It’s been another great year for consistent growth in MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Submission Grappling in 2013.

For us here at TXMMA.com (Texas Mixed Martial Arts), we’ve taken great joy in working, being there and watching our sport grow. It seems like with each passing year we only continue to evolve and become even larger and more competitive as a group here in the lone star state and we’re honored to be your primary source in reporting and covering all to it.

As we’ve done every year since 2011 we’ve put together our Annual TXMMA Awards in order to recognize outstanding achievers and those that continue to receive a massive amount of support for their competitive exploits.

Our process relating to these awards continues to evolve but our goal as always is to have the most fair, logical and consistent system possible is it relates to everyone we recognize. This includes an internal election process taking statistical evidence as the primary factor in placing our winners along with a
People’s Choice piece recognizing some of the best by virtue of popular vote. We like to have both and feel they both represent a great honor and a nod to achievement.

Already posted, you can see our 2013 TXMMA Awards – BJJ Edition People’s Choice winners here.

Now without further adieu we present to you our 2013 TXMMA Award Official Winners for BJJ and Submission Grappling.

2013 TXMMA Awards – Official Results (BJJ Edition)

Official TXMMA Awards – Texas Academy of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Alvarez Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Winner Stats: Well over 50 IBJJF Medals as a team, 1st place at Newbreed, IBJJF Dallas Open (122 of 243 for NU), F2W Torque Open, DFW Matshark, F2W Europa, etc. 8 1st place finishes and 10 podium finishes overall as a team.

Runners-up: Gracie Barra TX, Bastos Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Midland, Elite MMA Baytown

Official 2013 TXMMA Awards–Texas Association of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Gracie Barra (Vinicius Magalhaes)

Runners-up: Nova Uniao / Bruno Bastos JJ, Paragon Texas, SMAA

I would like to say that I am honored to receive that award from the biggest, better and more traditional Martial Arts website in the state of Texas. On behalf of Gracie Barra, we would like to thank that great media channel and the whole TX BJJ and Martial Arts community for that recognition. – Vinicius Draculinho Magalahes (Gracie Barra Texas)

Official TXMMA Awards – Adult Black Belt of the Year (M)

► 2013 Award Recipient: Carlos Diego Ferreira (Team Ferreira / Atos)
Winner Stats: Grappling Games (1st, 1st), IBJJF Dallas (1st), Marshark (1st, 1st), AGF South Regionals (1st), IBJJF Vegas Open (1st), Gracie Grappling Cup (1st), UAEJJ World Pro Trials (1st), BJJ Classic Invitational (1st)
Runners-up: Bruno Bastos (Bastos BJJ), Alex Martins (Paragon), Marcus Antelante (Soul Fighters), Robert Yamashita (Elite MMA Baytown)

Official TXMMA Awards – Masters Black Belt of the Year

 
► 2013 Award Recipient: Daniel Alvarez (Alvarez BJJ)
Winner Stats: IBJJF Masters/Seniors – 3rd, Miami – 1st, No Gi American Nationals – 1st, Vegas – 1st, Toronto – 1st, New York – 1st, European – 1st, Rome – 1st, Vegas Srping – 1st, Pan Ams – 3rd, etc.

Runners-up: Rodrigo Pinheiro (Gracie Humaita), Diego Gamonal Nogueira (BTT), Alex Martins (Paragon)

Official TXMMA Awards – Black Belt of the Year (F)

► 2013 Award Recipient: Fabiana Borges (Gracie Barra)

Runners-up: Sue Austin (Travis Lutter)

Official TXMMA Awards – Brown Belt of the Year (M)

► 2013 Award Recipient: Julian Vega (Elite MMA)

Runners-up: Jose Portillo (Paragon), Raul Jimenez (Alliance), Travis Orr (Octagon MMA)

Official TXMMA Awards – Brown Belt of the Year (F)

► 2013 Award Recipient: Kristine Felts (Peak Performance)

Photo: Ed Foo

Runners-up: Tessa Simpson (Gracie Humaita), Monique Ricardo (Cobra BJJ)

I want to thank TX MMA for the recognition and honor you are giving to me today. It was an honor just to be nominated because there are allot of talented ladies in Texas and it’s getting better every year. I want to start out thanking God for the grace that he has given me. I want to thank my husband, Gary Felts, for his support and love. My family for believing in me and cheering me on in everything I do. (Even if they can’t say Jiu Jitsu correctly, and I think most of them still think I do Karate) I want to thank my coach, Paul Halme, for his guidance, support and leadership. Without him and the gym he built I wouldn’t be the athlete I am today. I also want to thank my training coaches Juan Tatum and Philip Miller. These guys are the ones that work with me everyday and push me to become better and stronger then I was the day before. I want to thank all of my training partners at Peak Performance. Christan, Zantha, Marissa, Dan and allot of other guys and gals. Without them I wouldn’t have anyone to play with and jiu jitsu wouldn’t be any fun. Finally I want to thank and recognize some of those great women in the Jiu jitsu community. Without them I couldn’t be here today. Tara Arlington, Triin Seppel, Sue Ausmen, Pilar Foo, and Shama Ko. I love these ladies and I don’t know what I would do without them. I know there are about 50 more names I could list out, but I know your all tiered of reading so, Thank you to everyone. Without you I couldn’t be here today. - Kristine Felts

Official TXMMA Awards – Purple Belt of the Year (M)

► 2013 Award Recipient: Reed Shelger (GFTeam / Paradigm)

Winner Stats: IBJJF Worlds Master (1st), No-Gi Worlds (3rd), and the Pan Ams (2nd), IBJJF Houston (1st and 3rd), UAEJJ World Pro Trials (3rd), NAGA Houston (1st, 1st), Grand Prix Grappling (1st)

Runners-up: Jordan Burton III (GB Texas), Vin Abadie (Alvarez BJJ)

Thank you TXMMA and Mike Calimbas for the award for Purple-Belt of the Year. It is an extra special honor to be recognized by someone who has such appreciation and passion for the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  Thank you for the award and for the great work you do to support the BJJ community. I would also like to thank my coach, Igor Santos, and my training partners at Paradigm-GF Team: Thomas Mancha, Jason Gaskill, Joel McClain, Evan Giddeon (Galveston MMA-GF Team), and the rest of the crew.  OSS! - Reed Shelger

Official TXMMA Awards – Purple Belt of the Year (F)

► 2013 Award Recipient: Danielle Alvarez (Alvarez BJJ)

Runners-up: Veronica Mota-Messina (Revolution Dojo), Lora Hallock (Paragon), Lana Hunter (Pinnacle GFTeam San Antonio), Kat Harrison (Trainer’s Elite)

Official TXMMA Awards – Blue Belt of the Year (M)

► 2013 Award Recipient: Jordan Shelper (Alvarez BJJ)

Runners-up: Cruz Ybarra Jr. (Soul Fighters), Michael Esquivel II (Paragon)

Official TXMMA Awards – Blue Belt of the Year (F)

► 2013 Award Recipient: Natalia Biasca-Shelper (Alvarez BJJ)
Runners-up: Victória Maciel Cáceres (Soul Fighters), Chasity De Leon Villarreal (Revolution), Audrey Drew (Mezger/KGBJJ), Karen Lingle Kovach (F3)

Official TXMMA Awards – White Belt of the Year (M)

2013 Award Recipient: Jarrod Trotter (NDBJJ)

Runners-up: Ryan Escobar (Revolution Dojo), Chad Lutu (Pinnacle GFTeam San Antonio), Marshall Cevallos (Elite MMA Baytown)

I would like to take the opportunity thank TXMMA for awarding me with the honors of TX White Belt of the year. It is truly an honor to receive this award. Thanks to all the people that voted for me. I really appreciate the vote of confidence from the BJJ community. I did not accomplish this alone. I thank my Coach JD Shelley for giving me an opportunity to learn this great art and my teammates at North Dallas BJJ for pushing me and believing in me. I would not be a success without the support of everyone involved. - Jarrod Trotter

Official TXMMA Awards – White Belt of the Year (F)

► 2013 Award Recipient: Makenzie Nunnally (Lutter)

Runners-up: Miriam Villar (Alvarez), Laura Heiman (Paragon)

Thank you to everyone who voted for me! This is such an honor! I could not have done it without my amazing team standing behind me my amazing coaches helping me every step of the way and my father for taking me to all of my tournaments and sticking by me through all the of the pre tournament stress. I didn’t get my acceptance video in in time but I want everyone to know how grateful I am. Thank you again! - Makenzie Nunnally

Official TXMMA Awards – Teen Grappler of the Year (M)

► 2013 Award Recipient: Andy Cordova (GB Texas)

Runners-up: Matt Hernandez (Paragon Texas), Justin Rebolloso (Alvarez BJJ)

Official TXMMA Awards – Teen Grappler of the Year (F)

2013 Award Recipient: Kayla Deleon (BJJ Revolution)

Runners-up: Ahlysa Wise (BQuick Jiu-Jitsu), Julie Rodriguez (Paul Thomas)

Hi this is Kayla De Leon. I would like to thank you all for those who voted for me. I would also like to thank my friends and family. I look up to my sisters Chasity & Ashley De Leon. They help me to be a better grappler, stronger competitor, & a part of who I am today. Winning this award means alot to me and my team Bjj Revolution. Jeff Messina is a great instructor & I enjoy training with him. One more person who has been a great supporter is my dad. He pushes me hard and makes sure I am prepared for a tournament. From the pushups to the running and training, all of it has been worth the pain and sweat to achieve my goals. Thank you all so much again. I will continue to push & train in the sport of jiu-jitsu for it is something that I live for. - Kayla Deleon

Official TXMMA Awards – Kids Grappler of the Year (M)

► 2013 Award Recipient: Isaih Calderon (AOJ)

Winner Stats: IBJJF Kids Pans (1st), Naga Las Vegas (1st, 1st), Louisiana State Championship (1st), Austin Open (1st, 1st), Matshark (1st, 1st), Grappler’s Quest Vegas (1st, 1st), Kids Worlds (1st, 1st), Abu Dhabi Trials (2nd), Dream (1st),  etc.

Lives in Katy, Texas most of the year but spends the summer, weekends, and holidays in Costa Mesa, CA training with AOJ.

Runners-up: Tyler Brennan (Next Generation), Roberto Jimenez (Alliance Gacho), John Abney (Ground Dwellers)

Thank you for the TXMMA “Kid’s male grappler of the year” award. I’ve worked hard this year traveling much of the country competing in five states & many matches. Everyone on the list are winners and it feels great to be recognized. I want to thank a lot of people starting in Texas; Many thanks to Mike Castro, Coach Zach Roberson, & Coach Grant Johnson. Thanks to my sponsors killerbeegi.com & mendesbros.com. I especially want to thank my Professors and brothers Gui & Rafa Mendes. They are important to my development. They both make sacrifice and make it possible for me to train there with them. I just want the opportunity to have fun, show my jiu-jitsu, and to represent all of my AOJ family whenever I can. - Isaih F. Calderon

Official TXMMA Awards – Kids Grappler of the Year (F)

► 2013 Award Recipient: Cora Sek (Team Tooke)

Runners-up: Jessica Crane (Alvarez BJJ)

Official TXMMA Awards – Which is your choice for Men’s Gi Match of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Robert Yamashita vs. Rico Bastos (BJJ Classic)

Runners-up: Albert Hughes vs. Leo Iturralde (IBJJF Dallas Open), Rafael Lovato Jr. vs. Rico Bastos (IBJJF Houston  Open, Carlos Diego Ferreira vs. Alex Martins (Gracie Grappling Cup)

Official TXMMA Awards – Which is your choice for Men’s No Gi Match of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Julian Vega vs. Frederico Silva (2013 Austin Open)

Runners-up: Chris Brennan vs. Toby Imada (2013 Austin Open), Colton Smith vs. Carlos Diego Ferreira  (AGF Southern Regionals 2013)

 Official TXMMA Awards – Which is your choice for Women’s Match of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Tessa Simpson vs. Lana Hunter ( Matshark TX State Championship)

Runners-up: Kayla De Leon vs. Julie Rodriguez (NAGA Texas), Julia Ottolino vs. Chastity Villareal (2013 Austin Open), Fabiana Borges vs. Mackenzie Dern (2013 IBJJF Dallas Open)

Thank you TXMMA as well as everyone who voted for us during the community awards for female match of the year! Thanks to Rafael at Matshark for putting together those brackets and giving us the opportunity to compete locally, so we can better our skills for competition on a national level. Finally, thanks to Lana for a great match! - Tessa Simpson

Official TXMMA Awards – Which is your choice for Kids/Teens Match of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Justin Rebolloso vs. Matt Hernandez (Matshark SA)
Runners-up: Brenna Tromble vs. Keegan Swindell (BJJ Classic), Justin Rebolloso vs. Xavier Urias (UAEJJ San Antonio Trials 2013)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4x5v52Y4cFo

Official TXMMA Awards – Which is your choice for (M) TXMMA Submission of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Cody Williams – armbar on Brandon Mullins (NAGA)

Runners-up: Carlos Diego Ferreira – standing wristlock on Albert Hughes (BJJ Classic)

Shock … initial reaction when hearing I won submission of the year when the names that were in the category.  I’m going to compete in more grappling tournaments through 2014.  Thanks to all who support me in my career on the mat and in the cage. My gratitude as always to those who are working behind the scenes at TXMMA.com to give the athletes a platform for exposure and notoriety, my Jiu-Jitsu mentors and coaches Don Murphy, Greg Diaz, & Martin Walker of American Top Team Beaumont, TX & Alan Belcher & Michael Sanford of ABMMA in Mississippi.  And the man that made it all possible, Mike Berryhill (Owner ATT BMT). - Cody Williams

