Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Jiujitsu, Muay Thai, and Sanda

Best of the Best
Feature story 1
The Ultimate Fighter® China 终极斗士
Chinese MMA steps into the ring in the wake of a new partnership between UFC® and Sands China Ltd. for live Events: TUF China
How to get rich in China? Try strapping on some four ounce gloves and stepping into the octagonal cage!
July 11, 2013 The UFC and Sands China Ltd, a major Macau resort and casino operator have announced they have signed a multi-year contract to launch a Chinese edition of the longest running American TV sports reality show, “The Ultimate Fighter” starting in November.
Then, beginning in 2014, the UFC will host a series of live events at both The Venetian Macao and Marina Bay Sands, the luxury Singapore property of Sands China’s parent company, Las Vegas Sands Corp.
The Ultimate Fighter – China will feature 16 fighters training and then competing against each other weekly. This 12 part series will showcase some of China’s best MMA fighters competing to win potentially multi-million dollar contracts with the UFC. The live final will determine the Grand Champion
The Show will be a co-production of UFC and Liaoning Radio Television and be available to more than 830 million viewers around China. China’s sole UFC fighter Zhang Tiequan was there at the Press conference in Beijing July 11 to make the announcement. Also at the press conference in Beijing July 11, Mark Fischer, managing director of UFC Asia said that Liaoning was chosen for a variety of reasons including it has the highest ratings for UFC TV programming of any province in China.
The Chinese version of The Ultimate Fighter will follow approximately the same format as the American TV version. Fighters will be divided into two teams, trained by their separate coaches and then the teams compete, except in the Chinese version a bit more emphasis will be placed the fighter’s background and how they came into the fight world.
Fighters who wish to register for this even may do so at: http://sports.sohu.com/tuf2013
Last fall, the UFC hosted its first event in China, UFC on Fuel TV 6, in Macau. That event is probably best known for Vietnamese middleweight Cung Le's surprise knockout of former champ Rich Franklin. The UFC has never promoted a fight in mainland China.
Thus far, Chinese fighters haven’t really rocked the UFC’s world. Tiequan Zhang, mainly a submission wrestler, has a record of 1-3, with his most recent event in Macau. In March, the UFC announced it had signed 25-year-old bantam (135 pound) weight Chinese prospect Jumabieke Tuerxun (14-0) to a contract, though he has yet to make his Octagon debut.
Tryouts for TUFF China - took place July 21 at the Lido Hotel in Beijing, July 25 in Singapore and August 3 in Macau.
The UFC opened a China bureau in 2010. Despite China’s illustrious history in the martial arts it hasn’t yet produced an elite MMA fighter in the sport's modern era. This may be about to change.
To be eligible, candidates must be: male, aged 18-34, have professional mixed martial arts experience, speak Mandarin, be of Chinese descent, can legally live and/or work in China, able to compete as a featherweight (145 pounds/66 kilograms), lightweight (155 pounds/70 kilograms) or welterweight (170 pounds/77 kilograms), not under contract with another promotion, and can pass a drug test, All fighters will receive a stipend/compensation while participating in the show.
Need more encouragement beyond international fame and the chance to be crowned The World’s Ultimate Fighter? How about this: The UFC has given birth to more than 70 millionaires.
Fighters will be vying for an opportunity to compete in the TUF finale at the Venetian in Macau and for a chance to win the Ultimate Fighter contract which is a 2-year 6-figure contract with the UFC. Fame and fortune baby! Fame and fortune!
SOURCES:
http://sports.sohu.com/20130621/n379504557_1.shtml (English & Chinese)
http://sports.sohu.com/tuf2013 (Chinese)
http://english.cri.cn/11354/2013/07/11/2561s775247.htm
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1588123-ufc-reportedly-signs-14-0-chinese-bantamweight-fighter-jumabieke-tuerxun
http://www.mmaweekly.com/ufc-brings-the-ultimate-fighter-to-china-in-november-as-well-as-live-events-starting-in-2014
July 11, 2013 The UFC and Sands China Ltd, a major Macau resort and casino operator have announced they have signed a multi-year contract to launch a Chinese edition of the longest running American TV sports reality show, “The Ultimate Fighter” starting in November.
