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!

BAC4: SHOWDOWN IN LABUAN

Come Saturday 4 March, around 60 warriorsts from all over Borneo will again converge for the 4th time in the tiny island of Labuan. This is Borneo Amateur Challenge 4! ( BAC4)

BAC is organised by Borneo Combat Gym of Labuan. In one short year in 2016, BAC has successfully been organised 3 times. Held in the roof top of Labuan Times Square inside BCG, overlooking Labuan's scenic harbour view, it has steadily built a reputation as the premier amateur martial arts competition in Borneo.

Labuan's economy is in the doldrums this pass 2 years when oil price went low and affected badly the oil and gas industry which is the lifeline of Labuan's industry. The local authorities has since try to revive Labuan's tourism sector to liven back the business sector in Labuan.

In a way the economic downturn is good for the fitness industry. People tend to spend less in the club and night life and opt to vent out their stress in the gym...these creates good , motivated fighters. BAC also attract participants from Brunei, Sarawak & Sabah which brings in the much needed tourism revenue for Labuan, when these participants spend shopping and on food and beverages.

This year Ronald Tee is leading the BCG team as the Organising Chairman for BAC4. According to Ronald,
" Tourism Malaysia involvement will further strengthen our BAC branding and as well to establish better rapport for BCG not only in Labuan but as well in Malaysia. For this year, it will be the first time BAC event being listed in Calendar of Events 2017 by Tourism Malaysia. This strategy co-operation is ideal for mutual benefits and help to boost the local tourism industry"

Coach Alvin Chong, the founder of BCG is a visionary. He doesn't just want BCG to be a place where fighters come and train for fitness and be able to compete, but also building their confidence and character through martial arts. BAC is a way he builds this soft skills for his team of coaches.

Alvin and his BCG team promoting BAC4

Letting them lead in organising events and competition will help them develop good management skills that will help them to be better leaders. As leaders, in turn he hopes they will contribute back to the communities in helping others.

Ronald leading the BCG committee meeting

I ask Ronald on how is the experience so far as the organising chairman.

"It has been a privilege for being selected by Coach Alvin as BAC4 Organising Chairman. The experience is overwhelming but yet gratifying as I have been given a chance to learn on collaborating with sponsor, managing and working with the team, enabling and fostering interpersonal relationship and as well as building my leadership skills."

Aside from being a fighter and coach, Ronald is also a certified referee

BAC4 together with STAND & FIGHT FEST in Sabah, is also a continuation of selecting potential athletes for a place in the National K1 Championship, planned to the held in Labuan end of 2017. BAC is a offial ISKA sanction fight.

The hi-light of BCG4 is the Super4 MMA. The fighters involved are Ericorry of Keningau MMA, Shah Rizam of Labuan Tomoi, Md Noor Gani of Team Karabaw and Lu Yi representing Naga Knabalu.

The 1st leg of this Super4 MMA will see Ericcory vs Rizam, 2nd leg is Noor Gani vs Lu Yi.

The winner of 1st leg vs the winner of 2nd leg will be the main event of the night.

The champion will receive a championship cup sponsor by Keningau MMA (KMMA)

According to Mohd Bin Bakri, founder of KMMA, 

" I'm glad to sponsor the championship cup, as this will help develop the sports. KMMA has just moved to a newer and better premises and I'm happy that KMMA has grow and many of our fighters has gain much experience by participating in BAC. This is my way of giving back."

Mohd and his fight team

Ericcory of KMMA is from Tamparuli but has been in Keningau for the last 10 years. At 23 this year, martial arts has always been his interest but never had a chance to take it up until in 2015 when he walked in the doors of KMMA, following a friend.

Ever since, Ericcory has absorb all that has been taught and is raring to go. He participated in BCG and Fight Fest and has a current record of 2-1. Ericcory will rely on his grappling skills as he has develop it through Luta Livre taught by coach Mohd himself and coach Antonio Battistessa of Sabah Top Team. Recently he also took up a MMA seminar in Sabah Top Team taught by coach Mark Sangiao, the successful MMA coach of Team Lakay, Philipines.

