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!

STAND 6 aim to bring boxing back to the forefront of Sabah

Recently there's a surge of interest back to boxing. Boxing seems to take a back seat in popularity a few years back with the rapid growth of MMA becoming the most popular combat sports. Of course the hardcore fans of boxing still follow it's development.

BJJ and grappling arts dominated MMA as from the first UFC shows that grappling can neutralize an opponent's striking game. But of recent development, strikers are making a comeback in MMA. Strikers such as Conor McGregor, Stephen Thompson, Robbie Lawler, Joanna Jędrzejczyk, are showing that to stand and strike can win the fight in spectacular fashion.

In the local Malaysian MMA scene, strikers caught the attention as they put on great display of skills and techniques. In MIMMA4 we saw Sabahan boxers, brothers Effendy and Eddie Kalai perform in the Grand Finals. Eddie showing great display of techniques in his memorable fight with equally great striker in Seah Zhang Yu.

We also saw the epic Grand final fight between Sarawakian Jace Law vs Hui Keng Fai of Selangor. Both gave a remarkable display of boxing techniques. Also in the middleweight, Muhd Meeraj, a pro boxer continued his dominance with his fist.

In July 2017 WBC Boxing Fest was held in Mid Valley Kuala Lumpur, pitting some senior and upcoming Malaysian boxer in a grand event. The event venue was packed and was followed closely from many in the social media too.

STAND which is a promotion base in Kota Kinabalu aim to bring back the interest to boxing in the local combat sports scene, especially for Sabah. STAND started off it's first edition in April 2016 with focus on developing the striking art by organising events that mixed amateur K1 Kickboxing Tournament and amateur boxing.

The hype and attention that McGregor vs Mayweather brings certainly does a lot of help to the sports of boxing, hence comes the time to have an event that specially cater for boxers.

This Saturday 14 OCTBER 2017 , happening at the KARABAW HQ GYM in Kepayan 88 Market Place, Kota Kinabalu, more than 50 boxers has confirmed their participations. This is the 6th edition of STAND

6 weight category for men and 4 for women will be competed. As for kids category, Super Fights are scheduled to go down.

This boxing bouts is sanctioned by ISKA and will be 2 minutes of 3 rounds.

Junior Super Fights category will be feature in STAND 6

Below are the participants list:

Women
1. Erda 46kg - Rhino Fitness
2. Sherry Bingku 52kg – Team Karabaw KK
3. Amanda Wang 56kg –Team Karabaw KK
4. Leyvonne Grace 46kg –Team Karabaw Tamparuli
5. Baeby 46kg - Borneo Red Lion

Men 49kg
1. Mohd Latip Sopian - Wira Amatuer Boxing
2. Ahmad Sharifful - Eagle Boxing Club
3. Dexter Alex – Team Karabaw Tamparuli
4. Rajinus Sadah – Kinabalu Fighters

Men 52kg
1. Zul -Tims Muaythai Gym
2. Arick Apar - Tlb33
3. Jearexson Jenus –Team Karabaw Papar
4. Aron Aguilar - Noypi Boxing Club
5. Edwin Aping – Team Karabaw Keningau
6. Matthew Thien – Team Karabaw Keningau
7. Along - Borneo Red Lion
8. Adi Erawan –Team Karabaw Tamparuli

Men 56kg
1. Franky - Tim's Muaythai Gym
2. Ahmad Khairuness - Team Karabaw Papar
3. Eric - Rhino Fitness
4. Lanloo - Team Karabaw KK
5. Zizul - Borneo Red Lion
6. Sonwil Juandiego - Noypi Boxing Club

Men 60kg
1. Willybrord Paul - Bts Tambunan
2. Frederick Well -Tlb33
3. Brian Owen Oswald - Team Karabaw Papar
4. D Mezander -Team Ug Zero
5. Junaydi Siyuti – Team Karabaw Tamparuli
6. Kenny Chong - Kalai Bros
7. Kevin Costner Albert -Teamkarabaw Keningau

Men 64kg
1. Daniel Eldon - Bts Tambunan
2. Nazree Salim - Tlb33
3. Azrullah Sulaiman –Team Karabaw Papar
4. Mc May - Wira Amatuer Boxing

Men 69
1. Joachim Sinti –Team Karabaw KK
2. Adrian Junior -Tlb33
3. Oliver Ehan – Team Karabaw Papar
4. Mohammad Hudzaifah -Wira Amatuer Boxing

Men 75kg
1. Michael John - Noypi Boxing Club
2. Lee Jian Wei - Wira Amatuer Boxing
3. Samuel Johnson - Eagle Boxing Club