Then, beginning in 2014, the UFC will host a series of live events at both The Venetian Macao and Marina Bay Sands, the luxury Singapore property of Sands China’s parent company, Las Vegas Sands Corp.
The Ultimate Fighter – China will feature 16 fighters training and then competing against each other weekly. This 12 part series will showcase some of China’s best MMA fighters competing to win potentially multi-million dollar contracts with the UFC. The live final will determine the Grand Champion
The Show will be a co-production of UFC and Liaoning Radio Television and be available to more than 830 million viewers around China. China’s sole UFC fighter Zhang Tiequan was there at the Press conference in Beijing July 11 to make the announcement. Also at the press conference in Beijing July 11, Mark Fischer, managing director of UFC Asia said that Liaoning was chosen for a variety of reasons including it has the highest ratings for UFC TV programming of any province in China.
The Chinese version of The Ultimate Fighter will follow approximately the same format as the American TV version. Fighters will be divided into two teams, trained by their separate coaches and then the teams compete, except in the Chinese version a bit more emphasis will be placed the fighter’s background and how they came into the fight world.
Fighters who wish to register for this even may do so at: http://sports.sohu.com/tuf2013
Last fall, the UFC hosted its first event in China, UFC on Fuel TV 6, in Macau. That event is probably best known for Vietnamese middleweight Cung Le's surprise knockout of former champ Rich Franklin. The UFC has never promoted a fight in mainland China.
Thus far, Chinese fighters haven’t really rocked the UFC’s world. Tiequan Zhang, mainly a submission wrestler, has a record of 1-3, with his most recent event in Macau. In March, the UFC announced it had signed 25-year-old bantam (135 pound) weight Chinese prospect Jumabieke Tuerxun (14-0) to a contract, though he has yet to make his Octagon debut.
Tryouts for TUFF China - took place July 21 at the Lido Hotel in Beijing, July 25 in Singapore and August 3 in Macau.
The UFC opened a China bureau in 2010. Despite China’s illustrious history in the martial arts it hasn’t yet produced an elite MMA fighter in the sport's modern era. This may be about to change.
To be eligible, candidates must be: male, aged 18-34, have professional mixed martial arts experience, speak Mandarin, be of Chinese descent, can legally live and/or work in China, able to compete as a featherweight (145 pounds/66 kilograms), lightweight (155 pounds/70 kilograms) or welterweight (170 pounds/77 kilograms), not under contract with another promotion, and can pass a drug test, All fighters will receive a stipend/compensation while participating in the show.
Need more encouragement beyond international fame and the chance to be crowned The World’s Ultimate Fighter? How about this: The UFC has given birth to more than 70 millionaires.
Fighters will be vying for an opportunity to compete in the TUF finale at the Venetian in Macau and for a chance to win the Ultimate Fighter contract which is a 2-year 6-figure contract with the UFC. Fame and fortune baby! Fame and fortune!
SOURCES:
http://sports.sohu.com/20130621/n379504557_1.shtml (English & Chinese)
http://sports.sohu.com/tuf2013 (Chinese)
http://english.cri.cn/11354/2013/07/11/2561s775247.htm
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1588123-ufc-reportedly-signs-14-0-chinese-bantamweight-fighter-jumabieke-tuerxun
http://www.mmaweekly.com/ufc-brings-the-ultimate-fighter-to-china-in-november-as-well-as-live-events-starting-in-2014
Feature story 2
ADCC Submission Fighting World Federation (Centered in the UAE)
Major event coming to Shanghai later this year

Victory in this new sport venue is won by:
• Submission
• Points
• Referee Decision
No striking is allowed.
