.

DSE/PRIDE will also host part of the GP in the United States, in the state of California.

Fighters who are unofficially confirmed for the GP:
Vanderlei Silva*
Ricardo Arona
Rogerio 'Minotoro' Nogueira
Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson
Dan Henderson
Igor Vovchanchyn
Murilo 'Ninja' Rua
Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua
Yuki Kondo
Sergei Kharitonov
Hirotaka Yokoi
Kazuhiro Nakamura

Fighters who are probable for the GP:
Alistair Overeem
Ryan Gracie
Yoshiki Takahashi
Sanae Kikuta
Makoto Takimoto

Fighters who are currently injured, but will be in the GP if they recover in time:
Hidehiko Yoshida
Kazushi Sakuraba

Fighters who DSE/PRIDE may try to sign for the GP:
Randy Couture
Tito Ortiz
Vitor Belfort
Enson Inoue

* If Vanderlei Silva is signed, one of the Rua brothers will be out.

Source: Fight Sport

PRIDE LIGHTWEIGHT GP NEWS

The word amongst insiders in the Japanese media is that PRIDE and SHOOTO will work together for the upcoming PRIDE Lightweight GP.

SHOOTO will release a few of their top fighters to compete in the GP. The word is that SHOOTO welterweight champ Tetsuya Kawajiri will definitely be participating. Alexandre 'Pequeno' Nogueira, Vitor 'Shaolin' Ribeiro, and Rumina Sato might also be scheduled to participate as well.

Fighters who are unofficially confirmed for the GP:
Takanori Gomi
Jens Pulver
Tetsuya Kawajiri
D. Mishima
Luis 'Buscape' Firminho
Marcus Aurelio

Fighters who are probable for the GP:
Vitor 'Shaolin' Ribeiro
Hermes Franca
Ralph Gracie
Joachim Hansen
Alexandre 'Pequeno' Nogueira
Rumina Sato

Fighters who DSE/PRIDE may try to sign for the GP:
B.J. Penn
Yves Edwards
Matt Serra
Kaoru Uno
Norifumi 'Kid' Yamamoto
Naoyuki Kotani
Yoshiro Maeda

Source: Fight Sport

PRIDE NEWS

Sportsnavi reports that the DSE/PRIDE president Sakakibara will be traveling to Brazil to finalize contracts with some fighters.

Japanese media insiders are saying that Sakakibara will most likely meet with Vanderlei Silva and make a big money offer to re-sign him.

On the way back home, Sakakibara is also scheduled to stop in Las Vegas to see UFC 51, and to to negotiate with some UFC fighters about competing in the upcoming PRIDE Middleweight Grand Prix.

Source: Fight Sport

Taking the ultimate fight to Hollywood
By Sean Moeller

The following article was in the Quad Cities newspaper yesterday.

John Herzfeld flew from his Santa Monica, Calif., home right into the grip of an Iowa subzero wind chill factor for some inspiration.

In the Quad-Cities for four days last week to research a film he’s writing and directing about the professional sport of ultimate fighting, Herzfeld watched a day of tough sparring. Then he sat for an evening next to Jens Pulver, one of the world’s fiercest lightweight mixed-martial arts fighters, in the lobby of Champions Fitness Center in downtown Bettendorf.
.
Standing around in sweats, eating protein milkshakes and arguing over whether they could get a plain chicken sandwich at Famous Dave’s were the rest of the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s best: Tim Sylvia, Matt Hughes, Robbie Lawler, Justin Eilers and one of the sport’s first stars, Quad-Citian Pat Miletich.

Filmmaker John Herzfeld, left, films mixed-martial arts fighters Pat Miletich, center, and world champion Matt Hughes at the Champion Fitness Center in Bettendorf. Herzfeld is studying the fighters for a film his is writing.
.
Layered in UFC and Miletich Fighting Systems T-shirts, untucked and hanging halfway down his thighs, Herzfeld was fidgety with the jolt he got from experiencing the grueling workouts firsthand.
.
“This is the best of the best, as I’ve been told,” he said, when asked why he chose Team Miletich as the subjects for his as-yet-unwritten-and-unnamed movie project. “I have never, ever seen conditioning and workouts as I’ve seen this week. It’s mind-blowing. These guys live in inherent drama. I feel exhausted just having watched them.
.
“I’m putting some serious dough on guys coming from here.”
.
Herzfeld is no amateur filmmaker. He directed Robert De Niro and Edward Burns in the 2001 movie “15 Minutes,” won a number of awards with the HBO film “Don King: Only in America” and wrote and directed the cultish drama “2 Days in the Valley.”
.
While here, he endured various workouts with the fighters, tagged along with them when they weren’t at the gym and probed deep into their personal lives so he can better pen his screenplay. He circled the middle of the mat with a handheld video camera, recording every movement, comment and bloody nose. In all, he received a candid look inside at the fighters’ motivations and machinations.
.
“I’ve been asking them, ‘Why do you do this?’ ‘Could there be a tougher way to make a living?’ ‘Could you put anything more on the line?’ You have to have a reservoir in you. In this case, it’s full of rage and wanting to beat the (crap) out of somebody. Where they strike back is in fighting. They become driven to be the best in the sport,” Herzfeld said.
.
Miletich and Pulver agreed that the short visit never felt like an intrusion.
.
“I think he got a pleasant shock. I think he’s impressed with our guys,” Miletich said. “He hung out with us from the time we woke up to the time we went to bed. He wanted to see what our lives are like. He wanted to hear about the tough times we had on our way to the top. He heard about the miseries and the good times we had.”
.
“He was real cool,” Pulver added. “It wasn’t a problem at all. He was just one of the guys. We all would get together and almost reminisce with each other, which we don’t do too much. It was actually kind of nice.”
.
The movie is being written for actor Mark Wahlberg, a good friend of Herzfeld’s who also happens to be a fan of the UFC. He’s hoping to spend three months after the Feb. 5 UFC 51 event in Las Vegas, which he’ll attend as the final bit of legwork, writing the script. He plans to begin filming by the end of summer. His goal is to depict the fighters and the sport as it is, not how it’s been perceived by a disillusioned public.
.
“This is a sport for highly trained athletes. It’s not just a bloodsport and it’s not just human cockfighting, as it’s been referred to,” he said. “There are many inspiring films made about sports, but in 99 percent of them, the audience already knows the sport. I’ve got to educate and illuminate as I entertain them. Most people still think it’s ‘That thing, that thing, that gruesome sport.’ I’ve got to make it clear what this sport’s all about.
.
“And it’s got to be accessible to women, girlfriends, adults and children. It must do that. Otherwise it will be just another Jean-Claude Van Damme movie. I’m not putting him down, but there’s a limited audience for that.”
.
Herzfeld foresees using many of the fighters he got to know last week when the cameras begin to roll.
.
“Without a shadow of a doubt,” he said. “Some might not even be fighters in the movie. Strange enough, I could see Pat or Matt playing trainers.”
.
He’s already given Miletich a verbal commitment.
.
“I’d love to be a part of this,” Miletich said. “He told me I’d at least have a speaking part in the movie, which is nice. As far as any of the other guys, he didn’t say. And I didn’t pry.”
.
Sean Moeller can be contacted at (563) 383-2288 or at smoeller@qctimes.com.
.
WHAT IT IS
.
MMA, or mixed-martial arts, is a sport in which competitors use interdisciplinary forms of fighting that include Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, kickboxing, boxing, karate, wrestling and other forms to their strategic and tactical advantage in a supervised match. The
.
Ultimate Fighting Championship, or UFC, is the leading body of the sport who he is John Herzfeld is a writer/director/ producer who is best known for his work in television. Among his more notable projects:
.
• “Dr. Vegas” — writer/director/
.
producer
.
• “15 Minutes” — writer/director/
.
producer
.
• “Casualties of Love: The Long Island Lolita Story” — director/
.
producer
.
• “The Ryan White Story” — director
.
• “The Paper Chase” — director

Source: MMA Weekly

 1/28/05

Quote of the Day

"Teachers open the door but you must walk through it yourself."

Chinese Proverb

Super Brawl & Steinlager Present:
FULL CONTACT SHOWDOWN #1
TONIGHT

Kahuna's Sports Bar & Grill Ballroom
Kaneohe MCBH
Today! Friday, January 28, 2005
7 pm Doors Open 8 pm First Bell
$20 Military / $25 Non-Military

Kolo Koka vs. Candido Estrada (SoCal)
Steve Byrne (Hawaii Marine) vs Ray Lizama
6-7 other fights

Non-Military wanting to attend should call 375-1645 or email superbrawl21@yahoo.com (Patrick) in advance for getting on base. Military will be opening the gate to general public, but are hoping to have a controlled list as back-up if thousands of fans show up.

Weigh-in / Press Conference 6:30pm @ Windward Mall on Thursday, January 27, 2005.

Source: Promoter

Pride 29 - Fists of Fire

Date : February 20 2005
Place: Saitama Super Arena

DSE/PRIDE announced five match ups for PRIDE 29:

Mirko Cro Cop vs. Mark Coleman
(Croatia/Team Cro Cop) (USA/Hammer House)

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson vs. Murilo Ninja
(USA / Team Oyama) (Brazil /Chute Boxe Academy)

Alistair Overeem vs. Rogerio 'Minotoro' Nogueira
(Holland/Golden Glory) (Brazil/Brazilian Top Team)

Igor Vovchanchyn vs. Yoshiki Takahashi
(Ukraine/PMMA) (Japan/Pancrase Ism)

Choi Mu Bae vs. Sergei Kharitonov
(CMA-KPW KOREA) (Russia/Russian Top Team)

Fighters to appear:

Ryan Gracie
Kazuhiro Nakamura
Hirotaka Yokoi
Mauricio Shogun

Source: Koichi Kawasaki

BRAZILIAN INSIDER:
VITOR LOOKS UNSTOPPABLE IN SPARRING


By Ricardo Alonso

Hello my friends, here is the inside news from Brazil:

I have heard from a very reliable source that Vitor Belfort has been running through all his sparring partners (including Ricardo Arona, Mario Sperry, Murilo Bustamante, and even Rodrigo 'Minotauro' Nogueira) in the BTT sparring sessions in preparation for his upcoming fight against Tito Ortiz.

He is more focused then he's ever been and he's very angry at Tito right now for all the shit talk and a comment he supposedly made about Vitor's family problems just last month.

A famous sports psychologist/anger specialist, Dr. Jacob Pinheiro (who used to work with Brazilian car racing legend Ayrton Senna), has been helping Belfort to focus all the anger and rage he has regarding his sister's tragedy and Tito's comments into his performance against Tito.

This source says that Vitor is coming to destroy Tito without mercy and will look to knock him out or submit him at every opportunity.

According to this source, the last time Vitor really disliked an opponent was against 'Tank' Abbott, Vanderleli Silva, Gilbert Yvel, and Marvin Eastman. But they have never seen him dislike an opponent as much as Tito Ortiz. In my opinion, this is very bad news for Ortiz.

Source: Fight Sport

"THE DIESEL" READY FOR UFC 51

The "Diesel," Joe Riggs will take on David Loiseau in just over a week at UFC 51. Riggs is on an eight fight win streak and is looking to extend it to nine. Riggs spoke with MMAWeekly SoundOff Radio about the fight, his opponent and who he'd like to fight next. 18 fighters in 18 days continues with Joe Riggs.

David Loiseau has put together a couple of nice wins since losing back to back fights to Jorge Rivera and Jeremy Horn. When asked about Loiseau, Riggs said, "He's a tough guy." Joe added, "He doesn't seem like a hard-nose guy. That's going to cause him some problems. It's going to be his demise in the end."

Riggs said he doesn't really know what to expect in this fight. He commented, "I don't even know what he's going to do. I think he's going to stand up, but his last couple of fights he choose to try and take the guy down. I mean, it's Mixed Martial Arts. We could be standing there throwing leather, or you know, I could end up putting elbows to his face again. I don't know. I have no idea." Joe may not have an idea about how the fight will play out, but he was confident he would be the winner. He predicted, "It will probably be over in the first round. I'll beat him in the first round." When questioned what the mode of victory will be, Joe replied, "KO or TKO."

The 185lb. division has become stacked with talent and viable contenders. The belt is back up for grabs between Evan Tanner and David Terrell. Discussing who the best fighter is at 185, Riggs commented, "I think there are a cluster of guys. I think I'm in the top of the heap though. You've got guys like Tanner, Terrell, Lindland, myself. I mean, it's hard to pick. You probably can't make that call until after February 5th....You're going to find out if David Terrell is the real deal or not. You're going to find out if Evan Tanner is back. It's going to be an interesting weekend."

Not looking past David Loiseau, Riggs feels if he beats Loiseau that he should be in line for a title shot against the winner of the Tanner and Terrell bout. He only mentioned two names when questioned who deserves a shot at the title next. He stated, "Me or Franklin."

The "Diesel" has a short list of guys he wants to fight. A very short list. One name in fact; Lee Murray. "I still want to fight Lee Murray. I want to fight that guy. I would love to fight Lee Murray. I'd love to fight that guy. Wouldn't that be fun? You guys would laugh your asses off how bad I'd embarrass him." Commented Riggs.

Source: MMA Weekly

Check out what's in the current issue of FCF ...

Kick-Off: A UFC 51 Super Saturday Preview.

Pride Shockwave crowns their undisputed heavyweight champ in New Year's action and the "Axe Murderer" takes a loss!

K-1 Dynamite: Royce Gracie takes out 484 lb Sumo champion.

2004: The Year in Review.

We announce the FCF 2004 Fighter of the Year.

Fans and some of our reporters also discuss who they'd choose for fighter of the year.

Lone Wolf: Evan Tanner talks about his choice to leave Team Quest as he tackles his title shot alone.

Stepping up for a Fight: MMA Fighters in the fight of their lives over in Iraq.

The Brazilian Beat The latest on Vitor, Wanderlei, Minotauro, Brazilian Challenger and much more!

Shooto 2004 Year End Show: Rumina on a winning streak, Kawajiri takes out Shaolin.

A Shark in Shallow Waters: Sean Sherk destroying everything and everyone in front of him, but just can't seem to get back into the big show. Find out what's going on with the "Muscle Shark."

ADCC Brazilian Trial: Roger Gracie's star continues to rise.

SuperBrawl 38: Sylvia finally has his day with Sims.

Mass Destruction 18 .

Rumble in the Ring 10 .

Martial Law keeps MMA alive in the Big Apple.

August Wallen interview: meet the Nordic MMA mastermind.

Rich Clementi BioFile.

Fight fans Pride Shockwave and the upcoming UFC 51.

In our monthly columns...

In Matt Hume's techniques, Tony Sablan & Frank Colcher demonstrate a Cross-body Kimura/Chicken-wing Grip.

In the Punchers Corner, champion kickboxer Derek Panza discusses Converting Sparring to Fighting.

Former AMC Pankration strength & conditioning coach Mark Ginther discusses Training, Diet and ... BLOOD TYPE?!.

Every issue of Full Contact Fighter is jam-packed with fight news from the U.S. to Brazil to Japan. FCF travels the globe to bring the fights to you. Get yours today! Available at Tower Records stores around the world or by subscription...

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Source: FCF

GROSSMAN INSIDER:
'THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER' RATINGS FROM SPIKE TV

By Josh Grossman

Spike TV insiders e-mailed me with the following information:

The second telecast of 'The Ultimate Fighter' kept its momentum, beating projections across the board.

The telecast showed significant growth among the male viewers aged 18-34, male viewers aged 18-49, and male viewers aged 25-54. Highest gains versus projections were male viewers aged 18-24 (+30%), male viewers aged 21-34 (+32%), people aged 18-49 (+30%), and people aged 21-34 (+44%).

The second telecast delivered 1,201(000s) among households, garnered a 1.36 HH rating, and had an average audience of 1,688.000 viewers. In Spike's main demos, Ultimate Fighter delivered a 468(000s) among male viewers aged 18-34, a 802 among male viewers aged 18-49, a 706 among people aged 18-34, and a 1,193 among people aged 18-49.

The 21an-up audience composition remained at 81% and had a Male/Female skew of 68/32.

Source: Fight Sport

The Savage Truth: MMA Media—Friend or Foe?
by Greg Savage

When I think about reasons why mixed martial arts has failed to realize the optimistic goals many fans and pundits placed at the feet of their anointed saviors—the Fertitta brothers and Dana White—after their purchase of the UFC early in 2001, I think of several things.

I think of things like running over the allotted time and cutting off the main event of the UFC’s first show after returning to the pay-per-view arena; seeing champions bolt the organization, leaving their belts (oops, “trophies”) behind along with a tarnished championship lineage; and I think of MMA’s smaller promoters who disregarded the long-term success of the sport in order to carve out their own little fiefdoms and a larger piece of a much smaller pie.

So you could imagine my reaction when my jackass buddy from the UFC told me that the MMA media is holding the sport back. I was pretty shocked to say the least. Knowing the ins and outs of the scene I figured it was common knowledge that MMA press corps could not hold back a charging Chihuahua much less the entire sport of mixed martial arts.

Then I started thinking about all of the crazy things I have seen involving the ever changing but always growing MMA press corps during my six years covering the sport.

I have seen many so-called journalists openly cheer for fighters, while others have even dared to shout instructions to fighters in the cage. I have even seen a “journalist” in tears at the sight of his favorite fighter lying unconscious on the canvas.