Men 81kg
1. Muhammad Irfan - 9x Boxing Club
2. Tristan Jimidol - Noypi Boxing Club
3. Mohd Hisyam - Team Ug Zero
4. Stanley David - Tlb33
5. Shamir Naim - Eagle Boxing Club
6. Andrew - Borneo Red Lion

Kids Fight
1. Daniel Tornado 40kg -Borneo Phoenix
2. Anwar Ridwan 29kg - Skas
3. Asyraf Danial 44kg – Revolution Gym
4. Daniel 44kg - Team Karabaw Papar
5. Azman 30kg - Team Karabaw Papar
6. Eddli 50kg - Revolution Gym
7. Adolf 50kg - Team Karabaw Papar
8. Kawai 40kg - Team Karabaw Papar
9. Affudin Sabi 32kg - Team Karabaw Tamparuli
10. Larry 32kg - Team Karabaw Papar

Junior Superfight
1. Oyan 60kg - Tim's Muaythai
2. Akmal Aizal 60kg – Team Karabaw Papar
3. Hamdin 47kg – 66 Unicorn
4. Siang-Siang 47kg – Team Karabaw Papar
5. Izzat Zachery 50kg – Team Karabaw Tamparuli
6. Mohd Shazwan 50kg - Eagle Boxing Club

According to Johnny Nguyen of Expertboxing.com
"Boxing is called the sweet science because you have to find this perfect balance, this mythical perfect place, between hitting and not getting hit.

The special requirement of this simultaneous contrast is what makes boxing so amazing. It requires technique, obviously, but so much more beyond that. Finesse? Slickness? Swagger? Art?

If it was just technique, they would call it science. But because there’s a little something extra that you have to put in with your technique, and something that’s hard to put a finger on, they call it a sweet science.

I guess I would say boxing is called the sweet science because puts on display the art of the counter-punch. You are evading a dangerous attack while at the same time landing that knockout shot. And it’s beautiful when you see it again and again."

The highlight of STAND will be the junior category where, young athletes are given an opportunity to execute the sweet science.

Borneo have many talents that need to be bring to the forefront. With platform such as STAND, amateur boxers can hone their skills and gain experience through many amateur fights. Let's hope STAND can unearth potential Champion one day

Coach Randell (middle) with his Team Karabaw preparing for STAND 6

Check out STAND FB page for fight card

STAND - Time for The Junior to Come Out and Play

The rush beating of hearts, the hurried breathing from nervousness, heads spinning with so many thoughts of what you should or should not do...these are the feelings many experience before especially when they want to get in the ring to face their opponent. Most of this feeling is because of lack of experience. Usually after a few fights, most will learn how to deal with it and learn from the pass and move forward.

This is what STAND wants to achieve. To build the younger generation of fighters by giving them opportunity to fight. Fight among their peers, not someone older with more experience.

STAND Junior edition orgarnised by Karabaw and sponsored by Borneo Majubina and supported by MILO will go down this Saturday 20 May at Karabaw HQ gym in 88 Marketplace, Kota Kinabalu.

According to STAND founder Rayner Kinsiong, this is the first time in Malaysia Junior Title Belt are up for grab in 10 categories for boys and girls. The winners will need to defend their Title Belt in future STAND Junior event.

The fights are sanction by ISKA ( International Sports Karate Association ) and will be 2 mins x 3 rounds with 1 minute rest in between rounds, with amateur rules. Open to only fighters age below 18. Head gear, mouth guard and shin guard is a must to keep all fighters safe.

Team Karabaw Tamparuli, their Junior ready to come out and play!

STAND Junior edition will the fifth STAND event being organised. The original idea began with having a kickboxing event to be the platform to unearth and develop new talent in combat sports. Kickboxing under K1 rules are chosen because it uses rules that can benefit all type of stylist. Practioner of different style, such as Taekwon-Do, Karate, Silat, Kung Fu, Muaythai can get in the ring and compete in a common rules fight.

Rayner is very proud of the achievement and the progression of STAND so far, but he still harbour much hope that the state sports ministry are able to see the positive impact they are doing to the young people, and hope that the ministry will come in and support this effort.

He said he received many request from different districts such as Sandakan, Tambunan and Keningau to have STAND organised in their place because lots of people can see that STAND are able to move more young people to learn martial arts, to be active and live a healthy lifestyle.

He would love to full-fill their request, but obviously financing it is the biggest challenge. Organising a combat sports tournament is not a way to earn money. Many times he has to sacrifice his own time and invest his own money into making it happen. And he said without the constant supports from his family and his Karabaw family, STAND would not be what it is today.