August 30, 2013 - The Club and the competition ADCC World Submission Fighting Championships were the idea and creation of a UAE national SheikTahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the son of then U.A.E. leader Sheik Zayed. The first edition of ADCC took place on March 20, 21 & 22, 1998 in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. Despite its novelty the first ADCC tournament still attracted some of the best submission fighters in the World at the time. Since then ADCC Champions and top competitors became highly sought commodities for MMA Events and soon became stars in shows like U.F.C. in America, Pride and K1 in Japan. Names like Royler Gracie, Mark Kerr, Matt Hughes, Ricardo Arona, Tito Ortiz, Rodrigo "Minotauro", Dean Lister, Ricco Rodrigues, Ricardo Arona, Matt Lindland, Tom Erickson, Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza & Vitor “Shaolin” Ribeiro just to name a few, had or currently have successful careers in MMA.
Editor's Note: Though the UAE doesn't sound like Asia (as in Fighting Arts Asia!) it is in the Middle East and has been hosting Top Shelf competitions all over the world with a major event planned for Shanghai later this year (2013). Though it doesn't allow striking, it's a major proving ground for Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling amateurs and pros, especially for those either with or just interested in MMA careers. It's primo fighting that will definately choke your boat!
Internet site: http://www.adcombat.com/
Wikipedia Listing: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ADCC_Submission_Wrestling_World_Championship
• Submission
• Points
• Referee Decision
No striking is allowed.
August 30, 2013 - The Club and the competition ADCC World Submission Fighting Championships were the idea and creation of a UAE national SheikTahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the son of then U.A.E. leader Sheik Zayed. The first edition of ADCC took place on March 20, 21 & 22, 1998 in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. Despite its novelty the first ADCC tournament still attracted some of the best submission fighters in the World at the time. Since then ADCC Champions and top competitors became highly sought commodities for MMA Events and soon became stars in shows like U.F.C. in America, Pride and K1 in Japan. Names like Royler Gracie, Mark Kerr, Matt Hughes, Ricardo Arona, Tito Ortiz, Rodrigo "Minotauro", Dean Lister, Ricco Rodrigues, Ricardo Arona, Matt Lindland, Tom Erickson, Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza & Vitor “Shaolin” Ribeiro just to name a few, had or currently have successful careers in MMA.
Editor's Note: Though the UAE doesn't sound like Asia (as in Fighting Arts Asia!) it is in the Middle East and has been hosting Top Shelf competitions all over the world with a major event planned for Shanghai later this year (2013). Though it doesn't allow striking, it's a major proving ground for Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling amateurs and pros, especially for those either with or just interested in MMA careers. It's primo fighting that will definately choke your boat!
Internet site: http://www.adcombat.com/
Wikipedia Listing: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ADCC_Submission_Wrestling_World_Championship
MMA & Sanda Training Centers are listed below
New Listing: BIG KING BJJ & Muay Thai

BIG KING BJJ & Muay Thai opened in 2011 and is located at Koo Gym in Wangjing. They teach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) and Reality-Based Self-Defence (RBSD) to all nationalities, ages and genders. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai are two of the cornerstones for mixed martial arts. Thier Sensei/Teachers are champions and experienced in bringing students to their highest level. (Editor's note: Also, heard it from inside source - Big Boa Himself! - these guys are freaky excellent.)
Address: Chaoyang District, Wangjing, 1 Huguang street, Loftel building Floor 11 SUITE 1103
(Next to Starbucks across from Line 15 Wangjing Exit C, Not Wangjingxi)
北京市朝阳区望京湖光中街(Loftel)1号鹏景阁1103号 (星巴克旁边,望京地铁站15号线C出口对面)
http://www.bigkingbjj.com
Listing added to fightingartsasia.com August 30, 2013
Address: Chaoyang District, Wangjing, 1 Huguang street, Loftel building Floor 11 SUITE 1103
(Next to Starbucks across from Line 15 Wangjing Exit C, Not Wangjingxi)
北京市朝阳区望京湖光中街(Loftel)1号鹏景阁1103号 (星巴克旁边,望京地铁站15号线C出口对面)
http://www.bigkingbjj.com
Listing added to fightingartsasia.com August 30, 2013
Black Tiger Gym
This is arguably one of the finest Muay Thai and MMA training centers in China. It is also one location where China’s best MMA fighters (CHINA TOP TEAM) train and teach. Black Tiger Fight Club has a world-class training team led by World Muay Thai Champion and China’s only certified Muay Thai Master, Vince Soberano, who's closely connected with the UFC. They offer classes in Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and MMA.
