NEW ERA FOR TEAM KARABAW

Moving into a new place, there's always mixed feelings. Leaving an old place behind is not easy due to familiarity and nostalgia where memories have been built over the years. 

New place means a new chapter, a new beginning, a new era. This is Team Karabaw Sabah. This 1 September 2018 will mark a milestone for Team Karabaw, as their headquarter will move into International Technology & Commercial Centre, Penampang (ITCC-Penampang). 

Team Karabaw is possibly the biggest gym network in Borneo.

Founded by Sensei Rayner Kinsiong (former national Malaysian Karateka and ONE Championship fighter ) in 2012 , that time was it was based in AllFit gym. It was together with his Karate brothers...  

"My main aim was to keep our Karate way of life/discipline and eventually to tap into MMA/muaythai/boxing scene.

The people who started the team and still with me now is Sensei Vallerio Gumbilai, Sensei Thomas Olin and Douglas Gumbilai." 

Founding members: from right Thomas Olin, Rayner Kinsiong, Vallerio Gumbilai, Daouglas Gumbilai 

Eventually Team Karabaw set up it's own home in 2012 at Market 88. It was a two shop lot space on the 1st floor. This was a place where have seen the blood and sweat of many fighters that train here for their fight camp and also a birthplace for many new prospect that eventually became regular in the local combat sports scene.

This venue in Market 88 also has seen several events being held here. MIMMA 5 Sabah trial selection, STAND Junior, Muay Fight Night (MFN) and MFN Ladies Cup.

Team Karabaw crew  at MIMMA 5 selection at Karabaw gym Market 88

Karabaw HQ at Market 88 : The boxing ring and sparring mat 

Karabaw HQ at Market 88

"I wanted to represent who we were... wanted to show that KARATE isn't a bad place to start with...  
We built the team and now we have some world ranking Muaythai fighter through teachings with the mixture of karate and other martial arts...

We still believe strongly in the way we were brought up."

With this believe...Team Karabaw further expand.

Tamparuli branch set up in 2013, Papar 2014, Sipitang 2014, Putatan 2016, Keningau 2016 and the latest addition...Labuan 2018.

Last year Rayner was hands-on involved in building Sabah Muaythai Camp. From clearing of land, sourcing of equipment, planning layout, etc to the day it open in November 2017 with a Youth Muaythai Competition. The Sabah Muaythai Camp is a sprawling huge well equipped facilities for fighter training in Papar, believe to be the first of it's kind in Borneo. It is also the new home for Team Karabaw Papar.

Sabah Muaythai Camp

Army of Karabaws in MIMMA 3 selection at 1Borneo

Tell us what is the significance of the name Karabaw.

Rayner explains...

"KARA (KARATE WAYS) + BAW (KERBAU - the Malay word for bull) because we believe in the spirit of a bull...  hardworking, a beast in a way)"

What is your fondest memories?

"Seeing our young ones achieve what they have achieve to date....THAT always will be my fondest memories, I am sure Val and Thomas will say the same thing."

What's your message to the new generations of Karabaws?
"Keep the Karabaw spirit alive, stay as one... We are stronger TOGETHER."

What's your vision for the team?

"I want TEAM KARABAW to be known as ONE powerhouse in any martial arts in Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia...and someday be known around the world."

photo by Deb Gauges

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The new gym has a clean, minimalist white ambiance. The concept of white is actually a part of martial art. White gives a feeling of serenity. When you are a martial artist doing battle, calmness and serenity is the key to victory. Chaos is brashness that will lead most of the time to defeat.

White also symbolizes pure heart, humbleness and respect. A true martial artist will always carry themselves with honour and respect.

Team Karabaw HQ is located at ITCC Mall, Donggongon Penampang, 20 mins drive from Kota Kinabalu. It is the latest mall in Kota Kinabalu. It has ample parking space, spacious shopping area, many food outlets...and now you can go there and train in Team Karabaw Martial Arts and Fitness Academy.

Opening hours is 10am - 10pm. Currently classes available are for Muaythai, Muaythai Kids (below 13years old), Brazillian Jiujitsu, Capoiera, Personal training (Muaythai and Fitness)

There are lockers for rent, hot & cold shower rooms and changing room available.

Grand opening is on 1st Sept, which will be officiated by Datuk Seri Panglima Clarence Bongkos Malakun at 2pm. 