Official TXMMA Awards – Which is your choice for (F) TXMMA Submission of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Sarah Boyd – flying triangle on Gabi Mueller (Matshark)

Runners-up: Kayla De Leon – anaconda choke on Julie Rodriguez (GPG), Julia Ottolino – armbar on Gabi Mueller (Europa)

Official TXMMA Awards – Texas Ironman of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Daniel Alvarez (Alvarez BJJ)

Runners-up: Carlos Diego Ferreira (Team Ferreira / Atos), Jarrod Clontz (AFC / SMAA)

Official TXMMA Awards – Texas Ironwoman of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Danielle Alvarez (Alvarez BJJ)

Runners-up: Miriam Villar (Alvarez BJJ), Lora Hallock (Paragon Texas)

Official TXMMA Awards – Referee of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Brandon Quick

Runners-up: The field

Official TXMMA Awards – Seminar of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Nova Uniao Super Seminar

Runners-up: The Field

Official TXMMA Awards – Texas BJJ Brand of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: War Tribe Gear

Runners-up: Gameness, Fear Tapping Out, Dom Fight Gear

Official TXMMA Awards – Texas BJJ Sponsor of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: War Tribe Gear

Runners-up: Da Firma Kimono Company

 Official TXMMA Awards – BJJ Family of the Year

► 2013 TXMMA Awards Recognition

Alvarez Family, Urias Family, Tromble Family, Cordova Brothers, Machado Family, Yamashita Family, Oranday Family, Muller – Jimenez Family, Brennan Family, Wise Family

Official TXMMA Awards – Inspiring Grapplers of the Year

► 2013 TXMMA Awards Recognition

• Jarrod Clontz – always at tournament coaching, competing and working as a ref. Never missed a beat.
• Christopher Weinandt – a sensation in 2013, inspiring many people by training and competing in BJJ over the age of 60.
• Daniel Alvarez – Competing and representing Texas all over the world.
• Carlos Diego Ferreira – Traveling to compete at Worlds to compete with the best in the world the morning after fighting and beating a UFC veteran on national TV.

Official TXMMA Awards –Tournaments of the Year

The below tournaments are the ones we currently support as part of our TXMMA tournament season.

► 2013 TXMMA Awards Recognition

• World Grappling Circuit / Fight to Win
• American Grappling Federation
• Matshark Tournaments
• American Grappling Federation
• Grand Prix Grappling
• Gracie Grappling Cup

Official TXMMA Awards – the 2013 Community Service Award

► 2013 Award Recipient: Girls in Gis

Runners-up: The Field

Words can’t describe how honored we are to have won the 2013 TXMMA Fan’s Choice and Official TXMMA Community Service Award. Thank you all that voted for us! We deeply appreciate your continued support and we wouldn’t be able to do what we do if not for each and everyone in the BJJ community in Texas and as a whole. This is an honor we share with all of you. Thank you for your support and believing in the cause. Thank you to all the academies and hosts since 2009. Thank you to all of our valued sponsors for making this all possible and for helping us to expand. Thank you to our founder Ashley Freeman Nguyen. She had a vision and created a solid foundation for us to grow from; something that has touched the lives of so many and sprouted a sisterhood. Thank you also to Shama Ko for leading the charge and running with it. Thank you also to our Colorado chapter captain Milly Malloy for all that she has done for the Girls in Gis in Colorado and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community. Thank you to our biggest supporters and for their contribution to Girls in Gis. Last but not least thank you to all of the amazing girls of Girls in Gis. You are the heart and soul of Girls in Gis and together we can do anything! Best part is, we are just getting started!!! Thank you TXMMA and everyone that voted for Girls in Gis!

Official TXMMA Awards – Lifetime Achievement / TXMMA Hall of Fame

► 2013 Award Recipient: Pat “Hawk” Hardy

Runners-up: The Field

To the Staff of TXMMA.com: I would like to formally accept this very prestigious award that has been given me by both the Popular Vote & by the TXMMA Panel. To say I am thrilled is a understatement! I have thanked many for this Honor already,but I’d like to Thank once more all my students at the TPC, Royce , Rorion, Rener, & Ryron Gracie, all the people in this State who have worked , fought, & won alongside me putting Texas on the map in MMA & GJJ/BJJ. This award to me is right up there with being the first person ever given a Black Belt by Royce Gracie! It means that much to me! Thank you all! – Pat “Hawk” Hardy

By TXMMA Staff

2013 TXMMA Awards – Official Results (MMA Edition)

It’s been another great year for consistent growth in MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Submission
Grappling in 2013.

For us here at TXMMA.com (Texas Mixed Martial Arts), we’ve taken great joy in working, being there and watching our sport grow. It seems like with each passing year we only continue to evolve and become even larger and more competitive as a group here in the lone star state and we’re honored to be your primary source in reporting and covering all to it.

As we’ve done every year since 2011 we’ve put together our Annual TXMMA Awards in order to recognize outstanding achievers and those that continue to receive a massive amount of support for their competitive exploits.

Our process relating to these awards continues to evolve but our goal as always is to have the most fair, logical and consistent system possible is it relates to everyone we recognize. This includes an internal election process taking statistical evidence as the primary factor in placing our winners along with a People’s Choice piece recognizing some of the best by virtue of popular vote. We like to have both and feel they both represent a great honor and a nod to achievement.

Already posted, you can see our 2013 TXMMA Awards – MMA Edition People’s Choice winners here.

Now without further adieu we present to you our 2013 TXMMA Award Official Winners for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in the State of Texas.

2013 TXMMA Awards – Official Results (MMA Edition)

Official TXMMA Awards – Team of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Octagon MMA

Winner Stats:

Runner Up: Mohler MMA, 4OZ Fight Club, Team Tooke

Official TXMMA Awards – MMA Coach of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Sayif Saud

Winner Stats:

Runner Up: Allen Mohler, Jorge Patino

Official TXMMA Awards – Texas-Based UFC Fighter of the Year

photo: UFC.com, Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

► 2013 Award Recipient: Johny Hendricks

Winner Stats: 1-1 in 2013, beat Carlos Condit, UFC title fight vs. Georges St. Pierre

Runners Up: Tim Kennedy, Sean Spencer

Official TXMMA Awards – (M) Texas Pro Fighter of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Carlos Diego Ferreira

Winner Stats: 4-0, 2 TITLES in 2013

Runners Up: Leonard Garcia, Jared Rosholt, Damon Jackson

Official TXMMA Awards – (F) Texas Pro Fighter of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Lauren Murphy

Winner Stats: 4-0, 1 TITLE (Invicta) in 2013

Runners Up: Amber Stautzenberger, Alida Gray

Official TXMMA Awards – Pro Fight of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Carlos Diego Ferreira vs. Jorge Macaco Patino

Winner Stats: Lightweight title fight and main event at Legacy FC 25

Runners Up: Leonard Garcia vs. Nick Gonzalez (LFC 23

Official TXMMA Awards – (M) Pro Knockout of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient:  Geo Pacurariu vs. Steven Peterson

Winner Stats: Bantamweight fight at Legacy FC 19

Runners Up: Damacio Page vs. Patrick Ybarra (LFC 20)

Official TXMMA Awards – (F) Pro Knockout of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Jinh H Yu Frey vs. Darla Harris

Winner Stats: SCS 18

Runners Up: Holly Holm vs. Allanna Jones, Alida Gray vs. Soannia Tiem

I am honored to be the recipient of TXMMA’s pro female KO of the year, and the pro female rookie of the year. I’d like to thank all my friends, family, and fans who took the time to vote. I’d like to thank all my training partners for the countless hours spent drilling technique, explaining things to me, and preparing me. I would also like to say a special thanks to the following: Coach Mohler, for giving me a home at Mohler’s MMA. William Campuzano and Ross Grimsley, whom without their tutelage I would be a one dimensional fighter. Amber Stautzenberger, for being a driving force that makes me strive to new heights of performance. My husband, who has been a steady rock and mentor on this journey of mine. Lastly, the man upstairs who has blessed me with all these individuals who have helped me cultivate my craft. Oh, and the TXMMA staff for the hours and hours of work they put in to progress combat sports in Texas. – Jinh Yu

Official TXMMA Awards – Pro Submission of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Matt Lozano vs. Klayton Mai

Winner Stats: Legacy FC 17

Runners Up: Patrick Ybarra vs. Billy Buch, Damon Jackson vs. Javier Obregon

Thanks for selecting me as the TXMMA’s pro submission of the year. Team NG and I put a lot of work to get ready for the fight, my coach Chris Brennan put a master game plan together, and I go out and have fun. I’ll continue looking to finish and put on exciting fights in 2014, it’s what the fans want. – Matt “SMG” Lozano

Official TXMMA Awards – (M) Pro Rookie of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Chris Lopez

Winner Stats: 3-0 in 2013

Runners Up: Ryan Spann, Eric Valdez

Official TXMMA Awards – (F) Pro Rookie of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Jinh Yu Frey

Winner Stats: 2-0 in 2013

Runners Up: Alida Gray, Sabrina Garcia

I am honored to be the recipient of TXMMA’s pro female KO of the year, and the pro female rookie of the year. I’d like to thank all my friends, family, and fans who took the time to vote. I’d like to thank all my training partners for the countless hours spent drilling technique, explaining things to me, and preparing me. I would also like to say a special thanks to the following: Coach Mohler, for giving me a home at Mohler’s MMA. William Campuzano and Ross Grimsley, whom without their tutelage I would be a one dimensional fighter. Amber Stautzenberger, for being a driving force that makes me strive to new heights of performance. My husband, who has been a steady rock and mentor on this journey of mine. Lastly, the man upstairs who has blessed me with all these individuals who have helped me cultivate my craft. Oh, and the TXMMA staff for the hours and hours of work they put in to progress combat sports in Texas. – Jinh Yu

Official TXMMA Awards – (M) Amateur Fighter of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Camron Couch

Winner Stats: 4-0, 3 finishes, 2 TITLE in 2013

Runners Up: David Acosta, Leomana Martinez

Official TXMMA Awards – (F) Amateur Fighter of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Karen Kovach

Winner Stats: 3-0, 3 finishes in 2013

Runners Up: Stephanie Alba

Official TXMMA Awards – Amateur Fight of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Tim LeComte vs. Eric Leija

Winner Stats: Belts of Honorius 1

Runners Up: David Acosta vs. Christopher Rivera (LAM 12), Shawn Cool vs. Tommy Guerrero (PCG), Kolton Englund vs. Luis Lara (LAM 11)

Official TXMMA Awards – Amateur Knockout of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Kevin Holland vs. Terrance Moore

Winner Stats: BOH 2: Austin Championship

Runners Up: Blake Wells vs. Will Hastings (Xtreme Fight Club 6), Leomana Martinez vs. Preston Anderson (SCC 3)

I would like to thank my coaches and team mates for helping me train throughout the year and also wanna thank all of TXMMA team and staff for working so hard to make MMA that much better for the fans and fighters. TB Team Lutter – Kevin Holland

Official TXMMA Awards – Amateur Submission of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Sage Northcutt vs. Clarence Brown

Winner Stats: Legacy Amateur Series 13

Runners Up: Christian Sutton vs. Trevin Giles (Cage Combat 14)

I want to thank Mike Calimbas and everyone at txmma.com… thanks to them, athletes like myself have a chance for awards like this! I’m very proud and thankful, not only to be nominated but to receive this award especially due to the people that voted for me. I want to thank Jeff Messina and Revolution Dojo, as well as Kru Bob Perez from 4oz Fight Club… Also all of my training partners, especially my sister Colbey and Domingo Pilarte. Lastly, I want to thank Legacy for giving me the opportunity to fight for them. I hope to always remain humble and represent the Kingdom of Christ in all that I do! – Sage Northcutt

Official TXMMA Awards – (M) Amateur Rookie of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Camron Couch

Winner Stats: 4-0, 3 TKO, 2 TITLE in 2013

Runners Up: Leomana Martinez, Garrett Scott

Official TXMMA Awards – (F) Amateur Rookie of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Karen Kovach

Winner Stats: 3-0, 3 finishes in 2013

Runners Up: Brittany Robertson, Maylene Estudillo

Official TXMMA Awards – Female Pro Fight of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Amber Stautzenberger vs. Lacey Schuckman

Winner Stats: XKO 20

Runners Up: Tessa Simpson vs. Paulina Granados (LFC 23), Lauren Murphy vs. Jennifer Scott (LFC 18)

It has been my distinguished honor to have been awarded the 2013 “Female Fight of the Year”.  Words cannot describe the incredible year that I experienced in MMA, and now to be honored with this award. My fight with Lacey Schuckman is my biggest win to date. It was a hard fought battle on both ends. I have nothing but respect for her. I hope to have many more fights with the type of entertainment. Thanks to AmmoToGo.com, M. King Construction, Gamma Labs, MouthpieceGuy.com, Core Physical Medicine, #IAmFritzFowler, TUSSLE,  M. Holcomb, RN, FNP-C – Inova Richardson, and of course ALL my fans! Personal thanks to Coach Allen Mohler, Coach Joe Garcia, Will Campuzano, and Tristan Grimsley who take time out of their days to help me progress as a fighter. Without my fans, family, coaches, and teammates’ unwavering support I would not have been able to achieve all I have done so far. I want to give TXMMA a big thank you as I accept the 2013 “Female Fight of the Year” award. – Amber Stautzenberger