3 Locations
I interviewed this extraordinary fighter/teacher/entrepreneur a couple of years ago and the interview can be found on the Menu Bar above -- China -> Beijing Other Martial Arts -> Interview with Coaches
Black Tiger MMA Club (Chaoyang Park)
Main Address:
Sino-Japanese Youth Exchange Center Gymnasium
40 Liangmaqiao Road, Chaoyang District
Beijing, PRC 100125
(Directly across the street from Lucky Street and the Japanese Embassy)
中日青年交流中心体育部
亮马桥路40号,朝阳区
中国北京100125
http://www.blacktigerclub.com/
info@blacktigerclub.com
http://www.muaythaichina.com/
China Top Team (CTT) China's # 1 winning MMA team (Confirmed active July 2013)
As of 2011 I know they were China's Best of the Best... I haven't kept up on changes in the Chinese MMA world since then...
Jin Di Ming Jing (Business) Street Building A 203
They have a foreign coach named Mr. Floving
Tel: 15600527961 (Speaks English - but no answer when I tried calling.)
Can also contact: Li Jing Liang 010-51263907 (Number good as of July 2013 - but he speaks only Chinese)
Beijing Jiu-jitsu (Confirmed active July 2013)
Offers classes in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, as well as mixed martial arts (classes include Thai boxing, boxing, judo and Wushu) taught by internationally trained and certified instructors. The owner and primary trainer Andy Pi started the now defunct Art of War Fighting Championships in China.
Contact: Rock (Jao Yan) : 18210028619 (This is current phone number; he speaks Chinese and English.) (July 23, 2013) http://www.beijingbjj.com/ (Site is there, but not sure if it's up to date)
MMA Beijing (Confirmed active, July 2013)
MMA Beijing offers Boxing, Wrestling, Grappling (groundwork) and all around MMA instructions. It is a no-nonsense approach provided by foreign instructors fluent in Chinese and English. Prices vary from RMB 300 (wrestling) to RMB 400 (grappling) and for RMB 600/month you can get a full-access pass for 15 hours of instruction a week and all day access to the large fully-equipped gym.
ADDRESS:
BLCU (Beijing Language and Culture University) Sports' Hall, ground level
Chengfulu road
Wudaokou, Haidianqu, beijing
Tel: 136-1136-4574
info@mmabeijing.com
http://www.mmabeijing.com
The Legend Muay Thai and Fitness (Confirmed active July 2013)
(Not really MMA per se, but a great club for MMA training – minus the groundwork.)
Located at the CBD, The Legend Muay Thai and Fitness is the one-and-only pure Muay Thai gym in Beijing. All The Legend trainers are elite Muay Thai champions from Thailand, and the instructor team is one of the largest and most experienced Muay Thai team in China. The Legend offers the highest quality Muay Thai and fitness instruction available anywhere. It follows strictly the authentic training system practiced by the most distinguished Muay Thai gyms in Thailand. “Train like a Thai, fight
like a Thai” is the core concept of The Legend. Our courses are designed for seasoned competition level fighters, amateur fighters and for people whose primary focus is a combination of fitness and self-defense. The Legend courses
will help you to learn the most authentic Muay Thai; get fit, lose weight and tone up your body shape in the most efficient and effective way.
S-B02, Bld 2, South Blue Castle Int'l Apartment, 3 Xi Dawang Lu, Chaoyang District, Chaoyan District
朝阳区朝阳区西大望路3号院蓝堡国际公寓2号楼S-B02
Tel: 8599 7786
info@thelegend-muaythai.com
http://www.thelegend-muaythai.com
This is arguably one of the finest Muay Thai and MMA training centers in China. It is also one location where China’s best MMA fighters (CHINA TOP TEAM) train and teach. Black Tiger Fight Club has a world-class training team led by World Muay Thai Champion and China’s only certified Muay Thai Master, Vince Soberano, who's closely connected with the UFC. They offer classes in Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and MMA.