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FADZLY BIN JULAI WILL AIM TO BRING BACK GRAND MERDEKA SUPERFIGHT BELT BACK TO MIRI

This Sunday someone is going to go back with a title belt. One of the contender is Fadzly Bin Julai. This 22 year old from Miri will be fighting in Grand Merdeka Super Fight in Semi-pro K1 Kickboxing.

Warriors of Borneo had a chat with him when he arrived in KK after a few long hours drive from Miri.

How did you got involved in martial arts?
"Got involve in martial arts coz thought I would just give it a go. Always loved watching boxing as a kid. I am a Muhammad Ali lover. 

I was bored one day as I was living alone at the time and always wanted to be able to have some defensive ninja skills so I walked in Trevor Salang’s gym Warmonger and signed up. Was 19 at the time and still studying. Without having any martial arts back ground just crazy into football."

That was 3 years ago. Fadzly has since graduated with a Diploma in Hotel Management. Fighting is now his passion. As of date he has gathered experience in 4 Kickboxing bouts. After just 2 win in amateur Muaythai, he moved to pro fight.

"I was young, impatient and hate fighting in protective gears hahaha... so I went pro a lil bit too early and matched-up with some very experience dudes. So my pro Muaythai record isn't so pretty 1-4-0." 

Infact his 1st pro Muaythai fight was against Aziz 'The Shantung Zhai' back in 2016, in Bintulu CM Cup 60kg Superfight. He lost by decision in a 5 round fight.

This Sunday will be his rematch with Aziz. Although it's in Kickboxing rules, but Fadzly is confident to have the results on his side this time around.

Confident because he has put in all the hard work in a 5 weeks fight camp.

"A sample of my normal 1 session 
day of training. I start off with 7-8km run, then 24-30 mins of bag work, then its either pad rounds for stamina or to sharpen techniques or a combination of both. Then I will finish off with some calisthenics.

If I'm not doing pads I’ll be dishing out 6-10 rounds sparring with my team mates depending on their availability.

And if I have a double session for the day. In the morning is usually rope skipping for 30-40 mins, bag work 20 mins, then drilling of techniques, and sometimes finish off with some light sparring."

Strenght and conditioning is 1-2 times a week depending on my coach schedule."

I first saw Fadzly fight was in Sandakan's Elopura Fight this year May. I was eagerly waiting to watch Trevor Salang vs home town favourite, Shah (66 Unicorn). But unfortunately Trevor pull out due to injury and Fadzly replaced him.

Frankly speaking I didn't expect much from Fadzly. Him facing the very experience Shah in front of his home town crowd is certainly daunting but as the rounds progress I was impressed with how Fadzly was able to stand his ground and manage to strike back, although he lost, but he gave a great account of himself that day.

I asked him on that fight in Sandakan,
"That was crazy. Please bear in mind I had only 4 days to train for that fight as I was away in the UK for 6 weeks without training just run and sprints hahaha plus I need to cut 5kgs in those 4 days"

But I just couldn't let anyone else take that spot after Trevor pulled out hahaha again,... impatient."

Impatient he maybe, but Fadzly does not give up easily. He was in Labuan in July for a Super4 fight in STAND Muaythai. He lost the final fight to Champion Sunny Sabornido of BCG Labuan.

 Just a week ago in KL, he took a pro boxing match.

"It was for Lekir Ultimate Fight 2.0 . Got TKO by ref stoppage in the 2nd round. Clearly I wasn't ready for it hahaha.  Pro boxing was no joke. Especially against a real pro boxer from Singapore

But it was a good experience from me though, given that I was actually preparing for this K1 Super Fight this Sunday the whole time."

What is his long term plans...

"Currently I am working on opening a cafe with my brother and our partners. In terms of plan in martial arts, I’ll just go with the flow really. Keep training and fighting as usual. 

His thoughts on WARMONGER,

I go there train, do my thing, grow as much as I can with my team mates. There's not many of us who train to fight. Most of the members are there for fitness instead of fighting really. That's a challenge when it comes to finding different sparring partners I guess."

It takes a different breed of people to train, and step into the ring to fight. Fadzly is one of the rare few from Miri.

Come to Grand Merdeka Mall this Sunday and catch his fight against Aziz entrance ia FREE.

