sprawlmma.org ---------SPRAWL MMA PHILIPPINES--------- sprawlmma.org

2010-08-28T22:27:00.000-07:00

From it's inception up to present, team SPRAWL has been relentless in sending its warriors to the biggest mixed martial arts, wrestling, and jiu-jitsu events in the country. Breeding top class fighters through the years, SPRAWL has indeed become a major player in the growth and advancement of the sport of Mixed Martial Arts in the Philippines.

It doesn't stop there though. From its humble beginnings in the mats of the martial arts room in UP Vanguard Building, SPRAWL has already expanded into numerous gyms in the metro and even beyond. With a mean roster of fighters under its belt, team SPRAWL is definitely here to stay and to reach new heights even. See you on the mats!

2010 National Junior and Senior Wrestling Tryout Results!

2010-05-13T21:21:00.000-07:00

April 24-25, 2010
Wrestling Association of the Philippines, 3rd floor SMAP Building
Rizal Memorial Coliseum, Adriatico St. Malate Manila.

First day: Greco Roman (April 24)

66kg Juniors - Jonathan Dumadaog,silver
74kg Juniors - Herbert Hani Ho,Silver
84kg Seniors - Gilbert Ombao,Bronze

Second day: Freestyle (April 25)

50kg Juniors and Seniors - Alvin Lobrequito, Gold
66 kg Juniors - Enrico Flores, Bronze
74 kg Juniors - Herbert Hani Ho, Silver
66 kg Seniors - Miguel Alo, Silver
74 kg Seniors - Lyndon Joseph Nolasco, Bronze
84 kg Seniors - Erwin Marinas, Silver
96 kg Seniors - Gilbert Ombao, Silver

The placings on the Philippine Wrestling Team Lineup were deliberated
by the coaches and officers of WAP and the technical committee they
were based on the results of the tryouts and other considerations.

Congrats to all the SPRAWL members who are now part of both the Junior
and Senior Philippine Wrestling Team!

SPRAWL shirt (most recent design) for sale!

2010-03-07T08:43:00.000-08:00

Contact Christian to get your hands on them!

Congratulations 2010 PHILIPPINES INTERNATIONAL NO-GI OPEN medalists!!!

2010-02-01T04:30:00.000-08:00

Karlo Sevilla (SPRAWL-Fabricio)
Silver - Intermediate Medio
Bronze - Advanced Pesado

Angelo Lazarito (SPRAWL-Fabricio)
Silver - Basic Medio

Albert De Guzman (SPRAWL-Fabricio)
Bronze - Basic Galo

Pinggoy Danguilan (Atos-VPF)
Bronze - Basic Pluma
Gold - (Gi competition) - Whitebelt Pluma

Team SPRAWL Christmas Party Photos

2009-12-26T23:34:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays to everyone from the entire team especially to the SPRAWLers abroad!

\

MALIGAYANG PASKO SA INYONG LAHAT!

2009-12-24T09:00:00.000-08:00

Gilbert for the win!

2009-12-23T21:10:00.001-08:00

Round 2 Match 5 Joey Santos from Gymkata\PSA vs. Gilbert Ombao from SPRAWL MMA Professional Combat Sambo Championships 2 "Rambulan sa Asya" Dec. 19,2009. Armbar at 2:51 ends the fight. Video by Emmanuel Mesina.

Team SPRAWL MMA Warriors sweep their respective matches at the Professional Combat Sambo Championship II: Rambulan sa Asya

2009-12-23T06:03:00.000-08:00

JAYCO MADRONA gave team SPRAWL's campaign it's "buena mano" victory by proving victorious against Elorde MMA's Alvin Clerino. Jayco was up against a tough-looking Clerino but that never became so much of an issue as Jayco took control from the first to the last second of the fight leaving the opposition no chance at victory. Jayco finished the Clerino via Technical Knockout during the 3rd round as the referee intervened to stop the fight.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu blue belt and decorated wrestler and MMA fighter GILBERT OMBAO secured the night's second triumph for team SPRAWL after being proclaimed superior to his opponent from Gymkata PSA, Joey Santos. During the first round, Gilbert took the fight to the ground and dominated the opposition until the end of the round. Gilbert was apparently way up on points at the start of the second round but that never stopped him from finishing the fight in outstanding fashion. Again he took Santos to the ground, took his back, and capped his night off with an armbar.

SULPIANO LAURIO JR. continued team SPRAWL's winning spree in PCSC II by choking out Mr. Caliwa of Biagtan Martial Arts. The two fighters were both kickboxers but once sir Laurio got the opponent into the clinch, he pounced at the opportunity right away and took the guy down. Once down on the mat, sir Laurio was in cruise control and brought an end to the match by slipping in a mean rear naked choke. This is already his second win in the Philippince Combat Sambo Championship series.

Last but not least, our good friend WENDELL PONFERRADA also clinched a W against his opponent from JMC MMA, Sunshine Facto, by way of Technical Knockout in the 1st round. Wendell didn't represent team SPRAWL that night but he is a SPRAWLer at heart so congratulations Wendell!

CONGRATULATIONS JAYCO, GILBERT, SIR LAURIO, AND WENDELL! KEEP ON FIGHTING AND KEEP ON WINNING! LONG LIVE MMA IN THE PHILS AND OF COURSE TEAM SPRAWL!

The rest of the results that night.

#1 Jayco Madrona (Sprawl MMA) vs. Alvin Clerino (Elorde MMA) -- Madrona via TKO 3rd round
#2 Badong Valdueza (Gymkata PSA) vs. Ronnel Cahapay (JMC MMA) -- Valdueza via TKO 1st round
#3 Dennis Salazar (Gymkata PSA) vs. ? -- Salazar via rear naked choke 2nd round
#4 Wendell Ponferrada (Sprawl MMA) vs. Sunshine Facto (JMC MMA) -- Ponferrada via TKO 1st round
#5 Joey Santos (Gymkata PSA) vs. Gilbert Ombao (Sprawl MMA) -- Ombao via armbar 2nd round
#6 Sulpiano Laurio (Sprawl MMA) vs. Caliwa (Biagtan Martial Arts) -- Laurio via rear naked choke 1st round
#7 Erwin Tagle (Submission Sports) vs. Leo Burgos (Kyokoshin Karate) -- Tagle by head kick KO 1st round
#8 Jessie Salvador (?) vs. Jasor Ablasi (Lakay Wushu) -- Ablasi via TKO 1st round
#9 Ruben Sumido (Submission Sports) vs. Honorio Banario (Lakay Wushu) -- Sumido via KO 1st round
#10 Reysaldo Biagtan (Biagtan Martial Arts) vs. Denver Labador (Lakay Wushu) -- Labador via TKO 1st round
#11 Rodel "Kid" Orais (Gymkata PSA) vs. ?(Strike and Shoot) -- Orais via rear naked choke 1st round
#12 Onyok Transmonte (Submission Sports) vs. Joel Amurao (Lakay Wushu) -- Amurao via armbar 1st round

Overdue URCC University Challenge 2009 Shots and Vids

2009-12-22T02:19:00.000-08:00

Team SPRAWL Christmas Party!

2009-12-19T03:47:00.000-08:00

MALIGAYANG PASKO SA INYONG LAHAT!

Lahat tayo'y pumunta sa Team Christmas Party sa DECEMBER 22 TUESDAY sa ECLIPSE GYM SHAW BLVD.

Magdala ng 300 pesos para sa exchange gift at pagkain at inumin na rin!

KITAKITS!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Philippine Combat Sambo Championship 2: Rambulan sa Asya

2009-12-15T09:49:00.000-08:00

There are only 3 days left until Team SPRAWL fighters Gilbert Ombao, Sulpiano Laurio Jr. and Jayco Madrona take center stage in MMA squaring off with their respective opposition this Saturday in the San Andres Coliseum in Malate, Manila!

Godspeed to Bert, Sir Laurio, and Jayco who all have been training extremely hard for their fights! All the best from your team mates! Let's get it on!

Team SPRAWL Wrestlers take home big medal harvest once again in the Last Quarter National Wrestling Open Championship

2009-11-29T00:31:00.000-08:00

Team SPRAWL fighters once again graced the National Wrestling Open Championship last November 15, 2009 at the University of the Philippines College of Human Kinetics Gymnasium and took home a bounty of golds, silvers, and bronzes.

Their campaign results were as follows:

Freestyle Wrestling:

GOLD:

Alvin Lobrikito (50 kg)
Arvy Gregorio (66 kg)
Gilbert Ombao (92 kg)

SILVER

Sulpiano Laurio jr. (60 kg)
Jayco Madrona (66 kg)
Joshua Abella (74 kg)
Chryso Morales (92 kg)
Arjeg Gutierrez (126 kg)

BRONZE

Albert de Guzman (55 kg)
Swing Ellar (60 kg)
Christian Ramos (82 kg)

Greco Roman Wrestling:

GOLD

Gilbert Ombao (96 kg)

SILVER

Chryso Morales (96 kg)
Arvy Gregorio (66 kg)

A mighty shoutout to these top notch Pinoy Wrestlers. CONGRATULATIONS and keep on competing and winning!

