Launching of B-MAEX

29 DEC 2017. Tonight is really an important night for Borneo martial arts. For the first time an event that group together many style of martial arts under different promo is happening in Borneo.
(read the pre-event story here).

To launch this historic & groundbreaking event, a welcome dinner cum appreciation night was held in Palm Beach Resort Labuan and grace by the presence of YB Datuk Rozman Bin Datuk Haji Isli - member of parliament for Labuan cum chairman of Labuan Corporation.

This event is organised by Labuan Wushu Association and Labuan Sports Kickboxing Association, sanctioned under ISKA (International Sports Karate Association).

In his welcoming speech, organising chairman Mr Alvin Chong of Borneo Combat Gym Labuan, welcomes all the participants and hopes this event will be the key to unite Borneo martial arts
master Khoo Meng Yang, ISKA South East Asia representative and mentor to Alvin congratulated Alvin for this noble effort and commended him for being a succesful gym owner and organiser.

YB Datuk Rozman, in his launching speech also congratulate Alvin and his team for being able to gather so many amrtial arts promoter and fighters in Labuan. He mentioned that to make sure events put priority in safety.

YB Datuk Rozman said the government is doing much effort to make Labuan a venue for sports tourism. The upcoming Powerboat race in early 2018 will be broadcast all over the world and he hopes B-MAEX be able to do so too one day.

Alvin Chong his speech accompanied by a representative from Labuan Deaf Society

Master Khoo Meng Yang

YB Datuk Rozman in his launching speech

presentation of mock cheque from platinum sponsor AFB

A token of appreciation for YB Datuk Rozman

In the same occassions, appreciation and Borneo martial arts promoters and contributors.
( please check Warriors of Borneo FB page for more pictures )

The hi-light of this event will be the K1 Pro Kickboxing bouts

be part of history ...come and support this event!

B-MAEX: Alvin Chong's journey to unite Borneo's martial arts

Alvin Chong, or popularly known as AC Poseidon has a lofty vision for martial arts in Borneo. A vision not for himself personally but for the Borneo martial arts community as a whole. He is taking the first step into making this vision a reality by organising Borneo Martial Arts Expo (B-MAEX) this 29 - 31 DEC 2017 in Palm Beach Hotel, Labuan.

The vision: to unite the martial arts community in Borneo.

When Alvin organised the 1st pro Muaythai event in Miri 7 years ago, there was virtually no big combat sports event in Borneo. He was the first doing so and he brought in 20 fighter from 9 different country, 4 of them World Champion.

Fast forward to 2017, combat sports events has become a norm. This is because for the pass 5-6 years, the martial arts industry has seen a tremendous growth in Borneo. Many combat sports event are being held from time to time and location wise Kota Kinabalu being the hotbed for many of these events.

The fastest growing sports in the world is MMA. In Malaysia MIMMA has boosted this growth. Through it's nationwide selection roadshow, has lead to many martial artists cross training between stand up style with grappling art such as BJJ, Judo and now Luta Livre. Selected qualifier will need to attend all their fights in Kuala Lumpur, which pose financial challenge for most fighters.

The demand for local base MMA promotions gave rise to Borneo Fighting Championship. Then other promotions sprouted; Jesselton Fighting Championship (JFL), Borneo Amatuer Challenge (BAC), Fight Fest and most recently Rampage FC.

Amateurs Muaythai events are very consistently held in Borneo, driven by Sabah Muaythai Association and Sarawak Muaythai Association. Fight fans also are serve with regular pro Muaythai events with D1 Fighting Championship establishing itself as a front runner.

The grappling art is also a growing segment. Pioneered by Persatuan BJJ Negeri Sabah's Headhunters, we now have Sabah BJJ open, Fight Fest - Mata Leao, and most recently two huge international event ; Sabah Grappling Quest and Copa De Borneo, which happened on the exact same dates on 9-10 Dec 2017.