GRAND MERDEKA SUPER FIGHT

This weekend is going to be Super! Super because Grand Merdeka Super Fight is on!

Happening at Grand Merdeka Mall , KK's latest shopping mall in Bandar Sierra (roughly 30 mins drive from Kota Kinabalu).

This event is organised by Kinabalu Fighters and sponsored by Grand Merdeka Mall, Mian Sports Equipment and Tritonic isotonic drink.

It is part of the Summer Festival calender of events organised at Grand Merdeka Mall which happens in the month of August and September. Some of the other programs include Cosplay Fiesta, Borneo Wheels Day and Grand Merdeka Battleground.

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This event according to organising chairman Johan Julian Abdullah is to further grow K1 Kickboxing among newbies. Giving amateur fighters a chance to step into the ring to gain valuable fight experience, under the sanctioning of ISKA.

A total of 80 fighters have signed up for Grand Merdeka Super Fight.  In the first day 25 Aug will see kids and teens category. Under 12, 12-14 and 15-17. A large numbers of these kids and teens are from D'Sha Tawau, lead by coach Sharon Andrea Gerald and also SMK Pulau Gaya lead by coach Dhillon Tahing of Revolution Gym. 

On Sunday 26 Aug, adults category will start at 12pm and end with the highlights, two semi-pro bouts. 60kg Super-fight and 85 kg Super-Fight. Semi-pro rules allow for knee to the body and double hand clinch but no elbow strikes.



" We have a huge amount of kids and teens. We run it using class system to categorised the experience of the fighters to ensure a fair and even fight. Class D for adults debut or just 1 fight experience. Class C - Young Guns for those with 4 fights or less. Class B is for those with 4 fights or above."
- Johan Julian

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1st bout, for the 60kg Super-Fight.

Fadzly Bin Julai (Warmonger) vs Aziz 'The Shantung Zhai' ( Kinabalu Fighters). Both these fighters have been in many title bouts ( kickboxing & Muaythai) but has come out empty handed.

Fadzly participated in last month in Labuan's STAND Muaythai Super 4, Fadzly lost in the final. Just few days ago he took a boxing bout in Lekir Ultimate Fight in KL but lost.

In 2016, Fadzly and Aziz met for the 1st time in a Muaythai pro fight. Fadzly lost that fight. So many fights, so close yet so far...come this Sunday he is determined to go back Miri with a title belt on his waist.

As for Aziz, he has been very active in Muaythai and Kickboxing. He most recently won a Sanda bout in Labuan. In Kickboxing he lost in B-MAEX title fight last year in a close fight and in Fight Fest. But this kid does not have 'giving up' in his dictionary. He keeps moving forward and will also be putting his best strike forward to ensure the belt is his.

2nd bout is for the 85kg title.

Deanver Randall of Kinabalu Fighters will step into the ring vs Zachenzie Z Douni of Keningau MMA.

Deanver is from Tawau and started training in Kinabalu Fighters 2 years ago and comes from TaeKwonDo background. He debut his kickboxing fight in SIDMA Young Guns last year. He is on a 6 fight winning streak with wins at various events suchs as BAC, Ultimate Beatdown Borneo and Fight Fest. He feels that it's time for him to win a title belt to further motivate him forward.

Zachenzie is a prodigy from Keningau. Zach has various experience participating in Muaythai, Kickboxing, MMA and Grappling. He is only 18 and already collected 1 gold and 1 silver for his Kickboxing bouts. He has boundless energy, preparing for his title fight this Sunday, he is also squeezing in a BJJ match on Saturday at KK BJJ Championship. 

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MALAYSIAN FIGHTFEST - RISE OF THE WARRIORS

It has been relatively quiet for MMA in Malaysia after MIMMA (Malaysian Invasion MMA) season 5 crowned its champion in Mac this year. Looking at the calender of events for MMA in Klang valley it seems like there's a lack of event that focus on amatuer MMA, which seems ironic as Klang valley has the highest concentration of martial arts gym that offers MMA lessons.

The closest event MMA enthusiast in KL can head to is F3 Championship. As one of the earliest event in KL, F3 offer a diversity of fight, ie: MMA, Boxing, Muaythai & Kickboxing. But their MMA fight is inside a ring.