Competition Photos (all taken by Eirik L. Cruz)

SPRAWL on QTV

2009-10-11T08:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Marjoe for the photos!

According to Aubrey of QTV, the segment on SPRAWL and MMA in the Philippines will be aired on October 19! Will post a copy of the segment here once QTV gives me one.
Thanks also to the coaches and all fighters who graced the QTV shoot.

For the entire photo album visit this link:
http://marhoe.multiply.com/photos/album/38/Sprawl_on_QTV_11

Team SPRAWL rakes in grappling honors anew !

2009-10-06T08:30:00.000-07:00

Team SPRAWL's grapplers graced last weekend's Philippine Novice Brazilian Jiu Jitsu No Gi Championships at SM Manila and at day's end took home 2 gold medals, 3 silvers, and 2 bronzes making apparent once again how hard work and rock solid dedication pays off .

Arjeg Gutierrez led the team's campaign that day by bagging the gold medal for the super pesado division and the silver medal for the absolute division, Joshua Abella added another gold medal from the medio division and a bronze from the absolute division, Chryso Morales took home the silver medal in the super pesado division, Max Domingo secured another silver in the Pena division, and Pinggoy Danguilan got a bronze in the pluma division. The successful day was of course capped off by the very worthy and kickass efforts of Justin Danguilan, Cesar Baluyot, and Mauro Dahl.

Also, guiding the fighters in every match from start to finish was none other than the great Gilbert Ombao! Hehe extra special thanks to you berto!

Competition day photos:

SWING FOR A CAUSE! A kettlebell seminar fundraiser for typhoon Ondoy victims

2009-09-27T07:08:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

The devastation typhoon Ondoy left our country is very clear and present. Countless of our Pinoy brothers and sisters have been left with no homes to return to and no food and clothes to help them survive these tough times.

In this light, Eclipse Shaw, SPRAWL MMA, and the Philippine Kettlebell Club will hold "Swing for a Cause", a kettlebell fundraising seminar at Eclipse gym Shaw blvd. on Thursday, October 1, 2009. This fundraiser will start at 8:00 pm. Interested participants are only required to bring at LEAST 150.00 pesos worth of relief goods for them to secure a slot in the seminar.

So see you there! Learn how to become a most effective athlete through the art of the kettlebell while helping the victims recover from this tragedy.

In the picture is Lance Armstrong, one of the greatest endurance athletes to ever live, doing kettlebell reps.

Leo Katigbak gets bronze in FBT Thailand Brazilian Jiu Jitsu/ Submission Grappling Open

2009-09-22T18:02:00.000-07:00

Team SPRAWL MMA would like to give a mighty congratulatory shout out to Leo for slicing and dicing overseas! Leo took home a mean looking bronze medal from last weekend's tournament in Bangkok while representing Carlson Gracie PH in the Gi division. Job very well done and keep 'em coming!

Team SPRAWL shines in URCC University Challenge 2009 despite two heartbreak losses, one even being amid controversy

2009-09-16T14:06:00.000-07:00

The 6 man contingent of Team SPRAWL amassed glory once again from the URCC University Challenge in A. Venue Events Hall last September 12, 2009 bringing home 4 victories and very top class fights despite early bitter losses including a very controversial one.

MIGUEL ALO (UP DILIMAN/SPRAWL) STOPS RAIN BALIBALOS (SAN BEDA ALABANG/DEFTAC)

Miguel protected his scorching win streak in mixed martial arts by clinching another tenacious victory, this time over DEFTAC’s Rain Balibalos. The team watched from the sidelines as Miguel started the match with a standup exchange against Balibalos. It went on for quite a while but somehow, everyone knew that it was only a matter of time before the fight would be taken to the ground with Miguel on top. Like it was written in stone, what ensued was exactly that as Miguel made the best out of a clinch with a game-turning head throw. For almost the entire duration of the match, the crowd roared on as Miguel stayed on top and struck down hard on his opponent. The fighters were ordered to stand up by the referee at different instances in the match but that only allowed Miguel to showcase countless head and hipthrows to keep Balibalos on the gound. However, Miguel said after the match that Rain was able to control him better from the bottom compared to his past opponents and that was why the fight went on for 3 full rounds. There was even an instance where the Balibalos took Miguel's back but with a spectacular display of power and know-how, he was able to get back on top again after only about a minute or even less. At the last minute of the match, Miguel withstood the last stand of Balibalos by neutralizing his heel hook attempt. The ref proclaimed Miguel the winner after a unanimous decision from the judges at the end of the match.

JAGUAR TANG (ENDERUN/FABRICIO-SPRAWL) OUTCLASSES DAVID ANCHETA (INFORMATICS INT'L/KAMPILAN YAW-YAN)

Many an occasion has the fight critic put down the Brazilian Jiujitsu fighter as he attempts to compete in MMA. Jaguar, despite being a seasoned and decorated BJJ fighter in the Philippine scene, still had to test his mettle inside the ring for an MMA fight. He however did just that and came out victorious with the most impressive TKO of the night as decided by the judges. The fight started out with both fighters exchanging on their feet. After the melee went on for quite some time, Jag was able to trap Ancheta on the corner and went for the takedown that spelled doom for the opponent. Being on the place where he’s most comfortable, Jag worked the guard pass without a snag and went for the full mount without wasting any precious time. What came next was a torrential release of strikes from Jag which prompted the ref to immediately stop the fight.

MARK LIMBAGA (DLSU/SPRAWL) FORCES TAP OUT FROM BOYET LUNA (STRIKES AND SUBMISSIONS ELITE

After his successful campaign in the URCC University Challenge, Mark shared the tale of an arguably ill-fitting road he took to the URCC. A week before fight night, Mark had some thoughts about withdrawing from his impending match that Saturday. The butterflies didn’t cease to flutter their wings up until a few hours before fight time. Upon entering the dugout however, which supposedly had that tense atmosphere aimed to crack the nuts of fighters and spectators alike, Mark finally took a stand and decided to go for it full blast come what may. When finally in the ring, Mark engaged the opponent on his feet and after a while of going at it, he was able to take his opponent down. Upon taking the fight on the ground, Mark immediately found himself mounted on Luna and he then blasted down on the opponent with mean ground and pound action. It didn’t end there though. As if adamant to show the packed crowd how much a submission fighter is in him, he did a transition from ground and pound to armbar and Boyet Luna had no choice but to tap out.

JUSTIN DAÑGUILAN (UERM/SPRAWL) STOPPED BY REFEREE IN MATCH AGAINST PAOLO ENRIQUEZ (HYBRID YAW-YAN)

In arguably the most controversial fight of the night, the youngest fighter on the card unquestionably dominated his opponent from start until the last 10 or so seconds in the fight. At first bell, Justin made his opponent eat the taunts that he gave Jus prior to the bell by showing all fight fans present the most promising display of striking that night. Justin let off a flurry of devastating blows, which at one point forced the opponent to the ropes with obviously jello legs and even a near knockdown. Justin then went for a skillful double leg takedown and then worked on his opponent on the ground. At one point, both fighters were tangled on the ground with justin on top. The opponent was holding on tight but still Justin was letting go of punishing short punches to the ribs which made Enriquez let out an “oomph” for every strike he got. Despite this action however, the referee decided to stand the two fighters up due to inactivity. That didn’t matter much however as Justin continued on standing up with Enriquez which he followed up again with another takedown. Without giving Jus time to work and move to a better position on the ground however, the ref again made them stand up. This time, Jus lifted his opponent like a dummy and made a picture perfect slam out of the scenario, inciting a huge roar from the stands. Upon getting on the ground however, the advantageous position he so obviously worked hard for was only taken by the ref for shit as he made them quickly stand up again. Approaching the last 20 seconds of the fight, Jus again went for a takedown but this time the opponent rode on the takedown’s momentum and went for a reversal. This unfortunately resulted in the opponent being mounted on Justin. After receiving a couple of strikes, the headgear completely blocked Justin’s vision and airway and so he wasn’t able to react as he would’ve wanted to. The opponent then continued with the strikes that hit the blocking forearm of Justin but that was enough for the ref to call the fight in favour of Enriquez TWO SECONDS before the round ended. Somebody please give this extremely bright and unbiased ref a f****ing trophy for a job well done!

ALBERT DE GUZMAN (PMI/SPRAWL) CONCEDES TO JOJO TABANG (DLSU/HYBRID YAW-YAN) DUE TO LAST MINUTE ARMBAR

The first fight of the University Challenge featured the second fight between Albert and Jojo. These two fighters already met head to head for a kickboxing match beforehand, which was bagged by Albert. This time around though, lady luck just didn’t seem to be at Albert’s side as he ended up submitting to Jojo. Albert started exchanging with a flurry of strikes with Jojo. Back and forth in the ring they went before Albert finally took Jojo down for some hardcore ground and pound action. For almost the entire fight, Albert was on top raining down on his opponent with damaging strikes but at the last minute, the opponent eventually he caught albert with an arbmbar during playing guard for some time. One all for these guys now!