The worst thing about it is I am not even shocked anymore by the way some of these people act.

The best part is when someone calls them on it. You get the responses like “What am I supposed to do? He is my friend.” Which in turn begs the question: How in the hell are we supposed to believe anything you say is unfettered due to personal bias? Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t think it’s possible.

Another pet peeve of mine is these people who straddle an ethical line by trying to cover the sport while working for a promoter. Can anyone tell me how someone can be taken seriously when they are expected to provide an objective view of their employer’s event? Ding, ding, ding … that’s right, they can’t.

Yet another bone I have to pick is with writers who just refuse to be critical of anyone or anything. These types usually fall back on the trusty “Support the Sport” standard—and no I am not talking about MMAWeekly.com’s Ken Pishna—without realizing that they would be doing a much bigger service by pointing out things that should be changed, rather than being a worthless “apple polisher.”

Now don’t get me wrong, Sherdog.com is no bastion of perfection in the otherwise screwed up world of MMA reporting. But we do try our best to provide our readers with an unbiased account of events we cover as well as clear, concise—albeit sometimes wrong—opinions about the happenings surrounding the sport we all want to see reach its full potential, whatever that is.

We have brought in my boy Josh Gross to shore up the editorial content and try to bring a semblance of professionalism to an enterprise littered with hucksters and profiteers.

It will be a long journey, not only for the sport but also for those covering it, before we reach a level of respectability—if we ever make it at all. In the meantime, it’s a good thing we have the loyal opposition over at MMA forums including the much maligned Fightsport.com—at least the guys have an original thought—to provide an equally amateurish, yet completely valid place for people to vent their unpopular opinions.

Now with all that said, I find myself looking back and still wondering how anyone at Zuffa could believe that the MMA media, with its limited reach and often homer attitude towards the sport, could be the reason mixed martial arts has not taken off and burst into the mainstream of North American sporting events.

I tend to think it is the nature of the sport itself that limits its potential, but what do I know? I could be setting the sport back another five years with this column.

Source: Sherdog

BRIGGS FINED USD$2 MILLION FOR STREET FIGHT

Former Boxing champion Shannon Briggs has been ordered by a court to pay USD$2 million to a former University of Miami football player he punched out during a barroom incident.

Here is the story that was reported by the Associated Press:

MIAMI - Former heavyweight boxer Shannon Briggs was ordered to pay $2 million to former University of Miami lineman Brian Stinson for breaking his eye socket during a nightclub fight in 2001.

Jurors on Friday sided with Stinson, who said his football career was cut short because of the injuries.

"This was not a fight," said Stinson's lawyer, Ken Padowitz. "This was a brutal beating."

A doctor testified that Stinson has limited vision in his left eye. The player was forced to miss scouting camps and now works as a counselor at a university in Washington.

Briggs said he would appeal.

"I am a big target and people think I have big pockets," he said. "It was a football party and I was a boxer. I shouldn't have been there."

Stinson, 27, testified that he began chatting with an unidentified woman at the bar after he arrived with a group of Hurricane players. He said Briggs berated her and then cursed him, shoving him through a door into an alley. Stinson said when he tried to return, Briggs punched him.

"All I could see were fists, and it was awful," he testified.

The 33-year-old Briggs countered that he was leaving the club when a woman called his name. He tried talking to her but was rebuffed by Stinson and Miami defensive end Quincy Hipps. After some shoving, bouncers tossed Stinson into the alley. Briggs said Stinson returned and tried to tackle him.

Briggs has 25 first-round knockouts during a 12-year boxing career. He earned a 12-round majority decision over two-time heavyweight champ George Foreman in 1997, causing Foreman to retire at the time. The next year, Briggs was stopped in the fifth round by Lennox Lewis.

Source: Fight Sport

HALLMAN THE LATEST TO JOIN AMERICAN TOP TEAM

Dennis “Superman” Hallman has been one of the most consistent fighters in the MMA world. Having competed in the sport now for eight years, there’s little if anything Hallman hasn’t seen in his time in the sport. Recently Dennis joined forces with the American Top Team in their expansion into the northwest with the opening of their new school in Olympia, Washington. MMAWeekly’s Mick Hammond caught up with Hallman to discuss his involvement with the ATT and the activities of his Victory Athletics fight team.

Hallman, a longtime member of Victory Athletics, has joined the ATT on a full time basis as an instructor at the school and will fight under the banner of both teams as he explained, “I’m part of the ATT now, but I’m still VA. I’m teaching at the ATT school, but I’ll also be fighting for them. All my guys are going to be ATT also.”

Currently there are around 30 members of Victory Athletics including Benji “Razor” Radach, Justin Davis and Brad Blackburn. According to Hallman, “The original guys will still carry the VA flag, but any new guys who join the team will be part of the ATT.”

Due to his hectic training and teaching schedule it could be a while before we see Hallman back in the ring fighting, “I don’t know when I’ll fight next. I’ve got nothing scheduled, I’ve always been teaching my guys and now we have a big facility to work at and set up.”

Hallman is very optimistic about his participation in the ATT’s new facility and how things have been progressing so far, “It’s a great facility, we are working on getting people signed up. I’ve got all my guys from VA in fight training so it’s packed already, the regular classes we are now looking at to grow.”

While Hallman’s schedule is keeping him from fighting, VA teammate Benji Radach is eager to get back into the ring for the first time since suffering a broken jaw at the hands of Chris Leben last June in Sportfight. According to Hallman, “March or April is when it looks like he’ll be fighting again. He’s getting back in training slowly, I think his jaw is ready to go, but we don’t want to jump the gun. We talked about March or April and it sounds good to him.”

Along with Radach, Brad Blackburn is looking to rebound off a loss at Sportfight as he prepares for his upcoming fight against Jay Jack in Ring of Fire 15 on February 12th in Colorado. “He’s doing great, “ said Hallman, “He was just rolling with (Jeff) Monson and Fabiano (ATT Olympia’s lead BJJ instructor). He needs to be able to rehydrate better; he didn’t do that in his last fight (against Brendan Melendez in January’s Sportfight). After his fight he was bone dry. We had a show here and then he went down to Oregon for the weigh-ins, cutting weight, and didn’t do the right thing with his body to get fluids back after he weighed in. We didn’t have someone down there with him, we should have.”

Not only is Hallman busy with his own team but he’s also been working with Evan Tanner as he prepares for his upcoming fight against David Terrell at UFC 51. “He’s coming down tonight, “ commented Hallman, “Benji rolled with him and I did last Thursday. He’s going to train here this week before he goes (down to Vegas).”

Hallman finished out the conversation by commenting on the immediate upcoming activities of himself and the ATT, “Benji is going to corner Evan and I might go if I can get a sponsor to pay for it. I’ll be going down to Florida soon and I’ll be out in Colorado with Brad on the 12th. We’re going to have fights here for our big Grand Opening on March 12th. We had a smaller show here for our opening in January, but this one is going to be a decent sized one at the gym.”

Source: MMA Weekly

 1/27/05

Quote of the Day

"A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked."

Bernard Meltzer, American Law Professor

Jhun vs Shields?
Onzuka.com Exclusive

A fight between UFC veteran and Shooto World number 6 ranked Ron "The Machine Gun" Jhun and former Shooto Champ and Cesar Gracie standout Jake Shields is being proposed for sometime around April of this year.

Jhun impressively proved why he is number 6 in the world by beating a game Shigetoshi Iwase (ranked number 8) of Japan this past Saturday at Punishment in Paradise. The Machine Gun has his eyes set for the World Championship at the year end show, but he needs to prove to the Shooto Commission that he should be first in line as the champion looks to defend his title. Jhun is focused mentally, spiritually, and physically which showed in his last solid performance. The Machine Gun is fully loaded!

A possible way to jump to the number one ranking is to beat the current number one ranked fighter and former champ Jake Shields. Cesar Gracie seems receptive to the fight that is proposed to be held here in Hawaii and is said to have indicated that Shields loves to fight in Hawaii. Shields won the title in an exciting fight with Ron's brother-in-law Ray "Bradda" Cooper who may be fighting at 155 lbs for the first time in his career on March 25 at the Blaisdell Hawaii Suite in a Pro/Am card.

Onzuka.com will keep you informed if this fight and Bradda's fight becomes a done deal.

These should be barn burners!

***For Immediate Release***
Rumble on the Rock 6 Premieres on Pay Per View

The mixed martial arts mega-fight card that pitted superstars B.J. Penn (9-1-1) and Rodrigo Gracie (5-1) against one another at Honolulu, Hawaii's Blaisdell Arena will premiere on iNDemand and TVN
Pay Per View television on Saturday, February 19th at 9 PM Eastern Standard Time (6 PM Pacific Standard Time.) Presented by the newly formed K-1 Fighting Network, the event also saw a return to mixed martial arts action by 2003 K-1 USA champion Carter Williams (37-9) as well as Royler Gracie (4-2-1).

Arguably the top pound for pound competitor in the sport of mixed martial arts, Penn achieved what most dismissed as the impossible by climbing from The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)'s 154 pound limit weight division to its 168 pound limit class and easily defeating reigning champion Matt Hughes by way of rear naked choke to claim the latter's 168-pound limit title on January 31st. Following the magnificent win over Hughes in the octagon, the 25-year-old Hawaiian successfully showcased his skills in Japan where he secured a victory over world Muay Thai champion and mixed martial arts contender, Duane Ludwig, by way of arm triangle choke during K-1's inaugural mixed martial arts event on May 22, 2004.

One of seven brothers who boast the heritage of martial arts fighting's most decorated family name, Rodrigo has continued a tradition of excellence pioneered by his elder siblings during his
first five mixed martial arts starts. A winner of four consecutive matchups in Japan, the 29-year-old earned his greatest victory to date on February 15th of last year when he gained a unanimous judges decision over heralded contender, Hayato Sakurai.

In other Rumble on The Rock 6 action that will air during the Pay Per View broadcast, Williams made his fourth career start under mixed martial arts rules opposite Tom "Green Beret" Howard (0-3) while another esteemed member of the famed Gracie clan, Royler, faced Kazuyuki Miyata (7-2-4). Fans will also be able to see the returns of UFC heavyweight veterans Wesley "Cabbage" Correira (13-7) and 6 foot 9 inch Wes "The Project" Sims (5-6).

Rumble on the Rock 6 can be purchased on iNDemand and TVN for a price of $19.95.

Rumble on the Rock is a Hawaii-based mixed martial arts fight promotion that was launched by Prodigy Productions two years ago. Recently, Prodigy Productions partnered with K-1 Fighting Network, a division of the Japan-based K-1 Corporation, to bring mixed martial arts sporting events to a growing fanbase.

Source: Mike Afromowitz

Catching Up With The World’s Most Dangerous Man – An Interview with UFC Living Legend Ken Shamrock
Part 1 by Benny Henderson Jr.


You can say what you want to say about Ken Shamrock, but you can never question his heart, hard work, determination or his ability - just ask his past opponents and his crew at the Lion’s Den.

The “World’s Most Dangerous Man” has fought in Pancrase, battled it out in UFC, pounded his opponents in PRIDE and has even pinned Triple H in the WWF/E, and at the ripe young age of forty this living legend is showing no signs of wanting to call a halt to his spectacular career.

Shamrock has also been involved in some the most unforgettable matches in mixed martial arts history, such as rivalries, rematches and Pay Per View blockbusters with the likes of Royce Gracie, Dan Severn, Kimo Leopoldo, and Tito Ortiz.

Which leads us to the current question making the rounds through MMA circles - will there be a Shamrock-Ortiz II? At this point nobody knows, but one thing is for sure - Ken wants revenge and he knows that a rematch would be one of the biggest PPV events in the history of the UFC and he is willing to call Tito out for the fight.

In 2002, the two stepped in the octagon and faced off in UFC 40, where Shamrock lost in round three (Submission due to fatigue). Yet after two surgeries and a two year layoff, Shamrock returned to the steel cage to take on Kimo at UFC 48, and with a hard knee to the head that produced a knockout at 1:28 of the first round, Shamrock was back and he captured his first UFC win since the two met eight years earlier at UFC 8.

Needless to say, the dangerous one wants another face off against the Huntington Beach Bad Boy. After a big trash-talking episode at the UFC 48 press conference between the two it appears that the war of words at this point will be the only action between the two. Will it manifest into a big time throwdown for all the fans to witness? Once again, nobody knows at this point. But hey, after Ken’s years in the business he knows to take the lows with the highs and just keep on moving on and that is just what he will do if the rematch doesn’t materialize. Ken is a killer in the octagon and a gentle family man at home, and the hall of famer took the time out for Max Fighting to discuss his thoughts on Tito Ortiz and a possible rematch, along with his views on his accomplishments and most memorable moments throughout his career.

Benny Henderson Jr. - Hey Ken, how have things been going for you?

Ken Shamrock – Well, so far everything is going great. I had knee surgery and I recovered from that back in November and I had shoulder surgery in August and I recovered from that, so I am back strong again and looking forward to trying to get a fight in April.

BH - There has been a lot of talk about you and Tito Ortiz; what exactly is the bad blood between you and Tito Ortiz?

KS - Well it really started back in the day when he fought Guy Mezger and he wore a shirt out that said “Gay Mezger is my bitch” and that kind of irritated me, and we have been jawing back and forth for a long period of time. And then we got into the ring and we fought and he beat me, so I accepted the fact he beat me, no problem. But that is Tito, he keeps jawing his mouth. Even after he beat me, and I never said I had to take it because he beat me, but then he came back after I fought Kimo and in the middle of the press conference challenged me to a fight. He said that he would like to fight me next and of course I got upset and I accepted the fight. So now that the fight is being put together, all of a sudden Tito Ortiz wants to take some time out. I am a little bit upset at the fact that he stood up and opened his mouth and now he is not going to back it.

BH - You just recently called Tito Ortiz out, and pretty much just blasted him in saying that you were punking him out and so on. Are you doing your best to piss him off with your statements so he will get mad and fight you?

KS - Well yeah. I mean when I heard that he wasn’t going to take the fight, that made me angry because he is the one who actually challenged me. I’ve always wanted to fight him and there was supposed to be a rematch with him after the first fight and it never happened. I kept asking Dana when it was going to happen because that was the fight that I wanted but it was never the right time so I had to fight Kimo, and I beat Kimo very handily. And I still wanted that fight; instead he gave it to Vitor Belfort, which is fine. But now that Dana said put this fight on after the Belfort fight, they refused to take the fight and it wasn’t the fact that they just refused to not take the fight because Tito just wanted to take a vacation or something; they refused to take the fight, saying that it did nothing for his career, it did nothing for him to fight me and it does everything for me to fight him, and that is absolutely ridiculous for them to make that statement. I have been around this business for a long time and I have had some of the biggest fights in the UFC and I know that rivalry is what builds stars. And this is a rivalry, this is a rematch and rematches build champions; they build stars. This is a rematch and I have made this comment many times before - you know Muhammad Ali got beat by Joe Frazier; does that make Ali a weaker fighter? Maybe that day. But he came back and beat Frazier twice after that. So for them to make that comment and put me down just because he beat me one time and say that a rematch doesn’t do anything for him, where did they get to make that comment? I have been in this thing for a long time and I have fought everybody and I have been in it since the very first one and for them to make a comment like that is totally ridiculous and it pissed me off for them to say that and thinking that Tito Ortiz is bigger than the event. Tito Ortiz is not that popular.

BH - How big do you think a Shamrock-Ortiz II would be for you the fighters and the UFC?

KS - I think it will be huge. I think it will be the biggest Pay Per View since the first time we fought, and the first time we fought it drew big numbers. There’s one thing you can always look at - Gracie and Shamrock, Severn and Shamrock, Kimo and Shamrock, and Ortiz and Shamrock, those matches have drawn the biggest PPV rates in UFC history. It is on paper, it is a fact; what is the common denominator in all those fights? Ken Shamrock. I am not saying that I am better than Tito Ortiz. I’m not saying that I am more popular than Tito Ortiz. I’m not making any claims to that, but I am stating a fact.

BH - Let’s say if there is a chance for a Shamrock-Ortiz II. How much different do you think this fight will go?

KS – Well, you know talk is cheap. I can sit here and tell you what I am going to do, I can sit here and do this and do that, but talk is cheap. I like to step in the ring and put it on him, but obviously that is not going to happen because they are not going to take the fight. It would be different if they said, ‘listen Tito Ortiz is burned out right now and his confidence is down and he doesn’t feel like stepping in the ring after this fight and he needs to take some time off.’ Then I would back off; I got no problem with that. But don’t use me as a cop out. If they are not going to fight me because they want to take time off or time out or because he wants to go do something else, then say that, but don’t say that it isn’t good for Tito Ortiz and it does everything for Ken Shamrock and I don’t know what this does for us. Well listen, the fight Tito and I had produced the biggest numbers since ZUFFA took over and it will be different this time; it will probably draw bigger numbers. Does it do anything for Tito Ortiz? Yes. Does it do anything for Ken Shamrock? Yes. So the fight makes sense but do they want to take it and for what reason do they not want to take it? It’s not because it wouldn’t do anything for them, which they are claiming, and that is totally bogus.

BH - What is a regular day in the life for Ken Shamrock?

