BAMF Boys of the South

Been together since our white belt years.... how time flies :)

A brotherhood forged in arm locks and choke holds. Currently walking paths towards success in our respective fields.......
Posted by Franco Rulloda on Monday, March 28, 2016

Halalan 2016.... Vote wisely my countrymen!

Well said....

When asked, i often say im still undecided who will i vote for. It's all about platform, political will, the balls to...
Posted by Franco Rulloda on Thursday, April 7, 2016

Feels good to be back :)

my first tournament post surgery

I honestly had my doubts. Had a lot of things going through my mind leading to my first fight. I'm just glad i got over...
Posted by Franco Rulloda on Sunday, February 28, 2016

6 Lifestyle changing aspects of doing BJJ/MMA

Long days or work and routine are usually capped off by long hours on matted floors. When majority of the people you know are either at home, in the mall or some watering hole ending their evenings with a cold one, you are in a large hot box duking it out with peers in the hopes of getting out a little bit better than when you came in.

The BJJ/MMA lifestyle is a fun, enthusiastic and very much a healthy one. Majority of the people who live this way are relaxed, more patient and very friendly individuals. There’s probably little to no room for aggression and pent up angst amongst them simply because they have the best possible outlet ever created by man. 

The longer one allows him/herself to be immersed within the culture and the lifestyle of what they practice, they are molded into creatures of habit. What used to be picking up bits and pieces of small routines would later on magnify into major influences as the years go by.

Listed below are some key changes that happen when one embraces the BJJ/MMA lifestyle.

You’re time line is based on belt years.

Places, events and people are easily remembered when associated with belt ranking and/or affiliation. Phrases like “He is a blue belt from (so and so academy)”, or “Yeah I remember (insert name of person/place) during my white belt years at (insert gym name)”. Sounds familiar doesn’t it?

 

My brothers through the years (white to Black Belt).

You equate large expenses on tournament fees and Gi prices.

Buying a new gadget on the market? Looking at price tags in the mall? Buying stuff suddenly/subconsciously entails comparing such item to Gi or gear prices. Add tournament fees into the mix and you have all the variables needed in order to asses if such item is worth the price. When the newest music player is up for sale and it costs 3 Gis; you take the player? or you buy 3 brand new Gis????

Travel dates/vacations loop around tournament schedules.

Going to the beach or long trips require meticulous planning. Transportation, accommodation, food and pocket money are staple considerations. However, the BJJ/MMA fighter in you will schedule such trips during your off season. Other available dates would be a month prior a big tournament or a week after that event is done. This is to ensure that training schedules are not interrupted, peaking will not be compromised and diet will not be disrupted when weight cutting is needed.

It’s clean eating during comp season and buffet lover during off season.

Comp season is composed of: oats, berries, kale, acai, fruits, vegetables, super foods, apple cider vinegar and salads. This is usually accompanied by #eatclean #cleanliving #fuelthechamp #(tournament name)(year) #goforGold

Off season meals include: burgers, fries, buffalo wings, cake, milkshakes, rice, chocolates, more cake, soda, pies, and even more cake. Followed by #offseason #gainz #nocomp #rewardmyself #proteinload #whatchagonnadowiththatdessert

 

Comp season food: Soup with eggs, veggies and a little bit of meat.

Off season meals: more of the "See food Diet".

More off season meal: A lot of the good stuff.

The apparel brands in your wardrobe aren’t off the rack anymore.

Suddenly here is an influx of internet based store brands taking over your closet without you noticing it.

Brands like Inverted Gear, Shoyoroll, RVCA, Tatami, Hayabusa, Venum, OriginPH, Gameness and many other martial arts related brands have invaded your wardrobe line up and stacks of shipping receipts have piled up out of nowhere. There are times when you have more Gis than polo shirts.

 

These take up majority of my closet space.

There’s always an extra set of gear at the back of your trunk.

For the more serious ones, borderline nut cases of the martial arts community, they will always have some extra set of gear tucked in their hoods. This “just in case bag” is usually meant for days when you thought you couldn’t train however, there’s a gym nearby. Another scenario when this comes in handy is when there happens to be a no-gi or MMA event and surprisingly the grappling gods bestowed upon you an emergency knapsack of armor making you ready for battle.

These are just from the top of my head.

Drop a comment on how it changed yours :)

Facebook: Rulloda Brothers BJJ/MMA

Instagram: @francorulloda

Arte Suave Notes: Mindset

Teaching a class requires preparation. I make sure my head is in it all the time. I don't want 

to waste my teammate's time by giving them a sub-par lesson and/or experience while 

training with me. My students/teammates/training partners have been the key to my success. 