3 Locations
I interviewed this extraordinary fighter/teacher/entrepreneur a couple of years ago and the interview can be found on the Menu Bar above -- China -> Beijing Other Martial Arts -> Interview with Coaches
Black Tiger MMA Club (Chaoyang Park)
Main Address:
Sino-Japanese Youth Exchange Center Gymnasium
40 Liangmaqiao Road, Chaoyang District
Beijing, PRC 100125
(Directly across the street from Lucky Street and the Japanese Embassy)
中日青年交流中心体育部
亮马桥路40号,朝阳区
中国北京100125
http://www.blacktigerclub.com/
info@blacktigerclub.com
http://www.muaythaichina.com/
China Top Team (CTT) China's # 1 winning MMA team (Confirmed active July 2013)
As of 2011 I know they were China's Best of the Best... I haven't kept up on changes in the Chinese MMA world since then...
Jin Di Ming Jing (Business) Street Building A 203
They have a foreign coach named Mr. Floving
Tel: 15600527961 (Speaks English - but no answer when I tried calling.)
Can also contact: Li Jing Liang 010-51263907 (Number good as of July 2013 - but he speaks only Chinese)
Beijing Jiu-jitsu (Confirmed active July 2013)
Offers classes in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, as well as mixed martial arts (classes include Thai boxing, boxing, judo and Wushu) taught by internationally trained and certified instructors. The owner and primary trainer Andy Pi started the now defunct Art of War Fighting Championships in China.
Contact: Rock (Jao Yan) : 18210028619 (This is current phone number; he speaks Chinese and English.) (July 23, 2013) http://www.beijingbjj.com/ (Site is there, but not sure if it's up to date)
MMA Beijing (Confirmed active, July 2013)
MMA Beijing offers Boxing, Wrestling, Grappling (groundwork) and all around MMA instructions. It is a no-nonsense approach provided by foreign instructors fluent in Chinese and English. Prices vary from RMB 300 (wrestling) to RMB 400 (grappling) and for RMB 600/month you can get a full-access pass for 15 hours of instruction a week and all day access to the large fully-equipped gym.
ADDRESS:
BLCU (Beijing Language and Culture University) Sports' Hall, ground level
Chengfulu road
Wudaokou, Haidianqu, beijing
Tel: 136-1136-4574
info@mmabeijing.com
http://www.mmabeijing.com
The Legend Muay Thai and Fitness (Confirmed active July 2013)
(Not really MMA per se, but a great club for MMA training – minus the groundwork.)
Located at the CBD, The Legend Muay Thai and Fitness is the one-and-only pure Muay Thai gym in Beijing. All The Legend trainers are elite Muay Thai champions from Thailand, and the instructor team is one of the largest and most experienced Muay Thai team in China. The Legend offers the highest quality Muay Thai and fitness instruction available anywhere. It follows strictly the authentic training system practiced by the most distinguished Muay Thai gyms in Thailand. “Train like a Thai, fight
like a Thai” is the core concept of The Legend. Our courses are designed for seasoned competition level fighters, amateur fighters and for people whose primary focus is a combination of fitness and self-defense. The Legend courses
will help you to learn the most authentic Muay Thai; get fit, lose weight and tone up your body shape in the most efficient and effective way.
S-B02, Bld 2, South Blue Castle Int'l Apartment, 3 Xi Dawang Lu, Chaoyang District, Chaoyan District
朝阳区朝阳区西大望路3号院蓝堡国际公寓2号楼S-B02
Tel: 8599 7786
info@thelegend-muaythai.com
http://www.thelegend-muaythai.com
SANDA/Sanshou is Chinese MMA

ShiChaHai Sports Training Center
Of all the fighting clubs I've seen in China so far, the best all around fighters I've seen were at ShiChaHai Sports Training Center. The Chinese government takes the best-of-the-best athletes in many sports (gymnastics, vollyball, pingpong, Sanda and many more) and trains them here. Their Sanda team is just freaking unbelievably excellent. Though the students almost all live and train there, outsiders can work-out with the Sanda classes - if they can keep up! I trained with them for a couple of months last year and think they are great guys.
