J4F: Ric for the people that aren’t familiar with what you do can you please tell us a little bit about yourself.

RB: “My full name is Ricardo D. Blas Jr. I am 25 years old. I was born October 19, 1986. I am from the Village of Tamuning but I now reside in Mangilao. I have been doing the sport/art of Judo since I was 5
years old. I am now a 4th degree IJF (International Judo Federation) black belt. I love Guam and our island culture. I take pride in the people that we are and the great potential we all have to be at the
top! I love being an ambassador for Guam in the world arenas. It has always been my life’s goal to compete in the Olympic Games because my father and cousins before me have done so in the past. It kind of runs in the family. Since I have already accomplished that and more, my biggest goal is to win an Olympic Medal. We will just have to wait and see how I play the cards I am dealt. I enjoy lifting weights! I think it’s our personal responsibility to defy the impossible. To show the world that there are no limits! That we have unlimited potential. The heavier the better! I read more than most people would think. I am very social I am always out and about. I like meeting everyone and anyone from old friends to making new ones! I think it’s very important that in life each of us must do as much as we can to ensure we affect those around us. That we are in some way a part of their lives as much as they are a part of ours.”

J4F:  You’re competing or competed in a recent tournament in Samoa, Korea and New Zealand. Can you tell us what tournaments these are or where and how you did?

RB:  “I was in Japan training for a couple of weeks before the OJU World Cup in Samoa. I took the route from Guam to Korea, Korea to New Zealand, New Zealand to Samoa. On the last leg of the trip Air New Zealand lost my bags and I wasn’t able to train before competition. Also since I didn't have my bags I wasn’t allowed to compete and I was eventually forced to forfeit. Air New Zealand managed to get my bags delivered to me literally 5 min after my forced loss. It was a great disappointment and a very sad day for me. The OJU World Cup in Samoa is an Olympic Qualifying event. Missing this made a huge dent in obtaining qualifying points leading up to the London 2012 Olympic Games. I have 4 more big chances to gain points and start my way up the list so we will see how the ball rolls.”

J4F: Ric from what I understand you are most notorious for your background in your Judo. When did you start training and why?

RB: “I started learning and practicing when I was 5 years old. My dad is a 1988 Olympian and he as well as his brothers have been the reigning champions in the South Pacific and Oceania since they were 15. Judo has always run in my family. There are 4 Olympians in our family my dad, my cousin Derrick Anderson, my cousin Mariano Aquino, and myself. In the beginning I was forced to do Judo. I hated it! All I wanted to do was play and well I was a kid so not much else mattered to me and Judo was hard work especially back in those days when my dad was teaching us. There were no excuses and no breaks. I eventually grew to love it though. Especially at first, because it helped my gain a foothold in making friends coming into middle school and high school. I never used to be as social as I am now. I was probably the shyest person anyone would have met. I was a very passive kid. So since then I paid more
attention in class and started to want to develop my skills on the mat. This made my dad happy so he started sending me to training camps in Japan and Hawaii which helped me become stronger every year. I started competing internationally when I was 13. Winning medals in Japan and eventually going to high school in Southern Japan just for judo. After spending a year and a half in Japan it changed my Judo
career forever. I was winning world level competitions and winning is very addicting!”

J4F: What’s next for you Ric, what can your fans and fellow islanders expect to see from you in the future?

 RB: “The future is never set in stone. Anything can happen but what I hope to do is Qualify for London and get a second shot at an Olympic Medal. I have tournaments in Korea, Japan, and China coming up this December. Then there are the tournaments in Australia, Hong Kong, and possibly New Zealand (Taking Korean Airlines this time!!!). I will have a very busy schedule with training in between which will be back and forth between Guam and Japan.”

J4F: What do you have to say to people who look up to you as a role model or who want to compete at your level of competitiveness?

RB: “What I would like to say to my fellow islanders and supporters is thank you for having faith in me and showing me all the love and support over the years. It has been a journey and an adventure! My
life has been a very special and unique one because of the great prideI take in knowing the island has my back. Always do good without reason, be humble and kind, Speak with actions and not words, And live
your life sparing no expense. Treat others with respect and humility. For those who would like to compete at my level I suggest you start NOW! Take a step out of the box. The competitive level in the world is always evolving and growing and won’t wait for anyone. Do hard work and find motivation in everything you see. Fear and Anxiety are natural! Use it to fuel the fire you need to surpass your limits. Your mind is the first thing you need to train before your body can reach its full potential. Your mind places your limits your body is an ever modifying machine. When you can manage to train and sync the two you can do anything!”

