PAN ASIAN BJJ 2016

Manila is slowly but surely emerging as a mecca for BJJ ( Brazilian Jiu JitSu) in South East Asia. Through the works of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation of Philipines( BJJFP ) , many BJJ competitions has been organized, to name a few; Philipines International Open, Luzon Open, Cebu Open, Asia Pacific Gi & No Gi Submission International Open, and not forgetting Pan Asian Jiu Jitsu International Open.

Pan Asians is widely considered the biggest and most premier Jiu Jitsu competitions in South East Asia. For Sabah’s participation. It was way back in 2006 when Allen Solomon Chong, a young spritely BJJ blue belt participated in his 1st Pan Asians against international competitors and won a silver.

Over the years Allen has grown in his BJJ knowledge. He is now a brown belt and has used his grappling skills to win MIMMA season 1 Lightweight Belt and becoming the only South East Asian to be selected for The Ultimate Fighter China. Allen’s passion for BJJ lead him to form Alpha MMA and Persatuan BJJ Sabah ( read about Allen’s journey of BJJ here in my pass post ) to raise the awareness and skill level of BJJ in Sabah.

Allen with his wife Carol starting daughter Lana in BJJ

This year his gym Alpha MMA send 5 competiors to Pan Asians. Another team from Sabah, Borneo Tribal Squad send an all female team of 5, which is led by Ann Osman

the Alpha's ninjas

BTS's women warriors

Warriors of Borneo caught up with Allen for a short chat.

Aside from Pan Asian what other BJJ competition in Asia that is consider top notch?
Japan's Asia open is definitely top of the list. All competitions are good competitions. Its the thrill n fun of the sport. Like my lecturers always said: It’s the journey and process, not the destination, is what truly matters.

What is the best result so far for Sabah in Pan Asians?
I think the best result is the personal growth and expansion of vision for the individual competitors going up there and letting it all hang. Medals are important in statistics, but I value the hard-nosed bronze medalists who got the chips stacked against him in every turn of the bracket; vs the gold medalist who only had one match to fight in his category.

Does participation from Sabah club all fall under Persatuan BJJ Sabah or they can go as an individual or on own gym banner?
They can do whatever they want haha. Sabahans are wild things like that. The association job is merely to aid the athletes in whatever way possible. Primarily with monetary aid and flight tickets. But I think it’s the unseen work by the coaches who pay attention to improving their team mates and spending extra time hanging back and trouble shooting for the beginners that should receive laud.

Is there a unified Malaysian team?
Is there a unified Sabahan political party?
We are the only BJJ association registered at state level in Malaysia. Next step is federal, but we need 6 more states to form an association for that to happen. Bureaucracy 

Sabah has been on the forefront of BJJ comp with PBjjS in Headhunters and Sabah Open...how has this contributed to the quality of BJJ in Borneo?
I think our level of ground work is evident. Check out the talents coming out of the woodwork even in mma scenes. They’re mostly ground savvy by now. Mostly.

COPA da Malasia has started 3 years ago...how does this add to the mix?
The more competitions the better. We hope to see BJJ tournaments every month eventually.
In more developed countries, they have tournaments every week. The more exposure the better for the sport.

What is your best memories in Pan Asians?
My wife Carol submitting her way to gold medal when she was my girl friend at the time. With techniques we worked on when we first trained. She's an amazing woman!

In your opinion what has Philipine done right for BJJ that we can learn from and how far are thy ahead of Malaysia?
They have a lot of opportunities to ply their trade. Competitions and MMA fights. They also have more accessibility to foreign talents and the community travels abroad a lot to compete and train. Now they have a lot of local grown black belts and even mundial champs

For local competition is there enough referee to judge an event? Or we still in need of more trained officials?
We definitely need more training. But my coach in Singapore is a legit black belt and we have many Brazilian black belts in West Malaysia now, so we can draw on their support

What is your hope for Alpha's team this year?
To infinity and beyond! Every time!