K1 Kickboxing and boxing events are also on the rise. Among the promotions holding such events are STAND, FIGHT FEST and BAC.

The above list of promotions looks extensive isn't it? This does not even take into account the local Karate, TaekwonDo, Silat, Boxing tournament under their respective association.

To the outsider this looks like a healthy situation, but the fact is, it has become a problem on to itself. Why? because, generally the contestant that is taking part are of the same people. Population wise Borneo numbers are still small.

The number of competitors taking part in combat sports are only a fraction of the population and now that the concept of cross training is the norm, hence making the same competitors wanting to take part in many different promotions. This situation worsen when events dates are close to each other, worst still when they clash.

If this goes on, sooner or later, these events may face challenge in getting enough participants or crowd to make ends meet.

So how would B-MAEX solve this problem?

First of all, as a venue, Labuan serve as a perfect location as it's neutral ground and is in between Sarawak, Brunei and Sabah. As the organising chairman Alvin believe one of the way to solve the above problem is to have an event that house all the promotions, enabling B-MAEX to give recognition to Borneo's combat sports promoter. Recognise them as a pioneer, innovator and a leader in their field.

For instance, STAND - as the leading amateur kickboxing and boxing promotions. FIGHT FEST - as the hybrid event hi-lighting K1 Super Fight, amateur Muaythai and No-Gi grappling. RAMPAGE - as the progressive amatuer MMA promotions, JFL - as the premier MMA promotions with pro fights, BAC - as Labuan amatuer kickboxing and MMA event that combine referee course and seminar. D1 FC - as the region's premier pro Muaythai promotions.

With this recognition, the plan is to sit down all organisers and plan out a schedule of events that can benefit each other. Co-promoting and cross promoting, supporting each other's event.

For example; STAND can focus on boxing and have quarterly fights in a year and the champions of each quarter to meet in a year end climax in B-MAEX to crown a grand champion. Fight Fest with their Kickboxing and Rampage with their MMA.

Every organiser get to showcase their own event and all climax in a year end show down of quality fights and coming together in one event to celebrate unity in diversity.

The welcoming dinner on 29 DEC to launch B-MAEX will be the night for the martial arts community in Borneo to come together as one and recognise each other's contributions in the industry.

For Warriors of Borneo, I have shared before my own dream of having an award night to crown perhaps, Fight of the Year, Fighter of the Year, Best Rookie, Best KO of the Year, etc,...thankfully Alvin shared the same aspiration, with the first gala night in B-MAEX this year, will set the ball rolling to make the award night a good possibility in future B-MAEX.

The welcoming dinner and opening ceremony will be grace by Labuan member of parliament, YB Datuk Rozman Bin Datuk Haji Isli

B-MAEX is not just about competitions on the mat / ring, it's also about educating and sharing of knowledge. Pioneered by BAC the ISKA referee course for Kickboxing and MMA under the tutelage of Master Khoo will continue to produce more qualified officials. For B-MAEX the referee course will be conducted on 29 DEC.

On 30 DEC night a seminar will be held with speakers from various field sharing their knowledge and experience, it's free and open to all to attend to broaden their mind and learn something that will benefit the martial arts community.

I am honour to be invited as a speaker to share a topic on Relationship with Media. And feel humble to be among these great minds.

Technique workshops will also be held. For this first B-MAEX, it presents Chinese Wresting under Master Wang of China and Luta Livre grappling under Coach Antonio Battistessa

But that is not all, B-MAEX also aim to broaden the activities of martial arts in Borneo. As a representative of International Sports Karate Association (ISKA) for Borneo, Alvin has the support of his mentor Master Khoo Meng Yang (ISKA rep for South Eat Asia), will introduce new events such as free style martial arts forms performance, power breaking competition lead by Coach Adey of Brunei, under the sanctioning of ISKA. Sanda, Silat and other martial arts are also in the plan.