J4F: Ric my blog is about what we love to do 4Fun. Obviously, you’re down with your judo but aside from that what does Ric like to do to have fun?

RB: Everything and anything that has to do with people! I read a lot of fantasy novels! Terry Good kind, J.K. Rowling, Jack Whyte, Christopher Paolini, R.A. Salvatore and many more great Authors! Anything really that escapes the reality of life. Sometimes you just need a break. I also love Music. I play Guitar. I love Karaoke! Beach days are always great and of course it’s Guam so you’d be lying if you said you didn’t like BBQ! Just good times with good friends on Guam!”

J4F: Par I ask everyone this same question. We all know that there is so much talent back home and in the Marianas what do you think needs to be done in order for those talents to be exposed to the mainstream here in the mainland?

RB: “Well to be exposed to the mainstream we have to appeal to the masses. We have to break records and make noise. We need to show them our potential and what it can do. We need to fix our attitude and work ethic starting with the youth and working our way up. We need to stop netting for small fish and take the boat out! Catch us a Shark! We need to concentrate in the training and development of individual sports first before we can work anywhere as a team. Once we can fix the individual athletes mentality and ability only then can we get team sports to come together as one. In the end we act as one, One mind, one heart, one Guam. When the world sees the unity of a small island like ours it will inspire and instill awe in the masses.”

J4F: Finally Ric, do you have any final words to the people out there on the internet or back home?

RB: “Thank you for the opportunity and taking interest in what I do and why I do it! I just want to say I LOVE YOU GUAM! I will do my best to make you all proud! Take pride in what you do and only ever do your best! –“

Ricardo D. Blas Jr.
President
Guam National Athletes Commission

I can tell you all from personal experience that this man has a very big heart and is one of the most modest people I have ever met. Thank you very much for taking time out to hang with us here at Just4Fun Ric. I will you luck and success in all you do Ric, I'm sure an individual with your talent will one day make it to the Olympics and when you do not only will the people of Guahan will stand behind you but so will the Just4Fun familia!

Sh-shoot!!

"Tyrtl"

J4F: please tell everyone a little bit about yourself and what Kaduku Clothing is all about. (How the brand was born, why Kaduku was chosen as the brand name, who the founders are and when the brand started)

TM: My name is Tony Manibusan and I am the founder of KADUKU Clothing.  I started KADUKU Clothing back in November of 2007 after my cousin visited me from Guam.  He brought me a bunch of shirts from back home and it was then that I decided to start my own clothing line.  I’ve always had an interest in drawing and knew that I could make this happen.  I started selling t-shirts and hats in as many local islander events as possible and realized that this dream was quickly becoming a reality.  In May of 2011, I opened up the first KADUKU Clothing retail store in the heart of downtown Seattle (just steps away from the world famous Pike Place Market).  Although the word KADUKU comes from the Chamorro language, the brand is also widely recognized within the Hawaiian, Samoan and Filipino communities.  I came up with the name KADUKU Clothing because it just made sense.   Ask anyone who really knows me and they would tell you that I’m pretty crazy.  I take chances and venture into things that others only dream about doing.  My philosophy is “ You only live once” and I live life as if there is no tomorrow. 

J4F: you and I both know that there is some stiff competition when it comes to clothing companies from the island; what separates Kaduku Clothing from the more established local brands like Fokai, Shoyoroll, Guahan Soldier, etc?

TM: First of all, brands like Fokai and Shoyoroll are companies that I respect and I consider them to be the pioneers that have paved the way for brands like us.  What they have done for our people and our island is great and they deserved to be where they are today.  Just hoping we will be there one day…

As far as what separates us from them, is we are new to the scene.  People are looking for something different, something else to add to their collection of island brands. We focus primarily on representing the people.  Our motto is “Respect the Island, Understand the Culture, Represent the People”.  This is what we do and what we stand for.

J4F: Being that the Brand name of the clothing company is Kaduku does the brand cater only to islanders or is there a bigger market that you’re after?