When they get better then I get better as well....

Clear your head. Be in this moment. Breathe in the vibe and make it worth the time. Keep it simple. Make them understand. Make them appreciate the concept. Allow them to innovate. Be patient. Be mindful of the details. Listen. Make them drill it. Make them better than me. Turn them into weapons. (What i tell myself before a class) #BJJ #MMA #bjjlifestyle #gym #passion #tatakDeftac #train #getbetter #fitnessph #fitspo #fitfam #wolfpack #rullodabros Awesome photo by @actionjakson 👊

A photo posted by Franco Rulloda (@francorulloda) on Jan 13, 2016 at 9:46pm PST

Arte Suave Notes: Flipping tires to a Better You

One of the few exercises I love to do whenever I'm at the gym.... Engages my core, helps with my explosive movement and ability to move heavier objects. A good break from lifting barbells and dumbbells.

Usually end my training sessions with a few tire flips. Finally able to move this thing after a year coming off surgery. Programs by @richmond_sia and @weightliftingph helping me big time to become stronger and explosive once again.... baby steps 'til full recovery and back to competing again 😊 #BJJ #MMA #strengthandconditioning #tireflips #gym #TheFoundryPH #bamf #fitnessph #fitspo #fitfam #wolfpack #tatakDeftac #rullodabros

A video posted by Franco Rulloda (@francorulloda) on Jan 19, 2016 at 6:32pm PST

Arte Suave Notes: Passion fueled by Happiness

Its sharing, not dictating. Its imparting knowledge, not barking orders. Its helping them choose the path to walk on in order to reach their destination. Its making their lives a little bit better.... knowing they did the same for you 👋👊 #BJJ #MMA #bjjlifestyle #deftacmakati #functionalfitnessmakati #everydaystrong #tatakDeftac #fitnessph #fitspo #rullodabros

A photo posted by Franco Rulloda (@francorulloda) on Jan 28, 2016 at 7:53pm PST

Arte Suave Notes: The MMA starter kit (Skills needed to become a successful MMA fighter)

Mixed Martial Arts is the systematic use of several martial arts and/or other forms of combat systems according to the practitioner’s preference.

Mixed Martial Arts ideally has two key components: the stand-up aspect and the ground fighting aspect.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is a Mixed Martial Arts promotion company.

People who say they “train UFC” are idiots.

However, should you decide to venture into this beautiful sport for whatever reason you may have (health, image build up, additional street cred, introspective discovery, etc.), here’s a list of the four basic art forms that would build the foundation of a fun filled MMA journey.

Boxing

A high percentage of fights (MMA or in the streets) do end up on the ground, however, all of them start standing up. All MMA practitioners must have a decent understanding and practical application of the sweet science. It teaches the proper stance, footwork, balance, correct hand placement, lateral movement and upper body quickness needed for the offensive and defensive aspect of MMA’s striking facet.

Frankie "the Answer" Edgar has been utilizing his hand speed and quick feet en route to becoming UFC Champion. (photo taken from the internet).

Muay Thai / Kickboxing

As the hands are an integral part of a MMA fighter’s arsenal, so are the utilization of his/her legs and feet. The art of the eight limbs will mobilize the hips and mold the shins into vital weapons of a fighter’s arsenal. Additional benefits would be developing elbow and knee strikes. Managing distance is another tactical advantage. Knowing when to throw good push and mid-range kicks will create distance between you and your opponent that is good for defense while allowing you to set up your offensive combinations.

Mirko Crocop's leg kicks have been so devastating that the right leg "takes you to the hospital" while the left leg "takes you to the cemetery" (photo taken from the internet).

Wrestling

Bridging the gap to go for a clinch, that explosive movement that leads to a takedown, upper body control to set-up inside fighting combinations and the strong base needed to keep an opponent against the cage or on the ground are covered by wrestling. The intense and aggressive nature of this art provides MMA fighters with the right tools and mind set to remain tough and maintain pressure on their opponents.

A pioneer and a living legend, Randy "the Natural" Couture paved the way for wrestlers to invade the MMA scene. (photo taken from the internet).

Former wrestlers turned UFC Champions. Current light heavyweight champ Daniel Cormier and former welterweight champ Matt Hughes (photo taken from the internet).

