Ricki Rout was among the international competitors in the said event that drew over 25 No Gi practitioners. The other off-island fighters were from Korea, Kosrae in Federated States of Micronesia and Guam.
Abu Dhabi’s Rout who trains with Trench Tech Purebred Saipan went undefeated the whole day. He beat Kosrae’s Salik Ittu in the first match, Korea’s Rye Kim in the second and finally, he edged out Saipan’s Fasi Jesse in an over time to win the gold medal.
Guam’s Jake Palacios defeated South Korea’s Rye Kim for the bronze by a huge margin, 12-2.
Local favorite, Kelvin “The Big Hit” Fitial clinched for the gold medal going 2-for-2 and easily beat Trench Tech fighters Jose Mafnas and Ton Shnyaa Sablan.
Sablan settled for the silver medal despite an injured left shoulder.
Mafnas edged out Guam’s Tom Castro in the bronze medal bout, sending him to submission via Kimura lock.
In the Bantam weight division, Shane Aguon of The Pound BJJ Guam battled his way through five other competitors to grab the gold medal. He won all his matches by points, default and submissions.
The silver went to Trench Tech’s Josh Duenas and the bronze went to independent fighter, Jose Ichihara.
Trench Tech’s “Badd” Brad Palacios also went undefeated in three fights in the Feather weight division that had eight combatants. He then, faced another undefeated fighter—his team mate Alverick “Pretty boy” Alvarez.
Palacios defeated Alvarez in a sudden death by two points via double leg take down.
The bronze medal match saw The Pound BJJ Guam’s Tory Mayberry in a very tough match against Saipan’s Tavita Lueta. Mayberry unleashed all he got to beat Lueta by points.
The Superlight weight division became the biggest class with 10 competitors fighting for the top spot.
In the gold medal bout, Trench Tech brothers, Shane and Alverick Alvarez battled for the right to be called “King Of the Mat”.
Shane, the younger Alvarez took the glory when he put his brother into submission via verbal tap out to win the gold medal.
Then, the bronze medal match turned very exciting with team Saipan’s Derick “El Peligro” Rangamar defeating Guam’s Tory Mayberry in a very close match that also went into over time.
Rangamar edged Mayberry out by two points, 4-2 at the end of sudden death.
Vying for Lightweight division gold medal, Shane Alvarez fought again and faced his teammate, Fasi “Quick Draw” Jesse. Alvarez however, bowed to Jesse on arm bar submission, for his only loss in the competition.
The bronze medal match up saw Team Zeng Zung-Trench Tech Tinian’s Conrad “The Mangler” Manglona versus Marianas Elite’s Maitai “The Charger” Charley.
Manglona who fought his second Art of War won by points and took the bronze medal.
In the Middleweight division which had only three competitors, Jose Mafnas went undefeated as he outgrappled Lionel Borja and Ron Chisato.
Chisato in turn, outgrappled Borja for the silver medal.
According to Art of War organizer, Trench Tech’s Cuki Alvarez the event had a great turnout. Trench Tech he said wishes to thank all the competitors and fans for their support. He also thanks all the major sponsors for their contributions namely Miller Lite, Docomo Pacific, Budget renta car, Aquarius Beach tower, Saipan Grand Hotel, Department of Public Health Flu Watch, Hagu Next and Fokai Industries.