TM: We are a Pacific Islander clothing company and most of our customers are islanders, but we also invite those who are influenced by our lifestyle and culture to represent the brand.  You would be surprised on how many non-islanders support KADUKU Clothing here in Seattle.

J4F: What can the people expect to see from the brand in the future? Are there any collaboration projects with other brands, any events or new items we should all be looking out for?

TM: You can expect to see a wider variety of KADUKU Clothing branded items from us in the future.  Items such as: board shorts, more accessories, bags & backpacks, jackets, and slippers.   We don’t have any collaboration with any other brands right now, but we currently have a limited edition basketball jersey with Island Bound.  They are an up and coming island reggae band locally here in Seattle. They’re hit “Here To Stay” has been in the top 10 for the past 6 months on www.pipeline2paradise.com and top 3 with Kauai’s FM 95.7.

J4F: One of the questions I always ask people I interview from the island is about exposure. We both know that there are many talented people from the Mariana Islands, what do you think needs to be done in order for this talent to be discovered in the mainland?

TM: Get involved with the local organizations and communities in your area.  This is the best way to get exposure to a lot of people at once.  Networking is key.  Support the people that support you.  Sometimes you might have to give a little to gain a lot.

J4F: Another question that is a website favorite is, when you have spare time what do you do Just4Fun…

TM: For fun I like spending time on the water wakeboarding.  I just recently learned how to wake surf so I’m enjoying that right now. In the winter, I love to snowboard. I also love to play baseball and softball.

J4F: For the people out there inspiring to do what you are doing with Kaduku Clothing, what words of advice or tips can you give them?

TM: Work hard and BELIEVE in yourself.  Getting KADUKU Clothing where it is now was not an easy task.   I sacrificed a lot of my time with family and friends.  Surround yourself with positive people who believe in you and your dreams.  Don’t lose site of what you want and only allow yourself to determine whether you have succeeded or failed.  Don’t let other’s negativity get in the way of your dreams.

J4F: Chelu if people want to know more about Kaduku Clothing or want to get information about upcoming events, how can they reach you or get this information?

TM: www.kadukuclothing.com and www.facebook.com/kadukuclothing. 

J4F: do you have any shout outs or final words of advice to give the people out there in the cyber community?

TM: “Respect the Island. Understand the Culture. Represent the People”

J4F: please tell everyone a little bit about yourself and what Kaduku Clothing is all about. (How the brand was born, why Kaduku was chosen as the brand name, who the founders are and when the brand started)

TM: My name is Tony Manibusan and I am the founder of KADUKU Clothing.  I started KADUKU Clothing back in November of 2007 after my cousin visited me from Guam.  He brought me a bunch of shirts from back home and it was then that I decided to start my own clothing line.  I’ve always had an interest in drawing and knew that I could make this happen.  I started selling t-shirts and hats in as many local islander events as possible and realized that this dream was quickly becoming a reality.  In May of 2011, I opened up the first KADUKU Clothing retail store in the heart of downtown Seattle (just steps away from the world famous Pike Place Market).  Although the word KADUKU comes from the Chamorro language, the brand is also widely recognized within the Hawaiian, Samoan and Filipino communities.  I came up with the name KADUKU Clothing because it just made sense.   Ask anyone who really knows me and they would tell you that I’m pretty crazy.  I take chances and venture into things that others only dream about doing.  My philosophy is “ You only live once” and I live life as if there is no tomorrow. 

J4F: you and I both know that there is some stiff competition when it comes to clothing companies from the island; what separates Kaduku Clothing from the more established local brands like Fokai, Shoyoroll, Guahan Soldier, etc?

TM: First of all, brands like Fokai and Shoyoroll are companies that I respect and I consider them to be the pioneers that have paved the way for brands like us.  What they have done for our people and our island is great and they deserved to be where they are today.  Just hoping we will be there one day…

As far as what separates us from them, is we are new to the scene.  People are looking for something different, something else to add to their collection of island brands. We focus primarily on representing the people.  Our motto is “Respect the Island, Understand the Culture, Represent the People”.  This is what we do and what we stand for.

J4F: Being that the Brand name of the clothing company is Kaduku does the brand cater only to islanders or is there a bigger market that you’re after?