KS - Well it is usually like this morning. This morning I got up at five in the morning and went and worked out 5:30 to 6:30, I did some drills and training with some resistance, cardio, and then I usually get home around 7:15. I get home and I make my kids breakfast and then I take them to school; my wife and me shuttle them. (Laughs) Once we get the kids to school we go and have breakfast and go out and then the kids get home about two o’clock so we take care of the kids and the homework and we drive them to sports, to learning centers, to church, to whatever, you name it.

BH - Out of your thirty-five fights which is most memorable?

KS - I would have to say the first Super Fight Championship when I beat Severn; that was definitely a highlight. Royce Gracie, when we fought for the second time and they carried him out of the ring. I would have to say Tito Ortiz, even though I got beat in that fight, I think that was a memorable moment because that was the first time I actually really ever lost a fight and the way the fans reacted towards me after the fight was a highlight for me, just for the fact that it didn’t change from the time I walked in to the time I walked out. Even though I got beat, the fans were still sticking their hands out and yelling at me and saying, ‘hey, it’s all right man, we still love you.’ You know I think those are some special times, all were special moments.

BH - Your stint with the WWF how do you think it affected your career?

KS - I would say that I have taken a couple of steps back because being on the road with the WWF takes a lot way from your training; it is a different type of atmosphere and different world. So when I decided to get back into fighting I was definitely a few years behind and it took me a while to catch up. But all and all I would have to say that the WWF was very interesting and fun, but at the same time I learned a lot about life.

BH - Ok, very important question Ken. Is professional wrestling Fake? (Laughs)

KS - (Laughs) I can’t answer that or I’d have to kill you.

BH - (Laughing) Well, ok then, don’t worry about it.

BH – I’ve got to say one more thing about the WWF. Man, I beat you so many times in the WWF game. (Laughs) Well, you did get me a few times with that leg lock submission but for the most part I got ya.

KS - (Laughs) Ah, you the champ man.

BH – Shoot, it would be the only damn way I could beat you.
(We both are laughing)

BH - What will you do if you don’t get the Ortiz rematch?

KS - I’ll move on. You know, I’ll find out what the next thing is out there. Like I said, I don’t pick the fights. I just fight what is in front of me. I’ve always said that Tito Ortiz is the fight that I wanted and Dana is going to make it happen, but now that Dana made it happen and did what he said he was going to do for me, now Tito Ortiz won’t take it. I will just have to let it go. He is not going to take the fight, obviously he is giving different excuses not to fight for whatever reasons they are, I don’t know, because obviously he isn’t being honest and whatever they are saying is bull crap. It doesn’t do anything for him and it does everything for me? That is just some trash talk right there it doesn’t make any sense. If he doesn’t take the fight then I will let it go and fight whoever they put out in front of me.

BH - With all your accomplishments throughout your career, which are you most proud of?

KS - There are a lot of them. I think just being able to capture the UFC title was a big thing for me and then being able to get to where I am at right now, I think that is probably the biggest accomplishment. Through my whole career I have overcome some obstacles and have gotten in the place where I need to be now. And I don’t believe there are too many people that could have gone through what I have gone through. Now, I have put myself in a lot of those positions and I was put in a lot of those positions. I don’t think that there are many human beings that would be standing where I am right now if they have went through the things I have gone through since I was ten years old to where I am at right now.

Stay tuned for part two of the interview with Ken Shamrock where he will give his thoughts on his return, the Lion’s Den, his future, and his legacy.

Source: Maxfighting

U.S.A. Takes on the World: Horn and Edwards Lead American Charge for February 26th Event

EUPHORIA Mixed Fighting Championship is proud to announce its return to Atlantic City, New Jersey on February 26th with USA vs the World, live from the Trump Taj Mahal Casino and Resort. EUPHORIA has combed the globe for the best and brightest to grace its ranks and bring fans its own blend of universal competition. Representatives from Norway, Brazil, Mexico, Spain, Japan and Canada have been enlisted to test an elite contingent of American warriors for an 8-fight card of international action.

Returning to EUPHORIA following impressive turns at its last event, UFC veteran and Texan Thugjitsu master Yves Edwards meets Norwegian scrapper and former SHOOTO champion Joachim Hansen in a departure from the lightweight tournament format. “After careful consideration, EUPHORIA has decided to concentrate on single bouts to build its international stable of fighters,” says EUPHORIA matchmaker Miguel Itturate of the change. “We feel this shift will only strengthen future title bouts down the line.” Also onboard, are EUPHORIA 2 victors Hermes Franca and Rich Clementi. Brazilian Top Team fighter Franca could be the man to beat on the ground, but will punishing striker Clementi allow it to even get there?

In light-heavyweight action, American classic Jeremy Horn makes his EUPHORIA debut against KOTC veteran Keith Jardine. With over 100 fights under his belt, Horn has become an emblem for the sport with his slick ground stylings, cool showmanship and uncanny ability to always come out on top. Opponent Keith Jardine’s star has been on the rise with a recent submission victory over Red Devil Sports Club’s Arman Gambaryan in December’s M-1 event. Does Jardine have what it takes to catch the uncatchable Horn?

Rounding out the EUPHORIA 3 card, a mix of returning favorites and established newcomers put their countries’ pride on the line. From unflappable rising heavyweight Travis Wiuff to Spain’s number one prospect Daniel Tabera, EUPHORIA 3 promises to be like no other.

Don’t miss out on the EUPHORIA experience. Tickets are available now and can be purchased directly through the Taj Mahal Box Office (609-449-5150) and through all Ticketmaster locations (1-800-736-1420 or www.ticketmaster.com). Visit www.euphoriamfc.com, the official web site of the EUPHORIA experience, for the latest news and updates.

Source: Maxfighting

 1/26/05

Quote of the Day

"Teachers open the door but you must walk through it yourself."

Chinese Proverb

MMA and Kickboxing Calendar for 2005

MMA and Kickboxing are exploding here in Hawaii and there are now a lot of events where local talent have an opportunity to compete. Start marking down your calendar and make plans to support these events and the event sponsors!

January 28, 2005 Full Contact Showdown -
Super Brawl Qualifier (Kahuna Sports Bar - Kaneohe Marine Corps Base)

February 19th, 2005 Kickin' It (Kapolei H.S.)

March 5, 2005 Honolulu-Qualifier/Tentative
Rumble On The Rock – Proving Grounds 4

March 25, 2005 Shooto Hawaii: PRO/AM Card (Blaisdell Hawaii Suites)

March 26, 2005 Maui –Lahaina Civic/Qualifier
Rumble On The Rock – Proving Grounds 5

April 2nd or 9th - Super Brawl (Blaisdell)

May 7, 2005 Honolulu/Blaisdell/ROTR 7

July 9, 2005 Hilo/Civic Center Qualifier
Rumble On The Rock – Proving Grounds 6

August 2005 Vegas/Tentative/ROTR 8

September 2005 Kauai Qualifer
Rumble On The Rock – Proving Grounds 7

October 2005 Maui/Lahaina Civic Center
Rumble On The Rock – Proving Grounds 8

November 19, 2005 Honolulu/Blaisdell/ROTR 9

December 10, 2005 Hilo Civic Center
Rumble On The Rock – Proving Grounds 9

KICKIN IT IS BACK

WHAT: KICKIN IT 2005 (AMATEUR & SEMI-PRO KICKBOXING)

WHERE: KAPOLEI HIGH SCHOOL

WHEN: FEB. 19, 2005 (SATURDAY) 7:00P.M.

IF YOU MISSED THE LAST KICKIN IT WHICH WAS THE SEQUEL ,(CHAMPIONSHIP) YOU MISSED OUT ON SOME OF THE BEST AMATEUR KICKBOXERS IN HAWAII GOING TOE TO TOE WITH EACH OTHER.
THOSE WHO FOUGHT FOR TITLES SHOWED OFF SOME CRAZY SKILLS. ON FEB. 19, 2005, KICKIN IT WILL START ANOTHER YEAR OF KICKBOXING. FIGHTERS HAVE TILL THE END OF THE YEAR TO BUILD UP THEIR RECORDS AND SKILLS TO POSSIBLY FIGHT FOR A BELT AT THE ENDING OF 2005. ALL FIGHTERS MUST HAVE FOUGHT AT LEAST 4 TIMES ON THE KICKIN IT CARDS TO QUALIFY TO FIGHT FOR A BELT. THOSE WHO DIDN'T FIGHT FOR BELTS LAST YEAR BUT HAVE A FIGHTING RECORD ON THE KICKIN IT CARDS WILL ADD ON TO THEIR RECORDS IF THEY COMPETE ON THE KICKIN IT CARDS THIS YEAR. THOSE WHO HAVE FOUGHT FOR BELTS LAST YEAR WILL HOLD THEIR SAME RECORD BUT WILL HAVE TO HAVE AT LEAST 4 FIGHTS ON THE KICKIN IT CARDS THIS YEAR TO QUALIFY TO FIGHT FOR A BELT AT THE END OF 2005. THE FIGHTERS WITH THE 2 BEST RECORDS FROM THEIR DIVISIONS WILL FACE OFF TO FIGHT FOR A BELT.

FIGHTERS WHO HAVE FOUGHT FOR MONEY WILL BE CONSIDERED SEMI-PRO MEANING THEY WILL HAVE THE OPTION TO FIGHT WITHOUT A HEADGEAR AND THEY WILL BE FIGHTING WITH 10 OZ. GLOVES AGAINST THEIR EQUAL. SEMI-PRO FIGHTERS WILL NOT BE MATCHED UP AGAINST AMATEUR FIGHTERS UNLESS AGREED UPON BOTH COACHES (NOT BOTH FIGHTERS).

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN ONE OF THE KICKIN IT SHOWS, PLEASE E-MAIL
BRIGHTJ001@HAWAII.RR.COM.

YOU WILL BE MATCHED AS EVENLY AS POSSIBLE FOR MISMATCHES ARE VERY RARE ON THE KICKIN IT CARDS.E-MAIL YOUR NAME, WEIGHT, HEIGHT, AGE, CLUB, AND EXPERIENCE. BE ON THE UP AND UP ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AND AGE.

THE FEB. 19TH CARD IS ALREADY FULL AND ALL WINNERS WILL WIN TROPHIES INSTEAD OF JUST BRAGGING RIGHTS. THE NEXT KICKIN IT CARD WILL PROBABLY BE IN EARLY MARCH FOR TEENAGERS (19 & UNDER) AT THE SPORTS CARNIVAL IF WE CAN GET ENOUGH TEENAGERS.

Source: Promoter

Posted on: Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Girls get in the ring
By Zenaida Serrano
Advertiser Staff Writer

Melvie Cuestas had just taken a few punches to the face and knew there would be more. As the 14-year-old braced herself, she could feel her heart racing and tears welling up in her eyes.


Melvie Cuestas, 16, works out on a punching bag at a Kalihi gym. The Farrington High School junior is among a growing number of females who are stepping into the testosterone-driven sport.
Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser

Kakaako Boxing Club member Gina Ramos, 15, trains at a Kalihi gym as one of her coaches, Bruce Kawano, watches. Gina, who has been part of the club since she was 12, said she "started off boxing boys because there weren't any girls to fight."
Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser

Despite all her protective gear — chest protector, mouth piece and headgear — nothing could prepare the young Kalihi boxer for those first real hits.

"She was so good, so fast," said Melvie, now 16, remembering her opponent and her first sparring session more than a year ago at Kalakaua Recreation Center. "I felt so intimidated."

She found herself wondering if she would land at least one good hit and fearing that she might end up with a black eye. Would she be able to last the first round?

The Farrington High junior is among a growing number of females heeding the call of boxing rings nationwide. The number of girls and women registered with USA Boxing Inc., the governing body for all amateur boxing in the United States, went from 572 in 1995 to 2,212 last year.

"Overall, it has increased because of the exposure that (boxer) Laila Ali has given, and Jacqui Frazier and Christy Martin," said Ed Galapia, head coach of Kalakaua Boxing Club and one of Melvie's coaches.

Boxing officials may see another spike in women's membership with the release of "Million Dollar Baby," a Clint Eastwood flick that offers a glimpse into women's boxing — the good, bad and ugly. The adult drama, to be released in Hawai'i theaters Friday, stars Eastwood as Frankie Dunn, a hardened boxing trainer, and Hilary Swank as Maggie Fitzgerald, a poor waitress who dreams of establishing herself as a fighter.

Eastwood and Swank won Golden Globe Awards on Jan. 16 for "Million Dollar Baby" — Eastwood for best director and Swank for best actress — and the film is being called a strong Oscar contender. In the movie, Swank's character toughs it out in a testosterone-driven sport.

GRAB PHONE, LEARN TO JAB
Dozens of boxing clubs statewide train both men and women. For the nearest club, call:

• Ralph Martin, USA-Boxing Hawai'i president: 306-7654

• Bruce Kawano, Hawai'i Junior Olympic chairman: 542-1181

But boxing isn't just for men anymore, said Bruce Kawano, Hawai'i Junior Olympic chairman.

"People think that boxing is about throwing punches and beating each other up," said Kawano, a one-time professional fighter who has been coaching boxers since 1994. "But they don't realize that with boxing, a lot of it is about defense, technique and strategy."

Kawano also stressed the safety involved with amateur boxing, which requires female fighters to use padded gloves, headgear and chest protectors.

"So it's safe," Kawano said. ... "If you hit somebody hard, you hit them with four inches of padding — a couple inches with the glove and a couple inches with the headgear."

Teen in training

Kawano coaches for Kakaako Boxing Club and has worked with up-and-comer Gina Ramos, 15, of Kalihi. Gina, who has been part of the club since she was 12, was Melvie's first sparring opponent.

During a recent training session at a Kalihi gym, Gina took to a punching bag with unforgiving hooks and jabs. The Moanalua High sophomore — at 5-feet-3 and 94 pounds — had on a pink tank top and tousled ponytail that danced around with each blow to the bag.

"Everybody said that boxing was only for boys, and I wanted to prove them wrong," said Gina, taking a break from her workout.

A self-described tomboy, Gina grew up with two younger brothers, one of whom was a boxer and introduced her to the sport when she was 10. Gina has kept up with boxing because it keeps her in shape and "it's really fun," she said.

"I started off boxing boys because there weren't any girls to fight," Gina said in her soft, girlish voice. "I did good and surprised everybody."

Over the years, Gina constantly felt she had to prove herself, fighting in a sport dominated by men and living in the shadow of her brother, who had made a name for himself at local boxing tournaments. Such challenges only made her stronger.

"I fought once when I had the flu," Gina said. ... "I really wanted to fight, and I didn't care about how much it hurt because I wanted to show everyone that I could do it."

When preparing for specific fights, Gina can be found training nearly every day after school, often two to three hours each time.

"She's very disciplined," said Gina's father, Greg Ramos. He and wife Amy Ramos, both 35, own a towing company.

Like any typical local girl, Gina enjoys going to the beach with her family. The aspiring clothing designer also likes to sing and play the guitar, and is a member of her school's paintball, science and photography clubs.

"But she loves boxing and I'm proud of her," Greg Ramos said. " She actually got started because my son needed a sparring partner ... and she just got really good."

The hard-hitting sport truly is one of Gina's first loves.

"Boxing means a lot to me because it shows me that I can stand up for myself and for what I believe in," she said.

Gina's biggest fight was in 2003 at the National Labor Day Championships in Kansas City, Mo.

She lost by a split decision but came home with a silver medal, further convincing her that she would take this sport "as far as it can go," she said, possibly even making a career of it. Until then, she looks forward to participating in the state Junior Olympics in April.

"Gina has a lot of potential," Kawano said. "She's a good defensive boxer and she's got good footwork."

A packed schedule

Melvie has yet to experience her first official USA Boxing fight but continues to train for Police Activities League bouts.

"This is another way of relieving stress," said Melvie — also a petite 5 feet tall and 99 pounds — during a recent after-school workout. "A lot of teens nowadays, because they have a lot of free time, they get into a lot of trouble. (Boxing is) a way to get you out of trouble."

Melvie fits training into a schedule that includes school and a part-time job at a fast-food restaurant. She typically works out two to three days a week after school and for at least two hours each session at Kalakaua Recreation Center.

Other favorite pastimes include shopping with friends and eating out with family, said Melvie, who wants to go into psychiatry, childcare or "anything that helps people."

Melvie's dad, Victor Cuestas, 44, is a single father who holds two jobs. His packed schedule means he has yet to see Melvie in action, but he knows how much the sport means to her and supports her endeavors.

"What she loves, I love, too," said Cuestas, an immigrant from the Philippines.

Melvie enjoys boxing so much that she highly encourages other girls to get into the sport.

"Men aren't the only ones who have the ability or power to (do this)," Melvie said. "Girls have it, too. They just have to believe."

In fact, Melvie got her own sister, 13-year-old Mayleen, to join Kalakaua Boxing Club in September. The Kalakaua Middle School 8th-grader said several of her friends also have joined, thanks to her big sister.

"I think she inspires a lot of girls," Mayleen said.

When not in fight mode, Melvie is a playful teen, her eyes perfectly made up with black liner and shimmery shadow. But once her gloves are on, so is the game.

Wearing a black tank top, gray camouflage shorts and Converse shoes, Melvie worked a punching bag until she glistened with sweat. She looked like a hardened fighter — a far cry from the nervous newbie she described earlier.

"She's earned every (amount of) respect that she has gotten so far," said Galapia, her coach.

He praised Melvie for her physical and mental strength, as well as her willingness to listen and work hard.

"Women have always been exceptional in that they train as hard as men, if not harder, just to be considered equal," Galapia said.

