JOHOR INT. JIUJITSU C'SHIP : THE FALCON HAS LANDED

Coming to you from Johor Bahru this Saturday 14 OCT will be another exciting grappling  tournament; Johor International JiuJitSu Championship (JIJC). From the core team that brings you Ultimate Beatdown, it promise to bring quality BJJ matches and expecting to see more than 150 participants with  good numbers of participation from overseas athletes too.

Warriors of Borneo talks to event coordinator F.S. Cheng on JIJC

Johor International JiuJitSu Championship (JIJC) is a rebranding, what was it known as previously?

Before this it was call Johor Open Jiujitsu Championship.

How many clubs do you expect to take part?

Last year we had 20 teams across South East Asia participating in the annual tournament.
This year we are opening up more weight classes, especially for the kids in order to grow the JiuJitSu community.
You can find the weight classes offered in Johor International Jiujitsu Championship V (2017) at the following links.
Adult male / female / masters / Kids / teen / juvenile

KL just hosted Copa Malasia, why do an event in Johor? Why not Penang?
The market in Penang is really small as there's only a handful of people that trains JiuJitSu. 

Viewing from the perspective of sales and marketing point of view, Penang is a really good place to host a tournament like this as it is a state that attracts many tourist. However, there's no direct flights from some of the countries in South East Asia. 

Singapore has a strong JiuJitSu community as there's a lot of JiuJitSu school. Competitors who are flying in to JIJC can always arrive in Singapore (Changi) and then get the transit to cross border to Johor. Hence, it is a strategic target for the sales and marketing.

Who is the main sponsor?
I would recognize Plaza Sentosa as the main sponsor for the event as they provide us the space required for the tournament.

Any particular big names confirmed taking part?
We are looking for a super fight that is yet to be confirmed.
Shaqueme (MIMMA Foreign Pride Champion) and hopefully Agilan Thani (ONE Championship Title Contender) will be participating in JIJC.

(update: Shaqueme has just announced of his injury in his FB , hence will not be taking part in JIJC)

Kwan Yan Wei (HYPERFLY athlete) who trains under ONE Championship Veteran Major Overall.
Hayatun Najihin who trains under Malaysia MMA Pioneer Melvin Yeoh.
We have also sent invitations and reach out to Evolve MMA's head BJJ instructor Leandro Issa (UFC Vet), Trifecta Instructor Italo Lins (GFT), FAMA Instructor Zorobabel Moreira (ONE Vet) and many more

What kind of prizes being offered?
Check out the cool medal!

And winners get FREE ONE Championship tickets to go watch ONE Championship in Singapore!

Please explained what is the Hybrid rules being used.
This year we are adapting a modified rule for the nogi section. 

( click here to see more on the rules )
IBJJF rules doesn't allow knee reap as it is seen to be dangerous and can cause permanent injury but some of the practitioners did say "reap better than no reap" hence it is a very subjective question. This change of rules will certainly make the tournament more exciting.


What does the logo symbolize?
Falcon have sharp eyes and target what they want before they actually execute it. We see a good plan in the near future but we will have to monitor it close and carefully before executing it. Hence, we want to spread our wings and go further in this area.

What do you think is the biggest challenge as an organiser?
Biggest challenge I am facing thus far is that the organizing team have very limited resources and hence employing people to work is really difficult unless there are volunteers. On the basis of sales and marketing, we are doing our best to push further than South East Asia and lets hope for good response.

FS Cheng

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

FIGHT FEST 4 : Shantung Kid vs Shadow Hunter

Martial arts can change lives. This certainly ring true for Mohd Reyan and Aziz Hoo Gwo Jye.

Both of them will be fighting for the FIGHT FEST IV 60kg K1 Kickboxing title belt.

They both grew up in their teenage years that was full of challenges.

Aziz is a Shandong Chinese. Shantung Chinese are predominantly Muslim and came to Sabah in the early 20th century. They were brought in by the British government as settlers to Sabah, opening up farmlands and small businesses.