A pro K1 Kickboxing match, sanctioned by ISKA and co-promoted by Boxxtomoi will be the hi-light of this first B-MAEX. Just look at the fight cards, bringing the best of the best from West Malaysia, Australia, Philipines, Labuan and Sabah.

Super 4 57kg will be the main card

Brothers Jordan Boy and Nidal 'The Joker' of Sampuri Gym KL has won the previous STAND semi-pro belt. They will be back determine to bring back the inaugural B-MAEX pro belt

Below is the program for B-MAEX. 3 days of martial arts action, learning, will end with a year end party!

It is certainly not an easy task to make this dream come through. Aside from the coming together of all martial artist helping out, sponsors are keys in making this event a reality. We salute the sponsors in supporting this dream. This is the first step to make history in Malaysia and the region to make Borneo the center of martial arts excellence!

BOXXTOMOI ISKARNIVAL K1 INTERNATIONAL KICKBOXING

Boxxtomoi founder and Iskarnival K1 Kickboxing organiser Musaddik Zainuddin 

In Jan 2016, the administrative center of Johor goverment Nusajaya, was renamed Iskandar Puteri.

Then on Nov 22 this year, Iskandar Puteri achieved city status. Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar officiated at the ceremony at Medini Iskandar.

Iskandar Puteri is the old name of the state administration centre that was relocated from Teluk Belanga in Singapore before the name was changed to Johor Baru in 1866.

To celebrate this newly-acquired city status, a huge carnival is being organised packed with countless activities. Last weekend on 25-26 Nov, the first part of the carnival ISKARNIVAL KOOL hosts movers and shakers from various industries such as music, visual arts, food and beverage, technology, heritage, human resources and environmental preservation.

Visitors were entertained by talented Los Angeles-based internationally-acclaimed singer-songwriter Yuna and veteran local artiste Sheila Majid. The musical acts was accompanied by outdoor activities such as fly-boarding, giant board games and the Mini Spartan Race. 

This coming weekend 2-3 Dec, ISKARNIVAL AKTIF  will host plenty of  other sports events that are being organised at EduCity sports complex, such as the Sundown Marathon, The Major League Championed by Celcom, EduCity Swim Meet and the upcoming EduCity Duathlon.

Iskarnival Aktif will feature the inaugural Iskandar Puteri Sevens rugby tournament. The Academy of Esports (AOES) which brings partners to educate Esports enthusiasts and open career opportunities in the Esports industry. Concert Aktif will feature local artistes Zainal Abidin, Joe Flizzow and Alleycats.

So what's in store for fight fans??

Fight fans, no worries, you are not left out. Kick-boxing fans will get to enjoy an action packed ISKARNIVAL K1 INTERNATIONAL KICKBOXING,
a two-day pro level competition showcasing fighters from Brazil, America, Japan, Thailand and Malaysia.

Amateur mixed martials arts (MMA), under the banner of ULTIMATE BEATDOWN will also be held in the indoor stadium.

check out the Martial Arts timing at Zone C

Warriors of Borneo had a chat with Musaddik Zainuddin, the man behind the BOXXTOMOI brand and Iskarnival K1 International Kickboxing.

We talked about how it all started for him in this world of combat sports.

It was 10 years ago when taking a break from his marketing research job, he took a video & photo shooting assignment in a local Muaythai event in the state of Kedah. Kedah with its close proximity to Thailand have a long history of cultural exchanges, which include Muaythai. In Malaysia it's call Tomoi.

Back then, people address him as Abang Mus. According to him, local events in Kedah were already quite well organised with good lighting and great sound system set up. He was searching for information on the local fighters in the internet but to his disappointment, none was available. Media coverage on these fighters was almost non existence.

He got some very nice shots and made many new friends in the Muaythai scene. Even though he does not have any martial arts background, his interest in Muaythai grew from one event to the next. He was hungry for information on local Muaythai personality, and was waiting for someone in the media industry to start covering it.

