Trench Tech amends 2012 events calendar

Due to the fire that burned down their old gymnasium in San Antonio last February, Trench Tech Purebred Promotions was forced to push back its remaining mixed martial arts schedule of events for the year.

Trench Tech’s Rites of Passage 12: Unstoppable! went down almost without a hitch last April 20 save for some small technical difficulties with the sound system, and organizers are slating the Art Of War 7: No Gi Grappling and Submission Challenge about a month and a half from now on July 14.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu purple-belt Keli “Rukiz” Manglona of Wand Fight Team and Legion BJJ was on island during last year’s Art of War competition and cleaned house, taking home both the middleweight and light heavyweight gold medals. He also ran a clinic on the 10 other middleweight and seven light heavyweight competitors.

Guam’s Ryan Bustamante of Universal Alliance took home the welterweight gold, topping a field of 16, and finished second among the middleweights; while Marianas Elite’s Derrick “El Peligro” Rangamar topped 25 other featherweights that turned out for the event.

Shane Aguon, also of Guam triumphed in the bantamweight division over a dozen other compeitiors.

Trench Tech’s Shane “Pikaboo” Alvarez won the featherweight gold over a field of 20, while his teammate Mylo “Bam Bam” Lassiter beat out four others in the heavyweight class.

Trench Tech said the two-month break will allow the competitors ample time to train and prepare for the next event; more details will be released as the information comes in.

Art of War 7 may feature some special super fight matchups this episode to complement the grappling marathon and the Trench Tech family is hoping to surpass last year’s turnout of over 60-plus competitors.

“There have been a few new black belt recipients on Guam since last year and we hope to have them come over and showcase their skills, especially on our new wrestling mats that we have acquired since the fire,” said Alvarez over the phone on Thursday.

After Art of War is in the books, Rites Of Passage 13: Destiny! goes down tentatively on Sept. 28 and will hopefully feature Trench Tech home bet Fasi “Quick Draw” Jesse (9-4) vying for the featherweight title belt against reigning champion Guam’s Rob “Chamorro Zombie” Wusstig (3-5) of Countershot MMA.

Then to close out the year is Trench Warz 16: Fire Power. Trench Tech is in the process of trying to line up some late card matches with potential Korean Top Team members against the region’s top class fighters, however nothing has been confirmed, including Trench Warz 16’s Dec. 14 scheduled date.

For more information, contact Trench Tech president Cuki Alvarez at 483-4MMA (4662).