The “New Breed” – Setting itself apart from the rest

There is something to be said about a small island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Kauai, the oldest (and one of the smaller) island in the Hawaiian island chain, is known for more than just its lush beauty and iconic scenery. It is no secret that Kauai continues to breed some of the best grapplers in the state of Hawaii. But the question is… how? How can a small island with limited resources groom some of the best grapplers, and more recently, MMA fighters, on the island?
One school, New Breed Kauai (formerly known as Kamole Jiu Jitsu), is quietly climbing its way to the top of the MMA scene on Kauai. Introduced to BJJ Revolution/New Breed USA by fellow Kauai native, Eben Kaneshiro, New Breed Kauai was established in September 2010. Kaneshiro, a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt and professional MMA fighter, also runs a New Breed Academy in Portland, Oregon. New Breed is under the direction of John Ramirez and John Ouano. Rodrigo Medeiros directs BJJ Revolution, whom New Breed is all a part of.
Under the leadership of brothers, Kaleo and Kaeo Lopez, New Breed Kauai has become a force to be reckoned with. Not only have they proven themselves on the mats, but in the cage as well, producing up and coming MMA fighters like Tyson and Nalu Hawelu, Tim Teves, and Pancho Lopez. Three of them will be making their debut on Ainofea’s Warpath to Mayhem: Rumble at the Resort event on March 3rd on Kauai.
So the question still remains… how can a small academy produce some of the hardest hitting and technically sound grapplers on the island? I’ve left it up to the Lopez brothers and some New Breed students to explain what makes their academy unique and how that sets them apart from the rest of the schools on the island.
Kaleo Lopez: I feel at New Breed Academy Kauai, we are an academy that takes every training session seriously. Along with constant technical drilling, sparring, and conditioning, it is also important to us that we teach and show our members good values such as respect, discipline, and kindness both in and out of the dojo. I like to think of us as a family or an extension of our family to our members. I don’t want to say we ARE better, but I do know we train hard and do well in both jiu jitsu tournaments and MMA events. Win or lose, competing or just learning the art of jiu jitsu, we are proud of each and every one of our members.
Elijah Koga – 17 years old, 3rd degree blue belt: I have been training since I was nine years old! I JUST made eight years with the academy a week ago. I think the best part about training at New Breed Kauai is how it’s not just a team; but more of a family, always pushing each other, inside and out of the dojo. What really sets New Breed Kauai training apart from other academies is how much we run our sequences. We are constantly drilling, always refining our technique. Another key to our success is how we do lots of strength and conditioning as a team outside of the dojo. We are either running on the beach while dragging a huge fricken rope or doing sprints up a ridiculously steep hill before class. So we are always in top shape. Training at New Breed Kauai has improved my jiu jitsu and MMA tremendously. I’ve been fortunate enough to start my training with New Breed and never felt the desire to jump school because of the top-notch training I get there.
Eric Cannon – 21 years old, purple belt: I’ve been training with New Breed Kauai for over five years and its improved my ground game from a basic wrestler to an all around accomplished grappler. What makes New Breed different is we are a new breed of jiu jitsu grapplers… simply put. We are very accepting of new styles of Brazilian jiu jitsu and are dedicated to evolving the martial art to new heights. But most important about New Breed is we are all good people part of a jiu jitsu family that emphasizes discipline and gives respect to all those that practice martial arts even if they are on another team.
New Breed Kauai proves that a small academy CAN produce results. On and off the mats, the students of New Breed Kauai exude humility, respect, and loyalty – all of which are fitting for a small island community in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

MMASUCKA.com

Rumble at the Resort

Interview with Eben Kaneshiro

Interview with Eben Kaneshiro 12/2011



Eben Kanesiro, a Kauai native is one of the island’s and Hawaii’s premiere fighters. He was one of the first Kauai fighters to make the jump to MMA and has fought all over the world. Eben has had some epic match ups with some fighters that went on to fight in the UFC like; Nam Pham, Urijah Faber, Rani Yahya, and Evan Dunham. Eben presently teaches Jiu-Jitsu at New Breed Oregon.

KMA-So Eben, you have been pretty active since I last talked to you. Can you tell us about your school in Oregon and what life is like living there?

Eben- We have lots of families where the parents and kids train. We have a great kids program and competition team. Most of my adult students are 30 and over. So we have a great ego free, family oriented environment to train in.