"I waited for someone who has vast knowledge and connection about martial art leading the way, but still nobody want to start it. So in July 2007 I decided to start blogging via  boxxtomoi.blogspot
even though I have no background in computer and design. 

Frankly speaking, I have little, really very little knowledge about martial art and about computer. I was hoping somebody younger and knowledgeable would than start blogging on the same topic, so I could read rather than writing it."

During the early days very few photographer cover Muaythai event. Armed with his knowledge of photography and video editing, and the information he gather on the fighters, Musaddik was able to create good content for his blog.

Boxxtomoi.blogspot became a success and more and more people follow it as it was the only good source of Muaythai news and infor in Malaysia. He name his blog Boxxtomoi, from the acronym BOXX ( Beyond Our Xtraordinary Xpectation ).

In the early days according to Musaddik, Muaythai exponents do not favour pictures of them hurt with bruises and cuts. But far from it nowdays, fighters show off their injuries, be it blood, cuts or scars proudly as a sign of courage and strong fighting spirit.

His networking also grew.

"I can speak a bit better English than the rest in the Muaythai community, so during events part of my job was to take care of the ‘farang’ (foreigner). That is how I got my international fighters and gym connection.

I also make many friends from my blog. When there’s a big event in Kedah, I would bring volunteers all over Malaysia to help out, to let them experience and to learn first-hand how big events are executed. Most of these volunteers are still active in the sports today and one of them is Alvin Chong (AC), now a successful gym owner ( Borneo Combat Gym Labuan) and martial arts event promoter.

Pak Mus with Alvin Chong

In 2008 Boxxtomoi move to a proper web site www.boxxtomoi.com  and began to go into print publications.

2008 – 2010 it produced 5 issue of Boxxtomoi Magazine. It further expanded,...

2012-2013 we have our own Muaythai stadium in Kubang Semang a small town near Bukit Mertajam Penang. 

Both the above project we started with the same reason as our blog, we waited but nobody wants to take the initiative to start it,... so we just do it ourselves!

fighters with BOXXTOMOI magazine

Building the 1st Muaythai Stadium in Malaysia

Musaddik was still focusing on Muaythai events in Kedah during those times. He was born in the town of Kulim in Kedah and his home sentiments was still strong. But to grow, he knew he need to move out of Kedah. 

This is where his close rapport with the Borneo Muaythai community started. In 2014, he build connection with Muaythai Association in Sabah & Sarawak, colloborating, supporting and guiding them in growing the sports in Borneo.

It was a right move as Borneo Muaythai exponents from Sabah & Sarawak, from only few years of development are now among the top in Malaysia.  

In 2014 through close working relationship with Dihnar group, Boxxtomoi colloborated with D1FC for the Lion Fight title belt fight in France. Producing the first Boxxtomoi European Lady Champion (56.7kg), Lena Ovchynnikova (Ukraine).

Lena Ovchynnikova (right)

Following year in 2015, producing the first Boxxtomoi European Champion, Jakub Pretorian Gazdík (Slovakia) event in Italy.

Since 2007 Boxxtomoi was involved in more than 40 events, both their own promotions or events where they act as consultant.

2014 ended well for Boxxtomoi as they received an award of gold medal from IFMA for contribution towards Muaythai development in Malaysia.

Some of the major events that BOXXTOMOI has promoted:

Now fondly being address as Pak Mus, at 58 years of age, he is still very passionate about Muaythai and combat sports. 

"Events always makes me energetic. I love taking new challenges. The biggest challenge in this industry is securing sponsorship.
I love to execute new ideas be it mine or from others. To maintain steps ahead and to stay relevant, I made it a point to have young and energetic people in my team."

Pak Mus explained that not being a practitioner of Muaythai does gives him an edge. He is no doubt a fan of the sports, this gives him different perspective and added advantage as a promoter, because as a fan he understand what the fans wants. Fans come to watch fights most of the time expecting action, hence he emphasis the aspect of entertainment strongly in his events.