Melvie has indeed come a long way from her first practice bout more than a year ago — when fear and intimidation overpowered her.

"I didn't want to fight her again," Melvie remembered thinking during the match.

But after the first two-minute round, the girls would go at it one more time. A little sore from hits to her eye and ribs, Melvie hung tight, doing well for a beginner — punching, blocking and moving like she had been trained to do. The fight ended with no official winner or loser, but the feeling of accomplishment was all that mattered to Melvie.

"I didn't want to do it anymore," she recalled. "But then, I guess it's in me to never give up."

Source: Honolulu Advertiser

Pac-5 athlete followed her heart to success
By Leila Wai
Advertiser Staff Writer

University High junior Desiree Memea is happy her father can watch her wrestling matches, partly because he didn't want her to wrestle initially, but mostly because he isn't even in Hawai'i.

Wrestler Desiree Memea holds a picture of her family, which includes dad Mack, who is stationed in Bahrain.
Photots by Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser

"He can't yell at me now, because he has to watch from all the way over there," she said.

Over there is Bahrain in the Middle East, where her father, Mack Memea, is a petty officer of the Navy. He watches videos of her matches that are uploaded on the Internet by one of her coaches, Bryan Sanders.

"Des e-mailed an attachment of her final match which she won and what a great feeling to see her progression from last year 'til now," Mack said in an e-mail. "Whatever chance I get I would call back to see how she did and ask her what she could have done to counteract her opponent."

When Memea picked up wrestling a year ago, her father was against her participating "at first because people were getting hurt," she said. "He didn't have faith in me at first. He said, 'Girls can't wrestle, you don't have the mentality to do it.' "

But things changed "after I won my first match," she said. Memea was fourth in the state tournament in 2004, and was a second-team Interscholastic League of Honolulu all-star. Memea also earned All-American honors after she placed third in the 175-pound division at the Junior National Championships last summer at Fargo, N.D.,

This year she is considered a top state contender for her weight division. The state tournament is in March.

"When wrestling came around, my wife and I were surprised that Des wanted to try out for wrestling," Mack said. "I'm glad I was wrong. I'm now eating my words. Des later confessed she was determined to make the team and do well so she would not have to hear me tell her, 'I told you so.' "

Desiree Memea says it is tough on her family with her dad serving in Bahrain, but wrestling "helps keep my mind off things."

"I never thought I would be talking to her like I would my son about moves and strategies in wrestling."
— Mack Memea • Father of Pac-Five wrestler Desiree Memea

Mack left O'ahu in December and is scheduled to return in June, just before Memea goes on her second trip to the Junior Nationals.

"It's sad," Memea said. "It's hard on my mom (Terry), (because) all my brothers and sisters play sports, too.

"(Wrestling) keeps my mind off of things because it's always on wrestling."

She said she speaks to Mack almost every day, and he gives her pointers on her wrestling.

"He just thinks he knows," she said. "He watches tapes (of matches), and tells me, 'She did something like this, so you should do it, too.' "

Memea wrestles against the boys on Pac-Five's squad and some of the coaches, because there is no other girl of weight or caliber similar to her.

"She's pretty competitive, so she actually scores points against some of the boys," Pac-Five coach Aaron Sekulich said.

"I never thought I would be talking to her like I would my son about moves and strategies in wrestling," Mack said.

Sekulich said the competitive nature that drives Memea to beat the boys is why she has been successful in wrestling.

"She works hard because she doesn't like to lose," he said. "She's positive, she's energetic and very friendly. She's very competitive by nature."

She may be competitive, but at first she was hesitant about picking up wrestling, for reasons far different than her father.

"The whole jumping on the scale and wearing tight clothes isn't my thing," she said.

Memea, who lives in 'Ewa Beach, wakes up at 5:30 every morning to get to school, which is near the University of Hawai'i-Manoa. School ends at 3:30 p.m., just in time to help her Pac-Five teammates set up wrestling mats in the Education Laboratory School (formerly University Laboratory School) cafeteria, where they hold their practices.

"As long as all the mats are set up by 4 we don't have to do any running," she said. "It's not common at all. Everyone else (at other schools) just goes to a set room. When I first came, I thought it was normal. Then I went to Kamehameha and saw they had it all set up all the time."

She thanked her wrestling coaches, including Sekulich and Pac-Five associate head coach John Schmidtke, for their help.

"I love them and I'm thankful for them," she said. "They got me this far in a short time."

Mack shares her sentiments.

"I'm happy for her that she took up wrestling, and I'm very proud she did it for herself and not what we as parents think she should have done," he said. "I'm grateful for her wrestling coaches (also her basketball coach for believing in her) in instilling the confidence she needed and directing her motivation and desire to do well in the competition."

Source: Honolulu Advertiser

2005 Hawaii Junior State Championships of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Is Back on Jan 29th!

The tournament which was referred to as the Gracie's Kids Tournament (I just made that up) finally has an official name, 2005 Hawaii Junior State Championships of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Venue: Relson Gracie Main Academy
844 Queen Street, 2nd Floor

Date: January 29, 2005
Time: 10AM - 2PM
9:30AM Rules Clinic

Ages 16 and under


Inviting all competitors ages 5 to 16 years old

Sponsored by the Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Associations of Hawaii

The Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Associations of Hawaii would like to cordially invite you and your students to join us at the 2005 Hawaii Junior State Jiu-Jitsu Championships on January 29, 2005 at this year's Host Club-The Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Honolulu, Hawaii.
We have invited youth competitors from schools around the state including HMC, Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu, Gracie Kailua, BJ Penn Jiu-Jitsu, and every Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Association including: Honolulu, Aiea, Kaneohe, HK and more. We are excited and eager to see all of Hawaii's youth exhibit their great talent at this exclusive event.

We strongly recommend that all competitors and coaches be at the tournament no later than 8:30 AM on Saturday to weigh-in and to find parking (Parking stalls are available at Queen Bee Restaurant on the corner of Queen St. and Cooke St. between 8-2 PM; there are also parking spaces on adjacent streets-please observe neighboring business signs and city and county regulations as to avoid ticketing and towing).
The rules clinic will be held at 9:30 AM with the competition beginning promptly at 10 AM.

The top four competitors in each division will receive a trophy (one 1st place, one 2nd place, and two 3rd places) generously provided by Hawaiian Pacific Chiropractic. In addition to awards, all competitors will be qualified to win other prizes. We would love to see all competitors, spectators, family, martial artists, etc. gather in this friendly atmosphere established to promote the awesome art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu among our youth in this great state of Hawaii.

Sincerely,
Ronn T. Shiraki
Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Kaneohe Team

If Ronn Shiraki has not contacted you, please email him at: Kaneoheteam@yahoo.com


Tournament Rules and Regulations


· Registration fee is $20
· All competitors must compete with a clean white or all blue Jiu-Jitsu GI (kimono). No mixed colors or black GI will be allowed.
· Any competitor who displays unsportsmanlike-like conduct before, during, or after the match, will be disqualified and forfeit the registration fee.
· It is the competitor's responsibility to find out when his / her match will take place.
· Any competitor who does not show up before his/ her match will automatically forfeit the match and registration.
· Any competitor who deliberately tries to hurt an opponent, (including slamming while in the guard) will be disqualified.
· The competition organizers are not liable for any injury and/or accident involving competitors.
· We reserve the right to combine weight categories.
· This information may be amended or changed at any time.
· The athletes will not be allowed to apply traumatic holds; only competition sport Jiu-Jitsu holds will be permitted.
· All parents of youth participants must fill out a waiver prior to weigh-in.

Divisions and Time Limits are as follows
Ages Limits Time
5 Mixed 2 minutes
(5 year olds will start on knees)
6 Mixed 3 minutes
7-8 Mixed 4 minutes
9-10 Mixed 4 minutes
11-12 Mixed 4 minutes
13-14 Mixed 4 minutes
15-16 Mixed 5 minutes

Note: Weight classes (to be determined at tournament)
Competitors may be moved up or down a division depending on weight.

Competition Scoring System
· Throws and Takedowns 2 points
· Knee on the Belly 2 points
· Technical Sweeps 2 points
· Passing the Guard 3 points
· Front Mount Position 4 points
· Back Mount Position with Hooks 4 points

Illegal Techniques
The following techniques have been banned to protect the youth competitors from injury. Judges will stop techniques if harm appears imminent (referee decisions are Final).
· No Straight foot-locks (ages 15 and 16 only)
· No Toe-holds
· No Heel-hooks
· No Knee-bars
· No Small joint manipulation (fingers and toes)
· No Wrist-locks
· No Fish-hooks
· No Neck-cranks
· No Slamming
· No Can-openers
· No Swearing
· No Spitting
· No Striking of any kind

Contact Person
Ronn T. Shiraki
Phone: 387-1961 Email: Kaneoheteam@yahoo.com

 1/25/05

Quote of the Day

"Courtesy is the one coin you can never have too much of or be stingy with."

John Wanamaker, 1838-1922, American Merchant

Super Brawl & Steinlager Present:
FULL CONTACT SHOWDOWN #1

Kahuna's Sports Bar & Grill Ballroom
Kaneohe MCBH
THIS Friday, January 28, 2005
7 pm Doors Open 8 pm First Bell
$20 Military / $25 Non-Military

Kolo Koka vs. Candido Estrada (SoCal)
Steve Byrne (Hawaii Marine) vs Ray Lizama
6-7 other fights

Non-Military wanting to attend should call 375-1645 or email superbrawl21@yahoo.com (me) in advance for getting on base. Military will be opening the gate to general public, but are hoping to have a controlled list as back-up if thousands of fans show up.

Weigh-in / Press Conference 6:30pm @ Windward Mall on Thursday, January 27, 2005.

Source: Promoter

PUNISHMENT IN PARADISE
PRESS RELEASE!

On behalf of all who participated and made Punishment In Paradise's first Shooto show a sucess we at Punishment In Paradise would like to send a BIG MAHALO to you. We apperciate all the efforts and BLOOD SWEAT & TEARS you put into it and without you guys this would have never happened. Also a special thanks to the fans who without them these shows wouldn't be here.

THANK YOU!!

Also we would like to mention all those fighters that have been pulling out at the last minute for some reason or pulling out to fight for another show and notifying us the week of the event will be suspended from participating in future Punishment In Paradise events.

GOOD LUCK STEVE!!

We would like to extend a GOOD LUCK to Steve Brynes of Bulls Pen who agreed to fight Kimo Wolfel of Eastsidaz in Punishment In Paradise, but his management pulled him out due to a injury that occured to his ankle from a motorcycle accident, but we're happy he's fine to fight a week later in Superbrawl.

Source: Promoter

Rumble On The Rock 5 DVD On Sale!

Hawaii’s Premiere Mixed Martial Arts Event Returns!

Watch UFC Veteran Wesley “Cabbage” Correira take on John “The Bull” Marsh.
Also Olympic Silver Medalist and #1 ranked MMA fighter Matt “The Law” Lindland take on Miletich Fighting Systems Tony “The Freak” Fryklund in an all out BLOODY war!

Other Fighters include Joe “Diesel” Riggs, Kickboxing Champion Danny Steele, Jason Lambert, Royden Demotta, and many more.

Fight Card:
- John Marsh vs
Wesley “Cabbage” Correira
- Tony “The Freak” Fryklund vs Matt “The Law” Lindland
-
Ronald “Machine Gun” Jhun vs Ryan “The Lion” Shultz
- Joseph “Diesel” Riggs vs
Kendall Groves
- Jason Lambert vs Mike Rogers
-
Royden Demotta vs Vance Pu
-
Justin Mercado vs Harris “Hitman” Sarmiento
-
Kaynan Kaku vs Santino Defranco

Get your copy of this action packed event at BJPENN.COM and RUMBLEONTHEROCK.COM!

Source Promoter

 1/24/05

Quote of the Day

"Enthusiasm is a telescope that yanks the misty, distant future into the radiant, tangible present."

Source Unknown

Super Brawl & Rumble On The Rock Event Schedule

A lot of people have been asking when the next Super Brawl and Rumble On The Rock will be held. We have just received a few tentative dates and more information about the events will be posted shortly. Check out our Events Schedule at the right.

Starting with the next Super Brawl, which wil be held next Friday, January 28th on Kaneohe Marine Corps Base at Kahuna's Sports Bar & Grill. The main event will feature Kaneohe's own, Kolo Koka vs. Candido Estrada and another Kaneohe resident, Steven Byrne taking of Ray Lizama.

Keep your eyes on our events schedule for the latest scheduled events.

ADCC champ makes plans to MMA

On vacations in Rio de Janeiro, Saulo Ribeiro is ready to get back to Ohio with new plans. The ADCC champion at the -88kg division, Saulo already trains for the May event while having MMA in his mind. Away from Vale-Tudo since 2002 (when he defeated Jason Ireland at Fightzone 5), the Gracie Humaitá black belt has been dealing with some North American organizations.

"After ADCC, I want to lose some weight and hit 78kg. I have been dealing with the King of the Cage and the UFC. I hope to make my return in July," the Royler Gracie's pupil stated.

Meanwhile, Saulo is working hard to win again in ADCC. His training will be done in the United States and a big test is scheduled on March 6, at the Arnold Gracie Submission Championships. "I have been training with a lot of tough guys in Ohio. I have been improving my wrestling," Ribeiro guarantees. The 6 time BJJ World Champion, Saulo has been preparing his team for a new challenge; to rule the Pan-American Jiu-Jitsu Tournament on April 2nd and 3rd in California.

Source: Tatame

KANG JOINS ATT

The American Top Team announced that Canadian MMA veteran Denis Kang has joined their team.

Source: Fight Sport

PRIDE CONFIRMS FIGHTSPORT.COM SCOOP

DSE/PRIDE confimred what Fightsport.com first reported on October 14th, 2004, that Igor Vovchanchyn will participate in the upcoming PRIDE middleweight GP.

Source: Fight Sport

 1/23/05

Quote of the Day

"There is no waste of time in life like that of making explanations."

Benjamin Disraeli, 1804-1881, British Statesman and Prime Minister

BLOODLINE PRESENTS
PUNISHMENT IN PARADISE 9:
Game To The End
Results

Kapolei High School Gymnasium, Kapolei, Hawaii
January 22, 2005

Punishment In Paradise started off the New Year with a bang! PIP's largest crowd to date came out to see the Machine Gun, Ron Jhun return to SHOOTO and restart his quest for the SHOOTO Middleweight title. His first stop on that mission was to try and get past 8th ranked, Shigetoshi Iwase. Iwase showed impressive ground skills and an unstoppable double leg take down. Iwase minimized Jhun's successful formula of being able to secure a position and start unloading on his opponent from the top. Jhun won two out of the three rounds, but Iwase finished strong winning the last round by most accounts. It is very possible that with a few more wins against ranked fighters, Ron Jhun could propel up to a title shot within a year or two.

A fighter was remembered due to recently being killed by a gun shot. John Menedez from California was scheduled to face Hawaii's John Kukahiko, but due to this unfortunate event, the fight was scrapped. A 10 bell tribute to his memory was shared by Hawaii's fans.

Other highlights were the absolute war being fought between Kimo Woelfel (Eastsidaz) and Tillis Sionesini (808 Fight Factory). They threw more leather than tornado in the Midwest. Since it was an exhibition, the fight was ruled a draw. There were also two devastatingly effective choke holds. The first was by Mark Oshiro, where he locked in a headlock choke, similar to the one Carlos Newton used on Pat Miletich to obtain the UFC Welterweight title. The other choke came from the hands of Maluhia Kuahiwinui, who choked Kevin Delima unconscious. The referee was on top of the action and called the bout off almost immediately after seeing Delima go unconscious. Another heated battle that ended early was the Kaimi Santiago-Casey Daniels fight. Both fighters exchanged punches with Santiago getting the upper hand with punches that would probably have KO'd anyone else. Santiago eventually had to concede the match due to re-injuring his knee.

123lbs. Kickboxing (3 Rounds X 1 1/2 Minutes)
Bruce Niimoto (Jesus Is Lord, Waipahu) def. Koichi Tanji (HMC, Kalihi)
Unanimous decision [(29-28), (29-28). (29-28)] after 3 rounds.

Exhibition: Amateur Fighting Competition Bout (3 Rounds X 1 Minute)
Henry Berger (Bulls Pen, Kalihi) def. Hansen Apo (Eastsidaz, Waimanalo)
Unanimous decision [(28-27), (29-27). (30-28)] after 3 rounds.

Exhibition (Non-Shooto Sanctioned): Light Heavyweight Class B (2 Rounds X 3 Minutes)
Kimo Woelfel (Eastsidaz, Kailua) drew Tillis Sionesini (808 Fight Factory, Waipahu)
Draw

135lbs. MMA SHOOTO Class B (2 Rounds X 5 Minutes)
Ryan Lee (Bulls Pen, Waipahu) def. Precio Nierras (Kalakaua Gym, Kalihi)
Submission via arm bar from the mount at 2:11 minutes in Round 1.

160lbs. MMA SHOOTO Class B (2 Rounds X 5 Minutes)
Rob Villapando (808 Fight Factory, Waipahu) drew Dean Lista (HMC, Kalihi)
Draw [(19-19), (19-19), (19-19)] after 3 rounds.