Official TXMMA Awards – Female Amateur Fight of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Colbey Northcutt vs. Brandi Cobos

Winner Stats: Legacy Amateur Series 14

Runners Up: Halleigh Haak vs. Jamie Buckey (Rage At The Osage), River Fuller vs. Nicole Duffy (BOH 2)

Thank you to everyone that voted for me! It’s an honor for me to accept this award let alone to be nominated for it. I can’t wait to keep fighting and continually getting closer to all of my goals in MMA. Thanks to everyone at Revolution Dojo, Jeff Messina and Domingo Pilarte, as well as Kru Bob Perez from 4oz fight club for training me, coaching me and for all of the support. Also thanks to my brother Sage who is my training partner and to my dad for always getting me the best training I can possibly get and for believing in me. Most importantly thank you to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, because without him nothing is possible! – Colbey Northcutt

Official TXMMA Awards – Breakthrough Fighter of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Ryan Benoit

Winner Stats: FOTN and $100,000 bonus in his UFC debut

Runners Up: Matthew Hobar, Frank Trevino

Thank you Mike Calimbas and the TXMMA.com for presenting me with the 2013 Breakthrough Fighter of the Year Award. I’ve been after this award! It’s such a huge, huge honor to finally win! 2013 was a busy year for me in and outside of fighting. I finally got to show case some of skills on the biggest stage possible. The year’s results may not have been perfect but I couldn’t be more proud of myself. Winning this award was the sweetest icing on the cake and I look forward to showing the world what else I can do. Big thank you to all my coaches, trainer and training partners. Also big thanks to my manager Oren Hodak from KO Reps for exposing me to the world. – Ryan Benoit

Official TXMMA Awards – Ironman Fighter of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Carlos Diego Ferreira

Winner Stats: 4 fights, 2 TITLE and back-to-back BJJ tourneys day after fights in 2013

Runner Up: Jorge ‘Macaco’ Patino

Official TXMMA Awards – Comeback Fighter of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Leonard Garcia

Winner Stats: 3 straight wins in Texas following 5 straight losses in UFC

Runner Up: William Campuzano, Brian Melancon, Cody Williams

Official TXMMA Awards – Moment of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Johny Hendricks takes GSP to controversial split decision
Winner Stats: UFC 167 Main Event for the Welterweight Championship
Runner Up: Ryan Benoit earns FOTN and $100,000 bonus in UFC debut

Official TXMMA Awards – Promoter of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Mick Maynard

Winner Stats: President of Legacy Fighting Championship, Legacy Amateur Series

Runner Up: The Field

Official TXMMA Awards – Professional Event of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Legacy Fighting Championship 25

Winner Stats: 9 fights, 5 finishes, 1 title fight

Runner Up: 24/7: Enemy of the State, Legacy FC 19

Official TXMMA Awards – Amateur Event of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Legacy Amateur Series 13

Winner Stats: 15 fights, 10 finishes, 2 title fights

Runner Up: SCC 4, Cage Combat 14, BOH 2, Elite Amateur Combat 5

Official TXMMA Awards – State Official (Inspector/Official) of the Year

► 2013 Award Recognition:

Greg Alvarez, Arturo Martinez, Roberto Tapia, Gus Calderon

On behalf our own team at the TDLR we want to THANK YOU to TXMMA for recognizing Greg, Dickie, Arturo and myself for these awards. We are thankful for all the people who took time and voted and thought of us. Every time a Boxing or MMA event is held in Texas, a team of TDLR officials (Referees, Timekeepers, Judges, Inspectors and Program specialist) come together to manage uphold the rules and regulations that have been put in made for the safety of the sport and its combatants. I have now been with the state as a contracted inspector for 6 years and have seen MMA grow from around 6 shows in the state per month to now having up to 6 per week in the state. The sport is only growing faster from the amateur level to the pros every day and that’s pretty cool so on behalf of the TDLR, thanks to all the fans for your continued support. – Gus Calderon

Official TXMMA Awards – State Official (Referee/Judge) of the Year

► 2013 Award Recipient: Jake Montalvo

Winner Stats:

Runner Up: Kerry Hatley , Don Turnage

Official TXMMA Awards – MMA Sponsor of the Year

► 2013 Award Recognition:

WarTribe Gear, Ready Every Second, Ammo to Go, Furious Brand

We just want to thank all of our fans and supporters that helped us achieve these honors and want you to know we’re going to keep charging forward to provide great products, support and positive vibes for you guys in the community! Thank you for your support! – War Tribe Gear

Official TXMMA Awards –2013 Community Service Award

► 2013 Award Recipient: Enlightened Warriors

Winner Stats: Opened up Austin Soup Kitchen, Used MMA events for charity funding

Runner Up: CDM Boxing Center, Marcia Ogasawara

Official TXMMA Awards – Lifetime Achievement Award / TXMMA Hall of Fame

► 2013 Award Recipient: Guy Mezger

Past Winners: Steve Armstrong, Saekson Janjira

By TXMMA Staff

Wu MMA’s Francisco Corona talks about his passion for the sport and how he wants to help those that want to make it in MMA

HOUSTON, TX, February 26, 2014 – The MMA industry is a tough one to do business in. Basically you have to really love the sport to want to invest in it. Now we’re not saying it’s impossible. All business is hard. But for most entrepreneurs in MMA, their business is also most definitely their passion and that’s what led them to it in the first place.

Such is the case with Francisco Corona. Better known as Paco around the Houston mixed martial arts scene, he’d always taken an interest in martial arts. Even as a kid he was already training and as he grew older his love for traditional martial arts training over into mixed martial arts. And as he grew older he knew that he wanted to somehow be involved with MMA as a means to provide for himself and his family. Now this didn’t come with any delusions of grandeur. He’s proficient in the arts but he was never going to be the next Anderson Silva. And he didn’t want to be the next Dana White either. But even then he wanted to contribute. What he wanted to do was indentify a niche, start slow and build up a clientele, and then establish a real presence those in the MMA community could look for support. And that’s how Wu MMA was born.

A brick-and-mortar retail mixed martial arts store, Wu MMA began a few years ago without a real place to call home. Along with the help of a few others including his brother, Francisco Corona would go from tournament to tournament and fight night to fight night selling his gear. Eventually he able to open up a satellite location but it wasn’t until recently that he’s fully been able to realize his dream of opening up a store location capable of serving the Houston MMA market to the degree that he wanted to. And now he wants to be the premier provider of retail MMA apparel and training gear in the region.

Learn more about Francisco Corona and the Wu MMA story through our interview with him below.

TXMMA Interview – Francisco Corona – Wu MMA

TXMMA – Thanks for talking to us Paco. Tell us a little bit about your involvement in MMA and how it led you Wu MMA.

Paco Corona – I’ve always been in involved in martial arts. I have been practicing and competing in martial arts for all my life, and opening a store to somehow be in the game, it has always been the dream of my life.

TXMMA – How did Wu MMA come about? What were you doing before this and why did you want to open up here locally?

Paco Corona – I was a full time student until last semester at UH Main Campus, I was majoring Kinesiology Sport Management, but I had to take a break, in order to dedicate my time to the store for right now.  Also I have been bartending in different restaurants and night clubs for years; actually it is how I saved money to start WU-MMA. I still bartend on the weekends but I want to support the fighters in the community too. I really like that they (fighters) have a dream and work very hard for it, especially the ones that are good role models for everyone. I want to do everything I can to help them so that’s one of the reasons we started in this business – so those interested in the sport have a local place they can go for anything they need. Especially here in Houston MMA is growing crazy fast in number and quality (of fighters and events).I love that there are World Class coaches and fighters all around Houston.

TXMMA – You’re right. There are events almost every month now. Do you go to a lot of the fights to promote Wu MMA?

Paco Corona – Honestly I really love to go to all these events period. I’m a fan. Also for Wu MMA I really think it is important to take my products to where the people are.  Something else very cool is that I always get to meet great people in all these events and it is a good way people know about us. We’re definitely happy to be a part of this community.

TXMMA – Can you tell us a bit about your store, specifically for anyone who hasn’t been there yet?

Paco Corona – Okay. Wu MMA is a mixed martial arts supply store. It’s a place for those that train in all kinds of martial arts and MMA. You can get all kinds of gear and accessories here from boxing gloves to MMA shorts, Muay thai shorts, Gis, mouth guards and everything you need to train. If you’re a more of a fan we also have some cool stuff for you also. We produce our own brand WU Pro fighting gear and also we carry a lot of brands like Hayabusa, Venum, Cleto Reyes, Jaco, Ringside, Yokkao, BadBoy, Everlast, Damage Control, Revgear and more.

TXMMA – Where are you guys located?

Paco Corona – WU-MMA “Fighter’s World” is located 6423 Richmond Ave Ste S Houston TX 77057 – less than 10 minutes from the Galleria. It is a very easy to find us so stop by!

TXMMA – How can people find out more about WU MMA? Do you have any special deals for website shoppers or anything else our readers should be aware of?

Paco Corona – You can visit our shop or also check us out online at www.wu-mma.com. If you have any questions feel free to call us at the store at (832) 848-2691 or even my cell phone (832)794-0188. I would be happy to assist you. Also we have a special this month for anyone that finds us about us through this article. Just use the code “txmma” when purchasing. Thanks TXMMA!

New IBJJWF organization created with a mandate on improving BJJ for all women

March 5, 2014 – Since first becoming popular through the efforts of the Gracie family in America, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s popularity has grown exponentially. As the sport gets bigger it is also becoming better organized for the benefit of all those who have fallen in love with the gentle art.  The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Women’s Federation (IBJJWF) is an organization that was recently formed to help improve the female side of BJJ.

The IBJJWF is an international organization with offices in Los Angeles, Rio de Janeiro and Miami that have the simple mission of making female BJJ bigger and better for all to enjoy. We caught up with Luciana Bassoli, one of the organization’s founders, to find out more about the IBJJWF.

Bassoli, who is a 4th degree black belt in BJJ under Joe Moreira and a 2nd degree black belt in Judo has a vision to take women’s BJJ to the next level, and has enlisted the help of people throughout the country, and globe, including Texas’s own Georgette Oden to get the IBJJWF there. Here is what she had to say to us.

TXMMA Interview – Luciana Bassoli (IBJJWF)

TXMMA:  What is the IBBJJWF?

LB:  IBJJWF stands for International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Women’s Federation. It’s an Organization created based on the need of an organized representation for women in the sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

TXMMA:  What is the principal aim of this organization?

LB: Our main goal is to provide a platform for women to thrive in the sport. We understand that maybe we would never be equal in number, although, we can definitely raise the quality of services that have already been provided to women, as well as create unique services that will meet our needs to grow in the sport.

TXMMA: What motivated you guys to create this organization?

LB: I’ve been in the sport of BJJ for over 21 years and learned my 1st cross choke over 29 years ago. I came from an already established 127-year-old organization which the same way as BJJ it took a while for women to started to be accepted as practitioners and teachers. I was lucky enough to see it starting from the beginning, and since the beginning, we girls had to fight hard to have our space in the bjj sun. Having experienced all that and being able to see how far women could get in Judo definitely was my biggest motivation.

TXMMA: Who are the people behind it?

LB: I have invited Holli Noel to be co-founder of the federations. Holli is founder of the charity, Project Three Kings (Projeto Tres Reis), who has been involved in BJJ for 5 years, and is a blue belt under Gracie Barra, Naples, Florida.  She has a degree in Marketing, and has experience in international expansion for BJJ teams from Brazil, into Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, England and the Middle-East.  She and I have been sharing our positive and negative experiences in BJJ. Her energy is contagious and she has proven she can get stuff done! I thought about opening a group on Facebook but watching the Ski Jump US women’s team overcoming their struggle made me have this wonderful idea of opening an International Federation. Not to be the “queen of anything”, I decided to make it a collaborative effort, anyone can add their input, any help and suggestions are very much appreciated. I bought the web domain names and we created the Facebook page this week, and in less than 48 hours 2000 + likes!  Here we are… the rest is history!

TXMMA: Does the IBJJWF hold any relationship with the IBJJF?

LB: Not yet. Just want to make sure people understand that we are here NOT to go against IBJJF or any other BJJ Organization. We do not hold anyone’s school’s flag. We are here to serve the common good of BJJ. We are here to work together to help expand BJJ around the world in the most unbiased way as possible, not forgetting that our main cause is WBJJ.

TXMMA:  Is the IBJJWF a non-profit or a for profit model like other jiu-jitsu organizations?

LB: We want the government to be less involved as possible. I believe we can survive independently whether the government gives us grant/loans or not. Transforming it into a NPO… It’s not an option that I will eliminate, but for now we are a For-Profit because after all, even Non-profit Organizations need to make a profit. Our goals are very non-profit oriented, we do plan to have a lot of charity events but we are a business and we are going to operate as a business that wants to be very successful.

TXMMA:  What goals do you guys have for your first year in existence?

LB: Structure, Restructure, Sponsors, 1st Tournament, Expand, Expand.

TXMMA: What are the principal long term goals for the IBJJWF

LB: Oh my, we’d like to take over the world! lol No serious…we do! Spreading the movement as much as we can without losing quality and control.

TXMMA:  How can people get involved and help grow this project?