LAST BUT NOT LEAST, ISIAH ORDIZ (STY/SPRAWL)WON BY DEFAULT OVER PAUL ANDREW MAMBIAR (ST. PAUL QC/MAIC'S GYM)

It was sad that Isiah wasn’t able to reap the fruits of his labor the way he wanted to. As to why the opponent flaked on him, everything would be entirely speculative but the fact of the matter is Isiah won this one fair and square. That being said, he truly is most deserving of the W for all the hard work he put in training in preparation for the fight. So congratulations to you Isiah and of course all the other five fighters who graced the URCC University Challenge 2009 to represent for all the guys at team SPRAWL!

PHOTOS WILL BE POSTED AS SOON AS THE PHOTOGRAPHER SENDS THEM

URCC University Challenge 2009 Updated Fight Card

2009-09-05T11:40:00.002-07:00

From www.urccmma.com

1. Albert de Guzman (PMI / Sprawl) vs. Jojo Tobang (DLSU / Hybrid Yaw-Yan) 110-119lbs.

2. Isiah Ordiz (STI / Sprawl) vs. Paul Andrew Mambiar (St. Paul QC / Maic's Gym) 170-179lbs.

3. Emil Macalinao (PATS / Yay-Yan Buhawi) vs. Boyet Santos (Letran / Strikes & Submissions Elite) 120-129lbs.

4. Sherwin Pastor (NCST Criminology / D'Elements Gym) vs. Jack Echauz (SBC of Med. / Kampilan Yaw-Yan) 130-139lbs.

5. Lexx Sadie (Informatics / Alliance Fight Club) vs. August de Lima (AMA / Yaw-Yan Buhawi) 170-179lbs.

6. Justin Danguilan (UERM / Sprawl) vs. Jean Marc Martin (Samson College / Hybrid Yaw-Yan) 130-139lbs.

7. Mark Limbaga (DLSU / Sprawl) vs. Leonard Caliwa (NCST / D'Elements Gym) 120-129lbs.

8. Nino Banatao (Juan Sumulong Univ. / Maic's Gym) vs. Ceazar Militante (St. Rita College / Ceazar Fighting System) 170-179lbs.

9. Jaguar Tang (Enderun / Fabricio-Sprawl) vs. David Ancheta (Informatics Int'l. / Kampilan Yaw-Yan) 160-169lbs.

10. Bryan Bartolome (CSB / Sarian) vs. Mike Dula (UPHR / Elorde MMA) 130-139lbs.

11. Salvador Almeria (San Sebastian College / Strikes & Submissions) vs. Chuck Chang (DLSU / Rulloda Fighting System-MMASC) 190-199lbs.

12. Miguel Alo (UP / Sprawl) vs. Rain Balibalos (San Beda Alabang / DefTac) 130-139lbs.

13. Warren Franco (Lyceum / Hybrid Yaw-Yan) vs. JR "Infamous" Rulloda (DLSU / Rulloda Fighting System) 110-119lbs.

14. Angelo Cristi (St. Paul QC / Maic's Gym) vs. Andrew Laxa (DLSU / DefTac) 150-159lbs.

15. Meshal al-Khuzeem (DLSU / Strikes & Submissions) vs. Ralph Mendita (ADMU / Hybrid Yaw-Yan) 160-169lbs.

Best of luck to all SPRAWL fighters!
Go for the knockout, tapout, whateverout!
\m/

URCC University Challenge 2009

2009-09-05T11:40:00.001-07:00

1. Albert de Guzman (PMI / Sprawl) vs. Jojo Tobang (DLSU / Hybrid Yaw-Yan) 110-119lbs.

2. Isiah Ordiz (STI / Sprawl) vs. Paul Andrew Mambiar (St. Paul QC / Maic's Gym) 170-179lbs.

3. Emil Macalinao (PATS / Yay-Yan Buhawi) vs. Boyet Santos (Letran / Strikes & Submissions Elite) 120-129lbs.

4. Sherwin Pastor (NCST Criminology / D'Elements Gym) vs. Jack Echauz (SBC of Med. / Kampilan Yaw-Yan) 130-139lbs.

5. Lexx Sadie (Informatics / Alliance Fight Club) vs. August de Lima (AMA / Yaw-Yan Buhawi) 170-179lbs.

6. Justin Danguilan (UERM / Sprawl) vs. Jean Marc Martin (Samson College / Hybrid Yaw-Yan) 130-139lbs.

7. Mark Limbaga (DLSU / Sprawl) vs. Leonard Caliwa (NCST / D'Elements Gym) 120-129lbs.

8. Nino Banatao (Juan Sumulong Univ. / Maic's Gym) vs. Ceazar Militante (St. Rita College / Ceazar Fighting System) 170-179lbs.

9. Jaguar Tang (Enderun / Fabricio-Sprawl) vs. David Ancheta (Informatics Int'l. / Kampilan Yaw-Yan) 160-169lbs.

10. Bryan Bartolome (CSB / Sarian) vs. Mike Dula (UPHR / Elorde MMA) 130-139lbs.

11. Salvador Almeria (San Sebastian College / Strikes & Submissions) vs. Chuck Chang (DLSU / Rulloda Fighting System-MMASC) 190-199lbs.

12. Miguel Alo (UP / Sprawl) vs. Rain Balibalos (San Beda Alabang / DefTac) 130-139lbs.

13. Warren Franco (Lyceum / Hybrid Yaw-Yan) vs. JR "Infamous" Rulloda (DLSU / Rulloda Fighting System) 110-119lbs.

14. Angelo Cristi (St. Paul QC / Maic's Gym) vs. Andrew Laxa (DLSU / DefTac) 150-159lbs.

15. Meshal al-Khuzeem (DLSU / Strikes & Submissions) vs. Ralph Mendita (ADMU / Hybrid Yaw-Yan) 160-169lbs.

A night of training in SPRAWL Eclipse

2009-08-15T16:51:00.000-07:00

Greetings everyone!

Recently, our fighters to the upcoming URCC University Challenge have been training full blast and last night was a very special night as we were shot by Cha of cha-rizzy.blogpsot.com and her boyfriend Rommel Diaz. For the entire collection of masterfully taken fight photographs that night, go click this link here: http://cha-rizzy.blogspot.com/2009/08/eclipse-247-fitness-center.html

Again, many thanks to Cha, Rommel, and our teammate Marjoe for this one. Please support our fighters in any way you can and keep on training your hardest!

Philippine Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Novice GI & No-GI Championships

2009-08-05T08:28:00.000-07:00

Emailed by entry@bjjphilippines.com

The Philippines Novice (Beginners) Gi and No Gi Brazilian Championship.
It is an Open competition for players who have trained under 1 year or
are 2nd Stripe White belts and under in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

The Philippine Novice Championship has been created solely for the
purpose of providing students new to BJJ an opportunity to compete
against other students of similar ability, thus providing a venue to
test themselves before they go into the bigger comps.

This is a way to foster the sport at the grass root level.
Please email us if you have any questions regarding eligilbilty.
Competitors names will be scrutinized to ensure fairness to all players.

2009-08-02T07:23:00.000-07:00

Thank you and our mighty God be with you in all eternity, Cory. I bet MMA in the country wouldn't be as it is now if the dictatorship never was brought down. All our respects.

URCC University Challenge 2009

2009-08-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

MATCH FIGHTER SCHOOL team weight Height Age

1 Ian Nadres Dominican College SPRAWL 130-139 5'5" 20
vs
Jean Marc Martin Samson College Hybrid Yaw Yan 137 5'7" 22

2 Mark Limbaga DLSU SPRAWL 120-129 5'4" 20
vs
Warren Franco Lyceum Hybrid Yaw Yan 125 5'3" 23

3 Sherwin Pastor NCST Criminology D' Elements Gym 136 5'7" 20
vs
Jack Echauz San Beda College of Med Kampilan Yaw Yan 139 5'7" 25

4 Luis San Juan UP SPRAWL 160-169 5'8" 21
vs
David Ancheta Informatics Intl. Kampilan Yaw Yan 165 5'7" 25

5 Albert De Guzman PMI SPRAWL 110-119 5'4" 19
vs
Jojo Tabang DLSU Hybrid Yaw Yan 115 5'3" 21

6 Meshal al-Khuzeem DLSU Strikes&Submissions 160-169 5'10" 19
vs
Ralph Mendita Ateneo de Manila Hybrid Yaw Yan 165 5'7" 22

7 Jason Gullem Mapua SPRAWL 170-179 5'5" 19
vs
Cesar DEFTAC 170-179 5'7" 20

8 Angelo Cristi St. Paul QC Maics Gym 150-159 5'5" 20
vs
Andrew Laxa Southville DEFTAC 150-159 5'11" 18

9 Justin Danguilan UERM SPRAWL 130-139 5'4" 19
vs
Gbert Sanchez

Seems to me like we have a big SPRAWL contingent this year. Looks hella good! The very best of luck to everyone! TRAIN HARD like there's no tomorrow! Godspeed mates.