MILO supporting the development of Junior Kickboxers. Myself with Rayner handing over the sponsored MILO

And most importantly too, is to have sponsors that are equally passionate about the event they are involve in. This is where he said he is very thankful to have Borneo Majubina Aidil Zakuan believing in the same objective and supporting the same cause as he does which together they have build STAND.

STAND is only in it's 2nd year, it is still in a developing stage but is surely charting it's course to have more events this year and years to come. With the support of all party, STAND hopes to make Borneo a powerhouse in Kickboxing, not just in producing more talents but also to become the premier Kickboxing event in Borneo.

STAND 4 - Island Getaway Fights Full Results

STAND achieved another significant milestone when it was organised last month, 25-26 March 2017. It successfully organised an island getaway fights, held at the beautiful tropical beach of Pulau Manukan.

This was STAND's 4th series. STAND started in April 2016, a brainchild of Mohd Aidil Zakuan bin Ahmad- CEO of Borneo Majubina ( the main sponsor ) & Team Karabaw + Jesselton Fight League founder, Rayner Kinsiong. The idea was to create a platform for local martial artist to gain fight exposure through K1 rules Kickboxing and amateur boxing. ( read about the first STAND here )

The beach concept began in the 1st series which was held at the beach of Nexus Karambunai resort. It continue in the second series at Tanjung Lipat beach in September 2016. Following that, in November 2016, it moved to the interior town of Sabah in Keningau, held in conjunction with Crocker Range Festival. Then, 4th series STAND return to it's core concept of fights at the beach, taking it up another level by having it at the resort island of Manukan.

Pulau Manukan is one of the beautiful islands that made up the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Parks which is just 20-30 minutes away from Kota Kinabalu by boat.

Below is the full results:

The highlight of the event was the battle for the Piala BMB. Semi-Pro Boxing.
Coach Alvin Chong of Borneo Combat Gym Labuan, a Muaythai specialist took on his first boxing bout against Muhd Hidayat of Lekir MMA from Kuala Lumpur. Alvin took home the Piala BMB winning by points

The Co-Main event saw an international fight between Mohd Eswandy of Gymbox Kuching, a Muaythai specialist and MIMMA 4 Semifinalist, taking on Pro Muaythai exponent Silvester Amihanda of Kenya. This match in K1 Kickboxing rules was won by Silvester

The 65kg Super-4 was another action pack match. Featuring experience boxer and MMA's MIMMA 4 finalist Effendy Kalai and manthon Rane of India's Team Relentless, Fadzly from Warmonger Miri and Md Rizal, one of Team Karabaw's most hardworking fighter.

In the first leg, Manthan defeated Effendy. In the 2nd leg, Md Rizal advances to the final by overcoming Fadzly.

Rizal had a 3 round war where he kept going forward but the Indian fighter collected many points by accurate techniques, enabling him to secure the victory. By this win, in future STAND he will stand to fight Jordan Boy of Sampuri Gym Kuala Lumpur to determine the undisputed 65kg STAND Kickboxing Champion, which is currently hold by Jordan Boy

Nurul Khairunissa - Female Straw weight winner

Initially when the idea was mooted, many was surprise and excited, but also a few were skeptical that the idea would work successfully. Partly due to the logistics of having to move the parts of a boxing ring to be set up at the island and also the worry of accommodation.

Moving equipment by boat- logistics was one of the biggest challenge face by STAND's crew

But Rayner and his team pushed through and it all worked well, successfully showing that fight tourism is able to draw athletes to Sabah. The ring was set up in the multi-purpose hall. Fighters was able to warm-up and get ready for their fight on the beach overlooking Kota Kinabalu city. Most of them also camped out on the beach for the night.

Fighters and crew chillin after fights

Fight tourism event such as STAND enable athletes and their team members to visit Sabah not just to participate in the fights but also at the same time holidaying and enjoying and exploring the many tourist attractions in Sabah, such as the beautiful beach, the fresh seafood, souvenir shopping and visiting the mountains.

We need signature event like STAND as it's able to put Sabah in the map as a unique and great venue for fight sports.

STAND is also already affiliated with WSOF Global (World Series of Fighting) which gives tremendous global exposure not only for fighters, the sponsors but also for the venue and location.

STAND will be back in 20-21 May. This time focusing to develop young martial artist with their youth edition. Participants must be 18 years and below. Located at the Karabaw mini stadium in 88 Marketplace kepayan, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

STAND Junior Edition will see the first time a Championship belt being put on the line. STAND will be fully sponsored by Borneo Maju Bina .