He also fully understand that to ensure a following of the sports, a good fan base must be built. This is achieved by building a connection between fans and the fighters. Hence promoting individual fighter becomes crucial.

A fighter with potential needs to be developed not just in their combative skills but also their personality and image so that the interest for fans to watch him fight is there. Furthermore with the boom in social media nowadays, fans can follow their favourite fighters closely almost instantly.

In his events, he provide a platform for them to show off their skills, but out of the ring, Pak Mus also advice and guide them in building their own brand name as a fighter. 

Pak Mus is particularly proud with the Muaythai exponents from Borneo. He said few years back no one pays much attention to fighters from Borneo. But through Boxxtomoi involvement in Borneo Muaythai and the development from the state association, over just a few years, Borneo Muaythai fighters are now among the best in the country.

Pak Mus with Shah (middle) and Maman Ajmain (left) - founder of 66 Unicorn Sandakan

Among the services and products available from Boxxtomoi are consultation of events, t-shirt designs, fight gears and also events poster design.

Now Boxxtomoi has move to a newer website : www.boxxtomoi.asia

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

Pak Mus believe K1 Kickboxing event  has very good potential in Malaysia. It gives opportunity for all practioner of stand up martial arts to battle it out in the ring with a common easy to follow rules set.

On Iskarnival K-1 International Kickboxing.
This is our first K-1 rules event. When we approached our sponsor a year ago, it was supposed to be called MotoKombat, a combine event consists of Moto (Motorcycle) and Combat sport activities and competition. 

The purpose for this carnival type event is to:

• Maximize usage of the venue and facilities. 
• Sharing crowds of different demographic background and interest. 
• Giving fans a full day of non-stop activities. 

"My initial plan was to have Silat as part of the MotoKombat event, but they have another event a week earlier, so we decided to replace it with Ultimate Beatdown MMA, from reknown local Johorian promoter Melvin Yeoh an old friend, we struggled together in the early years, he with his MMA gym and me as a Muaythai promoter."

Pak Mus having a discussion with Melvin Yeoh

Iskarnival K1 Kickboxing will feature a total of 16 pro bouts (8 per day). Pak Mus has taken much efforts and time to get the best fighters in Malaysia to be featured in the cards with some of the best international fighters from the region.

Four Boxxtomoi belt will be in contention:

In Day 1, Bout 4, Faiza Riezan (Papy Chulo) a boxer from Tawau will rely on his fist to get the job done against Charlie Pennington of England. Papy was a boxing gold medalist in 2013 SUKMA and dominate Sabah Games boxing from 2011 to 2013.

Charlie has height to his advantage and also good kicks. Works in Singapore and trained at one of Singapore top martial arts gym Fight G. He is Ultimate Beatdown 22 Kickboxing Welterweight Champion.

This fight is for the ISKARNIVAL K1 INTERNATIONAL -80kg title belt.

 ISKARNIVAL K1 INTERNATIONAL  -80kg

CHARLIE ‘THE PRAYING MANTIS’ PENNINGTON FIGHT G (UK)

Vs. PAPY CHULO (TAWAU SABAH) TIM’S MUAYTHAI

The hi-light of Day 1 will end with a action pack female fight between Jihin Radzuan of Ultimate MMA Johor vs her opponent from across the causeway Nabilah Razak of Singapore. Jihin is Malaysian MMA queen, MIMMA 4 Female champion and undefeated and recently turn pro.

Also undefeated in Muaythai, she recently defeated Singaporean Muaythai veteran, Marilyn in a very tough fight in October's Johor Muaythai Open, winning the Johor Sports & Youth Exco title belt.

Then in November she fought in Ultimate Beatdown 25 for the Super 8 Kickboxing and again went undefeated to claim the belt.