Cobrinha Interview

2009-07-20T02:43:00.000-07:00

It's been up in the net for quite some time now but for those of you who haven't seen it yet, it'd be cool if you get to check it out now. It may be helpful if not inspiring even for those of you training for something in the near future or for those of you who just live for jiu jitsu, submission wrestling, fighting, or whatever. \m/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rubens-Cobrinha-Charles/73743638468?ref=ts#/pages/Rubens-Cobrinha-Charles/73743638468?v=app_2347471856&viewas=0&ref=ts

URCC XIV "Aggression"

2009-07-10T04:14:00.000-07:00

Get ready fight fans for another exciting MMA extravaganza! Colt 45 & the Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC) invite you to Colt 45 URCC XIV "Aggression." On July 18, 2009 , 8pm at the A.Venue Events Hall, MMA fans will be treated to an action packed night of Mayhem! Headlining the fight card is URCC's undefeated Welterwieght Champion Eduard Folayang going agains SPIKE 22 Guam's AJ Aguon in the Superfight. Also heading the fight card is URCC's former middleweight champion Caloy Baduria of MMA Elorde this time moving up and going for the vacant lightheavyweight title against Hybrid Yaw Yan's Remand Lazaro .Plus eight other exciting matches! FOR TICKETS, CALL TICKETNET AT 9115555. For more details ,call 3810940 or 0917.812.1616. Or email us at info@urccmma.com.This event is presented by Colt 45 Premium Strong Beer “the Strong Beer for Real Men.” Also Brought to you by Alaxan FR & E-games.Official Media Partners, Solar Sports , CS/9,Magic 89.9, 99.5 RT, Rogue Magazine. With the Participation of Chris sports, TRX, Bulls Gloves, Padi’s Point, Yoshinoya,VRP Medical Center, SEAIR. Special thanks to Aeromed, BAMF MMA Center, A.Venue Events Hall,A.Venue Hotel Suites, Games & Amusement Board, Signum Audio Visual Lighting Group, Staginex systems.BAKBAKAN NA!

-Bubbles Aguilar (sent through facebook)

SPRAWL fighters receive Brazilian Jiu Jitsu belt promotions!

2009-07-06T18:04:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Gilbert and Ian for finally receiving their well-deserved blue belts from BJJ black Belt Stephen Kamphuis during the recent belt promotions held at Kamphuis-Machado Jiu Jitsu. Also, great job to Marjoe (1 stripe white belt) and Adrain (4 stripe white belt) for also receiving their hard earned belt promotions! The SPRAWL family lauds your success. More power and keep on fighting!

Photographs from the promotion night

The Guard Game: Bay Area Submission Challenge 2009 Highlights

2009-05-26T05:47:00.000-07:00

May 23, 2009

Kudos again to www.unlimitedkickboxing.com, headed by Rudy Ott for another successful Open Mat Challenge in the Bay Area. I a participated on the 135lbs. to 145lbs. Beginner Division. As usual, you get to grapple with at least 3 grapplers, 3 minute match duration.

Some of highlights from my matches:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3052/3555503267_d4d2a755a1.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3351/3555514545_9563cda39f.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3571/3556335428_5e884de129.jpg?v=0

Complete photostream here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/guerilla7/sets/72157618661183344/

See you guys on the mats of Vanguard Dojo this August!
Ron

In need of a partner...

2009-05-17T18:42:00.000-07:00

The Wrestling Association of the Philippines (WAP) is currently looking for an official partner hotel that would be able to accommodate our international athletes and coaches (approximately for 250-300 people) for the 2009 Asian Juniors Wrestling Championships which the organization will be hosting.

Delegates from 20 countries will see action in the 2009 Asian Juniors Wrestling Championships slated this July 9 to 12 at Metro Manila.

Twenty-four gold medals in Freestyle and Greco-Roman events are at stake in this three-day tournament.

We encourage those who are connected to hotels here in Manila to send their proposals that it may be included as part of the parties to be considered by WAP. Deadline for submissions is on May 21, 2009.

We also encourage those who would like to serve as sponsors or partner establishments for the said event to submit their proposals as well.

Feel free to contact message me should you have any interest to become part of the upcoming international competition.

Everyone is also invited to witness the said event. We''ll be sending out details once the details have been finalized.

Thanks and we're looking forward to your responses.

Patuloy na naniniwala sa galing ng atletang Pilipino,

Kandice Aura S. Mallonga
Auditor
Wrestling Association of the Philippines
Room 214, PSC Admin. Building
Rizal Memorial Sports Complex
Pablo Ocampo Sr. St., Malate, Manila
E-mail: pinaywrestler@yahoo.com

West Coast Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Tour Part 2: Team Seattle Gracie Barra under Rodrigo Lopes

2009-05-12T18:49:00.000-07:00

Alrighty, after rolling with coach James at his dojo in Kent (http://www.sprawlmma.org/2009/04/seattle-brazilian-jiu-jitsu-tour-part-1.html), I went around some more to scour for other BJJ gyms in town. The next one I came across wasn't all too far from downtown so that was nice. All I had to do was take the 131 bus (actually I think any southbound bus will do) to the 6th and Holgate street bus stop just a block past Safeco Field, home of the Seattle Mariners. What came next was a two block walk to 1900 Airport way through a very quiet and empty part of town.

Actually, I came in late because I got too comfortable with my jet lag powered siesta but being the nicest folks in the states, of course the guys at the gym still let me squeeze through their routine.

This time it was a Brazilian, Rodrigo Lopes, who ran the place. Rodrigo is a first degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under the prolific Marcio "Mamazinho" Laudier. He moved to Seattle in '97 after training with Ze Mario Sperry and Walter Matto back in Rio de Janeiro. At present, he heads two dojos in Seattle.

After warming up on my own, Rodrigo immediately made me hit the mats and do reps with a partner. He taught the class very neat techniques that day if I may say so myself.

If there's one thing I'll certainly remember about Rodrigo, it's how he ferociously pushes the students to the limit from minute zero of training to the end of sparring. I can't describe how spent I was. I think I died and was brought back to life during many points in that session. However, I also can't tell you how nice a person he is - in email, on the phone, and in person, and so is everyone in the gym that day of course. There you go, Seattle Gracie Barra under Rodrigo Lopes - you shouldn't miss it if you visit Rain City.

Hang looseehy gooseehy!
Pinggoy

Team SPRAWL victorious once more at 2009 Pan Asian BJJ Intl and Pan Asian Intl Grappling Challenge!

2009-05-07T12:09:00.000-07:00

The SPRAWL Campaign Results:

GILBERT OMBAO

Gold - Gi; Medio Pesado white belt div 82.1 – 88.5 kg (reppin' Team Fabricio)
Gold - No Gi; Medio Pesado 79.5 – 85.5 kg

JUSTIN DANGUILAN

Gold - No Gi; Pena Juniors

JONATHAN DUMADAOG

Silver – No Gi; Pena Juniors

IAN NADRES

Bronze - Gi; Leve 70.1 - 76 kg white belt div (reppin' Team Fabricio)

LEO KATIGBAK

Bronze - No Gi; Super Pesado Over 91.5kg

Photos

Triumphant Trio: Cookie, Gilbert, Justin

SPRAWL contingent loud and proud with the SPRAWLMMA.ORG banner

Leo Katigbak gracing the podium

Gold Medalist Gilbert at the podium

Justin proclaimed supreme

A huge CONGRATULATIONS to all SPRAWL fighters who competed. A very special mention should also be attributed to MARJOE MAUHAY who won his first match but eventually lost to someone from Team Guam for his second match and to NIKKO RAMOS who also competed in the event. Great job and Godspeed. Looking forward to more great action in future events. Keep on keeping on sirs!

More Pan Asian action shots from Ms. Khristine Seco from Secosan Photography

2009-05-07T12:08:00.000-07:00

Christian Virtudazo and Mark Limbaga's Takedown Instructional Vid

2009-05-07T12:07:00.001-07:00

Saturday Roll with Cesar Gracie BJJ

2009-05-06T10:23:00.000-07:00

The Guard Game
May 3, 2009

Rolling with Coach Miguel of Team MAC - Cesar Gracie BJJ

Had a blast rolling with the boys of Coach Miguel of Team MAC - Cesar Gracie BJJ last Saturday. It was like going to a gauntlet training there! They set up the timer there for every 3 minutes you hit the heavy bags with boxing gloves on to work on your stand-up. Then after the alarm sounds you have to take your gloves off. Rest for 60 seconds, and you grapple! It was the fastest, most grueling continuous 12-minute training session I ever had. The best part of it I am the smallest and lightest (as always) with the boys there, so I get to grapple with bigger, stronger, and faster guys.

If you want more of these hardcore MMA Circuit type of training, go Google Dennis Kang's training sessions and you will see how punishing this type of training is.

