
By Patrick Lujan

While on island, Joe Gogo was recognized by Sen. Michael San Nicolas for his athletic accomplishments stateside. He is pictured with the senator and his parents. (courtesy photo)
They always say you can take the boy from the island, but can’t take the island from the boy.
For first cousins Joe Gogo and Baby Joe Taimanglo, the sport of mixed martial arts has taken them away from Guam, but Guam is always where the heart is.
Both fighters returned home this past summer not only to spend time with family and friends, but to give back to the community they grew up in. Both participated in numerous campaigns to include anti-bullying, fitness at home and the workplace and others.
“It was awesome educating people about the importance of fitness and also teaching them styles of workouts that can be done even at home,” Gogo said before returning to work and training in San Diego. “I came back home and hung out with family, did a little work with the Guam Muay Thai club, and ate all the good food. It was awesome to come home and just be a Chamorro: say our style of jokes, use the old coconut as mosquito coil, hit the beaches, and hangout with the pars at Camachile (Tree Store in Yona).”
Gogo is coming off a MMA title in Mexico and a Muay Thai title fight as well, while Taimanglo (21-6) is riding a two-fight win streak in Bellator.
“We really took a break from talking about martial arts while on island,” Gogo said about his time spent with his cousin BJT. “It’s awesome to come home and really see that people appreciated what I’m trying to do. I’m not just trying to put Guam on the map, many people have already done that. I want to be Guam’s first Chamorro World Champion.”
As for the changes on Guam, Gogo said some things have changes, some things haven’t.
“Guam was so beautiful on this trip – bright, green, and hot..haha. The water felt nice too because it’s warm not like the mainland where the ocean is freezing. I like that some things don’t change. But certain things did for the better. I went to Chamorro Village and its packed with tourists which is awesome for Guam, pumping money into the island. There are businesses popping up which means more jobs.”


GPS Sports Calendar
May 2025
- SU
- MO
- TU
- WE
- TH
- FR
- SA
Events for May
2nd
GIRLS HS FOOTBALL LEAGUE
HS BOYS VOLLEYBALL
Events for May
3rd
H.S. PADDLING CHAMPIONSHIP
HIGH SCHOOL POWERLIFTING SHOWDOWN
H.S. TRACK & FIELD
Events for May
3rd
Events for May
5th
GIRLS HS FOOTBALL LEAGUE
HS BOYS VOLLEYBALL
Events for May
9th
GIRLS HS FOOTBALL LEAGUE QUARTERFINALS
HS BOYS VOLLEYBALL QUARTERFINALS
Events for May
10th
Events for May
13th
Events for May
15th
Events for May
17th
GIRLS HS FOOTBALL LEAGUE FINALS
H.S. TRACK & FIELD ALL-ISLAND MEET
Events for May
17th
Events for May
18th
Events for May
20th
Events for May
21st
Events for May
22nd
- 25
- 26
- 27
- 28
- 29
- 30
- 31
Events for May
24th
Events for May
25th
Events for May
26th
Events for May
27th
Events for May
28th
Events for May
29th
Events for May
30th
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- 5
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Softball
CAMACHO SIGNS TO PLAY SOFTBALL IN NY

Running/Track
PANTHERS CONTINUE TRACK SUPREMACY

Running/Track
PANTHERS CONTINUE TRACK SUPREMACY

Softball
CAMACHO SIGNS TO PLAY SOFTBALL IN NY
COMING SOON …
Youth Football starts June 7-8
Pacific Mini Games June 29-July 9
QUICK HITS
Nino Untalan hit the game-winning 3-pointer with under 30 seconds left in the game.
It is the first championship for the Obispos in 13 years.