TM: We are a Pacific Islander clothing company and most of our customers are islanders, but we also invite those who are influenced by our lifestyle and culture to represent the brand.  You would be surprised on how many non-islanders support KADUKU Clothing here in Seattle.

J4F: What can the people expect to see from the brand in the future? Are there any collaboration projects with other brands, any events or new items we should all be looking out for?

TM: You can expect to see a wider variety of KADUKU Clothing branded items from us in the future.  Items such as: board shorts, more accessories, bags & backpacks, jackets, and slippers.   We don’t have any collaboration with any other brands right now, but we currently have a limited edition basketball jersey with Island Bound.  They are an up and coming island reggae band locally here in Seattle. They’re hit “Here To Stay” has been in the top 10 for the past 6 months on www.pipeline2paradise.com and top 3 with Kauai’s FM 95.7.

J4F: One of the questions I always ask people I interview from the island is about exposure. We both know that there are many talented people from the Mariana Islands, what do you think needs to be done in order for this talent to be discovered in the mainland?

TM: Get involved with the local organizations and communities in your area.  This is the best way to get exposure to a lot of people at once.  Networking is key.  Support the people that support you.  Sometimes you might have to give a little to gain a lot.

J4F: Another question that is a website favorite is, when you have spare time what do you do Just4Fun…

TM: For fun I like spending time on the water wakeboarding.  I just recently learned how to wake surf so I’m enjoying that right now. In the winter, I love to snowboard. I also love to play baseball and softball.

J4F: For the people out there inspiring to do what you are doing with Kaduku Clothing, what words of advice or tips can you give them?

TM: Work hard and BELIEVE in yourself.  Getting KADUKU Clothing where it is now was not an easy task.   I sacrificed a lot of my time with family and friends.  Surround yourself with positive people who believe in you and your dreams.  Don’t lose site of what you want and only allow yourself to determine whether you have succeeded or failed.  Don’t let other’s negativity get in the way of your dreams.

J4F: Chelu if people want to know more about Kaduku Clothing or want to get information about upcoming events, how can they reach you or get this information?

TM: www.kadukuclothing.com and www.facebook.com/kadukuclothing. 

J4F: do you have any shout outs or final words of advice to give the people out there in the cyber community?

TM: “Respect the Island. Understand the Culture. Represent the People”

 In the main event of a sold-out UFC 134 event, UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva extended his record for consecutive title defenses to nine with an all-too-easy TKO win over Yushin Okami.
The bout headlined the pay-per-view portion of UFC 134, which took place Saturday at HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro. The event, which also featured prelims on Facebook and Spike TV, was the UFC's first in Brazil since 1998.
The bout concluded a successful night for Brazilian fighters, who went 7-1 when facing competitors from other countries.

The first round of the night's championship headliner opened with little action as Silva circled his opponent and figured out his timing. But a few minutes in, Silva threw some lunging punches, though he still seemed to be fishing for information. Ultimately, though, Okami got the clinch and put Silva against the cage, but he couldn't get the takedown. The fighters then traded some jabs, and Okami was too slow to check a head kick, but the round ended without a clear winner.

In the second round, Silva was ready to engage. He unloaded a quick barrage of punches and low kicks, though Okami initially was up for the firefight. Silva, though, then dropped his hands and seemingly taunted Okami, only to then drop the Japanese fighter with a straight right. Okami was quickly back up, but Silva again dropped him moments later with another quick punch and then stood over him and delivered a steady stream of punches and elbows as Okami covered up.
With Okami unable to fight back as instructed, the TKO stoppage came soon after, at the 2:04 mark of the second round.
With the arena showering him with cheers, Silva was mostly tongue-tied in his post-fight interview.
"I'm so happy bro," Silva told broadcaster Kenny Florian. "I'm sorry."
So who's next for the UFC's unbeatable champ?
"My clone," Silva joked.

Silva (29-4 MMA, 14-0 UFC) now has won 15 straight fights and avenges his most recent loss: a disqualification defeat to Okami (26-6 MMA, 10-3 UFC) at a 2006 Rumble on the Rock show.

"Shogun" gets revenge; KOs Griffin

UFC 134's co-headliner had all types of subplots. Brazilian vs American. Ex-champ vs. ex-champ. A rematch four years in the making.

Ultimately, though, Brazilian star Mauricio "Shogun" Rua avenged a loss in his 2007 UFC debut and scored an impressive first-round TKO victory over Forrest Griffin.