Here's some of the pix from my kick-ass roll at Team MAC - Cesar Gracie BJJ

With Coach Miguel

Coach Miguel, Marcelo Ron and Kelly

See you guys on the mat!
Ron

West Coast Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Tour Part 1: Team Foster Jiu Jitsu/Mixed Martial Arts in Seattle

2009-04-29T09:48:00.000-07:00

Hello ladies and gentlemen! Since I’m in the states and all, I’ve decided to do a little BJJ hopping to make my time here more worthwhile. This is the first of a series of articles so stay tuned for the next ones. Also, for those of you who may find yourselves in this part of the globe in the near future, may this be a guide for some of your Jiu Jitsu or MMA needs.

First up, Team Foster Jiu Jitsu. Prior to leaving for the States, I googled for this BJJ camp then I emailed James Foster, owner and resident black belt of the place. He said I could come by anytime if I wanted to try the place out. Great! Lesson for all of us: never doubt the power of e-mail!

One cold and overcast Seattle morning, I decided it was time to visit James down at his place. The Team Foster Dojo is actually in the city of Kent, WA which is just south of Seattle. If you’re coming from downtown, what you do is you go to the Westlake underground station and get on the 150 bus going south. What follows is a 45 minute bus ride to Kent and you should go down at the West Valley and 190th street bus stop. From there you can just walk to the place, which is at 66th and 192nd street.

Also, once down at the bus stop. Don’t be flustered if you’re walking for a long while already and you still don’t see a single soul anywhere. That area is a really quiet part of town and during the day almost everyone there is inside the buildings doing their business for the day. It gets uncomfortable at some point but you’ll get used to it.

James Foster is a huge guy but he’s got that very friendly and courteous displacement that I’ve seen a lot lately from the locals here. Moreover, he is a very decorated BJJ fighter and he was able to take home a couple of bronzes fighting at the super super heavyweight weight class under the adult black belt division for the Pan American Championships. He got his black belt from Juliano Prado of the famed Lotus Club Federation in Sao Paulo Brazil and that is why he’s sporting the affiliation of the Lotus Club.

After exchanging greetings, we went to business right away. There were only 8 of us during that morning class. Most of the guys were at work.

When we finished warming up and doing stretching, James taught us a few new tricks to add to the guard pass, which I thought were very effective details indeed. He showed some more variations and made us do a bunch of reps for each one. To cap the rather short day off, he made us pair up for sparring. Then, what I thought would be a 3 minute sparring session turned out to be a full 20 minute spar! What the hell, I know.

I was totally gassed out already after the first 5 minutes so the next 15 were just purely survival time. Aside from the fact that it had been months since I last had formal Jiu Jitsu training back home, the climate and the altitude absolutely took its toll on me. It takes some getting used to for sure.

So there, despite of those 15 minutes of suffering, it’s been a grand time indeed training with Coach James Foster and his guys. If any of you guys make your way to great northwest one of these days, it’s highly recommended that you visit Foster Jiu Jitsu. You’ll have a blast. Literally. Hehe.

James Foster
Phone: (253) 208-3270
Email: coach@fbjjonline.com
Address: 6613 S. 192nd St. Bldg K-104 Kent, WA 98032
Website: fosterbjj.com

Well wishes from Rain City,
Pinggoy

Bay Area Submission Challenge

2009-04-22T00:24:00.000-07:00

Our team mate and Sprawlmma.org columnist Ron del Rosario is preparing for this event. Best of luck Ron! Keep on training hard and bringing glory to team SPRAWL from overseas!

WRESTLERS UNITE

2009-04-19T23:25:00.000-07:00

Good morning teammates! I am pleased to announce that we have taken Vincent Piccio down.

If you have not been aware of the Wrestling Association of the Philippines' issues recently, we are currently involved in a movement to replace the corrupt WAP officers and the incumbents refused to relinquish their thrones to be able to continue with their selfish acts. They gave us one hell of a hard time in our cause for wanting to make changes happen in wrestling.

For further info, please refer to:
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=78702173326&1&index=2

http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=78814992236&h=HGa_J&u=Z4ZDT&ref=mf

Fortunately, the recent turn of events ruled towards our favor, the governing sports agencies here in our country has given us the go-signal to FINALLY hold an Annual National meeting this coming Sunday, 1 pm, at the National Wrestling gym, Wushu Bldg., Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Manila. For further instructions, feel free to contact me at 09277828908 or Coach Karlo Sevilla (ok... for those who aren't aware... Coach Karlo is one of SPRAWL's founders alongside Rogelio "TJ" Tiu) at 09053607479.

Since we are the only Olympic-wrestling based Mixed Martial Arts group here in the country, surely, we are one of those who will benefit from the changes that are going to happen in WAP.

Please show your support, I'm seriously begging you guys to come and join us on Sunday at WAP. Everyone who is active in the wrestling community has worked hard for this to happen. This is a way of vindicating that we wrestlers are truly fighters.

Thank you very much.

I hope to see you guys soon.

God bless.

Kandice

SPRAWL AND BRAWL 3 LUCHA DE LAGO RESULTS

2009-04-19T18:06:00.001-07:00

TERRENCE SEGUNDO (HEALTH AND SHAPE) VS ALVIN ALING (LAGUNA WRESTLING)
WINNER: TERRENCE SEGUNDO

MARIO SESMUNDO(FIGHTCLUB) VS JING BARONA (RED GLOVES BOXING GYM LAGUNA)
WINNER: MARIO SESMUNDO

JEI RAMOS(SPRAWL-ECLIPSE) VS RENAN OLITIN (RED GLOVES BOXING GYM LAGUNA)
WINNER: JEI RAMOS

IAN NADRES(SPRAWL-ECLIPSE) VS JAIRE BARBOSA (ST. MICHAEL'S MUAY THAI LAGUNA)
WINNER: IAN NADRES

DONN MACASPAC (SPRAWL) VS ALEXES SADEE (ST. MICHAEL'S MUAY THAI LAGUNA)
WINNER:ALEXES SADEE

RAMIL ABARQUEZ (NOFP) VS MARLON (LAGUNA WRESTLING)
WINNER:RAMIL ABARQUEZ

ARIES FUENTES (UP SPRAWL) VS JAYSON GUILLEM (SPRAWL-ECLIPSE)
WINNER:JAYSON GUILLEM

JAYCO MADRONA (SPRAWL-ECLIPSE) VS MARVIN ISLETA (ST. MICHAEL'S MUAY THAI LAGUNA)
WINNER: JAYCO MADRONA

Thank you everyone for supporting SPRAWL and BRAWL 3 and more importantly the development of the sport of Mixed Martial Arts in the country.

Until the next SPRAWL and BRAWL, keep on training! See you on the mat!

Some photographs that night (Note: If you have more photos or videos please let us know or please send them to the email address posted. Thanks!)

SPRAWL AND BRAWL 3 LUCHA DE LAGO AMATEUR MMA!

2009-04-08T22:38:00.000-07:00

VENUE: UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES LOS BAÑOS, BARANGAY TUNGTUNGING PUTHO, LOS BAÑOS, LAGUNA
TIME: 5pm - 8pm
ADMISSION RATE: PhP 100.00 only!

FOR INQUIRIES, YOU MAY CONTACT KANDICE - 09272828908 OR JOIN SPRAWL TALK!

SEE YOU IN LOS BAÑOS!

FIGHT CARD

ST. MICHAEL'S MUAY THAI LAGUNA 150-159 SPRAWL
ALEXES SADEE VS DONN MACASPAC

ST. MICHAEL'S MUAY THAI LAGUNA 130-139 N.O.F.P
LEEROY ATIENZA VS RAMIL ABARQUEZ

ST. MICHAEL'S MUAY THAI LAGUNA 120-129 SPRAWL
JAIRE BARBOSA VS IAN NADRES

FIGHTCLUB 140-149 RED GLOVES BOXING GYM LAGUNA
MARIO SESMUNDO VS JING BARONA

RED GLOVES BOXING GYM LAGUNA 120-129 SPRAWL
RENAN OLITIN VS JEI RAMOS

UP SPRAWL 160-169 ECLIPSE SPRAWL
ARIES FUNTES VS JAYSON GUILLEM

LAGUNA WRESTLING 130-139 SPRAWL
MARK ANDRIN VS JAYCO MADRONA

Miguel Alo stops opponent early in the first round and earns himself his first victory in the octagon!

2009-04-07T00:45:00.000-07:00

All images were taken by Neil Garcia of i-mag photography. Thank you for sharing them with the site Neil!

Team SPRAWL's very own Miguel Alo compellingly forced the referee to end the fight early in the first round as he let loose a barrage of punches once securing the mounted position on opponent Manilo Espejo of Newblood Kickboxing.

Miguel's first round success provided an action-packed opening rumble for the 9th Fearless Fighting Championship tagged Uprising, which was held in the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City last April 4, 2009. Consequently, this was Miguel's first triumph in the Fearless Fighting Championship and it won't certainly be his last. Miguel is actually on a live win streak as he also ruled over his opponent last year during the URCC University Challenge 3.