Jiujitsu

The art of gentleness compliments a good wrestling base in MMA. Once your opponent is down on the mat, a fighter’s Jiujitsu skills aid in the transition from one position to another while maintaining control. It also opens up the possibility of a submission finish or creates better opportunities to gain a more dominant position for efficient ground and pound striking.

UFC contender Demian Maia is a high level Brazilian Jiujitsu Black Belt. His ground game is at an elite level that fellow UFC fighters attend his seminars. (photo taken from the internet).

Jacare Souza has been dominating the BJJ scene winning several world championships as a black belt before transitioning to MMA. (photo taken from the internet).

Bring them all together and you have the best well rounded MMA fighter. 

BJ "the Prodigy" Penn has won 2 UFC belts in 2 different weight classes. He has won fights via submission or knockout. (photo taken from the internet).

George "Rush" St. Pierre has dominated the welterweight division with his methodical striking, high level wrestling and jiujitsu. (photo taken from the internet).

Anderson "the Spider" Silva has reigned the UFC Middleweight division and is considered one of the best pound for pound MMA fighters.... Ever. (photo taken from the internet).

UFC 193: Rousey vs. Holm (analysis and prediction)

Photo taken from the internet.

This morning’s stare down is good indication on what to expect come fight night. UFC 193 twin biller will definitely be a slam bang action packed event. Two titles will be on the line, headed by two champions who have dominated their divisions thus far. Ronda Rousey will put her women’s bantamweight belt on the line in the main event against Holly Holm. Joanna Jedrzejcgyk on the other hand will defend her women’s strawweight belt against Valerie Letoureau.

Either or both fights may end quickly, however, one cannot rule out that it could reach past the fourth round – all depends on how formidable the challengers are once they stepped inside the octagon and the cage doors are closed.

Here are a few key factors for fight fans while waiting for the bleachers of Etihad Stadium in Australia erupt when UFC 193 unfolds its main event.

Holly Holm will be the first legitimate striker Ronda Rousey has ever faced so far.   

Holly’s boxing and kickboxing skills are at an elite level. She cleared her weight class and has probably won all possible world title/s during her professional career. She is technical, has good footwork and can manage angles far better than any of Ronda’s previous opponents. Her punching power has yet to be seen but her leg kicks have proven to be a potent weapon in her arsenal. Rousey has vastly improved her boxing through the years under Edmond Tarverdyan, but it hasn’t really come together in terms of balance, coordination and execution. She may have knocked out Correa in her last fight however she ate punches going in and her flurries were a bunch of haymakers.

Ronda Rousey is the most technical and highest level grappler Holly Holm has ever faced in her early MMA career.

Ronda is a Judo Olympian. Ronda won the Bronze medal for team USA in the Athens Olympics. She has trained Judo since she was a kid. This translated to a lot of hip throw transition to arm bar victories for her since day one of her MMA career. Dealing with the clinch and avoiding getting thrown are Holly’s primary defensive concerns because when Ronda closes the gap and positions her hips next to hers, it’s going to be an early night for everyone. Little is known of Holm’s ground game. How she will react to being on the bottom, guard recovery and submission defense will be seen on fight night.

Tactical support from their corners: Greg Jackson/Mike Winklejohn vs. Edmond Tarverdyan.

Greg Jackson and Mike Wink have been in the business for a long time. Their expertise, training methods and experience have honed the skills of world class fighters in various promotions. Edmond Tarverdyan on the other hand is a boxing coach which landed a world class athlete and holds mitts for her.

On a personal note, this is probably one of the MMA fights I’d want to watch live on my television set. Both fighters are at the prime of their careers. Both are at the elite levels of their strong points. Ronda, for the first time, will face someone who is not afraid of her. Holly, on the other hand, will face the best opponent she could ever hope for. It will be interesting how this fight will go in terms of tempo, momentum shifts and who will impose their games first.

Ronda will most likely charge center, throw a few punches then go for an under hook or an over hook on the neck to set up her throws and/or trips. Once on the ground she will definitely go arm bar hunting. In case Holly defends and/or escapes the first attempt, she has to defend the chain of ground attacks leading to an arm bar that Ronda will impose on her.

Holly’s bet would probably be get to center cage, utilize her jab and mage her distance. As soon as Ronda starts to charge, she can jab her way out or maintain distance with her push kicks. Her best bet on offense is her leg kicks to chop down Ronda and then work on punch combinations. Keeping the fight standing is her key to victory.

Now it’s time wait for Bruce Buffer to drop the mic and let their fists do the talking.