Head down south to Johor Bahru, you will find Ultimate Beatdown reign supreme as the pioneer and longest running promotions in Malaysia for amatuer MMA. It is still running strong today and they have introduced Kickboxing, Boxing and even grappling into their event.

Up north, we use to have Warriors FC , which has evolved into Golden Warriors and now Penang Fight Night. Also in the north, Pusaka Ultimate Fight fills in the gap for freestyle fight with hybrid Silat ruling.

Travelling to fight is a huge cost for amateur fighter hence the birth of many promotions in Borneo, to cater for local amatuer MMA fighters. The MMA scene is kept busy mostly with events in Sabah such as Rampage MMA FC, Jesselton Fight League (which has transform into Ultimate Beatdown Borneo), Fight Fest, Borneo Amatuer Challenge (in Labuan) and Borneo King of the Cage.

MIMMA was created in 2013 to unearth Malaysian MMA talent, but as the scene grows and fighters become more skillfull and the prestige of MIMMA grows, the level of standards becomes higher, which becomes a hindrance to newcomers.

For newbies in Klang Valley, it has become a norm for them to travel out of Klang Valley to seek fights to gain experience. There's a huge pool of newbies in Klang Valley that's eager to enter the cage to gain much needed experience.

This is where Malaysian FightFest (MYFF) comes into the picture.

According to the MYFF management, it is created with the objectives of :
i. To provide a platform for NEW amateur MMA athletes to gain first fight / debut experiences and improve their skills.
ii. Increase MMA awareness and the growing martial arts community in Malaysia.
iii. Create an opportunity for brand exposure and various sponsorships.

Launched in April this year by the team that brought you MIMMA, expect the same high quality management and event organising efficiency. 

Registration was open in May and ended in 31st July and the response has been encouraging. Nearly 100 fighters submitted their profile. MYFF management was busy doing the match-making to provide each fighters with the best and fairest match up possible.

According to a Henry Goh the spokeperson of MYFF, there are many applicants but adhering to the objectives to give a platform to new fighters, some applicants has to be declined due to not able to find a fair match-up.

For the inaugural event this Saturday 25 Aug, these few categories has been confirmed. Women Strawweight. Male: Strawweight, Flyweight, Bantamweight, Featherweight, Lightweight & Welterweight. Below is the bouts that has been release in MYFF Facebook page.

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Some fights to watch out for;

Male - Bantamweight.
MIMMA 5 Flyweight finalist Jay Jay Anak Muran, is back after losing his flyweight grand final fight to Naimul Amal in Mac. He will face another MIMMA alumni, Jenarten Radhakrishnan. 
This is a comeback for Jenarten in MMA after losing the title challenge fight to Prabu Somainadu in MIMMA season 2 four years ago.

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Women Strawweight will see some familiar MIMMA faces. Amirah Najwa & Ng Pei Wee will be back after their first MMA experience in MIMMA 5 League. It's worth noting that Amirah has a win over Ng Pei Wee in MIMMA 5 league 7 and a notable win over MIMMA 5 Women Champion Eunice Ong in MIMMA 5 league 1.

Colleen Augustin vs Lee Yin Mun should be a good fight. Colleen Augustin is an upcoming amateur fighter from Monarchy MMA. She has collected two win fighting out of her hometown KL, once in Rampage FC Kota Kinabalu in May and then another win in Bangkok's Bigbox Beatdown 1 in July.
Lee Yin Mun debut in MMA last year in MIMMA5 league collecting a 3-2-0 record.

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MYFF is open to all nationality. In the featherweight cards, watch out for one Japanese , Tasuku Ushigaki, this young 20 yr old BJJ prodigy from Monarchy MMA is on a two fight win streak. His most recent win is in BigBox Beatdown 1, via ground and pound. In Nov 2017 he created an impact in Copa Da Malasia Grappling when he beat BJJ exponents more senior than him.

Another international fighter, Omer Jemal a Ethiopia national will be stepping into the cage to face Nidal Mahmoud, Omer won a bout in One Silat, with hybrid MMA rules set in 2015 and most recently won a bout in Muayfit Malaysian Fighting Championship Semi-
Pro Series via ground and pound in April.