Congratulations Miguel Alo on your successful MMA career start and the team wishes you all the best in the endeavors ahead of you!

Also that night, SPRAWL striking extraordinaire Swing Ellar was ruled by the doctors as unfit to carry on due to a kick that grazed and bloodied his right eye. However, this was arguably the most controversial fight of the night as spectators and non-spectators alike thought the opponent was disqualified for kicking Swing Ellar while on a downed position.

Much to the amazement of many, it was the hand of the opponent from Submission Sport Philippines, which was raised by the referee at the end of it all.

At the end of each fight, the big screen shows replays of the corresponding match's highlights. It's funny though how that such thing was obviously cut short after this particular match. Hmmm... hiding something?

The Guard Game: On Technical Rolling Sessions and Preventing Training Injuries

2009-04-06T07:18:00.000-07:00

April 6, 2009

Hi guys, sorry I haven't been able to share some of my training stuff, my work has been consuming me lately. I was sent to Los Angeles for almost a week and it was pure work. I did not even have the chance to do some sight-seeing, and of course the best part, visit nearby MMA camps. Well I am now back here in the Bay Area.

It was a baptism of fire again for me when I showed up for training this Saturday. My coach pitted me to this big, burly, 170 lbs Russian dude named Dmitiry. He likes to be called Dima for short. Dima pummeled me in our MMA sparring. I even got injured. I caught a grazing right punch to my right eye socket, good thing it was just a scratch.

Eyelid cuts are dangerous and such require medical attention as soon as possible. That’s when I asked coach for a time-out. Coach told me to remove my MMA gloves and hand-wraps, wash my face and put alcohol on my cut. That was it for me that day.

I decided to just do some conditioning stuff while the guys spar MMA. I did sit-ups, push-ups, and jumping jacks to keep the blood pumping and to sweat it out. After the guys were finished, it was time for the "Technical Rolling" session.

A Technical Rolling session is a grappling session where you roll with someone to work on your technique and a lot of camps actually employ it nowadays. Utilizing 100% technique, you work on your guard, submissions, guard passes, and hip escapes without exerting effort. Your partner will have his turn to do the same thing. You end up trading combos with your partner and it’s a see-saw battle for submission attempts, sweeps, and back-takes. This type of session usually takes longer, about 10 to 20 minutes, depending on your coach for it requires far lesser amount of energy.

Preventing injuries in MMA is hard because of the nature of our beloved sport. But this does not mean preventive measures are useless. If you feel pain or something weird while training, do not hesitate to ask for a timeout and notify your coach. Sometimes our Fighter Ego takes over and it makes us want to continue. That's why coaches are there to guide us when to stop.

Train hard and respect to everyone.

Ron

emailed to SPRAWL by bjjphilippines.com

2009-04-01T08:05:00.000-07:00

SPRAWL's Sulpiano Laurio Jr. Prevails at UNLEASHED: Sambo Championship

2009-03-31T03:06:00.000-07:00

Fight Poster

Sulpiano Laurio holds his trophy and poses with Christian V.

Sulpiano Laurio Jr. of team SPRAWL triumphed over his opponent, Roselito Campana of Elorde MMA, at the Professional Combat Sambo Championship UNLEASHED: The Road to the M-1 Global Mixed Martial Arts. The fights were held at the Pasay Sports Complex last March 14, 2009.

CONGRATULATIONS Sir Laurio! Keep on training and keep on winning!

S.P.R.A.W.L. Presents THE CURSED NIGHT Photo Gallery

2009-03-29T07:08:00.000-07:00

From the cursed night

S.P.R.A.W.L. Fighters Reap Top Awards at the 2009 Philippine National Brazilian Jiu Jitsu/ No Gi Grappling Championships

2009-03-11T09:52:00.000-07:00

Karlo Sevilla, Gilbert Ombao, Christian Virtudazo and Ian Nadres competed last weekend, March 7-8, 2009 in SM Megamall for the said event and each of them came out triumphant in their respective weight classes bagging a total of 7 medals.

Their achievements that weekend are as follows:

Philippine National Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Championships

Gilbert Ombao- GOLD Medal, White Belt Medio Pesado

Philippine National No Gi Grappling Championships

Karlo Sevilla- GOLD Medal, Masters Category under 79 kg
BRONZE Medal, Intermediate Leve
BRONZE medal, Intermediate Absolute

Gilbert Ombao- GOLD Medal, Basic Medio Pesado

Christian Virtudazo- SILVER Medal, Basic Medio Pesado

Ian Nadres- SILVER Medal, Basic Leve

To the victors, congratulations from team S.P.R.A.W.L. for a job well done! We wish you only the best in all the other competitions that come your way from here on out. Last but not least, never cease to be the great inspirations that you are to all your team mates!

2009-03-10T21:23:00.000-07:00

The Medalists: Karlo Sevilla (leftmost), Gilbert Ombao (third from left), Ian Nadres (fourth from left), and Christian Virtudazo (rightmost) with team mates Miguel and Marjo

Silver and Gold: Christian and Gilbert on the podium

Coach Karlo is number one

Ian at the podium

Christian victorious in his first match

2009-03-10T21:21:00.000-07:00

Gilbert wins one in No Gi action

2009-03-10T11:32:00.000-07:00

sprawlmma.blogspot.com supports aMUnation 2009: projects and activites for very relevant causes

2009-03-05T06:51:00.000-08:00

Sprawlmma.blogspot.com has been recently named an official partner website of aMUnation 2009: a week-long array of activities in the UP College of Medicine brought to everybody by the Mu Sigma Phi Fraternity batch 2013.

Among many other things, aMUnation will turn over wheelchairs to the injured servicemen of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and hand over scholarship grants to children from the blighted community of Payatas, Quezon City.

Click the link below for all other details.

www.amunation.org

S.P.R.A.W.L. cares for our deprived and desolate brethren.
More power to everyone!

sprawl diva poster

2009-03-01T07:34:00.000-08:00

The Guard Game: The Ambidextrous Guard

2009-02-25T09:56:00.000-08:00

February 24, 2009

My Coach recently shared to me that he did notice that every time I go for a submission attempt from my full guard, I always attack the right side of my opponent.

Two more attempts and your opponent will break free of your guard. You always attack the right side, it doesn't take a black-belt to figure it out He said.

So the next training day all Coach wanted me to do is apply all the submissions that I can pull off my sleeves but only attacking the left side. I suck in attacking the left side by the way, I need to work on it.

I got so used to attacking the right side of my opponent inside my full guard that attacking the left side was like an entirely new experience for me. I was like back to being a newbie again, my movement was crude, slow and my grip was weak. My sparring partner would always parry or counter my attempt, stand-up, and break free from my guard.

So for the past weeks and so in training, that's all what I have been working on. Coach is not letting my try other fun things. He wants me to improve my submission attempts on my weak side, which is the left side.

Kimura, guillotine choke, and triangle choke are the stuff I am working on. They are pretty much basic but like what BJ Penn preaches, mastering the fundamentals will take you to another level of your grappling game. I recall BJ calling it Advance Basics from his awesome website BJPenn.com.

In a nutshell, work on attacking both sides of your opponent inside your full guard. It will keep your opponent guessing which side and what submission are you going to try next. Its like being able to do a layup with the left-hand on a basketball game even though you are a natural right-hander. Being ambidextrous with your submissions is a sign of mat wizardry and dedication to the game we love.

Side Notes:

I am planning to visit Jake Shield's new BJJ Academy in downtown Berkeley, California this March. It was an invite I could not resist from none other than the Undisputed Heavyweight MMA Champion of the Philippines, TJ Tiu.

(P.S. If you don't know who Jake Shield is, Sherdog.com is your friend, if you do not know who TJ Tiu is, you 'ain't a true Filipino MMA follower.)

Respect to everyone and train hard!
Ron

Announcement!

2009-02-25T09:03:00.000-08:00

SPRAWL AND BRAWL 3 COMING SOON!

test

2009-02-25T09:02:00.000-08:00

test test test

Congratulations Gilbert and Ian for receiving your hard earned BJJ stripes!

2009-01-28T09:59:00.000-08:00

Gilbert amidst BJJ black belts Stephen Kamphuis and John Baylon

Gilbert Ombao and Ian Nadres of team S.P.R.A.W.L. MMA Philippines were each awarded their fourth white belt stripe at the Kamphuis-Fabricio Brazilian Jiu Jitsu grading by BJJ black belt Stephen Kamphuis at the KMA Fitness and Martial Arts Dojo in Makati last January 23, 2009.

Gilbert Ombao

Team S.P.R.A.W.L. wishes to recognize the genuine efforts of Gilbert and Ian in achieving such a feat. It truly marks the sincere patience and passion these guys have invested in the sport of combat. Keep on training hard and being an inspiration to your teammates! That blue belt’s just around the corner. Mabuhay!

Note: Ian Nadres’s photograph will be posted asap.