Arte Suave Manila - The aftermath

As the final roll of mats got strapped, wrapped and ready for transport, I found myself standing in the middle of everything – a vast space where history was made.

The pillars and hallways of Commercenter Alabang will never be the same.

Its walls have heard screams and chants of adoration for the victors who fought on its surfaces. Its windows bore witness to the joys of victory and the tears of defeat.

Through the efforts of like-minded and passionate people, what was once a dream became a reality. After so much planning and organizing – Arte Suave Manila was born.

The first of many.

Triumvirate Fighting had a vision of cultivating a grass roots program to develop talent and provide exposure for white and blue belts in the local Brazilian Jiujitsu scene. They are, after all, the future of this martial art. 

Personally, I wanted an avenue for the young guns to take center stage and show people what they got. Most BJJ tournaments are focused on watching Purple – Black belt divisions that the first two belt levels are often ignored, which shouldn’t be the case. I love watching whites and blues go at it for the simple reason that they are at the stage wherein everything they do is driven by their passion for the sport.

From the spazzy-adrenaline enhanced-spur of the moment scrambles to the look of relief after each conquest. The frustrations after getting bummed out and the breaking down of people in the sidelines due to exhaustion all lead to creating an experience that everyone will carry for the rest of their lives. Nothing beats the feeling of overcoming obstacles that react and fight back. The lessons from joining a tournament (whether you win or lose) helps the person improve both as a competitor and as a human being.

We wanted to keep the fire burning. We wanted to keep the passion alive. We wanted more stories to be shared. We wanted more names to be discovered. We wanted to make everyone feel that what they are practicing was worth it. We wanted to change the landscape on how things are done.

 We wanted to make it better.

Whatever we nervously did for two days exhibited what we are all about. We were able to pull in competitors from all BJJ academies, gave them good competition, have them compete on the best mats possible, a nice venue and winners got more than a medal.

The smiles, laughter, high fives and hugs shared during those days made all the trouble worth it. This is what Jiujitsu is all about – sharing each moment with the people you love.

As I stood there, in that vast empty space as they rolled out the rest of the mats, I ended up telling myself - We’re going to do this again ;)

The team behind the success of Arte Suave Manila.

ArteSuaveTravels: El Nido, Palawan

“Here in El Nido, please take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints sirs and ma’ams” – Gary (our boat man)

Scenic view from Entalula's beach front gate.

The beauty that lies within is the most mesmerizing. The façade that everyone is used to fails in comparison when the eyes are exposed to what else is out there. Here, captured moments become reality. All pictures are brought to life. The experience of a lifetime unraveling in front of you as the wind brushes your face and the water of the ocean touches your feet.

Take a boat and discover the beauty that is El Nido.

El Nido is a town north of Palawan. It is probably the tip of the northern Palawan region that faces the Sulu Sea. The town proper offers all the necessary amenities and facilities that travelers need during their stay in El Nido.

How to get there

1.       Take a plane to Puerto Princesa. The travel is about an hour from Manila. Booked at Air Asia and their flights were on time and the plane was nice and comfy.

2.       From Puerto Princesa take a 6 hour van ride to El Nido town. Took the Eulene Joy van tours as they have a terminal near the town already. Van transfers range from 600-650 pesos per person.

As much as possible ride a Grandia van. Wider seats and almost all vans have head rests.

3.       From the terminal take a tricycle to resort of preference. Fare is usually 50 pesos.

Island Tours

There are many establishments and resorts offering tours around El Nido. Pick the one that has the best deal in terms of price, boat size, number of participants, food packages, location of pick up and drop off points. Try to get one that is near your resort.

Island tours are divided into Tours A, B, C and D. Each tour has at least 4-5 island destinations. Lunch is included in the tours. For this trip, we opted for tours A and C. Make sure to rent snorkels and get the life jacket that fits you well. This ensures a hassle free swim along the beaches, lagoons and dive spots.

The boat ride serves as a moving panorama of the islands.

Heading to Big Lagoon.

Big Lagoon.

The shores of Payong-paying island.

Limestone formations of the island.

Grab a drink from the bar and lounge in the fine sands of Commando island.

Snorkeling spot in Helicopter island.

Powdery white sand on shallow waters of Hidden Beach.

Views like this makes me want a return trip as soon as possible.

Food

Seafood is cheaper than meat. Go for the seafood. It’s fresh. It’s delicious.  

Fresh lobster in their beach front "paluto" restaurants.