In the 2nd leg, look out for Md Noor Gani of Team Karabaw. He is a striker with some amateur MMA experience from Jesselton Fight League. He also fought pro before in freestyle martial arts in the 2016 ONE Silat.

His opponent Lu Yi was train by Master Tang of D-30 Muay Thai Miri. He has since moved to Kota Kinabalu and now represent Naga Kinabalu. This young lad is ferocious in terms of learning. What he lacks in techniques he made it up with relentless spirit, which saw him participating in various martial arts events such as BJJ, Pro Muaythai, No Gi Grappling, MMA and Kickboxing.

In the co-main event is the MMA Super Fight of Joel Nickolson Lawrence (Sabah Top Team) vs Mohd Rizal ( Team Karabaw ). This is a good match as both are strikers. Joel is more technical from his background in Taekwondo.

Joel initially wanted to fight at 56kg but organiser could not find him a match at that weight and Rizal stepped up and they agree to fight at 62kg.

Joel is the semi-finalist of 2016 MIMMA4 losing to eventual champion Damon Soo. He has a record of 3-2. In last year's Jesselton Fight League in 1 Borneo, Joel defeated Australian Nathan Hynes with a standing guillotine, a month later he fought in Fight Fest 3 but lost to Mohd Hasbullah in a thrilling match.

Joel will be relying on the great learning he got from Coach Mark Sangiao in the MMA seminar he attended at Sabah Top team with Ericcory.

Mohd Rizal or known as Ladda to his friends was also feature in JFL last year. He fought Indian Rudranash but lost in a 3 rounds decision. In that fight Rizal has still not fully recovered from his fight a few weeks before in National Muaythai selection, but Rizal showed tremendous fighting spirit...always moving forward and actively looking to engage.

To those who knows him, they attribute one of his strength to his mental fortitude. Rizal has a never retreat never surrender attitude. His is not bothered by pain and taunt. He says he will turn into a beast when he enter the cage. But outside it, he says he is a friendly person. Rizal has experience in Muaythai, Kyokushinkai Karate and K1 and Pro Silat in ONE Silat tournament.

In Sabah Fight last Dec, Rizal fought in the co-main event vs Madjais Opong. He executed an excellent combos of kicks and punches in the fourth round to end the fight with a TKO.

Expect fireworks tomorrow when this two meet!

Competition will start at 9am tomorrow till 7pm. Stay tuned to Warriors of Borneo Blog FB for updates.

STAND SERIES 2 @ Tg Lipat Kota Kinabalu

The beach front fight concept continues as STAND K1 & Boxing series 2 was organised at the Tanjung Lipat beachfront in Likas Kota Kinabalu on 3-4 Sept 2016. The first STAND was organised in April this year in Karambunai Beach Resort which was a resounding success. Close to 200 athletes took part.

For the 2nd series more than 100 participants from various team around Sabah, Brunei, India, West Malaysia and Labuan participants. It was organised together with the Siok Bah Beach Carnival organised by ProEve Sabah, in which a Strongman Challenge, Cycling, Zumba, Fun Fair and many other activities was held.

Fruto Juice Bar is a regular in most combat sports and fitness events, providing healthy and nutritious fruit juice

Fight apparel and gear on sales by SoDoWe

Although funds was not insufficient but organizers Team Karabaw said the show must go on. According to Rayner Kinsiong, the event director, STAND was created to give a platform for amateur fighters to fight and gain experience in combat sports, in this case it's KickBoxing and Boxing. He thank Borneo MajuBina and the other sponsors such as Fight Five and ProEve that made the event possible. He said that the event must go on to ensure fighters that have train hard have an opportunity to showcase their skills but more importantly to build their fight experience. 

Last year fighters was able to take a break in the pool of Karambunai, this year the beach front which is just a few steps away was a welcoming sight and the fresh breeze from the seas certainly refreshes the mind and sooth sore muscles. 