He attended an all boys school of La Salle Kota Kinabalu. In his teenage years, he loved basketball. But being among all the boys and playing basketball, at times small squabble became fist fight.

His father does not want Aziz to end up at the wrong side of the law. Being a former state footballer himself that used to practice Chinese Wushu, he understand the good influence of sports and  martial arts can have on a person. Also he knew that if his son was able to attend training regularly, he would not have time to mix with the wrong group of friends.

Aziz father knew one of his staff trained Muaythai at Kinabalu Fighters Gym. So he decided to check out the place. After talking to owner Johan Julian, he knew he found the right place and right people for Aziz. At 16 years of age, Aziz tasted his first Muaythai lessons. 

Aziz immersed himself in it and improved under the watchful eye of trainer Randel Kadayum and coach Johan Julian. After taking his SPM exam he was selected to attend the Malaysian National Service. After the 6 months at the training camp, Aziz was happy to be back to Kota Kinabalu which enable him to go back to Muaythai training.

To save money, he even jog from his home in LIDO area to Kinabalu Fighters gym in Lintas Plaza. He love the enviroment at Kinabalu Fighters, surrounding himself with positive people that train hard and always supports each other, which slowly but surely mould Aziz into a discipline fighter.

He has more than 25 amateur fight under his feet and he remembers the first time when his coach ask him to join a tournament. He had to consult his father for approval. His father was more than willing to agree. He told Aziz that to compete is a good thing, it can build his confidence. Put what he had practice diligently into real situation. Competition will also be a gauge for Aziz to know what level he is at and to improve on weakness that he may have.

Going by the name The Shandong Kid, Aziz didn't look back and to date has fought 4 times as a pro athlete. His first pro match was in Jakarta and after that fought in Bintulu, Sandakan's Elopura Fight and most recently last year winning in Penang.

Aziz was also in Muay Fight, a local Malaysian production in a reality TV concept which is inspired by The Contender Series. This was the time he got close to Reyan as they were both selected as the representative for Sabah in the 60kg. They slept, train and eat together.

training at BCG Labuan

For this fight Aziz was in Borneo Combat Gym to train with coach Alvin Chong and Ronald Tee. Aziz also is the Muaythai coach in The Legend Brotherhood gym in Cyber Perdana but when he is not busy coaching he would help his father in his work as a repo man, ...well fortunately Aziz till date has not need to use his martial arts skills to settle any dispute.

Fighting at Elopura Fight 2016

Mohd Reyan Abdul was born in Sabah but grew up as a kid that does not have a Malaysian ID. This was because his parents hold the IMM13 documents that recognize them as refugees in the early 70s escaping the war in southern Philippines. 

Without a proper ID causes him to have difficulties enrolling in government school. He didn't attend high school and spent his teenage years loitering around with the wrong type of friends. This landed him in trouble with the law a number of times. He was also once slept in a lock up when police took him in for questioning as a major squabble turned into a fight which he took all the blame for.

After the death of one of his friends, Reyan realised that this type of live will eventually lead him to a bleak future. He does not have the education nor does he have the finance to get himself out of the rut. The only thing he knew he can do is with his hands and feet.

He ended up at Naga Kinabalu gym in Tanjung Aru. He told the head coach Muslee Tuah that he wants to train but does not have the means to pay for training. Muslee took him in as a student and does not charge him training fee. He felt that it's his duty to mould this young kid into a good person through Muaythai.

From there Reyan has amassed over 30 amateur fight and has build friendship among the Muaythai fraternity. He goes by the fight name 'Pemburu Bayang' ( Shadow Hunter in english ), a name he uses for his FB initially base on a popular Malay movie; but when it was announced by Kaza Musa in a Muaythai competition years ago, the fight name has since stuck with him. 

winning the 60kg title at F3 Championship

He won his first belt in F3 Championship in 2014, but his biggest success so far was reaching the grand finals of Muay Fight in Dec 2015. It was a league format and to reach the finals was already a great accomplishment as he had to fight through more than 12 fights among the best 60kg nak muay in Malaysia. In that finals, Reyan fought Jordan Boy and lost by points due to his injured ankle.

