By Michael J.A. Nauta Jr.

After being away from home for quite sometime, Guam welcomed back “The Juggernaut” Baby Joe Taimanglo a few days ago. Not wasting any time upon his arrival, the mixed martial arts standout went right to work and began a first of three planned seminars Saturday afternoon.

At the iFit Guam Gym in Tamuning, Taimanglo played host to about 20 kids in the iFit B4School Student Self Defense Seminar. Wanting to share his experiences from the time he was a kid all the way through his current success, Taimanglo hoped to pass on the message of positivity, safety, and respect for all.

“First I have to say that it’s very good to be back home,” said Taimanglo. “Taking this opportunity to share my experiences as well as pass on positive messages to our younger generations is truly an honor. To be here with one, two, or twenty participants is a start in the right direction. These kids are the future of our island.”

The two hour event was filled with small lessons combine with some hands-on action. With the recent happenings going on around our schools and underground fighting, Taimanglo began the seminar covering issues on bullying, fighting, and how to deter away from such issues. Immediately sharing his encounters during his younger years, “The Juggernaut” acknowledged that even during his time he was picked on a teased by peers.

Six-year old Aaron Suba prepares to throw a jab to an awaiting Baby Joe Taimanglo yesterday during the Fit B4School Student Self Defense Seminar. (photo by Mike Nauta Jr.)

“Growing up, I was picked on, teased, made fun off for many different things,” mentioned Baby Joe to the young crowd. “Trying to get past that hurdle was a challenge, but with the help of family I found many different ways whether it was through sports or simply just learning to walk away.”

Keeping the kids in tuned the entire time, Taimanglo put his words into action as well as he gave the participants a few self-defense techniques to work on, but not before a proper warmup. Midway through the seminar, Baby Joe had everyone working on basic movement, jabs, and an array of exercises. While going through all the lessons, a constant reminder was alway instilled into the kids, “safety first”.

“This was a very fun thing for us to do and learn,” said 11-year old Jannilese Quintanilla. “I wish we had a little more time because I’m sure there could’ve been more that we can learn, but we will take what we know and share it with our friends and family.”

Despite being a self defense seminar, Taimanglo continued to send positive messages to his “Little Juggernauts” in attendance. Messages like stay positive, be respectful, grow and learn to be what you want to be. When all was said and done, the two hour event had kids with smiles on their face and many leaving with a strong sense of positivity. Here’s what others had to say about the event.

Baby Joe Taimanglo works with a participant during the Fit B4School Student Self Defense Seminar held Saturday afternoon at the iFit Guam gym. (photo by Mike Nauta Jr.)

* “I had a good time and I learned that fighting isn’t the answer to anything. The group learned from Baby Joe that there are many other things out there that we can do,” said 12-year old Dysseus Quintanilla. “One of the biggest thing I’ll walk away with today is how to stay positive, be safe, and stay away from trouble.”

* “It was fun, I learned how to jab and defend myself,” said 12-year old Shadriana Taimanglo. “If I could do another class like this I would, there is a lot we can learn from this.”

* “iFit Guam is extremely happy to have Baby Joe here to work with our kids and share his experiences with everyone,” said iFit Guam president Manju Daryanani. “We look forward to having more of these types of seminars.”

* “We learned things that can help us to defend ourselves,” said 9-year old Naiyah Taimanglo. “It was fun, exciting, and tiring all at the same time.”

PHOTO GALLERY:

(photo by Mike Nauta Jr.)

(photo by Mike Nauta Jr.)

(photo by Mike Nauta Jr.)

Six-year old Mia Lee works on her stance and prepares to throw jabs during the Fit B4School Student Self Defense Seminar hosted by Baby Joe Taimanglo Saturday afternoon at iFit Guam gym. (photo by Mike Nauta Jr.)