STAND's K1 Kickboxing was sanctioned by ISKA (International Sports Karate Association). According to ISKA East Malaysia representative - Alvin Chong of Borneo Combat Gym, K1 Kickboxing is where all different types of martial arts practitioner can compete. Striking style martials arts such as Karate, Muaythai, TaekwonDo, Silat, Wushu, etc can compete under a common rule of K1.

Adreanna Joyce, local fitness celebrity making an appearance to conduct a fitness challenge

The 2nd series of STAND is also the first Kickboxing and Boxing events from Malaysia affiliated to WSOF ( World Series of Fighting ). WSOF is in support of local regional combat sports events to help promote it to a bigger global audience. Fights will be video and kept in their fight library and any fight fans in the world can log on and pay a minimum fees to enjoy a full library of fights from around the world. These gives local fighters more exposure and also at the same time promote the venue of the events. Rayner believe this is great opportunity to promote Sabah as a great sports tourism destination.

Below are the full results:

K1 KICKBOXING Feather Weight
1.Md Shah (66)
2.Nizar Arsad (KARABAW)
3.Vino A/L Valthumanan (REVOLUTION)
3.Muliadan Danny (66)

Light Weight
1.Addy Raisal (KINABALU KINGS)
2.Md Shazmiel (KINABALU KINGS)
3.Valton George (KARABAW)
3.Maizan Uzma (BORNEO PHONIX)

Light Welter Weight
1.Anil Nelta (RELENTLESS)
2.Md Syahrine (KINABALU KINGS)
3.Darrel Wong (SABAH TOP TEAM)
3.Jason Tan (KARABAW)

Welter Weight
1.Henry Charles (KARABAW)
2.Jobly Padan (KARABAW)
3.Greg Speedy (SABAH TOP TEAM)

Middle Weight
1.Liew Teck Seng (BORNEO TIGERS MMA)
2.Vallent Pierre (SABAH TOP TEAM)
3.Jainal Abidin (REVOLUTION)
3.Terence Eyok (RF)

75 Above
1.Micheal Sidis (BORNEO COMBAT GYM)
2.Tham Yaw Kent (KARABAW)
3.Md Saify (CLOWN BOX)
3.Md Wanruzahar (KARABAW)

Women Straw Weight
1.Nurul Khairunisa (KARABAW)
2.Siti Zuriah (KARABAW)
3.Murhima Edde (CLOWN BOX)
3.Cyviline Angian (RHINO FITNESS)

Women Fly Weight
1.Ainah Libbie (REVOLUTION)
2.Clayrisa (KARABAW)
3.Zaryatie (REVOLUTION)

BOXING
Middle Weight
1.Antuque (KARABAW)
2.Azrunizam (RHINO FITNESS)

Feather Weight
1.Alingas Carlou (KARABAW)
2.Mohd Sukandar (3RMR)
3.Jonathan Quan (RHINO FITNESS)

Light Welter Weight
1.Mohd Malik (3RMR)
2.Aran Majanji (KINABALU FIGHTER)
3.Saravanan (MONARCHY)

Women 53-56kg
1.Khalilah (BRUNEI)
2.Amanda (KARABAW)

Super 4
K1 Women
1.June (KINABALU FIGHTER)
2.Nur Naznerah (BORNEO PHOENIX)
3.Baeby (KITAKITANI)

K1 Teens
1.Areen Khan (KINABALU KINGS)
2.Md Syafique (KITAKITANI)
3.Md Nasir (JAGUAR MUAYTHAI)
3.Md Syahrul (BORNEO PHOENIX)

STAND will return in 26 November. Tentatively planned to be held in the interior town of Keningau.

Stay tuned and check out STAND's FB page for further infor.

Hisyam Sam: Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained

Early this year in February Hisyam Sams of Borneo Tribal Squad (BTS) took on his first pro boxing match in Singapore Fighting Championship 2. Fighting in a 4 man tournament for the World Boxing Federation (WBF) - Asia Pacific Light heavyweight title. It was on short notice as a boxer was injured and AJ Pyro , Hisyam's coach decide to put him in.