LB: We are fairly new and still in the process of structuring ourselves but anyone can help, either taking leadership in an area, or writing us a a proposed suggestion. Also donating money or any material we could give or sell to generate an income to cover our expenses and support the athletes and people involved that don’t have means to stay active in the sport. 

TXMMA:  Is there anything else you would like to add?

LB: We are overwhelmed and grateful with the amount of people who wants to get involved and help. Thank you! Let’s keep moving forward to a better place for all of us!

Photo: Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

UFC fighter Will Campuzano hosting “Get Empowered” Seminar to combat sexual abuse

DALLAS, TX, March 25, 2014 – William Campuzano (Mohler’s MMA, 13-5) has teamed up with Hope For The Silent Voices in order to combat sex trafficking. Campuzano has enlisted the help of some of his friends, like UFC veteran Ryan Benoit and female standouts Jinh Yu Frey and Amber Stautzenberger in order to put together a special seminar to help the  unfortunate victims of these types of crimes. This is a cause that is very important to the Texas-based featherweight fighter and he wanted to share his own experiences with our readers in order to motivate the Texas Mixed Martial Arts community to help him make a difference. This is Will, in his own words:

My name is William Campuzano and I’m currently among the best flyweights in the world and I fight for UFC. My next fight is March 15th, at the American Airline Center in Dallas, TX. I will be fighting Justin Scoggins (8­0) who is the fifth undefeated prospect in my last six fights. It is a fight I must win because not only is it in my backyard but my reputation stands on it. It’s my second chance in the UFC and I still haven’t secured a win. I’ve spent my whole adulthood working towards this goal. There is nothing in the world I want more than to have a long successful UFC career. The rest of my life hangs on the outcome of one night? I wouldn’t have it any other way. Where I am today is a direct result of events in my past. What happened was a very long time ago, but before we start talking about that l’d like to take a moment to personally thank Eric Lyons for having the patience to wait for me and never once allowing the degradation of my mind and soul.

Abuse comes in many different forms. Mine came via a sexual predator. My first sexual experience was with a man – I got taken advantage of. My first reaction was shame followed by guilt. I was a young boy and I felt like I couldn’t tell anyone. I didn’t want to tell anyone because no one could ever know my secret, so that’s how I kept it. I remember the first couple of years after it happened… I was paranoid and I was always careful about my actions and gestures. As I got older this became easier because of disassociation with my own emotions. Soon I was like a rock; no one could hurt me and if there was anyone who was going to do the hurting it was me. I became a bully of the nastiest kind. When I got older my hate totally consumed every breath of air I’d taken. I had become extremely violent and it was more than seeking blood; it was how I had learned to live.

See, abuse can happen to anyone – boy or girl. If you have been abused or know someone who has please tell them about our seminar “Get Empowered” to benefit Hope for the Silent Voices on March 9. We will provide lessons in self-defense and cardio.  We will teach a curriculum for all women, and not necessarily those who work out or train, but females or males looking to make a difference in their own lives. It will be something everyone can take home and apply if it ever was necessary. I believe in protecting our women and children so bring the whole family! There will something for everyone.

If you’re interested in attending the seminar here is some more information:

SELF DEFENSE * CONDITIONING * NUTRITIONAL SEMINAR

Benefiting Hope for the Silent Voices

• Date: Sunday March 9th, 2014 at 1:00pm – 4:00pm
• Place: Mohler MMA
• 989 W. Sandy Lake Rd. Suite 400
• Coppell, TX 75019
• Contact: adi@willcampuzano.com

Featuring: UFC Fighters: Will Campuzano and Ryan Benoit and Pro Fighters Amber Stautzenberger and Jinh H Yu Frey.

• Fee: $75 includes seminar, Will Campuzano Fight Shirt, Raffle Entry
• Register: http://www.willcampuzano.com/seminars/
• Coupon code: Hope25 for a 25% discount

By TXMMA Staff

Premiere Combat Group returns to San Antonio on March 19^th

SAN ANTONIO, TX, March 18, 2014 – Mixed Martial Arts action returns to Cowboys Dance Hall in Antonio on March 29th. That will be the date Premiere Combat Group hosts their first show of 2014.

We recently caught up with Premiere Combat Group’s Trevor Bird who shared his thoughts on the future of PCG following the departure of his longtime co-promoter Jennifer Ray. In the following, Trevor shares with us the they’ve made as of late and what San Antonio fight fans can look forward to in the near future starting with this upcoming show.

As it turns out, MMA in San Antonio is alive and well, and PCG isn’t planning on going anywhere for quite some time.

TXMMA Interview – Trevor Bird (Premiere Combat Group)

TXMMA – How does it feel to be headed to your first card of the year?

Trevor Bird – The first card of the year is still the most exciting.  It potentially sets the tone for the rest of the year.  The brand that Jennifer (Ray) helped build with PCG is something really special and while I’m excited for her in her new role with Legacy, it is time for PCG to step it up even more.  We have built an incredible advisory board made up of local MMA leaders and a current UFC fighter that have all brought great new ideas to the company.

TXMMA – What do you envision as PCG’s role within the San Antonio fight community?

Trevor Bird – For us, it was always about the sport and fighters.  8 years ago when “Jesse” James Lejia partnered with us it was to bring the first pro MMA event to San Antonio because no one else was doing it … We were huge fans that wanted to see live, local events.  That original focus of developing great opportunities for fighters while creating amazing experiences and memory for fans is what it is still all about.

TXMMA – Let’s fast-forward to today. It seems like there have been some changes for sure. Care to share with us some of them? What else are you looking forward to in the future?

Trevor Bird – Big changes!  We brought Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone from the UFC and Yancey Lawhorn from MMAOVERLOAD onto our current leadership team – which is additionally made up of Danny Perez from Cowboys Dancehall and the Gottsacker Brothers (Rugger & PJ) of Harley-Davidson).  Our biggest change is the new PCG matchmaker, Greg Reid! With over 20 years of impeccable service to our Country through the Marines, Navy and much more it is unbelievably humbling to have Greg on the team.  In addition to that, his love and passion for MMA is stronger than almost anyone I know.  Not to mention he has already successfully raised one PCG champion in Parker “Spiderman” Reid.  Greg has already brought a lot to PCG – mostly focused on making it a greater experience for the fighters.

I look forward to continuing to throw some of the best produced MMA events in Texas and giving some consideration to adding a pro show back to the mix.  At this point we plan to focus on four shows a year in San Antonio … Operating two Harley-Davidson dealerships, growing our charity, For the Love of Kids and Harleys, and for me personally, trying to raise a young family (Millie, 3 and Reece, 2). It makes it difficult to commit to much more right now so I’ve got my hands full!

TXMMA – How would you describe a PCG show to someone who’s never been before?

Trevor Bird – You cannot explain it … You have to attend.  Cowboys Dancehall has been an amazing partner and invested significantly in production assets to make it a great show.  It has a very underground fight club feel with a twist of a heavy metal show all happening in the middle of the largest country dancehall in Texas. For us it is all about the fighters and experience.  We give our first 20 front row seats to the Wounded Warriors program and donated thousands of dollars to local charities last year alone.  The Harley-Davidson dealerships are our daily business … PCG is our passion. We hope the fans have a really good time at our shows.

TXMMA – Are there any fights in particular you’re personally looking forward to on March 29^th?

Trevor Bird – I’m REALLY excited to see Kevin Holland and Billy “Bear” fight for the Championship. They have both won PCG fights recently and I expect them to bring their best.  We pushed hard to make this fight happen.

TXMMA – Thanks for taking the time to talk to us Trevor. Any last words?

Trevor Bird – We want this to be the best experience for the fighters and cannot do it without the energy and enthusiasm of the fans.  That is why we keep our tickets so inexpensive: advanced tickets only $15 for GA and $35 for Ringside.  Please come out and support our fighters and we guarantee you will have an amazing time.

Premiere Combat Group – March 29^th Event Details

Premiere Combat Group presents our first amateur MMA event of 2014: Saturday, March 29th at Cowboys Dancehall San Antonio. Proudly sponsored by Gruene Harley-Davidson and Javelina Harley-Davidson. Tickets go on sale today. Advanced ringside seats are only $35 and expected to sell out before doors open. Hope to see you there! — at Cowboys Dancehall – San Antonio.

Premiere Combat Group – Updated Fight Card for March 29, 2014 

• William Clark (Brazilian Top Team) vs. Dakota Ranallo (Epic BJJ Academy)
• Sam Garcia (Spartan Pit) vs. Dylan Ashburn (Epic BJJ Academy)
• Anthony Ivy (Battle Tactics Academy) vs. Chris Eby (Dominion MMA)
• Fatima Mallett (Luling Mixed Martial Arts ) vs. Laurie Ashby (Battle Tactics Academy)
• David Miramontes (South Side Fight Club) vs. Alfred Landin (Spartan Pit)
• Tim Friesenhahn (Luling Mixed Martial Arts) vs. Darian Talbott (Battle Tactics Academy)
• Jason Brown (South Side Fight Club) vs. Jerrick Warden (New Braunfels Brawlers)
• Matthew Ramirez (Spartan Pit) vs. Steve Ellis (Dominion MMA)
• Jeremy Oulette (Dominion MMA) vs. Roldan Abundis (Gracie Barra)
• Jerry Cortez (Brazilian Top Team) vs. Jay Martinez (Mendez Martial Arts)
• Stephanie Builderback (Dominion MMA) vs. Dominique Gallaher (Spartan Pit)
• Dominic Williamson (Mendez Martial Arts) vs. Nick Dixon (Ultimate Training Systems)
• Colt Gillis (Arts of Defense) vs. Micah Barro (Ft Hood Fight House)

Change on the horizon; TDLR meets with fight community March 24^th in Houston

Houston, TX, March 25, 2014 – The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has come under the microscope as of late due to mounting controversies and ensuing complaints from members of the Texas fight community.  Texas fight fans can rest assured that TDLR cares. The main regulatory body for combat sports in the state recently hosted a town hall-style open hearing where people were invited to voice their opinions on how to help the TDLR be a better agency. The first in a series of three meetings took place in Houston, Texas on Monday, March 24th.

The first hearing was hosted by Brian Francis, the Executive Deputy Director of the TDLR and the regulatory body’s second in command and two other high-ranking officials who met with those in attendance to discuss everything that the TDLR is doing wrong and how things can be improved. The TDLR officials talked with members of the Texas MMA community for over three hours, and took the complaints being expressed seriously. Houston’s fight scene was well represented, by promoters, fighters, coaches, fans and members of the press in attendance all coming together in hopes of improving how combat sports are handled in Texas.

It was good to see people like Mick Maynard, Collin Cantrell, Chris Reed, Jeremy Mahon, Christian Sutton, Patrick Patlan and many others coming together in order to bring attention to the problems currently plaguing the Texas combat sports scene. The meeting was overall positive and awareness was raised on many issues that those within the scene have long been complaining about. We encourage our readers to look up when the next hearing will be and go show support for Texas MMA. The members of TDLR hosting the hearing wanted to impress upon everyone there that they’re here to help drive the industry forward not hinder its progress.

Some of the main points discussed during the meeting included:

• Disambiguating rule 61.30
• Establishing 5 minute rounds as a norm in Texas
• Allowing for Pro-Amateur mixed cards
• Holding TDLR officials accountable for abuse of power
• Not allowing officials to take lunch breaks while fighters are waiting to weigh-in after grueling weight cuts
• Creating continuing education courses for TDLR officials
• Opening channels of communication between the TDLR and people in the industry

The TDLR has already begun opening channels of communication with the people they serve. Aside from open hearings like the one we just attended, the TDLR has also created a website (http://imagine.tdlr.texas.gov/) for people to sound off with comments, questions and complaints. All in all we feel as if the TDLR is taking steps in the right direction and it intends to run a tighter ship so that some of the questionable actions of the past don’t happen again.

Check out this interview with TDLR Executive Deputy Director Brian Francis where we discuss the overall takeaways from the meeting:

By TXMMA STAFF

Legacy Fighting Championship acquired by Zuffa; Holly Holm joining UFC following Legacy FC 30 title fight

HOUSTON, TX, – In a move sure to shock many Texas MMA fans, it was recently announced that the UFC has purchased the Legacy Fighting Championship. The Mick Maynard led promotion has been in existence since November 10, 2006. It was then that they hosted their first event at Hurricane Harry’s in College Station under the moniker of Lonestar Beatdown. Fast forward to 2014 and the promotion has come a long way in the eight years since then. To date there has been 29 shows held under the Legacy FC banner along with 15 Legacy Amateur Series shows. That’s on top of the 29 shows (2 pro / 17 amateur) that hosted under Lonestar Beatdown.

With a trip to Albuquerque, NM this Saturday for Legacy Fighting Championship 30 on tap, the promotion felt now was the right time to announce the news:

“Holly Holm is fighting for our title against Juliana Werner this Saturday at Route 66 Casino and we couldn’t be more excited,” said Maynard. “She’s a future UFC star and probably the most intriguing future opponent for Ronda Rousey so we’re excited to continue to see her progress. We’re confident she’s going to continue to be a star in the UFC and we’re extremely grateful as we are with all our fighters that she chose to fight for us at Legacy FC. I don’t know when she’s debut (in the UFC) but they’re looking at later this year.”

Moving on, Mick did not discuss the details of the UFC purchase but did state business would operate as usual for the time being with even more expansion ahead. There has been talk about Legacy FC becoming an official feeder league for the Ultimate Fighting Championship and there’s also speculation regarding how Legacy’s broadcast partner AXS TV might be involved. It seems that will all continue to be developed organically until a specific roadmap for the future is ready to be announced publicly.

