FIGHT CLUB PLANS TO HOST GRAPPLING COMPETITION

With its success in establishing mixed martial arts (MMA) together with its allies in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental through 4 previous tournaments, the Fight Club Combat and Streetfighting Center (FC) of Founder/Chief Instructor Edwin J. Tusil Sensei is bracing itself for another historic feat: the hosting of a sports jiu-jitsu type grappling tournament.

Tusil Sensei came up with the idea after his group entered and took home 3 golden finishes in the 1st Paraw Regatta Grappling Tournament by the H.A.L.I.G.I. Foundation, Inc. (Honest and Accountable Living for Ilonggos and a Graft-free Iloilo) of Founding Chairman Hon. Jed Mabilog last February 18, 2005 at the 3rd level of SM City Iloilo, Manduriao, Iloilo City.

Tusil Sensei liked the way the tournament was run, ‘very professional and the rules are clear and well implemented. The H.A.L.I.G.I. Foundation did a good job. We are inspired to dso the same here in Bacolod. As early as this, we are told that the H.A.L.I.G.I. Foundation will be hosting a 2nd tournament next year. We want our event here in Bacolod to serve as a tune-up for our homegrown athletes. Who knows, it might not only be Fight Club who can send a delegation next year.”

Details of the proposed competition is still to be ironed out but definitely it would be fought with a gi (Japanese martial arts uniform). Throws and takedowns as well as jointlocking and choking techniques on the mat will comprise the allowed maneuvers. All strikes are not allowed.

As early as this Tusil Sensei is eyeing Philippine Amateur Judo Association (PAJA) judoka and Bacolod Aikido Enthusiasts (BAE) Founder/Chief Instructor Maxwell “Max” J. Maun to be the chief referee for the event.

The Fight Club will soon be announcing the details and giving out the invitations, hopefully about 3 months before the event.