Connect with us

GSPN

TRAINING SEMINAR WITH LEGEND SAKURABA

Japanese MMA legend Kazushi Sakuraba is back on Guam extending his teachings to jiu-jitsu practitioners from the 12th to the 17th.

By Kolby Chang

The term Legend is only reserved for those who have distinguished themselves from the rest. In the world of mixed martial arts, Japanese fighter Kazushi Sakuraba is a living legend. Well known for his incredible heart, extravagant ring entrances and astonishing skills he is arguably one of the greatest of all time.

The former Pride Fighting Championships staple also happens to be on island for a three-day seminar at the Spike 22 Gym in Tamuning thanks in part to his friend Melchor Manibusan. Speaking through his translator Shin Ishihara, the jovial Sakuraba simply said he came to Guam because Manibusan called him.

“We’re great friends, for a long time, and I want to bring him here at least three times a year to do seminars,” Manibusan said.

When asked why he frequently visits the island so regularly, Sakuraba explained that he has several reasons.

“From Japan to Guam it’s only three and a half hours. Good weather and no time difference. Just one hour so it makes it easier and he has a friend here,” Isihara said.

One reason he didn’t mention is something only a good friend would know. “He loves Fuji Ichiban,” Manibusan said with a smile and drawing some hearty laughs from Sakuraba and Isihara.

The first day of the seminar was on June 12th and continues through the 13th with the final day slated for the 17th. The seminar starts at 5:30 pm and costs $100. During the seminar, participants can get a chance to learn some of the moves that made Sakuraba a superstar in MMA and earned him the nickname ‘The Gracie Hunter” after he dispatched several prominent members of MMA’s first family with his strong wrestling and crafty submissions.

On the first day, everyone from kids to professional fighters listened intently as Sakuraba broke down some techniques step-by-step and gave pointers to make sure those moves are perfectly executed.

“He said when he teaches, it reminds himself,” Ishihara said when Sakuraba was asked how he enjoys teaching.

PHOTO GALLERY

photo 3

Sakuraba displays his jiu-jitsu technique during his seminar at Spike 22. (courtesy photo)

photo 1-1

Members of Spike 22 pose with Sakuraba after a day of training. (courtesy photo)

photo 3-1

Kazushi Sakuraba. (courtesy photo)

photo 4-1

Kazushi Sakuraba giving instructions during his seminar. (courtesy photo)

Kazushi and Melchor Manibusan helping the kids at Sakuraba's seminar. (courtesy photo)

Kazushi and Melchor Manibusan helping the kids at Sakuraba’s seminar. (courtesy photo)

GPS Sports Calendar

July

August 2025

September
SU
MO
TU
WE
TH
FR
SA
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
Events for July

31st

No Events
Events for August

2nd

3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Events for August

2nd

No Events
Events for August

3rd

No Events
Events for August

4th

No Events
Events for August

5th

No Events
Events for August

6th

No Events
Events for August

7th

No Events
Events for August

9th

10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Events for August

9th

No Events
Events for August

10th

No Events
Events for August

11th

No Events
Events for August

12th

No Events
Events for August

13th

No Events
Events for August

14th

No Events
Events for August

15th

No Events
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
Events for August

16th

No Events
Events for August

17th

No Events
Events for August

18th

No Events
Events for August

19th

No Events
Events for August

20th

No Events
Events for August

21st

No Events
Events for August

22nd

No Events
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Events for August

23rd

No Events
Events for August

24th

No Events
Events for August

25th

No Events
Events for August

26th

No Events
Events for August

27th

No Events
Events for August

28th

No Events
Events for August

29th

No Events
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
Events for August

30th

No Events

COMING SOON …

1st Quarter High School Sports in September: football, girls volleyball, cross country, bowling, girls 3×3 basketball

 

QUICK HITS

Donan Cruz is in China coaching Team USA in the FIVB U21 World Volleyball Championships.
———————————–
Guam’s Amnol Sobti and Rafaeli de Fraga won their age division and 9th overall at the HYROX Yokohama in Japan in a time of 1:02:11. Athletes from Guam gyms Unified, Custom Fitness and Steel Athletics participated.

 

More in GSPN