In bout 1 he fought Richard Corminal of Singapore.

Below is the excerpt from ASIA MMA reported by David Ash of Singapore Maven

check out ASIA MMA for the latest in combat sports news in Asia

"Hisyam clearly displayed a lot more control throughout the 3 rounds of this bout. He took his time, and waited for Richard to land his jabs before working his jab, right hooks and left uppercut combination. Hisyam demonstrated agility stepping in and out quickly, all that time looking for opportunities when Richard remained exposed to his hooks. Richard’s critical mistakes were having his hands down often, giving Hisyam a chance to connect his jabs and hooks. Winner : Hisyam Sams via UD."

In the final...
Mohd Ridzuan Dahari (Malaysia) vs Hisyam Sams (Malaysia)

The main event was an exciting bout between the two Malaysian boxers who were very quick on their feet and deft with their combination. However Ridzuan was the more aggressive fighter in this bout, landing clean punches while Hisyam seemed to have gassed out midway through the first round to turn the fight into a brawl. However in the second round, Hisyam took advantage of a very exhausted Ridzuan by clinching and landing a series of body shots till the sound of the bell. The referee declared Hisyam Sams the winner when Ridzuan could not get off his chair to continue the fight.

Winner: Hisyam Sams via referee stoppage after round 2."

Hisyam is the first Malaysian to win a WBO belt

Emerging as Champion even though he was the lightest boxer among the four.

Hisyam was schedule to fight in ONE Silat in May 2016 and he was training hard in BTS for this, but unfortunately the fight was postpone indefinitely. Coach AJ was actively looking for a match up for Hisyam.

A boxing match in China came up. It was for a middleweight World Boxing Organization (WBO) fight on 24 June 2016. Again accepting this fight in a short notice. By this time Hisyam as a muslim already started fasting as June is the Holy month of Ramadan.

In the month of Ramadan, Hisyam trains cut down his training to night time only. In BTS for normal months they have the crazy energy sapping Spartan Training in the morning. 

keeping busy with his coach AJ Pyro

During Ramadan Hisyam also take the opportunity to go back to his home town in Tawau to visit his family, while there, he trains at his old gym, Alamgir.

Hisyam is popular among his nephew in Tawau due to his friendly nature
and also how they look up to him as a mentor

Hisyam lost the fight by TKO. His opponent Wang Fei Hu of China, was taller and a much heavier opponent. Fighting at 76kg, Hisyam had to load up as he walks around at only 72kg. Wang walks around in 79kg. Loading up when you are fasting is certainly a challenge...but for Hisyam, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

It was a good learning experience for him and as he's only 25, he needs more fights under his record. Furthermore, he is schedule to defend his WBF Belt in Singapore around September 2016.

Much respect to all muslim fighters that had to keep themselves active during this fasting month, I ask Hisyam to share some tips to #WRB readers on this.

"Well for Ramadan, the fasting month its a good time for those who want to lose weight not to gain weight like me, haha. 

Couple of tips from me to lose weight on the fasting month. 

1. Know how much to eat at Sahur (pre dawn meal) and berbuka (breaking fast) . Eat more on Sahur since you'll need the energy to fast the whole day until the sun down till berbuka/ eat less when berbuka. Why less? Trust me when I say its all your 'nafsu' (desire) that is big. You don't need a lot. Just a small portion is enough and you will feel full. 

Remember the fasting month of Ramadan is the time for Muslim to do good deed not to eat a lot. 

2. Do light exercise daily. Just do light exercise is enough to keep your body in good and healthy condition. Doesn't mean its the fasting month then all you do is sleep the whole day waiting till berbuka. 

You might think sleep doing nothing and not eating will help you lose weight. Well its not. Sleeping meaning you keeping your extra fat when you suppose to burn it and guess what, you not losing weight and worse, your body gets weaker. So make sure do your exercise and sweat it out and burn the fat"

Hisyam will defend his WBF belt this coming Sept