Reyan has since became a member of  Kinabalu Kings in Petagas. In 2016 Elopura Fight, Reyan won his match against Nizam of Buaya Saka. In 2015 F3 Borneo Series Reyan defeated one of the top 60kg nak muay in Borneo - Randal Kadayum. In Dec 2016 a rematch between him and Randal Kadayum for the Sabah Fight special trophy saw Reyan succumbed to a liver kick.  

in Elopura Fights 2016

Then in May this year in D1FC : PRIDE of RHINO WARRIORS, Reyan was in the main event vs Philipines top fighter Ramon Saluya. In that fight Ramon's background in Kyokushinkai Karate saw him executing a signature Kokushinkai kick Do Mawashi Kaiten Geri that KOed Reyan.

Reyan in the Sabah state Muaythai team 2016

Reyan does not let his pass results define his future. He is thankful of what Muaythai has given him in life and at only 23 this year he knows that the best years are still ahead of him.

Looking to bring back the K1 Belt, but fighting a friend is definately something he does not planned for himself. He just followed his coaches instructions and will do his best in the ring to showed them that the training they gave him and the knowledge they have impart on him are put to good use.

Aziz with Kaza Musa (middle) and Reyan in Muay Fight

Reyan and Aziz may be friends outside the ring, but in the ring both are professional and will put in their best to give a good show to the public. To them the fight for the belt is also a measure of how far Muaythai has contribute to their lives positively.

Ultimate Beatdown 24 is set to take place tonight at their iconic location of rooftop of Plaza Sentosa Johor Bahru; hence the name Rooftop Duel for this edition.

This is their third show for the year. UB will close the year with a bang in Nov when they move location to Medini Mall.

As for this 24th edition, a really packed card of amateur fight has been planned. 17 Boxing, 17 Kickboxing and 20 MMA, bringing it to a total of 54 bouts! from as many as 14 countries competing.

Astounding numbers indeed, but in their 23th edition, UB hit a high of over 60 bouts, which drag the show to 1.30am. Amazingly the crowds stayed through the whole night to catch the main event where Johorian home grown MIMMA 4 women champion Jihin Radzuan took home the victory in her 1st pro MMA fight vs Masrina Hamka of Indonesia.

Jihin securing her first pro MMA win in UB23

This goes to show the amazing support UB received from it's fans. What started as a competition among MMA practitioner to improve on each other's skills in the early days of MMA in Malaysia way back in 2008 has now achieved legendary status as the pioneering MMA promotions in the region and the longest running promotions in Malaysia.

check out the UB t-shirt for sale at event ground, only the Tshirt available ya, not the girl, not the sword or the cat, those are taken

UB is founded by the pioneer of Malaysian MMA, a school teacher name Melvin Yeoh. He himself self taught and learnt through trial and errors and became a ONE Championship pro MMA fighters. Achieving success in the cage and gave Sabahan AJ Pyro a great fight for the ONE Championship Malaysian National Featherweight Belt in 2013.

Also through his own effort and passion to grow the sports he got together his team to organised UB, slowly improving it show after show. Through the UB metal cage, many local MMA fighters has gain valuable experience and some have progress to the bigger stage. Melvin also happily shared his experience and guidance and inspired Rayner Kinsiong to start Jesselton Fight League in Sabah.

Melvin's effort to bring MMA to the forefront of Malaysia has definately shown results as there's no difficulties to look for fighters to fight in UB. The grassroots is the future of MMA. By pitting local Malaysians with international fighters also can push the level of standard for us.

Even Victor Cui ( the CEO of ONE Championship ) made an appearance in 2013 in a UB event, perhaps to scout for new talents for his organisation.

Aaron Lo in action during UB 23

Tonight's edition will see the main event of Aaron Lo vs Shihab Mustafi from Liberia for the Bantamweight Title.