What is your hope for BJJ in Sabah specifically and Malaysia in general?
My hope is that the new generation achieves every accolade we missed out on during our tenure. The youth are the future and we hope to set a good precedence and example to accelerate their growth

Keeping the Malaysian flag flying

BJJ has come a long way as the 'weird' martial arts. Lots of people, even among martial artist in the arly days does not understand the techniques and the practicality of BJJ. With the popularity and growth of MMA and the successcof MIMMA, more people in Malaysia now are aware and understand what BJJ is about. But there's still much work to do and Allen is keeping busy with upcoming Sabah Open BJJ in August 13.

Warriors of Borneo hopes that Malaysian participating in Pan Asians this year will do well and even if they don't win medals, to learn from the experience and improve on their weakness. Slowly but surely we Malaysians too can excel in this sports and put Malaysia in the map of international BJJ!

DRAGON RUN - A review

Fitness personality Linora Low and celebrity host Mark O'dea at Dragon Run's exclusive preview on 8th April.

As a kid growing up in the 80s, I love watching Chinese Kung Fu movies. It was really an adventure for me. Shaolin movies like Disciples of the 35 Chamber, where fights happen in different stages & settings and where heroes have to deal with different obstacles and bad guys was engaging to watch.

The ultimate was Bruce Lee’s Game of Death where he fought baddies from different martial arts styles as he move from one level of Pagoda to the next.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we can do what Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee or even Kung Fu Panda did in those movies? This can now be done ( well sort of …) through DRAGON RUN.

 

DRAGON RUN is a 6km obstacle course made of inflatables that is design with martial arts in mind. Participants need to go through different stages of obstacles that are design base on certain martial arts theme.

The boys from Discover MuayThai had a go at Dragon Run as a team building activities

Collection of runner's pack

According to Next Promotions, the Hong Kong based event promotion company that bring DRAGON RUN here, plans are in place for rolling out to other countries such as Korea, Thailand, Singapore and Taiwan. Launching it in Malaysia, pays tribute to what Malaysia is currently experiencing, a huge surge in interest for martial arts and fitness activities.

OK lets see what they have in store for you.

You start at the Kung Fu theme Dragon style as you ‘Enter the Dragon’ through what else,...The Dragon mouth lah. After you survive the test of endurance, balance and agility, you will reach enigmatic Thailand.

Here is where you need to apply your Muaythai skills. Unleash your ‘Ong Bak’ spirit and throw knees, roundhouse kicks, combos punches and elbows on some wobbly targets.

Your heart will be thumping now…as you enter the Dojo Gate. Here the world of Taekwondo awaits you. Footwork is king. Get ready for the Drill Mats that will leave you gasping for air! As if your legs are not jelly yet. The kick maze is next. Kick your way through targets to get yourself out of this dizzying maze.

If you manage to get out, then come face to face with the Giant Sumo. Feel his immense presence and use all your weigh to push through some of his giant team mates through the Sumo Wobble.

Remember Jackie Chan balancing water buckets in Drunken Master? Well this time you need to balance buckets of sake as you try your very best in a test of balance, power and timing to kep yourself from falling into the Sumo Pool.

Bruce Lee to many is the ultimate martial artist. His legacy, the Jeet Kune Do system is where equilibrium is key as you enter the Yin Yang Gate. “ Be like water my friend”, Bruce Lee’s famous quote as you are cool down at the Water Gate, the calm then change to The Thunderstorm and finally you meet the Big Boss. Execute your best martial art technique as you conquer your fear for a ultimate showdown!

The Big Boss

DRAGON RUN is located at The Ranch, Gohtong Jaya, Genting Highlands. The cool air here surely will be a great comfort as your body will be heated up by all the action of the run. The fun doesn’t stop after the run as there’s Dragon Village to visit. Kids can have wild fun at mini inflatables – Sweetwalk. 

Dragon Village is pack with food and beverage stalls, games booths and activities area, and also merchandise will be available. Entrance to Dragon Village is free, so your family and friends can hang out here as you pursue your inner calling to kick some butt.