135lbs. MMA SHOOTO Class B (2 Rounds X 5 Minutes)
Mark Oshiro (Bulls Pen, Kalihi) def. Jumar Dumaoal (808 Fight Factory, Waipahu)
Submission via headlock choke at 1:32 minutes in Round 1.

145lbs. MMA SHOOTO Class B (2 Rounds X 5 Minutes)
Maluhia Kuahiwinui (Puna Boyz, Hilo) def. Kevin Delima (Bulls Pen, Kalihi)
Submission via guillotine at 30 seconds in Round 1. Delima was choked unconscious.

Welterweight MMA SHOOTO Class B (2 Rounds X 5 Minutes)
"Sugar" Shane Nelson (BJ Penn MMA, Hilo) def. Kaleo Kwan (Eastsidaz, Kailua)
Majority decision [(20-18), (20-19), (19-19)] after 3 rounds.

Light Heavyweight MMA SHOOTO Class B (2 Rounds X 5 Minutes)
Casey Daniels (Team MMAD, Kailua) def. Kaimi Santiago (Puna Boyz, Hilo)
Verbal submission after the end of Round 1 (Santiago re-injured his knee)

Middleweight MMA SHOOTO Class A (3 Rounds X 5 Minutes)
Ronald "Machine Gun" Jhun ((#6 Ranked Shooto, Honolulu, HI) def. Shigetoshi Iwase (#8 Ranked Shooto, Japan)
Unanimous decision [(29-28), (29-28). (29-28)] after 3 rounds.

G-3 Tournament Is Back!

Palama Settlement Gym, Kalihi, Hawaii
Sunday, February 27, 2004

All instuctors, students, fans and competitors are welcomed.

This is Hawaii's only Full Contact and FULL protection standup fighting tournament. There are three tiers to this type of kickboxing tournament which allows for fighters to gain experience in a safe environment.

More details about the event will be provided shortly.

Source: Event Promoter

DEEP Fight Card

February 12th, 2005
Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan

Ryo Chonan vs. Roan 'Jucao' Carneiro
D. Mishima vs. Taisho
Yoshiro Maeda vs. Masakazu Imanari
Satoko Shinashi vs. Mari Kaneko
Atsushi Ishii vs. Tashiro
Ryuhei Sato vs. Yuya Shirai
Tetsuya Onose vs. Sato
Yutaro Miyamoto vs. Nobuhiro Obitani

Source: Fight Sport

WEC Results

A night of heavyweight action at the Golden Palace in Lemoore, CA. with lots of action and brutal knockouts. The fight of the night was the stand-up war between the veteran Shonie Carter and MMA newcomer, Jorge "Van Damme" Oliveira. The first round saw a back and forth battle between the 2, in which neither was able to take the other down. The result was a vicious and bloody standing duel. Carter seemed to have swung the momentum to his side with some hard punches and spinning backfists that stunned Oliveira in the 2nd round. The fight was very close and it was evident that the 3rd round would decide this bout. In the 3rd round Oliveira recomposed himself and landed with a brutal right kick to Carter's face, knocking out his mouthpiece. After another kick to Carter's head, Oliveira had secured a victory over a determined veteran in his debut MMA fight. Very impressive. This fight wasn't the most technical we've seen (both fighters missed frequently with wild shots) but it was highly entertaining.

Fight #1 (265lbs)
Van Palacio defeated Fred Diaz by Split Decision

Fight #2
WEC Tournament 1st Heavyweight Fight (265lbs)
Jody Poff defeated Houssain Oushani by front choke, 1st rd

Fight #3
WEC Tournament 1st Heavyweight Fight (265lbs)
Brandon Verra defeated Andre Mussi by KO, 1st rd

Fight #4
WEC Tournament 2nd Heavyweight Fight (265lbs)
Mike Whitehead defeated Terrell Dees by Neck Crank, rd 1

Fight #5
Heavyweight Fight (265lbs)
Allan Weickart defeated Jeremy Freitag by TKO, 1st rd

Fight #6
Heavyweight Tournament Final (265lbs)
Brandon Verra defeated Mike Whitehead by TKO (broken nose) , 2nd rd

fight #7 (155lbs)
Olaf Alfonso def Chin Seng KO 1:13 1st rd

fight #8 (205lbs)
Jorge Oliveira def Shonie Carter Decision (Unanimous) 5:00 3rd rd

fight #9
Brad Imes def Lace Pele Submission 2:04 1st rd

fight #10
Jason Lambert def Richard Montoya Submission 2:45 1st rd

fight #11
Dan Christiansen def Andre Roberts Submission (Armbar)

Source: Gracie Fighter

TEXAS LEGALIZES MIXED MARTIAL ARTS… SORT OF
By Ken Pishna, MMAWeekly.com

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has adopted new rules in regards to Combative Sports effective February 1, 2005. Of specific interest to mixed martial arts competitors and promoters is a change to the rules regarding striking in mixed martial arts contests.

In the past in Texas only open handed, Pancrase-style strikes were allowed in mixed martial arts competitions. According to the new rules adopted by the Department of Licensing and Regulation, “(1) If both contestants wear gloves, closed fist punching and frontal palm/heel strikes are permitted. (2) If both contestants are not wearing gloves, frontal palm/heel strikes and closed fist punches are not permitted, except to the body.”

On the surface, this sounds as if Texas has finally caught up to the generally recognized standards of mixed martial arts around the United States. They’ve come close, but they are not quite there yet.

Looking further into the rules regulating mixed martial arts in Texas, the newly adopted rules read, “(n) The following tactics are fouls and may result in disqualification or point deduction at the discretion of the referee. (2) Punching or frontal palm/strikes while the opponent’s head is touching the mat.”

While closed-fist strikes is a welcome addition to mixed martial arts in Texas, the prohibition of striking an opponent while his head is on the mat is somewhat awkward. The rule basically bans effective striking to the head while on the ground. Yes, an opponent can still be struck if his head is up off the mat, but that is not a very common circumstance and trying to elevate an opponent’s head before striking isn’t very practical.

Still, the new rules bring Texas much closer to the generally accepted practices of most mixed martial arts competitions across the United States allowing closed-fist striking in most instances.

Source: MMA Weekly

Brazilian Muay Thai Fighter: Moisés Gibi
By Eduardo Ferreira

On the way to Europe

30 years old and 15 dedicated to fighting. Moisés Batista de Souza, known as Gibi, has as records: 26-2-0 and two World titles: Thai Boxe and Low Kick. Before packing to Europe, Gibi had few words with TATAME. During an exclusive chat, he talked about his plans in Europe and revealed that MMA is one of his goals. Read the full interview bellow:

So, tell me. Are you departing to Europe...

In fact, I am on my way to Portugal and then I will travel through Europe. I will spend about 40 days in there. In Portugal I will train at Never Shake and I have been dealing four bouts for me in there until February 26, when I join Muay Thai Super League, in Austria. But I will only have sure next week.

Tell me about your fight style.

I started as a Muay Thai fighter, but I've trained Kickboxing and Karate Seiwakai with Master Ademir da Costa. Today, I am a Low Kick and Thai Boxe World Champion by WAKO (-78kg division).

Tell me about the differences between those modalities and Muay Thai?

Muay Thai you can punch and kick. You can also use the elbow and knee. Kickboxing doesn't allow you to use knee or elbow. Low Kick and Thai Boxe you cannot use knee and elbow, but knee, even duiring the clinch.

During the last event you fought, you ended defeated. What really had happened?

After my last victory in Mexico, I got too tired. But people told me to fight. It was a important event and I did the best I could. I got three knock downs and was defeated by TKO. I lost a invincibility of 10 years. Now I have 26 victories and only two loses. Now we are working hard over a rematch against this fighter from Holland.

Tell me about your plans to 2005?

I am on my way to Europe. I didn't expect this invitation so fast. They really liked me and they want me to stay as long I can in there. I think I'll be able to join the circuit. I've signed a three years contract with Muay Thai Super League and I must fight five times per year. In August and October they will do a new tournament joining together the eight best fighters and prizing the champions with 70,000 Euros.

Tell me about both belts.

I will have to leave them behind. WAKO wanted me to fight at February 19 in Milan, in Italy, but its tôo close from my other fight on next February 26. So I called it out!

Do you have plans to fight Vale-Tudo?

- I've received many invitations to fight Vale-Tudo, but I am aware I don't know how to defend myself on the floor. I have few teachers that can give me a hand on it and I have plans to train with them. So I may ha

Where do you train?

I train in São Paulo at Oficina Corpo e Mente. Francisco Veras is my Muay Thai trainer, Zuleica is my Personal-trainer. I also train at Paulo Zorello's gym, because I have good sparring in there. I also train with Never Shake guys.


Source: Tatame

COFFEE GUY EXCLUSIVE:
ZUFFA BANS ANOTHER SPONSOR


Zuffa has banned any sportsbook, oddsmaker,or anyone associated with gambling to be mentioned or worn by a UFC fighter. They cannot mention a website, or a person,such as Danny Sheridan or Joey Oddessa.

Fighters effected by this include:

Randy Couture
Tito Ortiz
Evan Tanner
Matt Lindland
Nick Diaz
David the crow Lousieau
Paul Buentello

Other insiders I talk to have the opinion that with Zuffa banning more and more sponsors, more fighters will be more desperate for money. In the opinion of many insiders, this will enable Zuffa can sign them for less then the pitance they recieve now.

Source: Fight Sport

INTERVIEW WITH EVAN TANNER'S TRAINER

This past December MMA veteran Evan Tanner made news by leaving famed Team Quest to begin training full-time with Curtis Crawford at Ultimate Fitness and Fighting Arts. The move came as a surprise to many in the MMA community; especially, considering that many had no inclination to whom Crawford is. MMAWeekly’s Mick Hammond recently spoke with Crawford to shed some light on the man who will now lead Evan Tanner into his UFC 51 Middleweight Championship bout against David Terrell on February 5th in Las Vegas.

One of the biggest curiosities to many people has been exactly where has Crawford come from? To many he was a nameless entity who cornered Tanner in his fights last year, but in truth Crawford has a lengthy connection to MMA, “Nobody really had known I had a background in this. I’ve had a few fights in MMA. I fought in Superbrawl in a heavyweight tournament a couple years back and fought on a Tito Ortiz show also,” said Crawford.

Crawford continued, “I started boxing at 15 and then started training with (former UFC Heavyweight Champion) Maurice Smith at 17. I was his kickboxing sparring partner for two years back in the WKA days. I was always a boxer and had come close to winning an amateur title; I turned pro when I was 18 when Maurice asked me if I wanted to get into fighting. I’m not bragging but I’ve been around awhile, I’ve been kickboxing forever, and Maurice got me into the MMA stuff. I’ve also trained with Dennis Hallman, Frank Shamrock and TK (UFC veteran Tsuyoshi Kosaka).”

The connecting point that lead Crawford to begin working with Evan was that for a time Crawford trained at Team Quest before starting his own gym. Crawford explained how the two hooked up,“I couldn’t get up to train with Maurice (in Seattle) so I started training at Team Quest. When Evan first walked in I was with Team Quest. We started going at it real hard, it kind of woke him up a little bit, I showed him a few things with his hands, Evan and I really clicked.”

For a short time it appeared as if Crawford may become a bigger part of Team Quest but it never came about. “Randy (Couture) asked me a couple of times to help out but everybody was in and out with different schedules. There were some differences in attitudes and I left because I wanted to do it my own way and start my own thing,” commented Curtis.

After Crawford formed Ultimate Fitness Tanner began to split time between both gyms with Crawford acting as Evan’s striking coach. Then in December Tanner left Quest and Crawford became his head trainer as Curtis explained, “I had problems with Team Quest and started training on my own. I started completely on my own money. I was telling Evan to come over and train with me and I think he made the right move. We can work on stuff that he couldn’t work on with Team Quest. It’s easy to work on one part of your game but it’s hard to put everything together. We’re able to put his striking together with his grappling.”

According to Crawford, Tanner’s game has grown tremendously since the two started working together, “He’s more wide in his movement. He circles around a lot more; he’s not so straight in. He used to step into punches, but now he works his way in and sees things that he couldn’t before. He would stay back and not do anything, now he can see stuff coming so he counters and moves a lot better. He still gets tense sometimes when he works real hard but he’s learning to relax. He’s got his kicks together too, he wasn’t doing that at Team Quest, he’s versed now.”

Crawford continued, “He’s moving a lot, I knew he had footwork but he wasn’t using it, so we’ve worked on it and got it better. He’s cutting down angles and cutting off the ring, it’s really devastating when you learn to control a fight like that. When he throws he sits down with his punches and follows through. He’s deadly on his feet right now he uses a lot of in and out, he steps in and punches and then steps out quickly.”

When asked how the new Tanner compares to the old, Crawford said, “If he fought Rich (Franklin) again it would be a different story. He didn’t have hands; you need to put two and two together with your feet and hands. His didn’t work together, he was a lot stiffer and he needed to get out there and loosen up. I see a lot of stuff in Evan that could have been brought out before, but he didn’t have people to work with. He soaks everything in like a book, he tries everything. People get out there sometimes and don’t try it, they freeze, Evan won’t do that, he learns something and goes out and does it.”

As the subject of Tanner’s preparation for his fight against Terrell was brought up, Crawford was tight lipped about strategy, “He’s got to fight so I can’t tell you what we are working on but it’s a lot of good stuff. Evan’s really quiet about the stuff he’s working on. I will say Dave has a lot of openings, big time openings, and that’s going to be an advantage to us. Evan pointed those out to me when we were watching tape. He would see things and before I could say anything he already pointed it out. He spots things a lot quicker now, it shows me he’s ready now, Dave better be careful.”

Not only has Tanner been working diligently with Crawford, but he recently spent time with other fighters working on refining his game, “Evan’s working with Dennis (Hallman) and Benji (Radach) on his grappling this week. What’s funny is they (Team Quest) go everywhere to train and they got mad when Evan came and worked with me. I have nothing against them, but I think you should let guys train where they want to train at. You should let them use their own style, they can’t train your way all the time, let them train their way they learn a lot easier and you can see it.”

Crawford concluded the conversation by saying, “I know how to handle MMA and I work well with the MMA guys. People are going to see the quality that I can put in. We’re just trying to get going, the gym is getting better, we’re getting a cage in there, it looks nice and more gym-like. After this fight, win or lose, Evan is going to be a winner. He has a lot of energy and skills now and he’s more exciting. I get so pumped watching him fight and train that I want to go in there with him.”

Source: MMA Weekly

 1/22/05

Quote of the Day

"Courtesy is the one coin you can never have too much of or be stingy with."

John Wanamaker, 1838-1922, American Merchant

Brazilian Portuguese Language Classes!

The Farrington Community School for Adults' Brazilian Portuguese class will start
on 2/05 so call & register.

They can go to website: Farrington Community School for Adults.
http://165.248.6.166/data/adulteducclasses.asp?Submit=Submit&location=477&coursetypedin

We need at least 2 more students to keep the class open. Registration closed yesterday but they always accept more if they come in right away. Otherwise I take another semester off & sleep in on Saturdays.

It's only a little more than $30 and $26 for books for a steal in learning Portuguese in a relaxed environment. You need to jump on this opportunity!

Saturdays
February 5, 2005 to April 16, 2005
8:30 am to 11:30 am
Farrington High School Room U202

CONVERSATIONAL BRAZILIAN PORTUGUESE
NUTSHELL COURSE DESCRIPTION

With concentration on everyday, modern Brazilian usage, special attention is paid to quickly gain understanding of polite, informal and colloquial language, verb conjugations, past & present tenses, masculine-feminine nouns & adjectives (big obstacles in Romance language-learning) with goals of attaining native pronunciation and fluency of speech. Brazilian regional variations in proununciation and vocabulary are recognized.

This class is ideal for:
1) Those interested in travel to Brazil
2) English speakers with Brazilian friends/spouses/partners
3) Practitioners of Brazilian martial arts (Capoeira, Jiu Jitsu)
4) Speakers/students of other Latin-derived languages.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:

Sandy Tsukiyama de Oliveira, a Honolulu native, was drawn to the musical culture of Brazil while studying for her BA in Ethnomusicology at UH Manoa in the 1970s. Portuguese language studies were at UH-Manoa with Dr. Stefan Baciu, and at Windward Commnunity School for Adults with Cecy de Souza Browne. Sandy worked as a Spanish & Portuguese-speaking tour escort for over 10 years receiving hands-on experience in the language locally while promoting the Hawaii visitor industry.

She lived in Rio de Janeiro, from 1980-83; spending the first year at the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Escola de Música on Rotary International Post-Graduate Fellowship for International Understanding, afterward working as a vocalist in upscale restaurant/bars and teaching English.

Performing in Brazilian music groups (The Rio Trio, Mistura, Banda Carioca) after her return to Hawaii, Sandy maintained her contact with Brazilian culture in the community while pursuing education in simultaneous conference interpretation at UH Manoa Center for Interpretation and Translation Studies. She then continued in the field of Secondary Education, receiving certification for Spanish and Special Education.

Sandy has worked freelance as an English/Spanish/Portuguese interpreter/translator, as well as in Federal and State courts, for the Honolulu Police Dept., US Immigration and Naturalization Service, various international conferences, is on staff for the Bilingual Access Line of Helping Hands Hawaii and is a member of the Hawaii Interpreters and Translators Assn. Currently a Special Education teacher at Roosevelt High School, she has been teaching Portuguese at FCSA for the past four years.