Aaron a practicing accountant from Kuching Sarawak is a product of UB itself, fought first time in 2015 in UB 18, Aaron fought four times in UB, kept improving from fight to fight and is currently undefeated in UB. Which qualify him now to fight for a title belt.

Aaron started his MMA journey in GymBox Kuching, under head coach Matt Pellino. Matt has since left and worked in Hong Kong, but Aaron and his team mates still continue training on their own. Most of the time he trains with Jace Law, MIMMA 4 Lightweight champion.

Even without a head coach, the one that kept him going is the desire to fight and to test himself in the cage. Aaron does not see MMA as a career but as an outlet to release stress and to constantly push himself to improve on his techniques. It gives him satisfaction seeing the techniques he learnt and drill worked in the cage.

Aaron last fight was just a month ago in Penang's Golden Warriors FC. Defeating a fellow Borneon by KO in the 1:56 of the first round.

Judge Aaron unassuming apperance at your own peril...

As for Shihab, this is his 3rd fight in Malaysia. Last year his win over Hao Ting Ng with a spinning tornado kick KO became viral in the internet. But his last fight in July in UB 23 was a lost to Manthane Rane of India, so this is Shihab's redemption to collect a win and the title at the same time.

Two more representative from Borneo, Ian Sua and Edwin Aping of Team Karabaw will also be featured in the MMA cards. Ian will face Hajrah Hazwan of Lekir MMA for Bantamweight 61kg meanwhile Edwin to fight Ariff Aiman of Kelab Muay Thai Singa Muda in flyweight 57kg.

Warriors of Borneo wishes all the Borneo fighters the best of luck!

JITENDRE KHARE : ENTER FIGHT FEST

Malaysia has only a population of more than 31 million. But we are very fortunate that there are many local MMA promotions that are active in organising MMA fights. Names like the pioneering Ultimate Beatdown of Johor, Warriors FC ( now with new management is known as Golden Warriors FC ) up north in Penang and in East Malaysia, we have Jesselton Fight League, Fight Fest and B.A.C and most recently Rampage FC; and of course we cannot talk about MMA without mentioning about MIMMA, considered the best and biggest amateur tournament in Asia, which is currently in it's 5th season

In these local promotions, there is a team that has made their presence felt. This team is TEAM RELENTLESS from India. Why would an Indian team come all the way from Mumbai to Malaysia to compete? For a country as huge as India with population that is over 1.3 billion people, MMA promotions there are still developing. 

Cricket is the number one sports watched in India. Traditional martial arts such as Karate, wrestling and boxing are widely followed too. MMA is relatively new. It only recently caught on from the popularity of UFC. Several Indian promotions has emerged there such as Super Fight League, Full Contact Championship and most recently Yoddha Fighting Championship.

TEAM RELENTLESS is lead by Jitendre Khare or more fondly known as Vicky. Jitendre has trained his fighters well and they have grown and develop through the fight scene in Malaysia.

Chaitanya winning the UB 17 featherweight title

Chaitanya Gavali training with Team Relentless, fought before in Borneo Fighting Championship in 2014. a year later he fought in Ultimate Beatdown 17 to win the featherweight title belt and then one month later achieved another victory in winning the Warriors FC featherweight title.

Anil Mehta defeated a couple of local emerging talent in STAND Kickboxing in Kota Kinabalu and last year in a Super-Fight 65kg Kickboxing match became the title champion.

with Anil Mehta with his Fight Fest K1 Title Belt

Yadwinder Singh whom recently fought at WSOF Global Championship last year , tasted multiple victory in Borneo FC, Ultimate Beatdown and Warriors FC.

Ex ONE Championship fighter, Susovan Ghosh, the co-founder of Team Relentless was also an alumni of Ultimate Beatdown. 

Young fighter Rudransh Azad, spend his formative amateur career in Malaysia, collecting wins in Jesselton Fight League 2, Ultimate Beatdown 23. He then went on to win Yodhha FC Lightweight belt in April this year. Then in Sept he was back in Malaysia, collecting another win in Golden Warriors FC. 

