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Group plans to revive wrestling in CNMI
Alvarez
Alvarez, whose now into mixed martial arts by organizing events and training fighters, said that he’s been talking with Joe Ocampo and Jason Tarkong to once again promote Greco-Roman and freestyle forms of wrestling.
He added that some of MMA’s moves—like grappling and submission fighting—take its roots from wrestling.
“When is the only question that we have to settle since we have to start again somewhere. A lot of MMA fighters here first learned about grappling and submission, which are the basic moves of wrestling,” said Alvarez.
Alvarez, who also competed in wrestling tournaments before shifting to MMA, said they are willing to form a team that will compete in various off-island competitions once the sport returns.
“We already have a stable of MMA fighters ready and they are well versed in wrestling. I think it will be an easy transition and we just have to learn some of the rules and apply it during competition,” Alvarez added.
“Once wrestling finds its way back to Saipan, we can definitely get a handful of guys in different weight classes. And I’m sure coach Joe [Ocampo] will come back out and be happy to help explain all the rules and regulations of the sport.”
Ocampo is busy with work at the Transportation Security Administration at the Francisco B. Ada-Saipan International Airport.
“Coach Joe is a busy man but he drops by at the Trench Tech Gym to check up on us. It is just a matter of timing and I believe everything will fall into place.” (Jon Perez)