TEXTBOOK:
Fala Brazil! Português Para Estrangeiros
by Pierre Coudry & Elizabeth Fontão (Pontes Editores)
Accompanying cassettes/CD available

RECOMMENDED SUPPLEMENTAL BOOKS:

501 Portuguese verbs
by John J. Nitti & Michael J. Ferreira (Barron's)

Portuguese Verbs and Essentials of Grammar
by Sue Tyson-Ward (Passport Books)

Shooto Hawaii Is Back!

SHOOTO HAWAII: PRO/AM Card
March 25, 2005

Amateur Shooto will be added to this Pro Card. We are looking at having 6 Amateur Bouts anyone interested can email us at

linebredllc@hawaii.rr.com

There will be something new, AMATUER SHOOTO. Linebred, LLC will be introducing a new twist to things. Amateur Shooto consists of 2 X 3 minute rounds with a full head gear, Shin guards and NO punching when fight goes to the ground.

Currently, we are recruiting fighters for this new endeavor. If you ever wanted to try MMA and did not want to be thrown to the wolves, this is the event for you. Full safety equipment is required and no punching on the ground so you can try out shorter and fewer rounds and don't have to worry when you get to the ground. Amatuer Shooto is designed to ease fighters in to professional MMA action and allow the fighters to build their skill and experience safely.

Contact the promoters today to sign up by visiting www.shootohawaii.com

Source: Event Promoter

The Arnold Schwarzenegger Gracie Is In March!

The Arnold Schwarzenegger Gracie World Submission Championships will be held in Columbus, Ohio on March 4-6, 2005. Information is posted on our website:

www.gracieworlds.com

Our Official Hotel Sponsor is offering free transportation to and from the venue and an "Early Bird Reservation Special" of $55.00 a night please click on the following link for details: http://gracieworlds.com/BestValueinn.htm

Official Sponsors- Biz, GLC, Zebra Mats, Casca Grossa, Ringside, Best Value Inn, BodyGuard Magazine, Grappling Magazine!

Source: Event Promoter

Robson Moura Fight Officially Ruled Draw

ALTERATION TO THE FIGHT RESULT OF WORLD BANTAM-WEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
[Jan. 2005]

The challenger, Robson Moura brought a case before ISC because he had an objection to the fight result which was held on September 26, 2004 at Tokyo Korakuen Hall.

ISC checked the fight video, discussed and reached the conclusion that the 1st round should have been 10:9 for Moura. The judge, Tomokatsu Ura's was 10:10 which was an obvious mistake.

Therefore, the fight result is changed to "Technical Draw" dated on December 10, 2004. Also, ISC remove Ura from his position, the chief of Judge department and he is suspended from judging indefinitely.

Toshiharu Suzuki
Secretary-General of the ISC

Source: Shooto

NJ Athletic Control Board Amends MMA Medical Testing Deadlines
By Loretta Hunt

Partly in response to feedback it has received from both the boxing and MMA communities, the New Jersey Athletic Control Board recently amended three testing requirements for communicable bodily fluid viruses pertaining to unarmed combatants. In effect December 6th, the testing time frame for Hepatitis B and C, and HIV were expanded from 14 to 180 days prior to scheduled competition. The amendment will also affect judges and referees who are required to submit to the testing as well. In addition, the requirement to submit negative tests for these three viruses solely for licensing purposes was eliminated.

As part of their medical examination, competitors will now be required to fill out a Communicable Bodily Fluid Virus High-Risk Questionnaire that will be reviewed by a ringside physician or the Board's Medical Advisory Council Chairman.

"To my knowledge and upon review of the medical experts that were contacted, there was no report of any transmissions of the three communicable diseases due to participation in a combative sporting event held in any jurisdiction around the world," says Nick Lembo, counsel for the NJSACB. "We have caught a multitude of individuals who do have these diseases and prevented them from entering competition."

"It's a great thing for MMA," said prominent East Coast promoter Kipp Kollar, whose Reality Fighting event has become a bona fide hit in New Jersey. "In many cases, it's the fighters, and sometimes the promoters, who have to foot the bills for these tests among many others."

Source: FCF

COFFEE GUY EXCLUSIVE: TITO PUNKED OUT BY 145-POUND FIGHTER IN MEXICO
By Coffee Guy

The following exclusive report was sent to us by our Zuffa informant called 'Coffee Guy':

Well it looks like Lee Murray isn't the only "Lee" that Tito Ortiz has had problems with on the street. This time however Tito's opponent was a much smaller fighter by the name of Tommy Lee, in an incident that happened in Juarez, Mexico.

The promoter of the event supplied transportation from the hotel to the venue via small cars that fit three to four people with the thinking that everything would run smoothly. That is until the 'Huntington Beach Bad Boy' entered into the situation.

Tito Ortiz was there cornering Ricco Rodriguez who was fighting Mike Seal in the main event.

Before the event the very mild-mannered Tommy Lee was minding his own business waiting in the car in order to go to his fight when Tito Ortiz approached the car opened the door on Lee's side peaked inside to only to find out it was full. The former LHW champ then demanded that someone in the car get out because in his words, 'I am riding in this one'.

Tommy Lee, although stunned that someone would make such a demand let alone a public figure like Tito Ortiz, then proceeded to grab the door that Tito was holding open and slammed it shut telling Tito to find a different car to get into.

Tito's response was that of getting in the window telling Tommy that he was going to kick his ass and acting like a retarded ape with Tommy responding that he wasn't afraid of him.

>From what I was told everyone there was stunned by the incident and laughing because of the ass that Tito made himself look like. When people questioned Lee about the incident, his response was that he weighed 145 pounds and that Tito wouldn't have the balls to touch him and if he did he wouldn't back down.

Poor Tito was humiliated in front of everyone, as usual, and meekly went off to find another form of transportation.

Source: Fight Sport

Sherk Pessimistic About His Future in the Ring
by Josh Gross

At 27-1-1, it could be said that Sean Sherk is the best mixed martial artist to have never won a major championship. After six years competing everywhere from Mahnomen, Minnesota to Tokyo, Japan, one of the sport’s most active and dominant fighters says he’s finally had enough of “flaky” promoters, weak-kneed challengers and, most troubling, the lack of money—all of which has led to him to a crossroads.

“I’m not fighting in the small shows anymore,” promised Sherk from his home in Minnesota. “I’m not fighting for chump change like I have been doing.”

“I paid my dues,” he continued, “more than anybody else in this sport, in my opinion. … And I’ve done everything I needed to do to become a successful fighter.”

It’s hard to argue against him.

Undefeated in his first18 fights before losing a competitive decision to Matt Hughes in the only major title shot of his career, Sherk is 10-0 since April 2003—but none of those wins came against fighters of note and all, except for an appearance in PRIDE Bushido, took place in low- or mid-level events.

“The last two years have been pretty tough, fighting in the small shows,” Sherk, far removed from being in the main event on a UFC pay-per-view, admitted.

The tough times grew, ironically enough, out of what should have been the zenith of his career.

With Sherk’s UFC contract scheduled to end 10 days before the Hughes fight in Miami, DeWayne Zinkin—who signed the welterweight powerhouse away from his longtime manager Monte Cox several months before the April championship bout—played hardball with UFC promoter Zuffa, demanding double what the fight would have otherwise paid.

The UFC counter-offered, however Zinkin’s belief that Sherk—hardly a favorite inside Zuffa’s Las Vegas office before the renegotiation—would beat Hughes, led him to stand firm.

For the contender, it was a costly mistake. He got his new deal, but not without a clause that allowed Zuffa to terminate the contract—and Sherk’s ability to fight in the UFC—if he failed to take Hughes’ belt.

It was a costly gamble.

Nearly two years later, the life-long wrestler, a self-described “six-day a weaker”—changed by the responsibilities of a wife, his baby boy Kyler, and a new home—has parted ways with Zinkin. Even still, he said, phone calls to the UFC go unreturned and the prospect of getting back in the show seem slim at best.

Fighting nine times in 11 months from December ’03 to November ’04 helped pay the bills. But small-time promoters made life difficult, moving him to the conclusion that something had to give.

“It was a really humbling, eye-opening experience for me,” Sherk said. “At that point in time I realized I can’t make a living in this sport anymore.”

Sherk isn’t the only fighter feeling the pinch of a promoter’s market, but he’s surely the best example.

Matt Lindland, never one to be quiet about wanting high-paying fights, understands where Sherk is coming from. Over the past year Lindland has spent a great deal of time working on the other side of the fence, promoting the Portland, Oregon-based SportFight.

At end of this past summer Lindland contacted Sherk and asked if he’d be interested in fighting fellow wrestler Heath Sims. Still actively pursuing bouts, Sherk said he was.

But then the roof caved it.

“Within a three-month time span I had about five fights fall through,” Sherk recalled. “I couldn’t find any fights at all; couldn’t find any promoters; had a kid—so I had to go back and get a regular job.”

For the first time since he began fighting, Sherk “just had to take a break,” and did for nearly 10 weeks, which, by Sherk Standards, might as well have been 10 years.

Wanting to make sure the February fight between Sherk and Sims—which had only been discussed, not signed—was still a go, Lindland called the top-ranked welterweight last month. With Sherk’s autumn frustration lingering, he broke the news to Lindland that he wouldn’t be available to fight.

“How much is it worth for me to train full-time instead of working on my business?” he asked rhetorically, referring to the hardwood flooring business he opened with a partner last month. “To be honest with ya, I can’t make a living as a fighter. There is a few guys out there making a living, but for the most part people aren’t making a living at it. I’ve got no retirement fund; I’ve got no 401K.

“I’m 31 years old—I don’t want to end up being 40 years old [and] broke because I’ve been chasing this dream too long.”

This was uncharted territory for the native Minnesotan, who was usually the one that faced the bad end of a cancelled fight.

“I got a lot of names from guys who’ve turned down fights with me,” Sherk said. “And that’s been a problem, too. I haven’t fought a guy worth a shit in two years. I’ll be the first one to admit that—but that’s not my fault. It’s not for lack of effort, because I tell every promoter the same thing: ‘Get me the best guy you can.’ I want to fight the best guys out there. And no good guys want to fight because they’re afraid to lose.

“If they’re already in the UFC, well, if they fight me and lose then they’re out of the UFC. If they’re on their way into the UFC, if they’re right on the borderline, they fight me and lose, well now they’re not in the UFC anymore—and that’s where everybody wants to be, the UFC. So I can’t get any fights with top guys. I fight all these chumps, not to take anything away from them of course, just not the same ability. You know, it doesn’t do anything for me except for giving me a payday so I can continue fighting full time. But then they fight because they have nothing to lose. One punch, one kick, one knee, one elbow … they can get lucky and win the fight, well then they’re in the next UFC.”

For Sherk, it’s yet another reminder of how difficult it can be to enjoy success in mixed martial arts, a sport, he says, in need of serious oversight.

He offered three ideas: a sanctioning body whose jurisdiction would cover the entire United States so “not just anybody can pop up and throw on a show—because there are so many flaky promoters out there and they’re just giving the sport a black eye”; a union designed to “protect fighters so promoters can’t just cancel the fight on one week’s notice and basically tell you to fuck off, not give you any money or anything for all the training that you put into the fight”; a ranking system “so when you’ve got a top guy who everyone knows is one of the best guys in the world—and I’m not just talking about myself, there’s other guys that have been in the same position—they can’t just get black-balled from the big shows.”

But until those things happen, all Sherk can do from going mad is laugh.

“I look at the people who are fighting in that show now, and it’s a joke,” he said. “They got a guy fighting in the next show (Drew Fickett) that turned down three fights with me.

“When I found he was on the next UFC, I busted out laughing. I said, ‘I can’t believe this. So that’s how you get into the UFC—by turning down fights with top guys.’”

It’s not that simple, of course. As Sherk knows, like in any business, it usually boils down to money. And undoubtedly it costs the UFC—or any other promoter for that matter—a heck of a lot less to sign a Drew Fickett than a Sean Sherk.

Whether it’s the UFC or PRIDE, which Sherk says is an option he’s having explored, one thing and one thing only will get him back in the ring: a decent payday.

“I won’t fight for less than 20-grand right now, depending on the opponent,” he swore. “If it’s a top guy and I’m gonna have to train for three months, then obviously I want a lot more than that.

“I’m going to set my price, and if people aren’t willing to meet that price then, too bad.”

Source: Sherdog

WEC "Heavyweight Explosion" on January 22nd

WEC: Heavyweight Explosion will take place at the Palace Indian Gaming Center in Lemoore, California. These are the scheduled bouts:

- Dan Christiansen vs. Andre "The Chief" Roberts

- Jason Lambert vs. Richard Montoya for WEC Light Heavyweight Title

- Jorge Oliviera vs. Shonie "Mr. International" Carter

- Heavyweight tournament: Terrell Dees vs. Mike Whitehead

- Heavyweight tournament: Andre Mussi vs. Houssain Oushani

- Tournament alternate: Christian Wellisch vs. Brandon Verra

- Rick Collup vs. Brad Imes

- Jeff Houghland vs. Olaf Alfonso

- Van Palacio vs. Fred Diaz

- Jeremy Freitag vs. Allan Weickart

- Troy Miller vs. Rafael "The Real Deal" Del Real

Source: MMA Fighting

Nilson and Ximú return to Pancrase

After fours bouts at Pancrase, Nilson Castro returns to Pancrase rings next March 6. Chute Boxe striker will face Japanese Keiichiro Yamamiya. Other to step inside the ring is Brazilian Gustavo Ximú. During his last time, he defeated Yamamiya in Japan. Gracie Barra Combat Team takes on Yuki Sasaki (28-10-1). Both of them met at 2002's Deep, when the fight ended tied. That new bout will be a great rematch.

Source: Tatame

Catching Up With The World’s Most Dangerous Man
An Interview with UFC Living Legend Ken Shamrock
Part 1

by Benny Henderson Jr.

You can say what you want to say about Ken Shamrock, but you can never question his heart, hard work, determination or his ability - just ask his past opponents and his crew at the Lion’s Den.

The “World’s Most Dangerous Man” has fought in Pancrase, battled it out in UFC, pounded his opponents in PRIDE and has even pinned Triple H in the WWF/E, and at the ripe young age of forty this living legend is showing no signs of wanting to call a halt to his spectacular career.

Shamrock has also been involved in some the most unforgettable matches in mixed martial arts history, such as rivalries, rematches and Pay Per View blockbusters with the likes of Royce Gracie, Dan Severn, Kimo Leopoldo, and Tito Ortiz.

Which leads us to the current question making the rounds through MMA circles - will there be a Shamrock-Ortiz II? At this point nobody knows, but one thing is for sure - Ken wants revenge and he knows that a rematch would be one of the biggest PPV events in the history of the UFC and he is willing to call Tito out for the fight.

In 2002, the two stepped in the octagon and faced off in UFC 40, where Shamrock lost in round three (Submission due to fatigue). Yet after two surgeries and a two year layoff, Shamrock returned to the steel cage to take on Kimo at UFC 48, and with a hard knee to the head that produced a knockout at 1:28 of the first round, Shamrock was back and he captured his first UFC win since the two met eight years earlier at UFC 8.

Needless to say, the dangerous one wants another face off against the Huntington Beach Bad Boy. After a big trash-talking episode at the UFC 48 press conference between the two it appears that the war of words at this point will be the only action between the two. Will it manifest into a big time throwdown for all the fans to witness? Once again, nobody knows at this point. But hey, after Ken’s years in the business he knows to take the lows with the highs and just keep on moving on and that is just what he will do if the rematch doesn’t materialize. Ken is a killer in the octagon and a gentle family man at home, and the hall of famer took the time out for Max Fighting to discuss his thoughts on Tito Ortiz and a possible rematch, along with his views on his accomplishments and most memorable moments throughout his career.

Benny Henderson Jr. - Hey Ken, how have things been going for you?

Ken Shamrock – Well, so far everything is going great. I had knee surgery and I recovered from that back in November and I had shoulder surgery in August and I recovered from that, so I am back strong again and looking forward to trying to get a fight in April.

BH - There has been a lot of talk about you and Tito Ortiz; what exactly is the bad blood between you and Tito Ortiz?

KS - Well it really started back in the day when he fought Guy Mezger and he wore a shirt out that said “Gay Mezger is my bitch” and that kind of irritated me, and we have been jawing back and forth for a long period of time. And then we got into the ring and we fought and he beat me, so I accepted the fact he beat me, no problem. But that is Tito, he keeps jawing his mouth. Even after he beat me, and I never said I had to take it because he beat me, but then he came back after I fought Kimo and in the middle of the press conference challenged me to a fight. He said that he would like to fight me next and of course I got upset and I accepted the fight. So now that the fight is being put together, all of a sudden Tito Ortiz wants to take some time out. I am a little bit upset at the fact that he stood up and opened his mouth and now he is not going to back it.

BH - You just recently called Tito Ortiz out, and pretty much just blasted him in saying that you were punking him out and so on. Are you doing your best to piss him off with your statements so he will get mad and fight you?