Nidal is fondly known as King Joker for his signature way of appearing in a joker mask during walk-in. He debut in MMA in 2016 winning one bout in Pesta Selangor. Last year he fought in MIMMA 5 league series. He holds a 3-3-0 record in MMA. But he has tons of experience and championship achievement in pro Kickboxing and Muaythai.

This lightweight bout can potentially be an all out stand-up war that will end up in a KO finish.

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The venue for the 1st MYFF is at Quill City Mall. An MMA cage will be set up at the centre atrium with good visibility throughout the various floor. Quill City Mall will also sponsor a LED screen next to the cage to improve viewing satisfaction to the crowd.

Viewers at home can follow MYFF action through Crap.TV . The livestream will be sponsored by Tunetalk.

According to Henry, MYFF are non profit. Many in his team are volunteers. Even the judges and referee team are volunteer. All coming together with great passion for MMA, to further grow the sports in Malaysia.

Sponsors came in as partners, sponsoring prizes for the winners and covering some operational cost.

We will also get to have the pleasure of having Jon Nutt as the emcee. His familiar voice will surely liven up MYFF and keep everyone entertain. As hectic as he is in Bangkok and Singapore but Jon truly supports grassroots development of MMA in Malaysia.

Fighters will also get their cage action captured by YK Tang, the well known combat sports photographer in Malaysia. YK will also be doing his part volunteering his professional service supporting Malaysian grassroot MMA.

MYFF is using the International MMA Federation (IMMAF) rules set and endorse by MASMMA.

As usual , Warriors of Borneo blog will also do it's part by bringing you updates and news coverage of MYFF

MALAYSIAN BORNEO WARRIORS BATTLE iN LEGAZPI

From the land of the headhunters where Mount Kinabalu stands proud, two Malaysian Borneo warriors will travel to Philipines where the beautiful conical volcano - Mount Mayon raised up in the horizon of Albay province, to do battle in Cage Wars - Battle in Legazpi.

Tonight in Ibalong Centrium of Legazpi City, Mohd Rashidin (Rash) who works as a mechanic in Sabah will be the main card feature in Cage Wars. Rash is no stranger to the local Malaysian fight scene.

Rash has extensive ring experience in 17 undefeated Muaythai fight. He build his cage experience in Jesselton Fight League and MIMMA. His first Pro fight was in India's Yodhha FC. He will represent Kuda Hitam MMA - Team Karabaw

At 23, his opponent is a very experience Jayson E. Margallo with a 3-6-0 record. Jayson is a veteran from many top promotion in Philipines & Thailand such as UGB, PXC Laban, FMD & Primal FC.

This will be a battle of styles as Rash prefers to stand & strike while Jayson is superior in the grappling department. Which fighter will walk out with his hand raise?

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As for Sarawakian Magedelina Meding (Mag), this is her debut Pro fight. I last saw Mag fight in Ultimate Beatdown Borneo in May. She lost a very close fight to fellow Sarawakian Emilia E. Rayner. Mag is known for her endurance and durability. She is a high output fighter that does not back down from a slugfest.

Mag work as a safety officer in the oil and gas industry. She is base in Labuan, and is representing the newly formed Team Karabaw Labuan. She is facing a formidable opponent in Rocel Catalan from the fame Catalan Fighting System. She is the siblings of ONE Championship athlete Rene & Robin Catalan. Rocel works as coach in Elite Fitness Vietnam.

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Cage Wars - Battle in Legazpi will feature 8 pro fight (male) + 1 female pro fight.
Watch out for plenty of action from some of the Philipines top MMA prospect.

Another Catalan siblings will also enter the cage tonight. Rocel's brother, Ruel Catalan, former ONE Championship fighter and the head coach of Ramirez Mixed Martial Arts by Catalan Fighting Systems will eagerly look for a win after a long 4 fight losing streak.

Follow BIG3 MMA Production facebook page for more update.

From the words of BIG 3 MMA itself ..." Meet the official Cage Beauties of Guerrilla Evolution Cage Wars. Because every warrior needs a beautiful inspiration and War will be boring without a beautiful distraction."

It will also be a night of great live music from local Pinoy band

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Stepping into the cage in front of the very passionate Pinoy crowd is certainly a daunting task especially for pro newbies like Rash and Mag. But they are bringing the fighting spirit from Borneo and the support of fellow Malaysian behind their back.

Warriors of Borneo wishes Rashidin and Magdelina all the best in the Philipines.