“We just did our first show in Tulsa and now we’re headed to Albuquerque. We’ve also got Louisiana and Mississippi coming up so we’re going to stay busy no matter what’s going on with the back-end. It’s funny, I recently told my wife that if I ever planned 3 shows in 3 weeks again that she should smack me but we’re going to be moving faster than we’ve ever moved for the rest of this year. It’s kind of sad that I’ll be missing a few more (son’s) soccer games but hopefully all this sacrifice will be worth it for me, him and our entire family. Actually I know it will. Lots of good times and great fights ahead!”

Good times and great fights indeed. That’s what it’s been about for the Texas-based organization for the past eight years. Maynard started out to build a Legacy and that he has.

Check out this video of Mick Maynard regarding the origins of the Legacy Fighting Championship below:
 

 

By TXMMA Staff

Newly-minted Royce Gracie black belt pushes forward in his martial arts journey

SUGAR LAND, TX, April 10, 2014 – Achieving the rank of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt is one of the toughest challenges in martial arts. For most it takes years and years to get there. And it’s tough along the way, with trials and tribulations, injuries and more. You’ve got to love and live the art to get to that level. Then we you get there it starts all over again.

That pretty much describes the story of our current instructor in focus, Chad Kight. Starting his BJJ journey over 18 years ago, Chad has progressed to becoming the head instructor of his own academy, Sugarland Mixed Martial Arts (SLMMA). He also recently obtained his black belt under original UFC winner Royce Gracie.

We caught up with Chad recently to get his perspective on what it took to get to where is along with where he plans to go from here on out.

TXMMA Interview – Chad Kight (Head Instructor, Sugarland MMA)

TXMMA – Chad, congratulations on recently receiving your black belt under Royce (Gracie). Tell us a bit about your training background.

Chad Kight – I’ve been training BJJ for 18 years now. Actually it was 18 years back in January so now a little over, you know how time flies when you’re having fun! I earned my Black Belt with Royce Gracie in December 2013. There was a gathering in Miami at Gracie HQ with Royce and about 25 of his black belts from around the world. Even GM Helio Gracie’s best friend and fellow GM Pedro Valente Sr. was there. To finally earn my black belt with all of them watching was indescribable. It’s been a lot of years of training, sweating, bleeding, breaking and healing so it means a lot and that’s an understatement. It was a great day but the black belt is just the beginning. Now it starts all over again.

TXMMA –Was this (martial arts) always something you’ve loved?

Chad Kight – I always liked martial arts and fighting. Even before I found out about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu I was a kid taking Karate classes at the local boys and girls club in El Campo, TX.  So that desire to train has been there a while.  It’s kind of hard to put into words or rewind back to the age of 10 years old but I’ve always known this was going to be my life. I always believed that with the discipline to train anything is possible. Life has its ups and downs but when you know what you love to do and commit yourself to it you’ll go down a natural path. You’re only a product of what you’ve been thinking and doing the most.  As far as training and teaching…There are easier things to do out there but it is the most rewarding lifestyle for me and I wouldn’t change a thing. Training has shaped my life in more ways than I can name.  It is the back bone of everything that I do, the way I eat, and the way that I think.  Training Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is a lifestyle and a way of living both on and off the mat.  It has helped me handle all of life opposition much easier.  With training, all areas of life get better and continue to grow.

TXMMA – You seem to be pretty philosophical with your approach. Practically, how do you think training Gracie Jiu-Jitsu might benefit the average person?

Chad Kight – It depends what standpoint we are talking from. Helio Gracie’s stand up Jiu-Jitsu curriculum that I teach benefits everyone. Even though we do sport Jiu-Jitsu and MMA, a lot of times the competition aspect isn’t for everyone. Not everybody cares about scoring points in a tournament setting or fighting with rounds, in fact some care nothing at all about competing.  Some people only seek training to gear up for a real fight or self-defense situation.  This is beautiful and the true essence Jiu-Jitsu that it can help so many people in a real world sense. I believe in Jiu-Jitsu because I know from my own experience that it works and is king of the martial arts world.  I have also been training boxing, kick boxing, JKD, and kali for many years but those are simply hobbies. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is a way of life to me.

TXMMA – Speaking of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, tell us about how you got involved with and Royce originally.

Chad Kight – I first got introduced to Royce when my friend Pat (Hawk) Hardy invited me over to his academy way back when. I was just a white belt then but I instantly believed in what Royce was teaching.  I received my blue belt from Royce and continued training under his guidance with every one of my ranks up to the recent Black Belt and it’s been an amazing journey. I’ve trained with plenty of people but it was his family that brought the art here to America so to me it’s always been one and the same.  I have been around some of the best fighters in the world and training at different places with Royce and other people from our Team network. It has been an amazing experience.

TXMMA – Tell us more about Sugarland Mixed Martial Arts. How’s it going and what do you see as the future for SLMMA?

Chad Kight – My school is going great, everyone is eager to learn and getting better daily.  The team is getting bigger and with such a great group of students, friends, and members here we can’t go wrong.  Even though we all come from all different walks of life we all show up to this place every day for the same reasons.  Everyone here has the discipline to get better and the drive to succeed, they create a positive and uplifting atmosphere that is hard to stop.  For the future of SLMMA I see more locations in the future and more positive energy going into life. That’s what it’s all about. Just got to keep living!

TXMMA – What about yourself? Any plans to compete on the sport scene in the future?

Chad Kight – Well like you know the school takes a lot of my attention, I train several hundred guys and girls each week so that can get to be a full-time job with running the business too.  My focus as coach and school owner is to keep building so right now my main focus is giving back to my students and focusing on making them better but I think yes I will still compete too when the time is right.

TXMMA – What advice do you have for anyone looking to pick a school to join?

Chad Kight – I would tell them to go try out and try all the places they want to consider.  They have to find a place that they like to be at. Everyone should choose a place that they feel comfortable training at all-around. It’s like picking a family so it’s not a decision to take likely.

TXMMA – Going further, why should they pick SLMMA to train with you? What would that mean to them?

Chad Kight – It would mean that they are drinking straight from the source.  The techniques that Royce gives me I give to them.

TXMMA – Thanks for the interview and congratulations again. Anything else you would like to share?

Chad Kight – Just that I am very thankful for all my Jiu-Jitsu friends and family that helped me along in this journey.  There are too many of you too name but everyone is appreciated very much.  Jiu-Jitsu has given me everything I need including all the amazing people in my life…. God Bless.

By TXMMA Staff

He’s not done yet but Huerta looking to life after fighting by building up program at Millennium Martial Arts

Angel Huerta | photo: Paul Erickson

| photo: Paul Erickson

HOUSTON, TX, April 14, 2014 – Living the life of a martial artist should extend well past competition. Nobody can compete forever and yet martial arts should be a lifelong passion. For Angel Huerta, that’s exactly what it is and he’s setting himself up for a long term future by expanding out beyond just fighting.

Houston MMA fans should know Angel Huerta by now. He’s built up a 6-2 record fighting almost exclusively for the Legacy Fighting Championship. He’s built up a reputation as a feared striker stemming back from his days in the World Combat League and continuing on in his MMA career. He’s also known as one of the more popular fighters coming out of Houston in recent years.

Huerta has earned all those individual accolades but now he wants people to know him for another reason as well. He wants those around to know him as someone who helps develop champions through his program at Millennium Martial Arts.

“I started teaching 11 years ago at a community center and now we are here,” says Huerta.

Having just moved to a bigger location Angel is now placing a bigger emphasis on his MMA program to add to his traditional martial arts core. First they added kickboxing and submission grappling but now have advanced striking classes in addition to overall MMA training.

Jeff Rexroad | photo: Paul Erickson

“We brought in (former Legacy FC welterweight champ) Jeff Rexroad to run the MMA classes here. The plan is to have everything we need to develop winners. With Jeff’s knowledge of MMA grappling and MMA and my diverse striking as well as MMA knowledge it’s a recipe for winning. We are on the same page as far as what athletes need to make them perform at a high level. There is going to be a system. We will be able to coach our competitors because we know what they know because everything is there for them.  When someone wearing our logo shows up to compete it will be because we agree they are ready. I’m confident that we are building something special here at Millennium and I’d say we’ll have our 1st group of amateurs ready by June for their 1st fight.”

“The future has no limits. We are thankful and happy but not satisfied. Success is the only goal. I want our place to be the best. Not better or bigger than anyone else, just the best. It’s hard to describe it but my boxing coach told me once that he doesn’t want to be rich. He just wants to be respected. It’s the same here. If anyone out there wants to be a part of our team give us a shout!”

By Felix Rodriguez | Cover photo by Susumi Nagao

Discussing the pros and cons of the three-point rule and fighter safety with Chas Skelly and Chris Reed

DALLAS, TX, April 29, 2014 – The sport of mixed martial arts has come a long way from its over the top Mortal Kombat-meets-Bloodsport inspired beginnings. Since the first UFC card aired in 1993 the sport slowly began to evolve and develop a set of rules that would eventually become the unified rules of Mixed Martial Arts. These rules were added organically to build on the initial no eye-gouging and no biting starting point and have grown into a complex list of rules and regulations meant to ensure fighter safety and help the sport gain acceptance/regulation in all 50 states of the country.

One particular MMA rule has come under hot water recently due to repeated controversies stemming from fighters trying to manipulate it and make it work to their advantage. The rule in question is the three-point rule, or kneeing the face of an opponent standing in a three-point stance (on both feet with one hand touching the ground). The rule is meant to minimize excessive concussive damage to athletes, but there has been a disturbing and unsportsmanlike trend of fighters trying to draw fouls and point deductions from their opponents by baiting them into throwing knees to their faces while in a three-point stance.

The trend of fighters “playing the game” has become a far-reaching problem that has become noticeable at all levels of MMA competition today. Zuffa has seen a spike in these incidents, including controversies stemming from fighters possibly “playing the game” in two of last scheduled programs aired by the UFC. UFC on Fox 11 and the second episode of TUF 19 both featured situations where fighters could be interpreted as manipulating the three-point stance rule to gain an unsportsmanlike advantage. Things have gotten so out of hand at times that Dana White has felt compelled to rant against the rule on twitter when Chas Skelly was deducted a point for an illegal knee during his fight against Mirsad Bectic.

TXMMA spoke to Chas Skelly about his UFC debut and the controversy surrounding the point deduction he suffered for kneeing a visibly stunned Bectic in the face while he had a hand (barely) touching the ground and to Chris Reed, who is a promoter, retired MMA fighter to help Texas fight-fans gain a better understanding of this rule and its value in combat sports.

Chris Reed is a TDLR-licensed referee and judge with an in-depth understanding of the unified rules of mixed martial arts. He explains, “The rule states no knees or kicks to the head of a grounded opponent. And grounded is defined as 3 points of contact on the mat. That’s where it gets tricky. The obvious reason for the rule is fighter safety, [because it has been determined] that knees and kicks to the head on the ground are dangerous. Now MMA guys aren’t stupid so they learned to manipulate the rule to avoid knees or kicks. When they feel threatened they put their hand on the mat. Obviously this violates the spirit of the rule. And most refs explain in the rules meeting that if you play that game and you get inadvertently kicked then it’s going to be ruled accidental.”

This was certainly the case during the house fight of TUF 19’s second episode. Cathal Pendred received stern warnings from the referee for kneeing Hector Urbina in the face while he was in the three-point stance. The knees seemed to be legal when being thrown, but by the time they landed Urbina had already put a hand down making their legality questionable. After receiving his warning Pendred asked to be notified if Urbina attempted to play the game again. The referee would have none of it though angrily informing Pendred that “he is responsible for watching the use of his own weapons.” The questionable knees did not result in point deductions because referee Steve Mazzagatti determined that when the knees were thrown they were still legal.

Chas Skelly was not as fortunate when he experienced a similar situation in his match against Bectic. He suffered a point deduction in the second round that ended up being insurmountable because it resulted in him being behind two rounds and forced to look for a finish that would not come in the third. Skelly explained that the rule is meant to protect downed opponents and that “the damage you take while attempting to get off the bottom is limited, [but] people are able to use the rules to their advantage to “bait” an illegal strike.” Whether Bectic was working the rules to his advantage in order to bait Skelly into losing a point or not is debatable. The always classy Skelly does not suspect foul play; he noted, “I think that ‘playing the game’ is a good way to get kneed in the face. I feel like it’s a chicken shit way to get a point or DQ, but I really don’t think he was [playing the game]. [Bectic] was hurt pretty bad from the punches. I don’t think he realized what he was doing. I did see the hand come off the mat and thought the knee was legal till I saw the replay. I know the rules, and regardless of what I think the knee was illegal. I heard the guy say he wasn’t “playing the game”, and I will give him the benefit of the doubt. I think he is tough, and probably wouldn’t wanna get a win in that manner and I will get better because of this fight.”
Both Skelly and Reed believe that the rule needs some revising because fighters defending and attacking can abuse it. Reed explained, “A fighter sees his opponent playing the game so he knows he probably won’t be held accountable so he starts throwing kicks and knees more. It would be very hard to articulate a rule against touching the mat in MMA. However as more of those guys get “inadvertently” kicked maybe the problem takes care of itself. Or maybe the fans start viewing it as unsportsmanlike and boo as they do when a guy fakes touching gloves and punches.” Skelly’s experience during his UFC debut seems to corroborate Reed’s position. He also believes changes are needed. “I think the rule should be changed to just knees on the mat and not a hand. Marc Laimon asked the ref one question about 20 min before my fight. He asked, ‘What is your take on guys putting their hand down and picking it up while we are throwing knees?’ and the ref said ‘If a guy is playing that game throw the knee because it is completely my discretion.’ It is fair to say that this leaves a lot of room for subjective interpretation and, thus, exposes fighters to a lot of unwarranted room for error.