14 May is for public while 15 May is for private bookings. Check out for more infor :

Website: www.dragonrun.asia

Facebook: facebook.com/drunofficial

Instagram: instagram.com/drunofficial

I believe with the popularity for running event and the success of Spartan Race Malaysia last year, Malaysian are ready for this type of event, more so when Dragon Run are more family friendly and not targeted for the hard core runners.

The interest in Borneo is also very high for obstacle challenge run. Last year the no show of Borneo Mud Challenge really left a bad impression for Sabah, as many has registered but the irresponsible organiser made a dissapearing act. Thankfully last month Casero Events fullfilled the thirst by organising Sungkadon 6K Challenge in Papar, Sabah.

  

My hope is with this article, will be able to inspire local organiser in Borneo to organise similiar type of martial art theme event here, or even better, for Dragon Run itself to be held here, in the cool 7 scenic foothills of Kinabalu perhaps.

STAND delivered as the Biggest Martial Arts Tournament in Malaysia

pix credit: Matt Buvart 

STAND happened on 21-23 April 2016. Brought to us by Borneo Majubina and Fight Five Gear. With the view of white sandy beach, blue wave from the sea, coconut tree leaf swaying with the background of Nexus Karambunai Resort certainly present a fresh new settings for fight event in Malaysia.

184 fighters registered, making it possibly the biggest fight event we have seen so far in South East Asia. 31 martial club/gym took part, out of which, 8 gyms from outside Borneo participated.

STAND offered two categories of fights, amateur K1 Kickboxing and amateur Boxing; With an event highlight of Super8 Pro Am Featherweight title belt Kickboxing. A total of 172 bouts were held and fights begins from morning till late night on Saturday and Sunday.

The dizzying numbers of fights was certainly a huge task to organize. The limitation by venue sponsor to allow bouts go beyond 10pm resulted in fights in day 2 had to be shortened per rounds in order to finish all bouts. Kudos to the management and the team of judges that work hectically throughout the tournaments.

Event Director & STAND founder Rayner Kinsiong of Team Karabaw invited a number of VIPs to witness the event. On 21 APR ( FRIDAY ), weighing-in day saw the presence of YB Datuk Hjh Jainab, Sabah’s Minister of Community Development and Consumer. Member of Parliament of Sepanggar Datuk Jumat Idris watch the fights on Saturday. Datuk Yaakob Khan & Datuk Raiman Unggi witness it on Sunday.

VIPs in attendance

These invitations was done to expose to the authority the potential of fight event as a tourism product and to showcase them the martial talent pool that is available locally.

The venue of Nexus Karambunai Resort was a drawing factor for lots of participants to join this event, with good room rate offer, which fighters and team stayed in and had a weekend break at the same time. Some fighters can be seen chilling out at the pool and some laying under the big rain tree on the field with their family and friends as they take a break to recover before the next fight.

A new concept of fight event in Borneo...fight and chill

Fights aside, personally I felt a number of things could have made the event better. Example; the surrounding area of the ring that places the apparel booths, drinks stalls, and where crowds hang around, if it were lighted will make the atmosphere more inviting. Also the original idea of having BBQ food stalls, if it was allowed would be a total blast! But Alas, due to some differences with venue sponsor, this didn’t materialized.

Pix credits: Alex Faezi

pix credits - Alex Faezi

pix credits - Alex Faezi

On to the fights. The day 1 action was hard and fast. Many fighters pull no punches in the early rounds which saw plenty of action but also plenty of injuries. With a tournament format that may see fighters fight 3-4 times per day, 2nd day saw a few bouts was won by walkover as injuries took its toll on fighters.

But there were still plenty of good bouts. The highlight was the Super8 featherweight fights. Crowds gathered whenever bouts for this category were on. This was a semi-pro bout, fighters only wore shin guard without headgear. Mohammed B. Mahmoud aka Jordan Boy of Sampuri Gym KL won it defeating Uriel French of Muayfit KL. Being an experience pro Muaythai fighter, Jordon Boy had a fairly easy semifinals bouts defeating Muhd Afandi from Team Revolution, en route to the finals. Uriel’s semi finals against a game Ronnie ‘The Sweet Finger’of Kitakitani may have tooked out some gas from him.

