25 Sep RyanBiglerGrapplesinSerbia.9/29/11
Mixed martial artist and Brazilian jiu-jitsu player Ryan Bigler departs Guam today to compete in the purple belt division of the 2011 FILA Senior Grappling World Championships from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 in Belgrade, Serbia.
Participants from more than 30 countries are set to do battle on the mat, according to the International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (FILA) official website, and Bigler looks forward to representing the island on an international level.
“I want the world to see the skill level of Guam’s BJJ practitioners and competitors,” he said. “Training in the mainland is no different than training here. The men and women have so much talent throughout the island and with that I am honored and determined to represent the Marianas.”
Tried out for show
Bigler, a veteran of Pacific X-treme Combat, has been relatively quiet on the local combat sports scene, but that does not mean he’s been sitting on the sidelines.
He recently spent time in Las Vegas, Nev. trying out for The Ultimate Fighter reality show, but he was not selected.
Upon returning home, Bigler joined the Spike 22 Academy and it was there that the idea of competing in the world championships came to fruition.
Bigler said head instructor Melchor Manibusan asked him to participate in the tournament and he felt honored to do so.
“I can’t let competitions like this pass by me,” Bigler said. “Challenges are what I need in life to excel and for me to become successful in what I do.”
In addition to training twice a day at Spike 22, Bigler has been doing CrossFit at the Raw Factory to get his body in peak condition as part of his quest to become a champion in MMA and BJJ.
“Physically and mentally, I feel like I’m at the strongest point in my life and I’m looking forward to competitions ahead,” he said.
With the world championships only a few days away, Bigler is excited to test himself against some of the best grapplers in the world and he is approaching the event with a humble attitude.
“Whether I win or lose, this is going to show me where I stand and what I need to work on,” he said.
Thank you
Bigler thanks Eli Monge, Joey Calvo and everyone at Spike 22 and Ground Fu for helping him prepare for the tournament.
Bigler also gives thanks to God, his family, friends, fans and the people of Guam for their support.