The three point rule is a well-intentioned rule designed to enhance fighter safety, but it has come under fire as of late do to mounting controversies stemming from referee interpretation during its enforcement.

Do you think it is worth keeping in the rule book as is or if revision would benefit all parties involved when it comes to kneeing an opponent in the face when one of their hands is touching the mat. Chime in with your own thoughts in the comments section below!

By Emil Fischer

Exploring the Gracie Diet with longtime practitioner and coach Joshua Lauber

The Gracie Family is considered the founding family of modern MMA. They brought their unique approach to combat into the public view in the early UFCs with Royce Gracie debuting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (read: Gracie Jiu-Jitsu) to the world with his superiority over opponents coming from martial arts. Fast forward 20 years later and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is still considered to be on the cutting edge of combat sports.  Anyone who has watched MMA has seen the effectiveness of grappling as it pertains to finishing and controlling a fight, but even now there are many subtleties to being a combat athlete. One of the most important elements of any kind of athletic activity is the lifestyle choices of its athletes, and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in particular embodies this maxim with the Gracie Diet.

The Gracie Diet promotes what some view as a radical change in lifestyle.  Developed long ago by BJJ originator Carlos Gracie, it provides an emphasis on the proper mixing of foods and eating clean. The Gracie Diet focuses on eating foods rich in antioxidants along with fruits and vegetables. (see more here)  While it isn’t a new fad, many descendants of Carlos and his brother Helio Gracie are still known for being very outspoken about their adherence to the Gracie Diet.

Aside from the Gracie family others who practice BJJ have adopted the diet as well. One of them resides in Texas in Josh Lauber of Relson Gracie Jiu Jitsu San Antonio.  For anyone who doesn’t know, Relson Gracie is the second oldest son of Helio Gracie and a Gracie Diet practitioner himself. Having trained under Relson for many years now, Josh didn’t just learn BJJ but also became a student when it comes to the Gracie Diet as well.He believes deeply in the Gracie Diet, which promotes specific eating patterns to enhance ones endurance and health in general, and took part in an interview where he shared many of his perspectives in this interview.

Interview – Josh Lauber discusses the benefits of the Gracie Diet

TXMMA: How did you first get introduced to BJJ? And more importantly what were the early days like for you?

Josh Lauber: The UFC and Royce Gracie was my introduction to Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. I had done traditional Japanese martial arts as a teenager so it was familiar but totally different. I started in 1995 with Relson Gracie when I was visiting Oahu. I moved there 3 months later and he was a big part of why.Those early days were paradise. It was like a basically secret society.  If you knew about it you trained if not you were kind of clueless!

TXMMA: Early in your training you lived in sunny Cleveland Ohio, how did that affect your training?  Namely where did you get your knowledge from?

Josh Lauber: I started in Hawaii, trained for 2 years or so and got pulled back to Cleveland when I was a 2nd degree blue belt. I trained with some friends, I think at the time I was one of the highest ranked guys around! heh heh!  I moved back to Hawaii about a year later.

TXMMA: At what point during your initiation into BJJ was the concept of diet brought to your attention?

Josh Lauber: Right away. Relson has been a follower of the Gracie diet his whole life. He had a great way of introducing you to it without pushing it down your throat. If you were interested he is always there to guide you. If not he is cool with that too. I think the first thing he made me was bananas, apple juice and cream cheese, the Gracie breakfast smoothie. It took me a few years to really get the combinations but I have been a strict adherent for about a decade now. It has cured me of migraines, hypoglycemia and given me lots of energy and vitality!

TXMMA: Do you believe in strict adherence to the Gracie Diet?

Josh Lauber: 100%, if you follow it the benefits are incredible. I don’t get sick, period! Haven’t for years. I also been a professional Jiu-Jitsu instructor for 8 years now full time, 6 of those years I taught 7 days a week. Now I have Sundays off. I am 42 and 150 pounds so it matters trust me.

TXMMA: What are your thoughts on other diets like the Paleo diet?

Josh Lauber: Healthy eating is always great. The cornerstone of the Gracie diet is that digestion is the most exhausting process our bodies perform. When you give your stomach 4 and a half hours between meals with nothing but water it keeps your ph levels balanced and doesn’t require excess acids to continuously breakdown food. So I don’t like any diet that has you constantly eating every few hours.

TXMMA: Does the Gracie Diet address anything along the lines of drug use (including but not limited to Marijuana), alcohol consumption and smoking?

Josh Lauber: It doesn’t recommend any of them of course. On the other hand the reality of our society is intertwined with a lot of harmful substance. If one must moderation is always the key but certainly none is much better for your long term health. Helio didn’t touch anything like tobacco, alcohol or marijuana and he died still able to choke and roll at 95!

TXMMA: Speaking of substances, how about performance enhancing drugs?

Josh Lauber: The general principle of win, win ,win is not one I am comfortable with. Life is loss, how we deal with it is what determines our character. Helio fought not to lose which is very different. Competition has made teachers and athletes feel as if any loss will lose those students, sponsors and financial revenue. So people resort to extra edges in attempts to always win. In a real life street fighting situation a draw, in which you get away safely, can be a win.

These days I think there are no secrets and it is very hard if not impossible to maintain a spotless competition record. Are you going to fall to pieces and retire your Gi? Or learn from the loss and try again. We must have a moral component to Jiu-Jitsu or we are just well trained thugs!

TXMMA: What about as a method to enhance one’s training? A person I once trained with told me that steroids are not necessarily about strength and that they can be taken intelligently.

Josh Lauber: As a teacher of children as well as adults, I worry about things that have not been fully proven over time. Furthermore there is always natural means to improve health as all PEDS are based around plants and minerals. Also After 18 years in Jiu-Jitsu I fully believe the only way to really get better is repeating, repeating ,repeating, followed by intelligent rolling with equal, superior and beginner partners!  Proper diet, rest and stretching being another aspect of improvement.

photo: gracieacademy.com

TXMMA: Given that your specific tie to the Gracie family is through Relson, do you think that your experience with the Gracie Diet is any different than someone with exposure to one of the other Gracies? How about Relson’s cousins?

Josh Lauber: It is possible I am pretty sure not every Gracie follows the diet or those that do don’t have the exact same recipes. I have spent a good bit of time around Rorion, Rener and Ryron and they are very similar in dietary habits to Relson.  I can only speak about the ones I have been around.

TXMMA: Do you have any other thoughts that you’d like to share with the readers of TXMMA?

Josh Lauber: I love and teach the sport, I even run a tournament, Gracie Grappling Cup, but I can’t stress enough the importance of the self-defense aspect of our art. If you don’t know self-defense you don’t really know Jiu-Jitsu. Everyone, your mother, sister and daughter included should know basic self-defense against a headlock, a sucker punch, a tackle and grabs from behind at the very least. For your own empowerment and confidence. On the concrete you are not jumping to guard or pulling 50/50!

TXMMA: Thank you so much for your time Josh.

Josh Lauber: I really appreciate the interest! My academy is open 7 days a week, I have a big kids program and around 100 students, that are the best!  My website is www.graciesa.com, first class is always free and we have specific self-defense classes as well as sport ones as well.

By Felix Rodriguez | Cover photo via Jermaine Anugwom

Coxinha gearing up to make a run promoting fights in the near future

COLLEGE STATION, TX, May 14, 2014 – Where would Texas be without the progressive coaches, promoters, etc. who do much of the work behind the scenes? Those individuals need to be recognized for their efforts in making Texas what it is in reference to combat sports, and so TXMMA.com will be profiling some of these individuals from time to time.

In focus today is Windy Sport and Fitness’ Jermaine Coxinha Anugwom.

The Muay Thai scene in Texas is slowly growing more and more in popularity. Practitioners like Saekson Janjira, Kru Pong, Michael Chase Corley, Saul Soliz and Bob ‘The General’ Perez, among many others across the state have done their part to spread the love for the Art of Eight Limbs across the region.

Jermaine Coxinha Anugwom is a Houston native who is also doing his part to help Muay Thai grow in Texas. Born and raised in Houston’s Third Ward, Coxinha has travelled the world seeking out instruction from some of the most knowledgeable combat sports instructors in order to evolve as a martial artist. Anugwom is getting ready to transition from predominantly being an MMA and Muay Thai instructor/pro fighter to taking the leap and becoming Texas’ newest fight promoter. His focus of course will be Muay Thai –his first love.

TXMMA caught up with Anugwom during the recent Europa Super Show in Dallas to discuss his views on the current state of Muay Thai and how he is preparing to enter the high-risk/high-reward world of Texas fight promotions. Here is what he had to say:

Interview – Jermaine Anugwom (Windy Sport and Fitness)

TXMMA: Great talking to you Jermaine, for our readers who don’t know you, can you introduce yourself and give them a little bit of your background story?

JA: Well, my name is Jermaine “Coxinha” Anugwom. I was born and raised in the Third Ward Area of Houston, TX. I’m the Owner of Windy Sport and Fitness in College Station TX. I’m a professional MMA and Muay Thai fighter, and I teach different styles of martial arts at the gym.

TXMMA: What does Coxinha mean and why did you get that nickname?

JA: [laughs] Coxinha is a Brazilian snack -kinda like a hush puppy here. You can fill it with dessert treats or [savory ingredients] like chicken and rice. I’m addicted to them. My Mestre gave me that name when I became a Professor in Capoeira De Regional.

TXMMA: Can you tell us a bit about your Muay Thai background?

JA:  I can say I truly started Muay Thai under Kru Yai Ali, but I’ve trained with some of the best coaches dating back to 2004. To name a few Paul Gonzalez, Jeff Reno, Brook Johnson, Heath “Cowboy” Harris, Darren Levine, Chuck Levine, and the list goes on.

TXMMA: You’ve developed a bit of a reputation as a Muay Thai purist who is not afraid to travel far and away to seek knowledge in places like Thailand and Turkey. How were your recent experiences training in those places and what techniques did you learn abroad and bring back home?

JA: I travelled to Thailand recently. I was in the Province of Rangsit Thailand, training under Master Moa at the MTI Rangsit Camp. I plan on going back during the fall of this year.  [When in Turkey I noticed that] Turkish Fighters are MONSTERS! They’ve very strong bases while throwing punch, kick combos. They don’t pivot a lot, just big precision shots [laughs]. You can’t compare any scene to Turkey.

TXMMA: You’re primarily known as a striker specializing in Muay Thai, when was your last fight in this style and when do you plan on fighting Muay Thai again?

JA: My last Thai Fight was against Charles Bisset, last year November. We were the Main Event at Showdown 5 Muay Thai in Seattle Washington. The Fight was cancelled the day of though due to Kidney Stones!

TXMMA: You mentioned that you run your own school, how is your gym doing and what can you tell us about your school?

JA: Windy Sports and Fitness is doing amazing, we have a very diverse range of students here mainly because of all the Martial Arts styles we offer. We’re very family oriented, and offer a chilled vibe as you train. We have a lot of talented guys and girls here, plus we’ve produced some good fighters already on the Texas MMA/Muay Thai scene.

TXMMA: When was your last MMA fight and when do you plan on stepping in the cage again?

JA: Oh God, I believe everyone remembers my last Fight!! It was against the hulk Chris Reed, full out brawl and I got caught with a nice uppercut at the end of the first round [laughs]. Great Fight!

TXMMA: You’ve fought in the cage and ring, you’re a business owner and martial arts instructor/ ring corner, now you’re looking into taking on a whole new role as fight promoter. What spurred this decision?

JA: Well, I haven’t started my promotion just yet. I’m continuing to learn the ropes from leaders in the Fight business. I’m getting people excited right now by hosting sparring events, and giving potential fighters a chance to cross spar with others gyms, and styles. The big show is coming though. I am applying for my license at the end of this year. I’ll be a pure Muay Thai promotion offering a different product to everyone.

TXMMA: Of all the combat sports we enjoy in the Lone Star state, Muay Thai seems to have the most trouble maintaining sustainable promotions and shows. What do you think is wrong with the Muay Thai scene in Texas, why does the sport struggle to gain popularity here when compared to places like Turkey, Holland and, of course, Thailand?

JA: Nothing is wrong with the Texas Muay Thai scene. We have plenty of pioneers here in the state. It really breaks down to a revamp on Muay Thai Rules and Tournaments in Texas, and who’s willing to invest their dollars into their own promotion.

TXMMA: Can you build on that idea for us; what do you think can be done to improve the scene here in Texas?

JA: I believe if we’re allowed to have Muay Thai tournaments in Texas, similar to Karate/ Tae Kwon Do style, we can build the talent pool from kids to adults. We’d never have a shortage of fighters again.

TXMMA: Is there anything you’d like to add?

JA: Thanks for the interview, and don’t forget to Checkout Spar Wars 2 on May 17th in College Station!

By TXMMA Staff | Photo via Esther Lin, Invicta FC
 

Strengthened partnership between the UFC and Invicta FC means added exposure for Women’s MMA

In a move capitalizing on the momentum of Women’s MMA, the UFC is doing something they’ve never done before. They’ve announced a distribution deal with all-women’s promotion Invicta Fighting Championships.