This festive treat is part of the boat tour packages in El Nido.

One of Entalula's breakfast meals,

The most popular Art Cafe - a must eat destination in El Nido.

This place is simply breath-taking. I find myself mesmerized at the wonder that surrounded me. The elements of nature took its time and molded pieces of rock into marvelous creations. Each site brought awe into the very fiber of my human existence. What were once snapshots from photo albums and magazine covers slowly unfolded right before my eyes. The sand is powdery white, the water is sky blue and the marine diversity is simply beautiful.

Paradise is often an abused word to describe a destination. It has transcended to moments, people and objects. The very grain of its definition however is evident in this place. El Nido is a dwelling uniquely its own.  Each visitor is transported into a world rooted in its origins and simplistic grandeur. A world totally the opposite of urban living, so much so, that its existence would be a surprise to many.

Sipping fresh coconut juice while lounging on the sand.

It could very well be the closest thing to describe heaven.

When booking a trip to El Nido contact this guy. He has the best hook-ups!

For accommodations we stayed at Entalula Beach Resort. They will take good care of you.

http://www.entalula.com/

ArteSuaveEats: Earth Kitchen

Cooking with a sense of purpose only yields beautiful results. Each plate coming out of the kitchen is an extension of raw emotions, chopped accordingly to preference, seasoned for added flavor and cooked to perfection. Plated with attention to detail and garnished with love before serving.

However, the process is merely an aid towards achieving culinary success.

The ingredients play a vital role in the equation of producing a heart-warming meal.

With the produce of Got Heart Foundation and other partner communities, push one end of the big door entering Earth Kitchen.

Remnants of an old trellis converted into a green hub surprises guests when they come in. Natural light covers the entire dining area during the day while a line of LED bulbs illuminate the place in the evening. The greenhouse effect is earthy, cozy and warm. The vibrant mix of city and farm blend in the interiors and walls of the restaurant like the visions of those who can only dream of what a “Green City” looks like. One could go as far as Bilbo Baggins’ kitchen had an upgrade and was featured in Modern Home. Nature themed fixtures plus fresh from farm meals with a twist of art (proudly drawn by our brothers and sisters in the recently typhoon stricken Tacloban) definitely works.

Food on the menu: tasty, savory, filling and delicious.

Beef Kebabs

The notoriously ordered dish has beef rib on a skewer, veggies and comes with a dirty rice pilaf. Served with tzatziki and a creamy spicy sauce, this mouth-watering plate of joy is a must when visiting Earth Kitchen.  What warm blooded carnivore could ever resist a tender, moist and sinfully grilled farm raised piece of meat? -  An idiot I suppose.  Do not fight the urge to order another serving of the rice; totally acceptable.

Delightfully delicious.

Pumpkin and Goat’s Cheese Paccheri

This is a pasta dish that is worth your praise and Instagram post. The sweet concoction of crispy pumpkin strips and goat’s cheese provides an adventure to the palate yet to be told. Its consistency blends well with the pasta (freshly made) and crispy bacon (very good addition – you can never go wrong with bacon).

 

Yes it has flowers. Yes they are edible (taste nice as well).

Mushroom Ravioli

Another feel good pasta dish; mushrooms with kesong puti in a light cream sauce – absolute winner. Drizzled with more cheese, served fresh and must be consumed immediately. Be thankful for the overflowing sauce that could only mean more creaminess to lather your mouth with.

Creamy goodness in one plate.

Chew gently. Savor each bite. Taste the inner difference. Look around. Appreciate the place. Go bite some more.

Appetizingly refreshing.

A merry mix of colors that is good for the body.

With every dish comes a tale. People from far off places harvesting produce with the clearest intent of growing it the way it should be. Earth Kitchen is a vision brought to life; an outlet for a passion project that hopes to spur involvement in a larger spectrum. Providing healthy, nourishing and delightful meals are mere consequences of a drive to create awareness. Most of what is seen on their menu is produce from organic farmers of Got Heart Foundation.

Earth Kitchen is a little garden of hope in a big, fast paced urban jungle. Visitors and loyal patrons are transported into a preview of what can be done when things are done right. Modern living can co-exist with nature, locally produced ingredients yield amazing dishes and the cycle of providing livelihood channels goes full circle to benefit those who made them.

 hit them up on facebook and instagram:

Got Heart Foundation: https://www.facebook.com/Got.Heart.Fdn?fref=ts

Earth Kitchen:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEarthKitchen

Instagram: https://instagram.com/earthkitchenph/