KS - Well yeah. I mean when I heard that he wasn’t going to take the fight, that made me angry because he is the one who actually challenged me. I’ve always wanted to fight him and there was supposed to be a rematch with him after the first fight and it never happened. I kept asking Dana when it was going to happen because that was the fight that I wanted but it was never the right time so I had to fight Kimo, and I beat Kimo very handily. And I still wanted that fight; instead he gave it to Vitor Belfort, which is fine. But now that Dana said put this fight on after the Belfort fight, they refused to take the fight and it wasn’t the fact that they just refused to not take the fight because Tito just wanted to take a vacation or something; they refused to take the fight, saying that it did nothing for his career, it did nothing for him to fight me and it does everything for me to fight him, and that is absolutely ridiculous for them to make that statement. I have been around this business for a long time and I have had some of the biggest fights in the UFC and I know that rivalry is what builds stars. And this is a rivalry, this is a rematch and rematches build champions; they build stars. This is a rematch and I have made this comment many times before - you know Muhammad Ali got beat by Joe Frazier; does that make Ali a weaker fighter? Maybe that day. But he came back and beat Frazier twice after that. So for them to make that comment and put me down just because he beat me one time and say that a rematch doesn’t do anything for him, where did they get to make that comment? I have been in this thing for a long time and I have fought everybody and I have been in it since the very first one and for them to make a comment like that is totally ridiculous and it pissed me off for them to say that and thinking that Tito Ortiz is bigger than the event. Tito Ortiz is not that popular.

BH - How big do you think a Shamrock-Ortiz II would be for you the fighters and the UFC?

KS - I think it will be huge. I think it will be the biggest Pay Per View since the first time we fought, and the first time we fought it drew big numbers. There’s one thing you can always look at - Gracie and Shamrock, Severn and Shamrock, Kimo and Shamrock, and Ortiz and Shamrock, those matches have drawn the biggest PPV rates in UFC history. It is on paper, it is a fact; what is the common denominator in all those fights? Ken Shamrock. I am not saying that I am better than Tito Ortiz. I’m not saying that I am more popular than Tito Ortiz. I’m not making any claims to that, but I am stating a fact.

BH - Let’s say if there is a chance for a Shamrock-Ortiz II. How much different do you think this fight will go?

KS – Well, you know talk is cheap. I can sit here and tell you what I am going to do, I can sit here and do this and do that, but talk is cheap. I like to step in the ring and put it on him, but obviously that is not going to happen because they are not going to take the fight. It would be different if they said, ‘listen Tito Ortiz is burned out right now and his confidence is down and he doesn’t feel like stepping in the ring after this fight and he needs to take some time off.’ Then I would back off; I got no problem with that. But don’t use me as a cop out. If they are not going to fight me because they want to take time off or time out or because he wants to go do something else, then say that, but don’t say that it isn’t good for Tito Ortiz and it does everything for Ken Shamrock and I don’t know what this does for us. Well listen, the fight Tito and I had produced the biggest numbers since ZUFFA took over and it will be different this time; it will probably draw bigger numbers. Does it do anything for Tito Ortiz? Yes. Does it do anything for Ken Shamrock? Yes. So the fight makes sense but do they want to take it and for what reason do they not want to take it? It’s not because it wouldn’t do anything for them, which they are claiming, and that is totally bogus.

BH - What is a regular day in the life for Ken Shamrock?

KS - Well it is usually like this morning. This morning I got up at five in the morning and went and worked out 5:30 to 6:30, I did some drills and training with some resistance, cardio, and then I usually get home around 7:15. I get home and I make my kids breakfast and then I take them to school; my wife and me shuttle them. (Laughs) Once we get the kids to school we go and have breakfast and go out and then the kids get home about two o’clock so we take care of the kids and the homework and we drive them to sports, to learning centers, to church, to whatever, you name it.

BH - Out of your thirty-five fights which is most memorable?

KS - I would have to say the first Super Fight Championship when I beat Severn; that was definitely a highlight. Royce Gracie, when we fought for the second time and they carried him out of the ring. I would have to say Tito Ortiz, even though I got beat in that fight, I think that was a memorable moment because that was the first time I actually really ever lost a fight and the way the fans reacted towards me after the fight was a highlight for me, just for the fact that it didn’t change from the time I walked in to the time I walked out. Even though I got beat, the fans were still sticking their hands out and yelling at me and saying, ‘hey, it’s all right man, we still love you.’ You know I think those are some special times, all were special moments.

BH - Your stint with the WWF how do you think it affected your career?

KS - I would say that I have taken a couple of steps back because being on the road with the WWF takes a lot way from your training; it is a different type of atmosphere and different world. So when I decided to get back into fighting I was definitely a few years behind and it took me a while to catch up. But all and all I would have to say that the WWF was very interesting and fun, but at the same time I learned a lot about life.

BH - Ok, very important question Ken. Is professional wrestling Fake? (Laughs)

KS - (Laughs) I can’t answer that or I’d have to kill you.

BH - (Laughing) Well, ok then, don’t worry about it.

BH – I’ve got to say one more thing about the WWF. Man, I beat you so many times in the WWF game. (Laughs) Well, you did get me a few times with that leg lock submission but for the most part I got ya.

KS - (Laughs) Ah, you the champ man.

BH – Shoot, it would be the only damn way I could beat you.
(We both are laughing)

BH - What will you do if you don’t get the Ortiz rematch?

KS - I’ll move on. You know, I’ll find out what the next thing is out there. Like I said, I don’t pick the fights. I just fight what is in front of me. I’ve always said that Tito Ortiz is the fight that I wanted and Dana is going to make it happen, but now that Dana made it happen and did what he said he was going to do for me, now Tito Ortiz won’t take it. I will just have to let it go. He is not going to take the fight, obviously he is giving different excuses not to fight for whatever reasons they are, I don’t know, because obviously he isn’t being honest and whatever they are saying is bull crap. It doesn’t do anything for him and it does everything for me? That is just some trash talk right there it doesn’t make any sense. If he doesn’t take the fight then I will let it go and fight whoever they put out in front of me.

BH - With all your accomplishments throughout your career, which are you most proud of?

KS - There are a lot of them. I think just being able to capture the UFC title was a big thing for me and then being able to get to where I am at right now, I think that is probably the biggest accomplishment. Through my whole career I have overcome some obstacles and have gotten in the place where I need to be now. And I don’t believe there are too many people that could have gone through what I have gone through. Now, I have put myself in a lot of those positions and I was put in a lot of those positions. I don’t think that there are many human beings that would be standing where I am right now if they have went through the things I have gone through since I was ten years old to where I am at right now.

Stay tuned for part two of the interview with Ken Shamrock where he will give his thoughts on his return, the Lion’s Den, his future, and his legacy.

Source: Maxfighting

Assuério Silva
By Marcelo Alonso

Discovering Karate

At the age of 30, Assuério Silva is doing an important moving on his career. After leaving his former training partners from Muay Thai Dream Team, Heavyweight fighter joined Karate Master Ademir da Costa for changing experiences. An MMA vet, Assuério will help Ademir to adapt his Karate students to the MMA reality. In the other side, Kyokushin Karate legend will sharp Assuério's stand up game for his next fights. In an exclusive to TATAME.com, Assuério talks about his new partnership, Karate advantages for MMA and what he's expecting of this Karate invasion.

What did happen to Muay Thai Dream Team?
Actually, Muay Thai Dream Team never existed. We tried to build it, but there were many people thinking just on their personal problems. Usually, there isn't training there. I was looking for a master, someone that could help me during the practice. One day, I met Ademir in Japan and he invited me to watch a Karate tournament produced by him. At that time I could see how good Ademir experience will be for me.

And how is the relationship between you and Ademir?
Besides being a Karate legend, Ademir is a great guy. I always admired him as a fighter and, after meeting him in São Paulo, I realized he's also a great character. Master Ademir is very experienced outside and inside the ring. I respect him for all he has done to the Martial Arts and I'm sure I'll evolve a lot as a fighter.

What were your impressions about the Karate tournament? Would you like to compete in a tournament like that?
No, I'm a Professional MMA fighter and I don't intend to compete in a Karate tournament. But I could realize that Karate will be very important for me in many ways. Karate style taught by Ademir is very aggressive.

In which way do you think Karate will help you in a MMA fight?
It will help me on my training routine, with kicking techniques, discipline and heart. Most of Ademir's pupils are excellent kick-boxers.

How can Karate be better than Muay Thai?
Muay Thai is a very efficient Martial Art that can be completed by Karate in many ways, such as side kicks. Karate has many side kick techniques and Muay Thai has only one. I was really impressed with the way they train to put some body parts more resistant than they are. Karate transforms some body parts, such as hands and chins, into weapons.

After this time with Ademir, do you think you have improved your game?
I learned many kicking techniques. After this time, I'm feeling me better. I want to be Pride Heavyweight champion.

Now do you have good sparring teammates?
Sure I have. Ademir students are excellent strikers. They are warriors, they have strength and I believe in one year we will have some MMA champs. Master Ademir has some tough fighters at up-to-70kg and up-to-90kg categories; they just have to be adapted to MMA reality. I was really impressed by Luciano Basile. Soon, he will be one of top fighters at up-to-93kg category. He'll be a big problem for many people.

Source: Tatame

 1/21/05

Quote of the Day

"Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself, but talent instantly recognizes genius."

Arthur Conan Doyle, 1859-1930, British Author known for the Sherlock Holmes stories

BLOODLINE PRESENTS
PUNISHMENT IN PARADISE
WEIGH-INS TONIGHT 6:30PM!!

Tonight at En Fuego's Grill & Poke in Kapolei (674-8805 for Directions) we will start 6:30pm sharp, So if you want to meet your favorite fighters and get an autographed poster come down to En Fuegos Kapolei bring a camera and the fighters will be more than happy to take a picture with fans.

FINAL DAY FOR PRESALE!!

Just to let you guys know tonight is the last night for presale for P.I.P. tickets for $25.00 because after the weight ins tickets will be $35.00! Check the above P.I.P. banner FOR TICKET OUTLETS!! or call 620-5638

Source: Event Promoter

Hawaii Fighters Pepper SHOOTO RANKINGS
SHOOTO World Ranking on December 2004

Selected by Ranking committee of the ISC

Bantamweight / -56kg
C Mamoru, Shooto Gym Yokohama, Japan
1 Robson Moura, Nova Uniao, Brazil - Up (*)
2 Yasuhiro Urushitani, RJW Central, Japan - Down (up Moura)
3 Junji Ikoma, Chokushinkai, Japan
4 Daiji Takahashi, Akimoto Dojo Jungle Junction, Japan
5 Homare Kuboyama, Shooto Gym K'z Factory, Japan
6 Masatoshi Abe, AACC, Japan
7 Hiroaki Yoshioka, Paraestra Tokyo, Japan
8 Takeyasu Hirono, Keishukai Gods, Japan
9 Ichaku Murata, New Ground, Japan
* There was bringing a case from Moura. The fight with Mamoru was corrected
to the draw by ISC.

Featherweight / -60kg
C Ryota Matsune, Paraestra Matsudo, Japan
1 Marco Louro, Nova Uniao, Brazil
2 Kentaro Imaizumi, SK Absolute, Japan
3 Akitoshi Hokazono, Cobra-kai, Japan
4 Daniel Lima, Five Rings Dojo, Australia
5 Jin Akimoto, Akimoto Dojo Jungle Junction, Japan
6 Masahiro Oishi, Shooto Gym K'z Factory, Japan
7 Shuichiro Katsumura, Shooto Gym K'z Factory, Japan
8 Ryan Ackerman, Grappling Works, U.S.A.
9 Jose Aldo, Nova Uniao, Brazil
10 Miguel Torres, Corral Martial Arts, U.S.A.
(all the same)

Lightweight / -65kg
C Alexandre Franca Nogueira, World Fight Center, Brazil
1 Joao Roaque, Nova Uniao, Brazil - Up (down Takaya)
2 Gilbert Melendez, Cesar Gracie Academy, U.S.A. - New (win Takaya)
3 Hiroyuki Takaya, Tanaka Juku, Japan - Down (lose Melendez)
4 Makoto Ishikawa, Purebred Omiya, Japan - Up (win Abe)
5 Stephen Paling, Jesus is Lord, U.S.A. - Down (up Ishikawa, new Melendez)
6 Rumina Sato, Shooto Gym K'z Factory, Japan - Up (win Toida)
7 Hiroyuki Abe, AACC, Japan - Down (lose Ishikawa)
8 Naoya Uematsu, Shooto Gym K'z Factory, Japan - Down (up Ishikawa, Sato, new Melendez)
9 Jens Pulver, Team Extreme, U.S.A. - Down (up Sato, new Melendez)
8 Katsuya Toida, Keishukai Toi-Katsu Dojo, Japan - Down (lose Sato)

Welterweight / -70kg
C Tatsuya Kawajiri, Team TOPS, Japan - New Champ (win Ribeiro)
1 Vitor Ribeiro, Nova Uniao, Brazil - Down (lose Kawajiri)
2 Joachim Hansen, Team Scandinavia, Norway
3 Ryan Bow, Purebred Omiya, U.S.A.
4 Mitsuhiro Ishida, Team TOPS, Japan
5 Kaoru Uno, Keishukai, Japan - Up (*)
6 Luis 'Buscape' Firminho, Brazilian Top Team, Brazil - Down (up Uno)
7 Kotetsu Boku, Killer Bee, Japan - Down (up Uno)
8 Daisuke 'Amazon' Sugie, Alive, Japan
9 Gesias Cavalcanti, American Top Team, Brazil
10 Justin Bruckman, Shah Franco, Canada
* There was bringing a case from Uno. He was admitted to have the will to participate in Shooto.

Middleweight / -76kg
C Akira Kikuchi, Shooto Gym K'z Factory, Japan - New Champ (win Shields)
1 Jake Shields, Cesar Gracie Academy, U.S.A. - Down (lose Kikuchi)
2 Ray Cooper, Jesus is Lord, U.S.A.
3 Jutaro Nakao, Shooto Gym Osaka, Japan
4 Sauli Heilimo, Team Scandinavia, Finland
5 Kuniyoshi Hironaka, Academia Az, Japan
6 Ronald Jhun, 808 Fight Factory, U.S.A.
7 Chris Lytle, Integrated Fighting Academy, U.S.A.
8 Shigetoshi Iwase, Team TOPS, Japan
9 Keith Wisnewski, Duneland Vale Tudo, U.S.A.
10 Luis 'Besouro' Jr., Renovacao Fight Team, Brazil

Lightheavyweight / -83kg
C Masanori Suda, Club J, Japan
1 Dustin Denes, American Top Team, U.S.A.
2 Egan Inoue, Grappling Unlimited, U.S.A.
3 Martijn de Jong, Tatsujin Dojo, Holland
4 Scott Henze, Freelance, U.S.A.
5 Curtis Stout, American Jiu-Jitsu Academy, U.S.A.
6 Shiko Yamashita, Paraestra Sapporo, Japan
7 Ryuta Sakurai, R-Gym, Japan
8 Jon Fitch, Americn Kick Boxing Academy, U.S.A.
9 David Bielkheden, Hilti BJJ Member of Team Scandinavia, Sweden
10 Ivan 'Batman' Jorge, Carlson Team, Brazil
(all the same)

Pacific rim Ranking on December 2004
Selected by Ranking committee of the PRSU

Featherweight / -60kg
C Vacant
1 Kentaro Imaizumi, SK Absolute, Japan
2 Akitoshi Hokazono, Cobra-kai, Japan
3 Daniel Lima, Five Rings Dojo, Australia
4 Jin Akimoto, Akimoto Dojo Jungle Junction, Japan
5 Masahiro Oishi, Shooto Gym K'z Factory, Japan
6 Kimihito Nonaka, Purebred Omiya, Japan
7 Shuichiro Katsumura, Shooto Gym K'z Factory, Japan
8 Hisao Ikeda, Purebred Omiya, Japan
(all the same)

Lightweight / -65kg
C Vacant
1 Gilbert Melendez, Cesar Gracie Academy, U.S.A. - New (win Takaya)
2 Hiroyuki Takaya, Tanaka Juku, Japan - Down (lose Melendez)
3 Makoto Ishikawa, Purebred Omiya, Japan - Up (win Abe)
4 Rumina Sato, Shooto Gym K'z Factory, Japan - Up (win Toida)
5 Stephen Paling, Jesus is Lord, U.S.A. - Down (up Ishikawa, Sato, new Melendez)
6 Naoya Uematsu, Shooto Gym K'z Factory, Japan - Down (up Ishikawa, Sato, new Melendez)
7 Hiroyuki Abe, AACC, Japan - Down (lose Ishikawa)
8 Katsuya Toida, Keishukai Toi-Katsu Dojo, Japan - Down (lose Sato)
9 Hideki Kadowaki, WKSS, Japan - Down (up Ishikawa, Sato, new Melendez)
10 Taiyo Nakahara, Keishukai, Japan - Down (up Ishikawa, Sato, new Melendez)

Welterweight / -70kg
C Vacant
1 Ryan Bow, Purebred Omiya, U.S.A. - Up (Kawajiri acquired the World Title)
2 Kotetsu Boku, Killer Bee, Japan - Up (Kawajiri acquired the World Title)
3 Mitsuhiro Ishida, Team TOPS, Japan - Up (Kawajiri acquired the World Title)
4 Kaoru Uno, Keishukai, Japan - Up (*)
5 Takaharu Murahama, Gracie Barra VT Team, Japan
6 Yoichi Fukumoto, Keishukai Chiba, Japan
7 Takumi, Paraestra Osaka, Japan
8 Daisuke 'Amazon' Sugie, Alive, Japan - Up (Kawajiri acquired the World Title)
9 Takashi Nakakura, Shooto Gym Osaka, Japan - Up (Kawajiri acquired the World Title)
10 Kenichiro Togashi, Paraestra Hiroshima, Japan - New
* There was bringing a case from Uno. He was admitted to have the will to participate in Shooto.