The Guard Game - January 24, 2009

2009-01-25T08:43:00.000-08:00

Milpitas, CA -- I would like to share on this episode of the Guard Game the success of the Open Mat Submission Challenge 2009, held this afternoon at the Milpitas Health and Fitness facilities, January 24, 2009 at Milpitas, California. Congratulations to the organizers, led by http://www.unlimitedkickboxing.com!

The even gathered 80 plus grapplers in various weight classes and levels from the Bay Area. The crowd was big and was giving their all-out support as well, it was an awesome event in general!

The goal of the event was simple, you have you grapple with someone on your weight class and level and fight at least 3 fellow grapplers. Duration is 4 minutes for each match. Regardless if you win or lose, you get to move on to fight another grappler. The minimum number of match per grappler are 3 fights. I was scheduled to fight 5 matches because my weight class of 136lbs to 145lbs was stacked! But half-way to the tournament, a lot of fighters haven't even fought their 2nd match, so I told the organizers I had enough, and my Coach told my 3 fights where awesome and I can rest now. I told the organizers to use my slot to accommodate the rest of the fighters who haven't fought twice yet.

My Coach and the friends I met at the event said I did well. My stats for the event are the following:

(136 to 145lbs Weight Class)
- 3 Four-minute matches
- 2 Arm-triangle submission finish
- 1 Rear-Naked Choke submission finish

Not bad for a struggling grappler with only 5 months of BJJ training under my belt! Three things I learned and should be practiced for such an event like this:

1. Listen to your Coach or Cornerman.
2. Don't be distracted at the other fighter's girlfriends. Yes, stop staring at them.
3. Enjoy each match. You learn if you win, you learn more if you lose.

Below are some of my "action shots" taken by my teammates during the event:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/guerilla7/sets/72157612917302097/

Respect to everyone and see you at the mat!
Ron

Rollapalooza details are already posted!

2009-01-22T07:22:00.000-08:00

Please proceed to the link below to check them out!

http://rollapalooza.blogspot.com/index.html

Good luck to all who will join! Train hard!

Good luck Ron!

2009-01-14T11:02:00.000-08:00

Team S.P.R.A.W.L. would like to give its utmost support to our very own Ron del Rosario as he is currently knee-deep in training for the Open Mat Submission Challenge in California. He will be representing a local gym there and UP Wrestling. Best of luck brother!

Announcement

2009-01-12T17:54:00.000-08:00

Rollapalooza 2 no gi grappling is just around the corner! It is to be held this February 8, 2009 at the ADMU Martial Arts Center. Train hard for it! Check rollapalooza.tv for details and updates.

FEATURING SPRAWL DIVA!!! BRING OUT THE SEXY IN YOU!

2009-01-11T00:02:00.000-08:00

For inquiries regarding Mixed Martial Arts Training for women or just plain Wrestling training...

E-mail: sprawldiva@yahoo.com

The program will depend upon your choice. You can choose between Wrestling for Fitness or Competition options.

Divination (Training) is held at Eclipse Gym in Shaw Blvd.
(Eclipse 24/7 Fitness Center is near MRT Shaw Blvd. Station adjacent to Shangri-La Shopping Mall in Ortigas. You will take Shaw going away from Ortigas until you reach Sunshine Square and the Liberty Center (Puregold). It's across the street. There is free parking in the enormous lot behind Liberty Center.)

Training fee's are inclusive of the use of gym's facilities.

Divas, see you at the mats! :)

THE GUARD GAME: DEVELOPING A RESPECTABLE GUARD

2009-01-08T07:13:00.000-08:00

January 7, 2009

How you can develop a respectable guard?

I do not agree on the common notion that wrestlers just could always wrestle their way out most of the time on No Gi BJJ or Submission Wrestling tournaments. No matter how strong and well conditioned the wrestler is, the guard game is something he should respect. You can take down your opponent as often as you can but there is always a 50% chance of you being caught by a submission on the way down or the ground itself the person you are taking down.

To be able to survive a submission grappling game you have to develop a respectable guard even at the lowest level. So how can you develop your guard?

Try to ask yourself the following questions:

1.Can you control your opponents posture when he/she is inside your guard?
2.What is the success rate of your submission attempts on the guard position? Can you apply an armbar? How about a triangle choke? Or a Kimura perhaps?
3.And lastly, can your opponent pass your guard easily without exerting too much effort?

Most of the time, the answer to these set of questions can easily be obtained in the form of "feedbacks" from your sparring partners in the gym.

Yes, the guys that you roll with every training session, they provide excellent source of feedback on how you can improve your mat skills. Sometimes, the insights they provide is more helpful and effective than what your Coach will tell you.

The rule of thumb is to spar with guys that you know has the ability to submit you in an instant.

Never spar with someone that you know you can easily submit or outwork on the mat. It will delay your development, mentally and physically. The best word to describe this is your skills will become stagnant

Maybe if you just want to roll light and just work on your techniques, this is understandable. But if you are preparing for a serious tournament or a fight, always roll with someone that you know possesses a set of submission skills a notch higher than yours. This is the underlying reason why professional MMA fighters often cross-train with other teams or their coaches brings in another talent from another gym just to broaden the fighters perspective.

As you develop your guard game, often times your sparring partners will tell you frankly that he is having a hard time passing your guard, or even defending your submission attempts. These are the feedbacks you are looking for. If you are getting these type of remarks recently, that means you are improving. If not, try to go back to those 3 questions, and ask yourself. Formulate an action plan in improving the weak aspects of your grappling game.

For questions, comments and violent reactions, hit me up at ronsurf23@gmail.com

Respect to everyone,
Ron

more SPRAWL AND BRAWL 2 action shots

2009-01-05T04:57:00.000-08:00

Special thanks to Mr. Clem dela Cruz for taking the following photographs and sharing them with sprawlmma.blogspot.com!

PRESENTING! THE GUARD GAME - SPRAWLMMA.BLOGSPOT.COM'S NEWEST BLOG SECTION BY RON DEL ROSARIO

2009-01-03T03:50:00.000-08:00

Guard Game
Ronald Flores del Rosario
January 1, 2009

Introduction to the “Guard Game” section of SPRAWLMMA.BLOGSPOT.COM

My goal for this blog is to try to share as much as I can useful training tips, techniques and as well as my experiences while working on my guard game here in the Bay Area (San Francisco, Union City, Pleasanton).

I’d rather not mention what camp I am currently training at as I want to be as neutral as possible when it comes to affiliation. No politics here. Knowledge not shared is wasted knowledge in my opinion. Everyone is welcome here. I have been training for 5 months straight now on No Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) under a respectable camp, with affiliation to one of the most famous school out there.

One of the most confusing and uncomfortable experience as part of the transition in training No Gi BJJ coming from a Freestyle Wrestling background is mastering the guard game. A wrestler would rather give his back, of course, to prevent being pinned. And that is a big NO when it comes to No Gi BJJ. I found that out the hard way, my BJJ coach always shouting at me on why I gave my back, and sparring partners always getting me on a Rear Naked Choke (RNC). I can only reply with a smirk on my face while the other dude chokes me out, hence I tap.

So, if you are from a Wrestling background shifting to No Gi Grappling, BJJ or MMA training, the next time a guy takes you down don’t hesitate to lie on your back, and put your guard on. Relax, only lock your legs when needed, don’t spend too much energy. Let your opponent waste his own energy trying to break free from your guard.

The guard is all about controlling your opponent’s posture, not out-muscling him.

To be continued next week.

Be sure to check back to the Guard Game section of our humble blog http://sprawlmma.blogspot.com at least once a week for some helpful tips and mat stories to bolster your grappling skills.

Shout Outs:

Happy New Year to all my friends, coaches and teammates in UP Wrestling Club and SPRAWL MMA Club Philippines!

My one and only son, Rorion Perseus del Rosario celebrated his 2nd birthday last December 31st 2008, as soon as he turns 7 years old, he will be rolling with us on the mat, Coach Karlo Sevilla will be his Wrestling Coach and I will be his No Gi BJJ Coach!

Respect to everyone,
Ron

LOOKING BACK - TEAM S.P.R.A.W.L. IN ITS EARLY DAYS

2008-12-30T07:48:00.000-08:00

Cultivate your roots and reminisce the times as you walk by these photos.
Barraged by the fierce test of time and waves of life's highs and lows, team S.P.R.A.W.L. still stands strong today and is most certainly eager to tackle the future's challenges come what may.

Coming together is a beginning.
Keeping together is progress.
Working together is success.
- Henry Ford

Special thanks to Ronald del Rosario for sending these photos all the way from Pleasanton, California! Best of luck with your endeavors there!

Coach Karlo and Duke Villanueva Postfight (Fearless FC)

Team S.P.R.A.W.L. in Diliman

Brandon Vera with TJ Tiu

Brandon visits our humble dojo

Hundred percent Pinoy

Karlo K. preparation for fearless

Ron del Rosario with the mighty flag

Gilbert represents and wins in wrestling

Mark The Machine!!!