KMA- You have had some wars with some very good fighters. Out of all your fights who was your toughest opponent and why?

Eben-Its hard to say who my toughest opponent was but I can say that Evan Dunham probably gave me the worst beating. I had to get 13 stitches after that fight. That was the first time in my life that I needed stitches. Super glue wasn't going to fix that one.

KMA- You have always been a highly technical fighter that favors technique and skill over power. How would you compare MMA in America opposed to MMA in Asian countries like Japan, do you have have a preference in fighting in certain countries or organizations?

Eben-I think MMA as a sport has gotten a lot more technical over the years. MMA is still very young and every day fighters are evolving and learning new techniques no matter what country they are from.

I love to travel so any organization that pays me to travel is a plus for me.

KMA- The UFC has added the feather weight and bantam weight divisions. Would you be interested in fighting in the UFC and if so what weight would be suit you?

Eben-I'm definitely interested in fighting for the UFC. 145 would be the ideal weight class for me but I could drop to 135 or even move up to 155 if I got the opportunity.

KMA-Have you ever thought about going on the Ultimate Fighter reality show? If so what would you bring to the table?

Eben-I've actually tried out for the show a few times. I've made it through the try outs and to the interviews twice. But both times I wasn't picked for whatever reason. I guess I need to act like a douche to get their attention.

KMA- What are some other goals that you have in martial arts?

Eben-I dont really have many goals. I just love the competition. I guess my main goal is to stay healthy and keep competing as long as I can. Another goal would be to pass on the knowledge that has been passed down to me to my students and see them be successful.

KMA- I have been training off and on for many years and I have noticed a lot of changes in grappling. For me the game has evolved and people seem to be more well rounded. What are your feelings on Hawaii’s grappling evolution?

KMA- What are your predictions on the future of grappling and MMA in Hawaii?

Eben- Just like MMA, grappling has definitely evolved a lot. Hawaii has always been known for producing top level grapplers and fighters and nothing has changed. There are more grapplers and fighters in Hawaii now then there ever was and the sport will only keep getting bigger and better.

KMA- You have a lot of fans world wide but you never forgot your roots here on Kauai. What advice do you have for young men looking to follow in your foot steps being either a MMA fighter, a Jiu-Jitsu black belt/instructor/competitor?

Eben-Stick with it and train hard. Dont be afraid to take a chance, try something new, step outside the box. If you put in the time good things will come.

KMA- Any last words for the fans on Kauai and world wide?

Eben- I'd like to thank my family, friends and fans for all the love and support. If it were not for all of you I would not be able to do what I love. Aloha.

BJ Penn on Diaz v. GSP, Retirement- INSIDE MMA Exclusive

Never say never, but don’t expect to see former two-division UFC champion B.J. Penn back in the Octagon any time soon.

Losing in three of his last five fights and drawing in another, Penn isn’t feeling the spark that once twinkled in his eye. After his recent loss to Nick Diaz at UFC 137, the popular Hawaiian said he didn’t want to do this anymore.

“I’ve got a daughter, another daughter on the way, I don’t want to go home looking like this. I’m done.”

Diaz left Penn bloodied and bruised, in a state no other fighter had ever managed.

A week later and Penn may have softened his stance, leaving the door cracked open, but he still doesn’t sound like he’s in a rush to get back in the cage.

“I kinda think this is something that I should have did after the first Frankie Edgar fight. Bunch of my coaches pleaded with me to step away from the sport, take some time off,” Penn told HDNet’s Inside MMA at the recent Pro Elite event in Moline, Ill., where he was supporting his brother, Reagan, for his fight.

“I don’t really like the results I’ve been getting. Take some time off. Take some time away from the sport. If I ever feel it again, I’ll come back,” Penn replied when HDNet’s Michael Schiavello asked if his retirement talk had been a heat of the moment decision.

Evidently, it had not.

“I don’t want to be sitting in the locker room saying, I can’t believe I’m still doing this.”

MMAWEEKLY

Kauai Martial Arts is back

After a long hiatus Kauai Martial Arts is back.

A lot has changed in the martial arts scene on Kauai and I intend to catch up with all the changes. As before I will be coming out with exclusive interviews, videos, and news of local martial arts.

Tell all your friends that Kauai Martial Arts is back.

I will be migrating all the past tournament results and interviews from the old site.

I am also looking for help in writing articles, doing interviews, and taking videos.