Invicta FC has always had a friendly relationship with the UFC. After coming around to women’s MMA, the UFC and president Dana White has been public about his support for Invicta FC. Led by Shannon Knapp, Invicta FC has in turn allowed the UFC to buy the contracts of some of their top fighters to bolster their own ranks. Now in the next step of their working relationship, the UFC will help distribute Invicta FC events.

Up to now, the Invicta Fighting Championships has aired its events via internet stream. They’ve discussed television deals with various potential partners but nothing came to pass. Running production on their own, they’ve come up with some challenges. They’ve even had to give away some shows mid-steam due to technical issues. Now with this deal, it seems like all those production worries will be a thing of the past. All the organization’s events will air on UFC Fight Pass. It’s multi-year, multi-event deal so women’s MMA via Invicta will have a chance to grow. With worldwide access to the product, MMA fans will now get a chance to watch Invicta FC events so long as they subscribe to the UFC channel.

UFC Fight Pass has experienced some success so far. The org has transitioned its event prelims and aired some events exclusively on the channel. Likewise UFC Fight Pass already houses a large part of MMA history, including the libraries of former promotions like Pride FC, WEC, and Strikeforce. Now the channel will be home to all 7 previous Invicta FC events along with all future ones.

Accordingly to (Invicta promoter) Shannon Knapp, this will do nothing but strengthen the momentum of her organization along with women’s MMA as a whole.

“Now that we have a stable foundation, we’re going to increase the number of events,” she said about that deal.  “We want to see how things go, and look at the frequency (of live shows).  Those are things we’re still ironing out. We’re capable of doing more events and we’re looking to ramp things up. We can put on cards as often as they want. I think it’s going to be a great thing.”

As fit their next show and first live one on UFC Fight Pass, they’re looking at later this summer. That should be exciting to the more notable fighters on their roster, including Texas-based fighter Lauren Murphy, the org’s bantamweight champion. She’s been quoted as eager to fight and with the show only having run 2 shows in the last 12 months her options were limited. This deal in addition to more UFC promotional support for Invicta should see things on the upswing for her and the rest of the org’s fighters. And the ramifications for up-and-coming females in MMA are also positive. They now know they have a promotion that won’t go away in the near-term. It’s a great goal to work towards.

“I think it’s an amazing opportunity for the athletes and for Invicta, teaming up with the UFC and having their marketing power behind us, giving us exposure to UFC fans,” said Knapp.

Exciting times for women’s MMA indeed. Good times ahead.

By TXMMA Staff

Luling-based Jason and Fatima Mallett ready to showcase their skills in Austin’s Belts of Honorius 6

AUSTIN, TX, June 21, 2014 – A husband and wife tandem are two of the featured attractions coming up on tonight’s Belts of Honorius 6 amateur MMA card set for Emo’s Riverside. “Ferocius” Fatima Mallett was already set to take on Roxanna Ceasear in the night’s main event for the women’s 120 lbs. title. Her husband Jason however took a fight literally at last minute notice to join her in the cage.

The pair train at Luling MMA with owner/instructor King Webb, Wilbur Wood, Angel Saucedo and others.

“Our team mate Christian (Clack) had problems finding his medical records to turn into the state and couldn’t fight,” said Fatima. “Jason didn’t want Alejandro (Rodriguez) the opponent to have gone through a full camp and have his opponent not be able to fight him so he is stepping in. It’s a lower weight than he’s used to and all that but he’ll be ready. He’s been coming up to classes, runs 4 miles a day and has a weight routine as well. He stays active, on and off camps like me. He’s been there helping us spar and get ready. …Little did he know it was his camp too.”

As for Fatima, she’s excited to fight on the same card as her husband but make no mistake about it, she’s focused on her task at hand:

“I feel focused, ready to go in and show everyone what I’ve earned and work to ensure my hand gets raised again Saturday night! Nael said she’s a strong, tough opponent. This is my match up made in heaven for me. I’m known to arrive violently and have a unique style and I’ve been wanting a test and a chance to prove to everyone I’m here for the long run and not going anywhere. Pro is my future, UFC is my goal. I can’t guarantee I’m going to win or lose on Saturday but I do guarantee the community, my team, fans, my family and myself that I will deliver above and beyond my capability and I WILL capitalize on the first given opportunity in the ferocious style they all love and can’t wait to see.”

Check out the complete fight card for Belts of Honorius 6 below.

Belts of Honorius 6 – Updated Fight Card for June 21, 2014

• 120 lbs.: Roxanna Ceasear vs. Fatima Mallett * TITLE
• 155 lbs.: Peyton Burns vs. Christopher Marks * TITLE
• 125 lbs.: Kevin Morin vs. Blake Wells * TITLE
• 145 lbs.: Timothy LeComte vs. Carlos Cerna
• 170 lbs.: Zack Reese vs. Sean Clements
• 170 lbs.: Ruben Marin vs. Cristobal Hernandez
• 125 lbs.: Federico Olivera vs. Trevor Wells
• 145 lbs.: Jon Leal vs. Isaac Sifuentes
• 155 lbs.: Steve Cordell vs. Waylon Bronstrup
• 155 lbs.: Matthew Pena vs. Jake Rozek
• 135 lbs.: Sean Cho vs. Darian Talbot
• 170 lbs.: Sean Krzyzanowski vs. Edmilson Dos Santos
• 155 lbs.: Anthony Fernandez vs. Justin Ussery

Update, 6/21 10AM – Jason Mallett did not make weight and is now off the card.

By TXMMA Staff // Emil Fischer

Living the life: Bastos BJJ student training 4-5 times a week despite terminal diagnosis

MIDLAND, TX, June 23, 2014 – Anyone who trains Brazilian Jiu Jitsu knows that while physical strength can be useful, superior technique and belief in that superior technique trumps everything else.  BJJ students are taught on a daily basis that no situation is inescapable, that a correct defense exists for every bad situation, and that the power of knowledge is insurmountable.

Given the proliferation of BJJ, the world has gotten to see some amazing victories of the human spirit.  People missing limbs, in some cases all limbs, people battling all manner of maladies, illness and disability using BJJ to climb above their hardship and ultimately prove that in fact they are capable of so much more than anyone ever thought possible.

What about an invisible opponent?  What about an opponent who has no joints to break, no throat to choke?  What about terminal, stage 4 lung cancer?

Joe Mancaruso is no stranger to the horrors of cancer; Joe was first diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1985 and had two surgeries and four rounds of chemo.  In 1987 he had a recurrence, fortunately after addressing the cancer in 1987 he went into remission.

In 2007 Joe began studying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and in his own words fell in love with it. “When I kept getting my ass kicked and went back for more.”

In the 6th year of Joe’s study he was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.  “I have never been a smoker and there is no obvious cause…”  In spite of there being no obvious cause Joe was far more mentally prepared for his situation than most people would be  “I had faced death when I was young, The surgery in 86 left me with one kidney, the 8 rounds of chemo left me with nerve damage.  I have no feeling from my knees and elbows down. So I have always felt I am on borrowed time and thought I might not make to old age. So I was pretty calm through it all. My wife Cindy and my kids took it hard. With all that being said I felt like if anyone could survive for five years, I would be that 1 in 100.”

A central aspect of Joe’s method of dealing with his cancer is his diet.  Joe uses what is called a Ketogenic diet “I eat mostly healthy fats avocados, olives, coconut oil, and nuts. Also bacon, butter and cheese to get enough calories.”  As well as a slue of supplements “…Teas, herbs in my diet- Matcha Green Tea mixed with Moringa Powder Green Tea, Tea (various) Resveratrol (Shaklee) Selenium Curcumim Turkey Tail Mushrooms IP-6 & Inositol Indol 3 Carbinol Grape Seed Extract Quercitin D-3 B-12 Astragalus Ashwagandha Root Artimisin Omega 3 Fish Oil Multi-Vitamin Magnesium Potassium Gingko Biloba Bromelain Alpha-Lipoic Acid Glucosamin & Chondroitin N-A-C Glutathione Milk Thistle Shark Cartilage Melatonin.”  Joe’s diet and mentality have allowed him to stay on the mat, he has also drawn some inspiration from a book called Radical Remissions by Dr.  Kelly Turner.

One major element to Joe’s lifestyle is quality of life.  Even if Joe’s methods prove to be futile, he will not have lived his final months in discomfort “I was miserable doing only one of the three drugs they prescribed, I would be dead if I kept doing it. I am living the dream right now I get sunshine every day, I spend time with my wife, I like to cook, read, travel and train with kettle bells.”  The key is that Joe lives each day the way so many people wish they could.

Apart from Joe’s lifestyle, he also has a spiritual component which he is tapping into to help manage “I am not aligned with any religious group, however I am spiritual and believe that there is more out there. I did meet a lady named Sister Dulce out of Baton Rouge LA, she is known around the world for helping and praying for people. I was a little skeptical to visit her and did it for my wife. I am now a believer and feel she is the real deal and a great person. I try talk to her weekly and she prays for me.”  Joe also has a blog that he uses to share his experiences, www.evencancerisbetterwithbacon.com.  He has loving family and friends supporting him “Shout out to Cindy, my kids, Bruno Bastos and Brad Barnes.”

Joe’s Jiu Jitsu training is evolving along with his lifestyle “I have been training 4-5 times a week, the only injury I have had was my elbow popped.  I feel really good on the conditioning side and considering only full capacity in one lung and still rusty I am doing pretty well. I am about 40lbs lighter than before the diagnosis, some loss of strength. The biggest problem I have is that the caliber of my training partners is crazy; Bruno and Brad are excellent coaches. These guys are crazy good. Bruno is intense, I love it” Joe will also be competing this year “I am going to compete in IBJJF Dallas and IBJJF Masters Worlds… I am excited!”  Most people in Joe’s situation are struggling to survive; Joe is training and preparing to compete in one of the most difficult sports in the world.

“My doctor, is baffled that I am still around, have not seen the oncologist since august of 2013… My last 3 x-rays show no change I see my doctor every 4 months… Doctors won’t comment on alternative medicine. Diet, exercise, spirituality, and the mind play key roles in radical remissions.”  The reality is that Joe’s case is a rare one.  In the terms of submission fighting, Joe is using a low percentage escape to deal with a high percentage submission, but it is working, which is what take the situation from tragic to remarkable.  How does the cancer affect Joe?  “Not at all, I believe I am that 1 % that beats a terminal diagnosis. I think it is a problem that I can manage, a day at a time.”

In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu so many positions are only escapable using paths that most people never realize, paths that may be uncomfortable.  Many very strong people will try to fight out of submissions only to be caught in subsequent positions.  Similarly, so often the methods modern medicine has to address cancer drastically inhibit the quality of life in patients and ultimately may speed up their demise.  Unfortunately, these methods are in fact the cure, but in Joe’s case there is no cure that has been accepted by the medical community.  Doctors are, essentially powerless to really help him.  But Joe has found a path of escape.  This path has already proven successful at stymieing a devastating situation and if the trend continues Joe will be part of that 1%.

One of the best things about covering the Texas fight scene is the close interpersonal relationship TXMMA.com has developed with the people interviewed for the site. Following up on career progressions and watching these fighters grow over the years makes the effort of doing these interviews worth it. Joe Mancaruso is a true inspiration and the staff at TXMMA would like nothing more than to get to do a follow up piece on him in three years, once he’s fully recovered.

By TXMMA Staff // Felix Rodriguez

“Referring and Judging has evolved now and I believe because our officials are becoming more knowledgeable”

SUGAR LAND, TX, June 25, 2014 – ‘Never leave it in the hands of the judges’ is a strange mantra to have. On the one side it makes sense because the goal of a fighter is to finish a fight decisively, but on the other side, it is absolutely counterproductive to have a official judging a fight if the assumption is that they’re incompetent. The controversies that arise from how judges score cards have been well documented and seem to be occurring more and more as MMA grows in popularity and increases its exposure globally. Some argue that part of the problem in MMA judging is that many of the people deciding the futures of fighters lack a background in their sport and are carryovers from boxing.

Joe Soliz is a 54 year-old martial artist from El Campo, Texas who is out to change this perception. Soliz is a well-respected MMA official licensed by the TDLR to judge and referee MMA events. Soliz has been officiating MMA events in Texas for nearly a decade. “When the first MMA [shows] started in College Station the events were called Lone Star Beat Down, I was working with fighters and thought I would like to be on the other side, so I took classes by Doc Hamilton and shadowed some referees for couple of shows and now have been judging and referring,” said Soliz. He will need to rely on all his years of experience both as a martial artist and MMA official in order to prove the saying “don’t leave it in the hands of the judges” when he sits cage side at UFC Fight Night 44 in San Antonio, Texas. Fortunately for the fighters he’ll be judging, Soliz has the combined experiences of an official a fighter and coach. Soliz had done mixed martial arts training before, only back when he first did it they called it ‘fighting.’ “I started my MMA training back in my JKD days, we covered all ranges even then. As far as coaching I have worked with different fighters, who have entered the cage and I continue doing seminars and personal instruction.”

The proud Texan has been training in various fighting styles since 1977. Soliz holds black belts in five different martial arts, including Judo and BJJ, he is a certified Jeet Kune Do and Kali instructor, and took up Muay Thai at the age of 49.