Duke and team TALAS (Real Pinoy Fighter)

The gang celebrates Duke's win in Fearless FC

It's TJ time! Pre-fight. TJ with the team

TJ Tiu Unbeaten URCC Heavyweight with Alvin Aguilar

Coach Karlo Sevilla leading the pack during training

Ron Representin' team S.P.R.A.W.L in California

Ron and his sweep

Kandice, Michael Roy, and Ariel

Leo in URCC University Challenge

Wisdom choking some judo guy out

Christian in training

Sir Laurio, JM, and Kandice

TJ goes showbiz

S.P.R.A.W.L. guys get their groove on haha

GOING BACK TO SEPTEMBER FOR THE URCC UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE III

2008-12-26T20:05:00.000-08:00

Because the website has only been constructed recently, team S.P.R.A.W.L. would like to go back in time and congratulate S.P.R.A.W.L. fighters Miguel Gerard Alo and Gilbert Ombao for vanquishing their respective opponents in the URCC University Challenge III. Both fighters represented the University of the Philippines Diliman. Watch their videos here.

MIGUEL ALO

Article and video acquired from www.inquirer.net. Thank you inquirer.

MAKATI CITY, Philippines -- University of the Philippines Diliman's Miguel Gerard Alo wins against AMA JR Amores in the second round of the fifth match of the URCC University Challenge III held at the A. Venue events hall. Alo dominated the match against Amores with several body slams and was able to hold on against a ground and pound by Amores in the last few seconds of Round 1. By Round 2, Alo completely dominated the fight with a flurry of strikes that became the highlight of the match. Video taken by INQUIRER.net multimedia reporter Alex Villafania.

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GILBERT OMBAO

Article and video acquired from www.inquirer.net. Thank you inquirer.

MAKATI CITY, Philippines -- University of the Philippines' Gilbert Ombao was on top of AMA's Angelo Christi all the way through the first two rounds of the match. Ombao was literally on top of Christi, leading the judges to call it a match after the second round. Video taken by INQUIRER.net multimedia reporter Lawrence Casiraya at the URCC University Challenge held at A. Venue events hall.

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TEAM S.P.R.A.W.L. FIGHTERS FINISH 2008 WITH TOP HONOURS IN WRESTLING AND JIU JITSU

2008-12-26T02:05:00.000-08:00

Everybody from team S.P.R.A.W.L. wishes to recognize the grand and genuine efforts of our very own Gilbert Ombao and Ariel Samadio and to congratulate them in every way possible for giving team S.P.R.A.W.L. a glorious way to end the year 2008.

Gilbert Ombao bagged the silver medal in the recently conducted 2008 Philippine Brazilian Jiu Jitsu International for the men’s white belt medio pesado division. He then went on to full gear by earning gold in the 2008 Philippine International Grappling Challenge for the basic pesado division. The tournament, which was organized by Stephen Kamphuis and Team Fabricio, took place in Mall of Asia, Manila on December 6-7,2008.

A week after, S.P.R.A.W.L. fighters Gilbert Ombao and Ariel Samadio went on to rule their respective divisions at the 3rd Philippine Olympic Festival National Championships at the Don Gregorio Pelaez Sports Complex all the way down south in Cagayan de Oro City. Gilbert captured gold in the 84kg Greco-Roman event while Ariel snared the gold medal as well in the 96kg freestyle event.

Great job Gilbert and Ariel! We wish you nothing but more success in the fight world from here on out. See you on the mats!

Gilbert in blue gi

Gilbert on top of podium

Ariel (left most) and Gilbert (middle)

Gilbert

The medal-clad Ariel Gilbert and Ariel

2008-12-25T22:00:00.000-08:00

SPRAWL AND BRAWL 2 AMATEUR MMA RESULTS

MAIN EVENT:

ISIDRO GULIPARDO (PMA) vs
JOSEPH ‘the shadow’ PASIWAT (Eclipse)
WINNER: PASIWAT VIA KO

UNDERCARDS:

RAMIL ABARQUEZ (NOF) vs
DINO OCHOA (PMA)
WINNER: ABARQUEZ

JOEL CACHO (Bulacan) vs
TERRENCE SEGUNDO (Health and Shape)
WINNER: SEGUNDO

ROY VERGARA (UP) vs
MARK ANDRIN (Health and Shape)
WINNER ANDRIN

WILLY BOY LAZALITA (Bulacan) vs
JUSTIN DANGUILAN (UP)
WINNER: DANGUILAN

SAMUEL ZAMORA (PMA) vs
ALVIN ALING (Health and Shape)
WINNER: ALING

ARNEL CATALUNA (UP) vs
JAYSON GUILLEM (Eclipse)
WINNER: GUILLEM

HANI HERBERT HO (UP) vs
JONAS CAJATOR (Eclipse)
WINNER: CAJATOR

DOM CHAVEZ (Eclipse) vs
DON MACASPAC (UP)
WINNER: MACASPAC

ROEL DELA CRUZ (boxing) vs
MIGUEL ALO (UP)
WINNER: ALO

SPRAWL AND BRAWL 2

2008-12-25T21:40:00.000-08:00

MAIN EVENT:

ISIDRO GULIPARDO (PMA) vs
JOSEPH ‘the shadow’ PASIWAT (Eclipse)
WINNER: PASIWAT VIA KO

UNDERCARDS:

RAMIL ABARQUEZ (NOF) vs
DINO OCHOA (PMA)
WINNER: ABARQUEZ

JOEL CACHO (Bulacan) vs
TERRENCE SEGUNDO (Health and Shape)
WINNER: SEGUNDO

ROY VERGARA (UP) vs
MARK ANDRIN (Health and Shape)
WINNER ANDRIN

WILLY BOY LAZALITA (Bulacan) vs
JUSTIN DANGUILAN (UP)
WINNER: DANGUILAN

SAMUEL ZAMORA (PMA) vs
ALVIN ALING (Health and Shape)
WINNER: ALING

ARNEL CATALUNA (UP) vs
JAYSON GUILLEM (Eclipse)
WINNER: GUILLEM

HANI HERBERT HO (UP) vs
JONAS CAJATOR (Eclipse)
WINNER: CAJATOR

DOM CHAVEZ (Eclipse) vs
DON MACASPAC (UP)
WINNER: MACASPAC

ROEL DELA CRUZ (boxing) vs
MIGUEL ALO (UP)
WINNER: ALO

The evening was a hit for fighter and fan alike as very exciting and even bloody matches took place.

Also, the main event lived up to the hype. In the second round of the main event, Wushu South East Asian Games Gold Medalist Joseph "the shadow" Pasiwat knocked out cold Isidro Gulipardo, the winner of last sprawl and brawl's main event.

Every match from start to finish had its kickass story that's why Team S.P.R.A.W.L. would like to give utmost gratitude not only to the victors but to all competitors who shed blood and sweat to make the event a success.

Sprawl and Brawl 3's going to be bigger, better, crazier, and more legit. Hope to see you all then. Thanks to everyone for supporting the event!

SPORTSADE- the event's official endurance sports drink

Duke Villanueva the third man on the mat

Danguilan

Justin Danguilan forces referee stoppage win over Willie Boy Lazalita

Joseph Pasiwat (Eclipse) unleashes a mean leg kick

Pasiwat still putting pressure even after his headgead fell off

Isidro Gulipardo (PMA) knocked out by a straight from Pasiwat

Up and ready for the next Sprawl and Brawl

Fighter of the night

Bloody first match

Donn Macaspac (UP) on full mount over Dom Chavez (Eclipse)

Mu Sigma Phi Medical Team from UP College of Medicine attending to fighters

Ref Duke in action

Jayson Guillem (Eclipse) takes down Arnel Cataluna (UP)

Special thanks to Totong Danguilan for taking the photographs!

Manny Pacquio on ESPN's Champion of Champions 2008

2008-12-25T20:56:00.000-08:00

Hey guys, Pacman is in the finals of ESPN's champion of champions 2008 versus Nicol David. Let's support our kababayan. Vote here: http://www.espnstar.com/games/champions-2008/vote/?username=

UFC 92 ENDS THE YEAR WITH A BIG MMA BANG!

2008-12-25T20:00:00.000-08:00

Don't forget to tune in to balls or solar sports or whatever channel UFC will be shown this December 27, 2008. There's nothing like ending the year witnessing the fiercest fight card to come in months. So who will you be rooting for come UFC 92? Sino ang manok mo??

For more details, surf www.92.ufc.com

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

2008-12-24T22:28:00.000-08:00

SPRAWL UP "THE MOTHERLAND" DETAILS

2008-12-24T22:26:00.000-08:00

SPRAWL ECLIPSE DETAILS

2008-12-24T22:10:00.000-08:00

For more details contact Christian Virtudazo @ his new number: 09223271514

Shots of the place:

THE GUARD GAME by RON DEL ROSARIO

2008-12-15T08:08:00.000-08:00

LIST OF ARTICLES

1) THE GUARD GAME First Post/ Introduction

2) Developing a Respectable Guard

3) Open Mat Submission Challenge 2009

4) The Ambidextrous Guard

5) On Technical Rolling Sessions and Preventing Training Injuries

6) Saturday Roll with Cesar Gracie BJJ