In that same event his team mate Navdeep Aggarwal the Yodhha FC flyweight champion defeated Seah Zhang Yu, cosidered the best flyweight in Malaysia.

with Navdeep (L) & Rudransh (R) with their victory souvenir from Golden Warriors FC

In this weekend FIGHT FEST IV: ART OF COMBAT (7-8 Oct 2017), Jitendre will be here in Kota Kinabalu with Susovan Ghosh to compete in grappling. Jitendre himself is aiming for the Fight Fest Mata Leao title belt, which will be given to the winner of the absolute blue / purple belt category.

Jitendre aiming to win the 1st Fight Fest Mata Leao belt

On his grappling experience,

"I have competed and won at 3 Bangkok Opens, won a Gold at WPJJC Trials in HK in 2012, represented India at Asian Beach Games where I couldn't fight my Bronze medal match after injuring my shoulders in the semis.

Jitendre started in martial arts journey since he was a boy in school. Karate was very popular in school and he took it up and reached the level of Brown Belt. He also took lesson in boxing and kickboxing as it was part of the school's curriculum. 

After graduating from high school, he dabbled into mud wrestling. At one point of time he switched his interest to power-lifting but unfortunately an injury made him stop and he began to train in martial arts again as rehab to develop better flexibility.

Watching PRIDE was the spark for Jitendre to go into MMA. Doing his research, he eventually took up Judo and under the guidance of India's top Judoka Ashok Chaudary Jitendre began to develop a keen interest in the grappling arts.

"I was fortunate enough that he agreed to accept me as his student and under his tutelage I got to represent my State at the Senior National Judo Championships in 2010."

Through his martial arts journey, Jitendre discover that Mumbai lacks a legit MMA gym, so in 2010 Jitendre started his own MMA gym.

"The knowledge and access to quality trainers was very limited at that point but I guess the eagerness to learn and grow was what got us to this point. We were also lucky to be joined by Coach Nick Kilstein, NCAA Division 1 wrestler alongside whom I had the privilege of training Team Relentless and also learning wrestling from. His contribution to not just the team but to growth of MMA in India is simply irreplaceable. My Head Coach Darren DaSilva has been a huge influence in my martial arts journey and has been my mentor and like an elder brother to me. 

I received my Blue Belt from him in 2013 and then had the privilege of training with some brilliant BJJ coaches such as Prof Shane Suzuki, Thomas Fan, Carlos Almeida and Marcio Cesar.

with Mario Cesar

Darren sir has been helping and guiding me since 2012. He has been my Head Coach. Till date he hasn't charged us a single penny to train us. I guess it's an affiliation of trust and respect."

at Fight G Singapore

The fight team of Team Relentless is base in Evolution Gym, which Jitendre is part owner. It is highly regarded as the home of MMA in India and the pioneer in the sports in India.

with his Team Relentless at Evolution Gym

From time to time Jitendre would travel to Singapore to train at Fight G MMA Academy to train under Coach Darren DaSilva. He also made regular trips to train at AKA Thailand under Marcio Cesar.

Realising that there's a huge talent pool in India for MMA, but what lacking is a grassroot program that can unearth these talents, then progress to develop and grow them, Jitendre together with Vicky Tulsani, Susovan Ghosh and Khriemelie Metha founded Yoddha FC in 2014.

fights at Yoddha FC

They wanted to use Yoddha as a platform to produce more MMA fighters from India. Yodhha is still developing as an amateur league promotions, hence Jitendre consider himself still have a lot to learn and has been sending Team Relentless fighters to Malaysia, Thailand, Philipines and recently to the middle east to not only gain valuable fight experience but also to learn the fine aspect of organizing fight events. 

Yoddha FC entering it's second season in Cctober

The passion for MMA and the grappling arts is what drive him and his team. Their dream is to grow the sports of MMA in India, to put an Indian MMA athlete in UFC and to have the very first home grown BJJ blackbelt in India.

Come and watch Jitendre and his team mate Susovan compete in Fight Fest IV tomorrow at Centre Point Sabah, 4th Floor Palm Square.

with Susovan