Roman Dela Cruz – Fokai TheForce TheEffect

Slinging Into Mes CHamoru 2026: Humåtak, Fouha Rock, and a Story That Started Long Before Magellan

Roman Dela Cruz — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 01:19:04 +0000

Down in the south, where the mountains fall into the sea and the wind smells like salt and tångantångan, the village of Humåtak is getting ready again. From February 27 – March 2, 2026, the Guam History & CHamoru Heritage Day Festival will turn this small bay into a living story—dancers, food, reenactments, music, and this year, a special slinging demo on March 1st (time...

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100 Years of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu — and the Islands Still Rolling Strong

Roman Dela Cruz — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 11:42:59 +0000

There are moments in martial arts that feel bigger than medals, belts, or highlights. Moments that remind you this thing we all love is a living culture—passed hand to hand, coach to student, parent to child, island to island. This year marks one of those moments. A toast to 100 years — October 25 On October 25, 2025, the Gracie family and the global jiu-jitsu...

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Building Strong Futures on the Mats: Grappling Series Ireland 2025

Roman Dela Cruz — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 04:45:08 +0000

The Grappling Series Ireland once again showed why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is more than just a sport—it’s a community builder, a teacher, and a safe place for kids and families to grow together. Held in a packed gym buzzing with energy, the event brought together athletes of all ages, with a strong focus on youth divisions. From the moment kids stepped onto the mats, it...

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Community Comes Together: Fusion Tavern Guam & the Fujita Rd Tumon Ponding Basin Cleanup 2025

Roman Dela Cruz — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 04:36:44 +0000

Something meaningful happened in Tumon. Before the beach crowds arrived and before the day fully heated up, a group of people came together with gloves, trash bags, and a shared purpose: to take care of Guam. The focus was the Fujita Rd Tumon Ponding Basin, an important area many people pass every day on their way to one of Guam’s most iconic spots—Fujita Beach. While...

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Surf the Basin 2025: Big Waves, Big Shakas at the Agana Boat Basin

Roman Dela Cruz — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 04:28:30 +0000

On Saturday, December 6, 2025, the ocean showed up in a big way for Surf the Basin 2025 at the Agana Boat Basin in Hagatña, Guam. With clean, powerful waves rolling into the basin and sunny island weather, it was the kind of day every surfer and bodyboarder hopes for. Hosted by Guahan Napu Inc. (GNI), Surf the Basin is one of Guam’s most exciting...

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This Is All Jiu-Jitsu… This Is All Guam: The Evolution of Mixed Martial Arts in the Marianas

Roman Dela Cruz — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 02:52:00 +0000

It’s kind of hard to put into words… but if you’ve been around long enough—if you’ve really been around—you already know. This ain’t just a sport. This is our story. Where It All Began Before the lights, the medals, the belts, and the sellout crowds at Dusit Thani… there was just a garage. Concrete floors. No fans. No aircon. Just sweat, humility, and curiosity. Gracie...

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Famagu’on Yiyupåktu 2025: Uniting the Mariana Islands Through Slinging, Culture, and Community

Roman Dela Cruz — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 02:40:08 +0000

In the wake of a historic year for Chamorro slinging—marked by world champion Luis Ponz’s visit to Guam, international championships, and a resurgence in ancestral warrior arts—our islands now prepare for the next leap forward: Famagu’on Yiyupåktu 2025. Set for July 12–30, 2025, Famagu’on Yiyupåktu is an assembly of young slingers from Guåhan, Luta, Saipan, and Tinian. This 10-day immersive gathering isn’t just a camp—it’s...

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In Loving Memory of John Crisostomo: A True Island Warrior and Bridge Between Worlds

Roman Dela Cruz — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 02:29:18 +0000

🇬🇺 There are some people who don’t just walk into your life—they charge in with heart, with laughter, with presence. That was John Crisostomo. A fighter. A friend. A father. A connector. A legend in our island circle and beyond. For those who had the blessing of knowing John, you’ll understand this one truth: he made you feel like family. Whether it was dinner in...

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Olympic Champion Yui Susaki Learns the Ancient Art of Slinging in Guam: A Powerful Exchange of Warrior Cultures

Roman Dela Cruz — Sat, 26 Jul 2025 01:01:19 +0000

In a moment that blended ancient tradition with modern excellence, Olympic Gold and Bronze Medalist Yui Susaki of Japan and her coach Ryo Yonezawa made a special visit to The Fokai Shop in Tumon, Guam. Known worldwide for her dominance on the wrestling mat, Susaki humbly stepped into an entirely different arena—one rooted in the warrior heritage of the Chamorro people: the ancient art of...

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Chief Kepuha, the Slingstone, and the Spirit of the 81st Liberation on Guam

Roman Dela Cruz — Sat, 26 Jul 2025 00:51:22 +0000

As Guam celebrates its 81st Liberation Day, a powerful gesture was made in the heart of Hagåtña—one that honors both history and heritage. A sling and slingstone were placed into the hands of the iconic statue of Chief Kepuha, a move that bridges the past with the present in a way that speaks to the strength, identity, and unity of the Chamorro people. Who Was...

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