ISKARNIVAL WOMAN K1 INTERNATIONAL  -50kg

JIHIN ‘THE SHADOWCAT’ RADZUAN (JOHOR) ULTIMATE MMA ACADEMY

Vs. NABILAH RAZAK (SINGAPORE) YOD KAI MUAY

This is a fight that I believe will produce most action. Bow Suweilek, a former World Muaythai Champion with more than 100 bouts under his belt has been a regular in the Muaythai scene in Malaysia. He has travel around Malaysia to coach Muaythai and before coming back to KL, was in Sabah & Labuan.

His opponent Diego from Brazil is a relentless fighter that recently KO his Thai opponent in round 1 of MAX Muaythai.

BOXXTOMOI –ISKA INTERNATIONAL 67KG

DIEGO BENEDUZZI (BRAZIL) TIGER MUAYTHAI PHUKET

Vs. BOW SUWEILEK (THAILAND) UNDERGROUND KL

The main card is between Japanese Karate Black Belt Hiroshi Okumura, who runs a martial arts gym in Johor Bahru vs Singaporean Mustafa Kamal. This will be a very fast pace fight at 64 kg for the BOXXTOMOI -ISKA International Belt.

BOXXTOMOI –ISKA INTERNATIONAL 64KG

MUSTAFA KAMAL (SINGAPORE) PRIME FIGHTS GYM

Vs. HIROSHI OKUMURA (JAPAN) JACK GYM

Warriors of Borneo are particularly proud that 5 fighters from Sabah, Borneo will be featured in the card. Day 1 will see, 4 fighters and Day 2 , 1 fighter.

Day 1 will see 4 fighters from East Coast of Sabah , namely from Tim's Muaythai - Tawau & 66 Unicorn - Sandakan.

Ayie from Tawau will open the event in day 1 bout 1 against Hidayat from Penang. Ayie from Tim's Muaythai have good boxing foundation will fight Hidayat whom is a SUKMA Muaythai athlete.

Vivian Teo is a young but experienced fighter from Sandakan. She has represented Malaysia in the Muaythai University World Cup in Bangkok, Thailand in 2015 and brought back a silver medal. She faced some tough opponent before in Jihin Radzuan in her Wilayah Fight appearance in Feb this year. In April she took gold in Muay Fight Night in Kota Kinabalu and went to Melbourne for Dynamite Naksoo Female Fight Tour in June.

For this fight Vivian is preparing herself by training at Team X Fight Academy.

In bout 5, Shah 'The Black Machine' from Sandakan will face Singaporean Aiff Ajis. Shah is a very discipline and experience Muaythai athlete and has won numerous title. Shah most recent win was in Kota Kinabalu early this year, winning himself the D1FC Title belt against a tough Filipino warrior Robin Catalan. He then focus on his studies and recently graduated from UITM with a Sports Science degree.

He came back active in the ring in Sept in Kota Kinabalu's Borneo Battle Arena, winning the Muaythai Super 8 trophy. In October's he lost in Johor Open Muaythai against a veteran of more than 100 fight. Even though he got badly cut on the forehead, he still put up a strong fight which took the veteran to 5 rounds. Shah is preparing for this fight training at Monatchy MMA gym in Kuala Lumpur.

In Day 2, bout 3, in what is my personal favourite card will see Mohd Rizal of Team Karabaw,  Sabah going against Muaythai posterboy, Mohammed Mahmoud aka Jordan Boy. Rizal is a relentless scrappy fighter that loves a fight. He is active in Muaythai, MMA, Kickboxing, Silat & Karate, he just loves to bang!

Jordan Boy name is well known in the Muaythai scene. Winner of numerous title belt, he has recently turn to Kickboxing, applying his Muaythai skill successfully. Jordan Boy has experience in his hands and has good kicks to keep Rizal at bay. 

Both fighters will go all out and loves to entertain the crowd with fast exchanges and relentless forward momentum. A fight promoter dream match. This will be a barn burner of a fight, get ready to be entertained!

Iskarnival K1 is sanctioned by ISKA. Master Khoo Meng Yang of ISKA checking the venue ensuring all aspect of saftey are met