After a brief feeling-out process, a confident Rua closed the distance and unloaded a right that caught Griffin flush. Initially, Griffin kept swinging, but the effects of the blow finally caught up to his legs, and he fumbled to the mat. Once there, Rua unloaded a dizzying assault of hammerfists that forced Griffin's eyes to roll to the back of his head. The ref halted the bout soon after.

The KO stoppage came at the 1:53 mark of the opening round.

"Forrest is a good fighter," said Rua, who suffered submission defeat to Griffin back at UFC 76. "But I trained hard for three months."

Rua (20-5 MMA, 4-3 UFC) fought for the first time since his March title loss to Jon Jones and proves his top-contender status..

Griffin (18-7 MMA, 9-5 UFC), who had gotten back into contention with wins over ex-champs Tito Ortiz and Forrest Griffin, now heads back to the drawing board.

MAIN CARD

• Champ Anderson Silva def. Yushin Okami via TKO (punches) - Round 2, 2:04 (to retain middleweight title)
• Mauricio "Shogun" Rua def. Forrest Griffin via KO (punches) - Round 1, 1:53
• Edson Barboza def. Ross Pearson via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
• Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira def. Brendan Schaub via KO (punches) - Round 1, 3:09
• Stanislav Nedkov def. Luiz Cane by TKO (punches) - Round 1, 4:13

PRELIMINARY CARD

• Thiago Tavares def. Spencer Fisher via TKO (punches) - Round 2, 2:51
• Rousimar Palhares def. Dan Miller via unanimous decision (29-27, 30-27, 30-25)
• Paulo Thiago def. David Mitchell via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Raphael Assuncao def. Johhny Eduardo via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Erick Silva def. Luis Ramos via TKO (punches) - Round 1, 0:40
• Yuri Alcantara def. Felipe Arantes via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
• Yves Jabouin def. Ian Loveland via split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)

Shawn Tompkins, a mixed martial arts trainer known for guiding the careers of several accomplished fighters, passed away Sunday in Canada. The cause of his death is unknown. Tompkins was 37 years old.

Tompkins is survived by his wife, Emilie, who confirmed her husband's death late Sunday night.

"Unfortunately I'm in Las Vegas and he's in Canada," she said. "I'm hearing through my family and his family that he didn't wake up this morning. They're going to do an autopsy tomorrow, so we don't know any of the actual details. But from what we do know, he passed away in his sleep."

Tompkins was known for molding young fighters like Sam Stout, Mark Hominick and Chris Horodecki into crisp, technical strikers. He started with Stout when the lightweight was just 16. Stout became Tompkins' brother-in-law after the trainer married Emilie. The couple moved to Las Vegas from London, Ontario, Canada, in 2007.

Tompkins' mentor Bas Rutten, a former UFC heavyweight champion, told ESPN.com he spoke to his friend on Saturday evening.

"Shawn is one of my best friends, one of the best if not the best striking coaches on the planet, and I mean this," said Rutten, who made the blond-haired Canadian the head coach of an International Fight League team in 2007. "He always put his students and friends before him, would do anything for them."

"He texted me late last night, telling me he loved me," Rutten said, "so thank God I called him to tell him it was mutual."

Beyond Tompkins' roll as a trainer, he established an almost paternal roll with many of his fighters and was fond of calling them "son." After relocating to Las Vegas, Tompkins settled at Xtreme Couture until he moved on to become head coach at the TapouT Research and Development Training Center in 2009.

Earlier this year, Tompkins ran Hominick's corner during a UFC featherweight championship fight in Toronto. This was the closest Tompkins came to earning his stripes as a UFC championship trainer. Hominick fought valiantly but dropped the fight on points to Jose Aldo.

Tompkins fought before excelling as a trainer, losing each of his four bouts in the Montreal-based promotion UCC.

Tompkins was in Canada to help prepare Horodecki for his next bout on Sept. 10.

The trainer's remains were moved to University Hospital in London, Ontario. No funeral plans have been set, said Emilie Tompkins. She will travel to Canada on Monday.

"Obviously I think he was an amazing man," Emilie said, "and I hope everyone shares their good stories about him."

Source: ESPN

Respectfully,

"tyrtl"