Soliz understands the frustrations felt by fighters and fans alike when human error affects the outcome of a fight, but he is there to do his job, be it refereeing or judging. He believes that fight fans sometimes underestimate the difficulty and pressure of both roles. “I don’t think people always understand all the mechanics that go on inside cage. Many times people ask me as referee, ‘who won that fight?’ My reply is, unless someone is getting totally dominated, I don’t know because I am watching the more technical part of the fight like where are the strikes are landing, how long are they on the ground, reading body language, is their body fatigued, etc. Judging is no different, in how you have to make sure how effective their striking, kicking, the end results of takedowns, or defense, avoiding these moves, etc.” Soliz notes that considering all of these things in an adrenaline-charged environment is “not an easy task.”

Part of the problem with officiating MMA is that decisions are driven by human subjectivity and are a matter of personal opinion. An untrained eye may not recognize that although fighter A took fighter B down and stayed on top of him for nearly four minutes, the fighter on the bottom was constantly threatening with submissions and landing more strikes. Someone who is not versed in grappling arts may fail to recognize that although fighter A landed a single takedown, fighter B stuffed six attempts. The growth of MMA’s popularity has led to more promotions and more fight cards. The problem with this dynamic is that the supply of qualified officials sometimes doesn’t always meet their demand. Joe Soliz believes that experienced officials like him will soon become the rule instead of the exception, “Referring and Judging has evolved now and I believe because our officials are becoming more knowledgeable in understanding what they see in different ranges of the fights.” Fighters and fight fans alike hope the day comes when a fighter can leave their fate in the hands of judges without worrying about getting robbed. Joe Soliz will be doing his part to convince fighters, one card at a time.

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank our Professor Octavio Couto for sharing his knowledge with us, and our students at Tx3rdCoast that keep us growing every day, To our sponsors Classic Chevrolet, STA Weath Management, Bayou City Paint and Body, Dom Gear, DOGO apparel. If you have any questions about our gym Tx3rdcoastmma visit our website at Tx3rdcoastmma.com or just give us a call 281-302-6183.

By TXMMA Staff // Felix Rodriguez // Photo by Paul Anthony Trevino

Well-traveled Austinite enjoying the ride; Sees the sky as the limit in both striking and MMA

AUSTIN, TX, July 2, 2014 –Lindsey Marino is one of those cool people. She’s a free-spirited homebody who enjoys “ghetto” rap and drum n bass music equally.  She’s quirky and she’s sassy and she likes to laugh a lot. She’s also a very promising Muay Thai specialist fighting out of Austin, Texas.

Marino is as vicious inside a ring as she is friendly and likeable outside of it. The Texas-born fighter went 4-1 as an amateur “with a title win through the IKF of West Coast Champion.” After winning her amateur championship Marino turned pro and is currently 2-0.  Marino believes she has a will to win that is bigger than her, which takes over her and helps her circumvent challenging circumstances. Now that she’s begun to make a name for herself finding opponents is becoming a harder proposition. Not bad for someone who stumbled upon her craft almost by accident.

Lindsey Marino was looking for a new workout and found a new lifestyle. She was first introduced to the art of eight limbs by Saekson Janjira in Plano, Texas after reading that Muay Thai was a good workout in a magazine. Saekson was the first step in a long journey that has brought her to Austin, Texas where she currently resides and trains, “I don’t really remember how long I trained [at Saekson’s], but for at least a year. I moved to ATX for a boyfriend at the time. We moved out to the Bay area and I began training under Enn at Fairtex Mountaiview and Jongsanan in San Francisco Fairtex. Ended back in Austin because I am originally from Texas. Currently, I am training under Nick ‘The Ghost’ Gonzalez.”

Marino’s striking training has been wide and diverse. She enjoyed her time training in the west coast because she got to “train with a lot of people who grew up learning Muay Thai, which has led her to have a very clean and “straight from the source” style of striking. Now that she lives in her home state of Texas she is taking advantage of the lessons she learns from Nick Gonzalez. “Training with Nick has been really wonderful. He is a really good motivator and really knows how to bring out the best positive aspects that I possess. We both click really well and he really knows how to instill confidence and self-reliance. When you add that will technique and skill you become something wonderful! He has really improved my boxing skills and footwork immensely,” said Marino.

The quirky Austin resident is on an ascending path, but she is enjoying the ride upwards with no set milestones in mind. She explained, “I don’t have any direct goals set. I mainly focus on what opportunities are presented and I want to do the best that I can when given an opportunity. My main goal is simply to be the best that I can possibly be with the talent I have been given.”

Her next opportunity will take place on September 20th when she fights at the Pechanga Casino against an opponent yet to be announced. Marino plans on making a statement and to continue building a reputation as a fearsome fighter to look out for. When asked for any final thoughts Marino had the following message for TXMMA’s readers, “my main message is to not set limitations on yourself. If you are truly following your essence, then it will lead you to where you will be happiest. Keep watching me, I am destined for big things!”

By TXMMA Staff // Hannah Robinow

AUSTIN, TX, July 8, 2014 – Brazilian Jiu-jitsu’s primary value comes from the fact that this martial arts system enables a smaller, weaker grappler to gain an advantage over their opponent by using leverage and body positioning. This element of BJJ ensures that it’s not about size, but literally how you use it. Christy Thomas proves this day in and day out as the owner of Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in Austin. Thomas is the only female black belt in Gracie’s organization, promoted in 2012 by Relson Gracie, who is a coral belt and the second-oldest son of Helio Gracie.

Aside from teaching, the Austin-resident has been competing since 2001 and has earned notable victories over Michelle Nicolini and Maria Do Carmen while representing Relson’s Shark Patch.

TXMMA recently had the opportunity to catch up with Christy and chat with her many things BJJ, including her day-to-day life as an active BJJ black belt to how she handled the male-female training dynamics during her time on the mats. Here is what she had to say:

July 2014 BJJ Interview – Christy Thomas

TXMMA: What inspired you to start training BJJ?

Thomas: I started training Muay Thai with my boyfriend and he also was a blue belt at the time and fought pro MMA – Pankration rules in Texas. I was not serious until I met Relson Gracie. At that point I became very interested in his teaching but we mostly competed, so I fell in love with tournaments.

TXMMA: What continues to motivate you?

Thomas: My students. I love being at my academy, on our mats training and laughing. It makes me so happy to share with kids and adults alike the things which I spend most my time doing – learning and doing Jiu-Jitsu.

TXMMA: What’s your typical week of training like?

Thomas: Insane! I have another black belt senior to me in my gym. He runs three classes each week. Some of my students run one class each and I do the rest – with tremendous cooperation from my guys. I teach early mornings, noon classes, some nights, self-defense, weekend sessions and private lessons sprinkled throughout.

TXMMA: What was the biggest challenge you faced when you first started? Throughout your career?

Thomas: I think the biggest challenge has been remaining calm with so many dummies around. Being a strong accomplished female, people think you’re waiting to fight them or that you’re a dominatrix and pervert’s approach or somehow bother me all the time. Other than that, it’s the people who claim to avoid politics while creating drama at any chance they can.

TXMMA: Who were/are your mentors both personally and professionally?

Thomas: I have an amazing family, a solid support system in my academy… Relson is very close and with not only me, but my students, also.  My family and my students are what I turn to when I’m happy or sad, stressed or proud, etc.

TXMMA: If/when you’ve encountered sexism during your training, how was it expressed?

Thomas: No women allowed, and less prize value for ladies. Perverted reporters, photographers, coaches. Women exploited their sexuality to gain attention or money or sponsorship deals.

TXMMA: How did you deal with it?

Thomas: I don’t go to every event. I choose who I train with or have around me. I don’t follow the trend or hop on bandwagons. I train with people I trust and pick what gets my participation.

TXMMA: As a female gym owner/instructor, did you ever feel like the dynamic between you and your male students was different than that between the male instructors and the male students?

Thomas: Yes, but not very often, now or recently. More so when they are told a technique by me and then by a guy – even one w/o. Credentials or rank – they’d be like, “Oh! Okay cool”, but it was the same things I said. When guys just become vulgar to impress another guy or some type behavior – It used to bother me but now I see it as an emotional vulnerability or a way for them to eventually grow.

TXMMA: Where do you see women’s BJJ going over the next five years?

Thomas: I think there will be more money events. We may get a little more, but at some point, the girl camp meet ups will fizzle and the ladies will ebb and flow in population. I think it may depend on the MMA scene, since girls are coming up with crazy chemicals in their pee tests & flaunting photos without pants – it’s hard to say.

TXMMA: Do you have any advice for women training and competing in MMA and BJJ?

Thomas:  Wear appropriate clothes. Train self-defense. Make sure you avoid injuries so you can train without long breaks… Don’t rush your belts. Stay with a great instructor for the long haul.

By TXMMA Staff // Felix Rodriguez // Emil Fischer // Photo via Genesis BJJ // Part 1 of 3

Non-black belt instructors statewide chime in with first-hand input on the success of their academies

In the vast and complex universe that is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for every situation there are almost limitless opinions.  This rule applies especially when it comes to the politics of who may and may not open a Jiu-Jitsu school and teach classes there.  There are instances in which Blue belts run BJJ programs and produce high level students as they grow with their students, and there are instances in which black belts split off from their original school where they started as white belts either going off on their own or, in some cases, opening affiliates to their parent schools.  The rationale for and against these possibilities can be complex, and it is an interesting question to explore.

Given the relative novelty and youth of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in north America (generally less than 40 years), the number of qualified instructors in any given area can be low.  Also, there can sometimes be disagreement as to what determines the qualification of an instructor.  There are major cities that don’t have any black belts yet.  Because of this, often times lower ranks will, in an attempt to create training partners and opportunities for competition, open up schools and have their “instructor” who lives elsewhere be the official “Head Instructor” of the school they have opened.  In some cases this “head instructor” comes once or twice a year for a seminar and that’s it!  In part 1 of this three part series, the perspectives of several non-black belt head Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors have been explored.

Mikal Abdullah, “a Brown Belt and Head Coach/Founder at Aces Jiu-Jitsu Club”, has found that “it is not difficult at all” to recruit new students because of the fact that “the mat doesn’t lie.”  He says this meaning that his passion and skill is apparent to new students and that’s enough to get them on board.

Joey Zente is a 2nd degree Purple Belt at Lake Travis Jiu-Jitsu Club has had his own club since September of 2013.  His perspective is that “There are black belts with tons of knowledge who don’t know how to disseminate it. On the flip side, there are blue belts with limited fundamental knowledge who can expertly relay that to new students.”

Brian Debes, a 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt, runs 10th Planet Beaumont.  He has found that “It can be (difficult to recruit students as a non-black belt instructor) depending on the student. In some peoples mind, the black belt is the sole thing they want to achieve out of training when they start. If so, they may not be interested in training with someone who has not already achieved that.”

Dustin Snow is a recently promoted brown belt who first took on a head BJJ instructor position at Genesis BJJ Aledo in Nov of 2012.  “I am truly trying to keep the full integrity of a traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy that any black belt would be pleased with. If I don’t know the answer to something I’m honest about it and find out. I usually know most the time, I am a full on BJJ nerd…”

The quality of instruction is often based on the quality of the competitors which that instruction produces.  It is also measured by the commitment and technical prowess of the students which it attracts.  While these variables can at times be difficult to ascertain, the far trickier notion is that of organic growth within a school.  There can be clear benefit to having an instructor grow with their students.

Snow has strong words for this measurement of quality “Anyone that thinks I’m not qualified to run my own academy I politely challenge any of their students to meet mine on the mat at any tournament anytime anywhere and then tell me I deserve to roll my mats up and switch to selling insurance. The proof is already there.  I could do a medal count but that’s not what it’s all about.  It’s mainly about forging good people, fostering personal growth, creating lifelong friends and memories, and becoming a lethal ninja too yes!”  This tends to be the sentiment of just about any martial arts instructor.

Chris Martinez, a 4 Stripe Purple Belt under Travis Tooke since June of 2013 and BJJ coach at Midtown MMA Houston, a Team Tooke Affiliate has some interesting thoughts “It not difficult to recruit students as a non-black belt instructor. Has Greg Jackson ever fought? No, but fighters go to him. Many of my students compete in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and come home champions, people see that when they walk in our academy. I have a good reputation and a great student body. I have an awesome coach and the best team mates. I respect the other schools and their instructors and they show the same in return. I’m not worried about the color belt I have around my waist. I trust in Travis Tooke as my instructor, his advice to me on and off the mat, and the time that he chooses to promote me. As far as a black belt, that will be my bonus to what I have accomplished as an instructor.”  Martinez has also been training since 2002, very often the belt rank people hold is not indicative of the technical weapons that they wield.

Michael Jonathan Altman of Fu Dogs MMA and Bruno Bastos BJJ is an example of a person whose belt rank does not indicate the amount of time they’ve trained, having started in 1997 and still being a brown belt.  When asked about his thoughts on belt rank, he loosely quoted Royce Gracie “Belts are only 2″ thick, not enough to cover your ass.”  This tends to be the viewpoint of most people who have trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for any extended period of time.  Belt color can be an indication of a person’s skill, but until experiencing their rolling acumen it can be near impossible to know what they are capable of.

The reasons to train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are endless, as are the personality types of the people who do it.  An instructor who will propel a student to fame and glory may simply not be a good fit for another student and for that reason there will always be a variety of motivations to look around and see what is available.  This article explores the rationale for and quality of training with a non-black belt instructor, there are however many different perspectives to consider…