Middleweight / -76kg
C Vacant
1 Jake Shields, Cesar Gracie Academy, U.S.A. - Again (lose the World Title)
2 Ray Cooper, Jesus is Lord, U.S.A.
3 Jutaro Nakao, Shooto Gym Osaka, Japan
4 Kuniyoshi Hironaka, Academia Az, Japan - Up (win Komas)
5 Ronald Jhun, 808 Fight Factory, U.S.A. - Down (up Hironaka)
6 Shigetoshi Iwase, Team TOPS, Japan - Down (up Hironaka)
7 Mark Moreno, Bulls Pen, U.S.A.
8 Deshaun Johnson, HMC, U.S.A.

9 Cris Brown, Extreme, Australia
10 Kolo Koka, Grappling Unlimited, U.S.A.

Source: ISC

News and Rumors From Japan
by Stephen Martinez

Let’s start with the obvious: This is not Masa writing another of his funny articles from Japan. So now that everyone is aware of this, let me introduce myself. I’m Stephen Martinez and my role at Sherdog is taking pictures of some of the Japanese shows covered by the website.

So why am I writing this? Well let’s say I got a knee injury while training and I have plenty of time to spare, so Masa asked me to write something. Since there are no shows to cover until the next SHOOTO on January 29, I'll write about rumors and behind-the-scenes from some promotions in Japan.

Let’s start with SHOOTO and their upcoming show. The main event on January 29 pits teammates fighting for the Pacific Rim Championship Tournament Final. Now this is a special situation rarely seen in events like SHOOTO.

Both Ryan Bow and Koutetsu Boku belong to Enson Inoue`s Purebred gym. Bow represents the Omiya branch and Boku represents the Tokyo branch under Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto. Now why do I say this is a special situation? Well SHOOTO doesn’t like to place fighters from the same stable against each other.

This reminds me when Rumina Sato and Takanori Gomi used to train together at K`z Factory. As soon as the SHOOTO commission offered both fighters a title match for the vacant welterweight belt, Gomi, without thinking twice, moved to Kikuchi Dojo. What happens next is history as Gomi defeated Sato to start his reign of terror inside SHOOTO.

This situation could be similar to Boku and Bow, but the little twist is Boku just joined Purebred Killer Bees after starting and spending a long portion of his career under K`z Factory SHOOTO gym. Now what do these two gentlemen do to resolve this problem? Like two good teammates they agreed to fight just in case they meet in the finals, so this is exactly what’s going to happen next Saturday.

On the same card SHOOTO has a non-title match with the current bantamweight champion, Mamoru, who was “victim” of some replay videos, the judges and one big tantrum.

The date was September 26, 2004. It was the main event of SHOOTO’s show at Korauken hall with Mamoru facing Robson Moura for the bantamweight title. The result was Mamoru by decision (29-29, 30-29, and 29-28). Everything was fine until Moura returned to the lockers and basically destroyed the whole place, enraged as to why he lost the match.

The solution fell into the hands of the SHOOTO commission President, who personally apologized and asked Moura’s camp to use the official protest system available in SHOOTO for the judges to review the match. Just a few days ago the commission changed the official result from Mamoru’s win to a technical draw.

DEEP has an upcoming show February 12 with some interesting match-ups. The main event features SHOOTO and PRIDE Bushido veteran Dokonjonosuke Mishima versus Taisho for the new DEEP lightweight title. Very interesting match, but I think Taisho is giving some pounds to the heavier Mishima. Some rumors state the winner of this match will secure a spot for the upcoming PRIDE Bushido and a possible position inside the rumored Lightweight Grand Prix.

Another interesting match-up from this card pits Brazilian Top Team representative Roan “Jucao” Carneiro against the owner of the most electrifying submission move of 2004, Ryo “Piranha” Chonan. Coming fresh from the victory over Anderson Silva in PRIDE, Chonan is set to face another grappler in the ADCC Brazilian trials champion.

The other announced match places Pancrase demolition machine Yoshiro Maeda against the master of leg locks, Masakazu Imanari, in a featherweight match. Now this is somewhat like a rematch between these two fighters since they already met in Caol Uno`s grappling show, Contenders. Imanari got the edge there by submission, but Maeda is a hard striker with solid ground game.

Finally there is a little surprise from the new partnership between GCM (Contenders, Demolition) and K-1. The big company joined forces with the dynamic, small promotion to create the very first Japanese MMA show using a cage. I know this is not the first time in Japan a promotion has run an event with cage (UFC Japan), but this is the very first time a native Japanese promotion is using the fenced-in area.

In Japan, many trademarked promotions that use the ring, like battlefield GCM and K-1, are looking to explore something new and at the same time bring something different to the Japanese audience.

The new promotion name is D.O.G. (Destruction of Octagon Gear) and the first event will be held March 12 at Differ Ariake in Tokyo. So far there are two matches announced: SHOOTO veteran Katsuya Toida is facing Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto protégée Atsushi Yamamoto. Toida is a submission specialist and a veteran of the SHOOTO circuit. His last fight was in December when he got badly knocked out by another SHOOTO legend, Rumina Sato.

Yamamoto is a carbon copy of his teacher “Kid” Yamamoto, with good wrestling skill and ground-and-pound technique, but he also was knocked out in his last match in Pancrase. So this is basically a “no lose” situation for both fighters if they want to keep their names active in upcoming shows.

The other fighters scheduled to participate so far are a nice mix from the young Japanese MMA scene and bring experience from organizations like King of The Cage, Pancrase, DEEP, Demolition and PRIDE Bushido. Some of the names already announced are: Ken Ozawa versus Miki Shida, and scheduled to participate but without opponents are Hidetaka Monma, Eiji Mitsuoka and Yoshin Okami.

The cage looks more like the KOTC style rather than the UFC style (size wise). Some of the rules so far are three five-minute rounds or two five-minute rounds; kicking a downed opponent will be allowed; and the infamous eight-count after knockdowns, used in some promotions like SHOOTO and Demolition, is discarded.

This is all from the land of the raising sun until the next time when Masa and I will be covering from ringside at any upcoming show in Japan. — Stephen

Source: Sherdog

THE JAKE R. REPORT:
NEW NHB TV SHOW MAY GO NATIONAL


As I first reported in an exclusive report last year on this website, the Brazilian NHB television show entitled 'Passing The Guard', began airing on a Los Angeles television station. The television show featured real vale tudo clips from past fights in Brazil, as well well as PRIDE matchups, edited to show the exciting aspects of NHB to those unfamiliar with the sport.

Given a late time slot on a smaller station in what was essentially an infomercial, expectations for the show were not great. However, I have been informed that various network executives in the television industry were thrilled with the results under the circumstances.

As I mentioned in my initial story, the possibility existed for the TV show to go national. Not only is this now becoming more likely, but my sources have informed me that three seperate companies have expressed strong desire in taking 'Passing The Guard' on a national basis. As it currently stands, if one of the offers is accepted, the time frame for the national debut will be late this year.

In addition, longterm and reliable sources to the Jake R Report have informed me that 'Passing The Guard' has already received verbal agreements from PRIDE, the UFC, and various other NHB/MMA organizations to air fight footage if the show does indeed go national.

Keep reading the Jake R Report, where I always go where the scoop is.

This exclusive Jake R Report was filed on January 20th, 2005, at 1 pm.
***Jake R Internet Exclusive: Must credit the Jake R Report when discussing this article***

Source: Fight Sport

'PEQUENO' VS. ROQUE POSSIBILITY

Alexandre "Pequeno" Nogueira

Brazilian magazine 'tatame' reports that SHOOTO wants to sign the matchup of Alexandre 'Pequeno' Nogueira vs. Joao Roque for their card in March.

All that remains is for both fighters to agree.

Source: Fight Sport

1.8 Million People Watch "Ultimate Fighter" Debut
by Josh Gross

Overnight ratings are in for the premiere episode of Spike TV's "Ultimate Fighter." The Reality Show debuted with a 1.5 rating Monday night, translating to roughly 1.8 million viewers, Sherdog.com was told by sources within the industry.

With a relatively weak lead-in from WWE's RAW, which drew a lower-than-usual 3.0 -- due possibly to the Martin Luther King holiday -- and no national PR campaign for the "Ultimate Fighter" debut, these numbers appear to be very solid, and executives at both Spike TV and Zuffa are said to be ecstatic.

Source: Sherdog

BENNETT BREAKDOWN:
WHAT "ULTIMATE FIGHTER" RATINGS MEAN


MMAWeekly’s very own Ryan Bennett breaks down what the ratings mean for the UFC. The UFC confirmed to MMAWeekly yesterday that the show drew close to a 1.5 rating. (Actual number looks to be 1.42) What does that mean?

Bennett, who currently works at the NBC affililate in Santa Barbara/San Luis Obispo doing sports casts during the 6pm and 11pm news breaks it down.

Alright people everybody and their dog has emailed me about the tv numbers and after reading your emails there is a common question. What is a ratings point and what does it mean for the UFC?

1 rating point is equivalent to about 1.084 million homes watching for cable networks. So basically a 1.5 ratings would be around 1.75 or 1.8 million homes. The WWE’s Monday Night Raw, despite some sites reporting it got around a 3.0, got around a 3.8 rating. It’s very conceivable the numbers will be even better this week for the UFC.

The interesting thing about the 1.5 rating number for Ultimate Fighter is the fact that we are comparing a 1.5 number to other cable numbers, who show their programs in PrimeTime.

Ultimate Fighter isn’t in prime time in most time zones. Basically in most time zones primetime is either 7pm-9pm or 8pm-10pm depending where you live. On the coasts they consider up to 11pm. This show STARTS at 11pm so the Ultimate Fighter show is clearly not in prime time, which mean's it's pretty amazing what kind of number it's drawing.

Think about this for a moment. The old WWE show “Tough Enough.” That show was basically the WWE’s version of Ultimate Fighter. Looking back at tough enough's numbers, the Tough Enough show was routinely drawing a 1.2 rating. It wasn’t until their grand finaly that they started pulling 2.5's. Tough Enough was shown during PRIMETIME television on MTV. It was in a great time slot at either 7pm or 8pm, not 11pm.

I’m willing to bet your co-worker wasn’t staying up until 11pm to watch a reality tv show. Those who did though weren’t disappointed. As one guy who follows the ratings closely told me “The UFC should be doing back flips pulling over a 1 rating for a show at 11pm.”

MMAWeekly's Ivan Trembow also had this interesting tidbit of information. Trembow said "What people are losing track of is the fact that 1.0 is still a great rating for cable. TNA Impact, the pro wrestling show on Fox Sports Net that gets a huge amount of promotion, gets around a 0.15 rating every week. They would kill for a 1.0, as would the vast majority of shows on cable. The Best Damn Sports Show Period, the so-called flagship show of Fox Sports Net which is constantly shoved down everyone's throats in commercials on FSN and Big Fox, only averages about a 0.20. They would kill for a 1.0. I don't know how the expectations got set so ridiculously high for the UFC reality show, but anything over 1.0 is a huge hit. In the 18-49 demographic, the show did a very strong 1.49 rating. In the 18-34 demographic, the show did an even stronger 1.50 rating. "

Agreed Ivan. If this number could even grow slightly each week, then you will see weekly programming for the UFC right around the corner. The sport still has a long way to go; however, it's definitely moving in the right direction.

Source: MMA Weekly

POSTAL CONNECTIONS:
RIZZO MAY FIGHT ON PRIDE 29 CARD

Hello my friends, my postal connections in the DSE/PRIDE organization are telling me that DSE/PRIDE have made a very good offer to Pedro Rizzo.

If Rizzo accepts, he would be included on the upcoming PRIDE 29 card on February 20th.

Source: Fight Sport

Nova União against Japan in Shooto

Nova União starts 2005 ambitious. Leading four of six categories at Shooto ranking, Nova União wants to feature its six best athletes against Japanese fighters. Team leader André Pederneiras is just waiting to put his fighters in the last two categories with no NU athletes: Middleweight and Light Heavyweight.

- Our biggest problem is that we are on the top of four divisions of the ranking. Guys in Japan are creating some obstacles. But I hope to rule the other two categories and make new champions. Doing that, I will propose a challenge against Japan - Dedé warned.

Dedé named the available figthers to run for the gap: ' Tony de Souza, Tibau, Peterson Mello and Luis Pimpolho over the Middleweight. As Light Heavyweight we have Thales Leites,' said the NU director, which saw his team being pointed as the second best team in Japan. The first one is Brazilian Top Team.

- Japanese did a seven pages report about Nova União. In the end, they did a ranking of the best teams. Nova União got in second place, right behind BTT. This happened because they considered Vitor Belfort on the team. But he hasn't fight by Top Team. They also didn't include our foreign fighters, as Tony de Souza - Pederneiras said.

Source: Tatame

YANAGISAWA WANTS TO FIGHT IN PRIDE

Ryushi Yanagisawa spoke with the Japanese media and stated that he would like to fight in DSE/PRIDE.

Yanagisawa is a veteran of Pancrase and RINGS. Yanagisawa's last fight in RINGS was a unanimous decision loss to Fedor Emelianenko back in 2001.

Source: Fight Sport

2005 Hawaii Junior State Championships of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Is Back on Jan 29th!

The tournament which was referred to as the Gracie's Kids Tournament (I just made that up) finally has an official name, 2005 Hawaii Junior State Championships of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Venue: Relson Gracie Main Academy
844 Queen Street, 2nd Floor

Date: January 29, 2005
Time: 10AM - 2PM
9:30AM Rules Clinic

Ages 16 and under


Inviting all competitors ages 5 to 16 years old

Sponsored by the Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Associations of Hawaii

The Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Associations of Hawaii would like to cordially invite you and your students to join us at the 2005 Hawaii Junior State Jiu-Jitsu Championships on January 29, 2005 at this year's Host Club-The Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Honolulu, Hawaii.
We have invited youth competitors from schools around the state including HMC, Brazilian Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu, Gracie Kailua, BJ Penn Jiu-Jitsu, and every Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Association including: Honolulu, Aiea, Kaneohe, HK and more. We are excited and eager to see all of Hawaii's youth exhibit their great talent at this exclusive event.

We strongly recommend that all competitors and coaches be at the tournament no later than 8:30 AM on Saturday to weigh-in and to find parking (Parking stalls are available at Queen Bee Restaurant on the corner of Queen St. and Cooke St. between 8-2 PM; there are also parking spaces on adjacent streets-please observe neighboring business signs and city and county regulations as to avoid ticketing and towing).
The rules clinic will be held at 9:30 AM with the competition beginning promptly at 10 AM.

The top four competitors in each division will receive a trophy (one 1st place, one 2nd place, and two 3rd places) generously provided by Hawaiian Pacific Chiropractic. In addition to awards, all competitors will be qualified to win other prizes. We would love to see all competitors, spectators, family, martial artists, etc. gather in this friendly atmosphere established to promote the awesome art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu among our youth in this great state of Hawaii.

Sincerely,
Ronn T. Shiraki
Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Kaneohe Team

If Ronn Shiraki has not contacted you, please email him at: Kaneoheteam@yahoo.com


Tournament Rules and Regulations


· Registration fee is $20
· All competitors must compete with a clean white or all blue Jiu-Jitsu GI (kimono). No mixed colors or black GI will be allowed.
· Any competitor who displays unsportsmanlike-like conduct before, during, or after the match, will be disqualified and forfeit the registration fee.
· It is the competitor's responsibility to find out when his / her match will take place.
· Any competitor who does not show up before his/ her match will automatically forfeit the match and registration.
· Any competitor who deliberately tries to hurt an opponent, (including slamming while in the guard) will be disqualified.
· The competition organizers are not liable for any injury and/or accident involving competitors.
· We reserve the right to combine weight categories.
· This information may be amended or changed at any time.
· The athletes will not be allowed to apply traumatic holds; only competition sport Jiu-Jitsu holds will be permitted.
· All parents of youth participants must fill out a waiver prior to weigh-in.

Divisions and Time Limits are as follows
Ages Limits Time
5 Mixed 2 minutes
(5 year olds will start on knees)
6 Mixed 3 minutes
7-8 Mixed 4 minutes
9-10 Mixed 4 minutes
11-12 Mixed 4 minutes
13-14 Mixed 4 minutes
15-16 Mixed 5 minutes

Note: Weight classes (to be determined at tournament)
Competitors may be moved up or down a division depending on weight.

Competition Scoring System
· Throws and Takedowns 2 points
· Knee on the Belly 2 points
· Technical Sweeps 2 points
· Passing the Guard 3 points
· Front Mount Position 4 points
· Back Mount Position with Hooks 4 points

Illegal Techniques
The following techniques have been banned to protect the youth competitors from injury. Judges will stop techniques if harm appears imminent (referee decisions are Final).
· No Straight foot-locks (ages 15 and 16 only)
· No Toe-holds
· No Heel-hooks
· No Knee-bars
· No Small joint manipulation (fingers and toes)
· No Wrist-locks
· No Fish-hooks
· No Neck-cranks
· No Slamming
· No Can-openers
· No Swearing
· No Spitting
· No Striking of any kind

Contact Person
Ronn T. Shiraki
Phone: 387-1961 Email: Kaneoheteam@yahoo.com



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