1ST ILOILO PARAW REGATTA GRAPPLING TOURNAMENT MAKES HISTORY

A competitor (top) limits the movement of his opponent by putting him in a classic judo kesa gatame (scarf hold).


A competitor (bottom) limits the movement of his opponent by putting him inside his guard.


The 1st Paraw Regatta Grappling Tournament was successfully held by H.A.L.I.G.I. Foundation, Inc. (Honest and Accountable Living for Ilonggos and a Graft-free Iloilo) with its Founding Chairman Hon. Jed Mabilog in cooperation with SM City-Iloilo, Winners Gym, and Extra Joss last February 18, 2005 at the 3rd level of SM City Iloilo, Manduriao, Iloilo City as part of the celebration of the 34th Paraw Regatta Festival of Iloilo City.

Three groups competed in a total of 7 grappling with gi bouts. Tumbatsu Strikes and Submission International of Christopher Solis and Fight Club Combat and Streetfighting Center of Edwin J. Tusil each took 3 wins while Tapondo International Federation Inc.-Iloilo Chapter under Regional Director SPO4 Roberto Celiz had one win. Each match was composed of 2 5-minute rounds.

Officiating the tournament as referee was Dr. Roy Joseph Trinidad (Philippine Amateur Judo Association) with the assistance of Dr. Alex Guillergan, the Asian Medical Students Association (AMSA)-WVSU Chapter, the Order of Asclepius and the Camarada Roomates of West Visayas State University, College of Medicine.

Winners were:

CATEGORY A (55.9 KG. & BELOW). Ronald Gine of Tapondo (1st) & Christian Cruz of Tapondo (2nd).

CATEGORY B (56-60.90 KG.). Emmanuel Solis of Tumbatsu (1st) & Peter Langosta of Tapondo (2nd).

CATEGORY C (61-65.90 KG.). Paul Saul of Tumbatsu (1st, by points) & Mark T. Lusabia of Fight Club (2nd).

OPEN CATEGORY A. Rolando Jabano of Tumbatsu (1st, by submission) & Jan Cesar Perry of Fight Club (2nd).

OPEN CATEGORY B. Linus Paul Ramos of Fight Club (1st, by submission) and Rey Raymundo of Tapondo (2nd).

SUPERFIGHT I. James Emmanuel Infante of Fight Club (1st, by retirement) and Robert Eric Ma-at of Tapondo (2nd). Infante was the heaviest among the 5 players of the Fight Club at 87 kg. but he was challenged to the limit when he came up against a 100 kg. Eric Maat. The bout was the longest one fought, having been extended for another 5 minutes. Infante won the match.

SUPERFIGHT II. Ronico D. Despabiladero of Fight Club (1st, by points) and Joseph Robejes of Tumbatsu (2nd).