Jordon Boy fellow Sampuri team mates and brother, Nidal Mahmud won the 75kg K1 Middleweight vs Vallent Pierce of Sabah Top Team. Nidal executed a good counter game and plenty of knees; some of which was given warning by the ref as he executed it with a double hand muaythai clinch which is not allowed in K1 rules.

Jordan Boy and King Joker with their trainer and father Mahmoud Omar 

Monarchy MMA Gym sent a team full of experience fighters. Led by ONE Championship fighter Samir Mrabet, the team won all their fights. Conrado Roveri, winning welterweight boxing. The towering Xavier Martinon winning heavyweight boxing. Lee Ai Jin winning women flyweight boxing. Samir himself won by walkover for middleweight boxing as his opponent was injured.

Some memorable fights, in heavyweight boxing semi-finals, Bartholomew from Kinabalu Fighters showed lots of heart in his fight vs Xavier Martinon. No doubt the experience & technically superior Xavier didn’t go all out, but Bart showed no fear even with a bloodied nose he still kept coming. For a guy that had a desk job and took up boxing just less than a year ago at Kinabalu Fighters to lose weight, Bart certainly showed courage and heart.

Xavier went on to win in the finals meeting Mursalin of Revolution Gym.

Bart’s team mate – Stephanie Vung also fought her hearts out in the women flyweight boxing, going against Ai Jin of Monarchy whom is a SEA games boxing vet.

K1 56kg Featherweight female saw Nur Athirah of Borneo Tribal Squad square off against Zaryatie of Revolution Gym. It was fireworks! Zaryatie started strong with many hooks and spin kicks that landed. Athirah weathered the storm and kept her composure with good head movement. Eventually Zaryatie’s aggressive style looses steam and Athirah was able to score points in the later round to secure the win.

K1 female Straweight saw Nur Nurnaznerah of BP battle out vs JFL 2015 Finalist Nurul Khairunisa of Karabaw. It was a back and fourth battle but Nurnaznerah won with her speed and combos.

Athirah clebrating her win with team mates Hisyam & Ann from BTS

Fightfive gear making it's debut in STAND

Welterweight boxing semis was an entertaining match between Conrado of Monarchy Gym vs Elto of Borneo Combat Gym Labuan. Elto of Philippine descent has plenty of supporters cheering him on, calling him little Pacqaio. Going against Conrado was not easy as he possessed good footwork that enable him to throw combos that hit high and low on the body and was quick to move out of danger when Elto counter. For Lightweight boxing, Ronald Tee of Borneo Combat Gym Labuan showed much technical prowess as he darted in & out and excellent head movement to win against Abu Qusairy of PBG.

Kudos to Rayner Kinsiong of Karabaw, Mohd Bakri of Keningau MMA and Kaza Musa Fight Management for organizing another ground breaking combat sports event in Borneo.

I believe the huge participants for STAND proof that there is a huge potential for fight tourism and there's a huge talent pool of amatuer fighters that is eager to test their skills to gain more experience. This type of event is rightly a good platform for Borneo fighters to develop without sacrificing much time & finance to travel out of Borneo to look for fights.

Not only are fighters numbers increasing but also the crowds which include the family, friends, supporters and the general public. This certainly augurs well for potential sponsors to support local events which can expose their brand to the right target market.

According to Zamalani of Kaza Musa whom manage the bouts, many popular weight category such as flyweight, featherweight, lightweight was divided into team A & B to facilitate the high numbers of participants. For the 2nd STAND, winners from the 1st STAND will be invited to battle it out again.

The 2nd installment will probably be held around JULY in PAPAR as the organizers are gearing up to give us another action pack showdown!

                  Are you ready for STAND 2?