http://www.admissions.cn/sch/
Tel: 010 8322 8831 (This was the number for foreign training last year... it's lunch time so I'll call again later. July 23, 2013)
Beijing Sports University
Also has an excellent Sanda trainging program, however they expect students to live there. On the bright side, they also offer all kinds of Chinese and other martial arts, their campus is absolutely beautiful, the people are wonderful, and the food is great. Foreigners should apply through their friendly foreign affairs office where several people speak English.
http://www.bsu.edu.cn/
Beijing Shaolin Wushu School
北京少林武术学校
This school has all kinds of Wushu programs including adult Sanda training.
Beijing Shaolin Wushu School also hosts an International Wushu tournament and culture exchange conference annually with teams from all over China and the world, including the U.S., Europe, and Africa.
Beijing Shaolin Wushu School has a number of branches in Beijing and Shanghai.
朝阳区德外西三旗回龙观北京少林武术学校总校
Tel: 6271 5558/5678/6668/5801
wushu1312@yahoo.com.cn
http://www.bjslwx.com
Changping District also has a Sanda Training Center
http://www.bjyrty.com/
The contact number is : 0086-10-80102454
Of all the fighting clubs I've seen in China so far, the best all around fighters I've seen were at ShiChaHai Sports Training Center. The Chinese government takes the best-of-the-best athletes in many sports (gymnastics, vollyball, pingpong, Sanda and many more) and trains them here. Their Sanda team is just freaking unbelievably excellent. Though the students almost all live and train there, outsiders can work-out with the Sanda classes - if they can keep up! I trained with them for a couple of months last year and think they are great guys.
http://www.admissions.cn/sch/
Tel: 010 8322 8831 (This was the number for foreign training last year... it's lunch time so I'll call again later. July 23, 2013)
Beijing Sports University
Also has an excellent Sanda trainging program, however they expect students to live there. On the bright side, they also offer all kinds of Chinese and other martial arts, their campus is absolutely beautiful, the people are wonderful, and the food is great. Foreigners should apply through their friendly foreign affairs office where several people speak English.
http://www.bsu.edu.cn/
Beijing Shaolin Wushu School
北京少林武术学校
This school has all kinds of Wushu programs including adult Sanda training.
Beijing Shaolin Wushu School also hosts an International Wushu tournament and culture exchange conference annually with teams from all over China and the world, including the U.S., Europe, and Africa.
Beijing Shaolin Wushu School has a number of branches in Beijing and Shanghai.
朝阳区德外西三旗回龙观北京少林武术学校总校
Tel: 6271 5558/5678/6668/5801
wushu1312@yahoo.com.cn
http://www.bjslwx.com
Changping District also has a Sanda Training Center
http://www.bjyrty.com/
The contact number is : 0086-10-80102454
Famous Chinese
Sanshou/Sanda fighters 散手 散打 - 拳击手 Zhang Tie Quan (China’s #1 MMA Champion) Jumabieke Tuerxun Liu Hailong (Sanda King of Kings) “Certainly China’s most recognized combat athlete” Yuan Yubao (Former Sanda King of China) Bao Li Gao (Former Heavyweight Sanda King of China) Zhang Kai Yin (Recent Sanda Champion) |
BEIJING MMA
COACHES/PROMOTERS In Chinese: Coach is-> 教练 jiàoliàn / Promoter: 赞助人 Vince Soberano (Black Tiger Gym - Muay Thai/MMA) Arnold Urquidez (BSU Boxing coach - CTT) Ruy Menezes (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Coach - CTT) Mr. Cai Xue Jun (China Top Team President) Zheng Huan Yu (CTT MC) Andy Pi (Beijing Jiu-jitsu and founder of the Art of War Fighting Championships) Jao Yan (Rock - Andy Pi's Assistant) (I have contact information for these people. If you'd like that information please contact me.) |