Saturday May 1st Johnson Gym was the site of a Martial Arts extravaganza courtesy of Chavez Dojo and Grandmaster Melcor Chavez who was celebrating his 37 years of Teaching Martial Arts. The audience filled the arena deep into the upper level and along the main floor. In the center floor a boxing ring, MMA cage and Grappling mats were set up alongside each other, vendors along the edges and a DJ in the back who kept feet tapping with a selection of old school jams.The afternoon began with grappling matches which were presided over by Gracie Barra Brown Belt Tammy Griego. Brian Waltz, Colin Johnson and Russell White handled the score and time keeping duties. The results of the matches are as follow, winners name first:Vincente Gonzales vs Hondo GutierrezJulius Brookins vs Anthony ChaconMario Marez vs Diego ArchuletaRamon Rodriguez vs Jason Lee WeisgerberJerome Gonzalez vs Gabriel LovatoJulian Padilla vs Angel LovatoJavier Rodriguez vs Marcus TorresClay Gallegos vs Antonio LuerasLevi Bruce vs Nicky ChavezDamen Richards vs Marcus HernandezLucas Maestas vs Carlos SanchezJesse Tafoya vs Russell MaestasRussell White vs Ray VaizaAlexis August vs Danielle PadillaAfter the grappling matches concluded spectators focused their attention to the ring for kickboxing. The results follow with winners name first:Shaylynn Bowen vs Max JaramilloCruz Garcia vs Vicente GonzalesAylin Villalobos vs Edwin DominguezJulius Brookins vs Joseph AguirreJacob Gonzales vs Devon RangeFallen Ring vs Anthony BrookinsCatalina Hernandez vs Shayla BernardNikki Gonzalez vs Samantha BenchLalo Chavez vs Gilbert VillaJordan Vasquez vs Dominic SanchezNext the attention turned to the MMA cage for several amateur fights. The results were:BB Wood Rd 1 armbar over Greg VarelaAngel Faulkner 3rd Rd TKO over Jerome ChavezAngel Solis Rd 1 Arm Triangle vs Tomas MilesSalvador Colmenero Rd 1 RNC vs Mario PulidoRussell Wilson Rd 1 RNC vs Norman MartinezLeroy Chavez Rd 1 KO vs Darek BatesJoby Sanchez Rd 1 RNC vs Gene PerezNow began the pro portion of the event, first up was Chavez Dojo’s Francisco Marin vs Travis Lerchen of Florida in a Muay Thai match. Both fighters entered the ring to the Sarama (musical accompaniment) wearing their Muay Thai amulets and performed the Ram Muay, a pre-fight ritual which is a series of dance like movements around the ring as a show of respect for their trainers and parents as well as a prayer for safety during the match.Lerchen was clearly the bigger, stronger of the two and had little difficulty controlling the action, but Marin did manage to land a few effective strikes of his own. Lerchen held Marin against the ropes with a tight plum (Thai clinch) and attacked with inside knees that on several occasions landed illegally to the groin. After three such strikes Lerchen was Disqualified and Marin was announced the winner.Next up was Margarita Chavez making her pro MMA debut against Shoni Esquiro. The first round belonged to Margarita who landed several crisp strikes and had some submission attempts. In the following rounds Esquiro was able to out wrestle Chavez and maintain ground control. Despite being in a few bad spots Chavez remained composed and showed her warrior’s heart but in the end it was Esquiro winning by decision.The final fight of the Pro undercard was between Chavez Dojo’s Antonio Zamora and Mammy Aguilar of 3 Crosses BJJ. Zamora is a tough guy to photograph; He closes the distance quickly and finishes fights fast, and the crowd let him know they approved with a thunderous applause. Enough said, Zamora by Rd 1 TKO.The evening’s Co-Main event was between Gracie Barra Professor Rafael “Barata” De Freitas against Nick Mamalis of Wyoming. Barata had his own cheering section of students who showed no doubt as to who they thought would win. Barata hasn’t been challenged in any of his previous fights having finished them all by quick submission. Tonight’s fight was different in two respects. Mamalis offered up some resistance, even taking Barata down and peppering him with a few body shots. In the clinch Mamalis managed to defend Barata’s submission attempts and hold Barata against the cage. But this only lasted a short time, until Barata, showing his greatly improved striking landed a series of kicks and punches dropping Mamalis to the canvas where he finished him with ground and pound earning a first round TKO. With the Brazilian flag over his shoulders Barata spoke to the crowd thanking them for their support and acknowledging the many students who came to root for their professor.The Main event belonged to Angelica Chavez and Denise Jacobs of Florida in the second Thai match of the night. Angelica, who is often called the Pride of the South Valley, should be called the Pride of Albuquerque as the non-partisan crowd bellowed with approval and affection. Both fighters gracefully performed their Ram Muay ritual. Jacobs was clearly older and more experienced but that didn’t stop Chavez from exchanging fast combinations and knees from the clinch. As the rounds wore on Jacobs strength began to wear Chavez down and her shots seemed to find their spot easily. Never backing down Chavez continued to engage in the center of the ring but Jacobs experience prevailed earning her the decision.The evening’s events went off without a hitch thanks to the planning of Grandmaster, Professor Peggy and the countless volunteers who lent their time. It was an enjoyable evening for the entire family which offered the chance to see several fighting styles in a first rate venue. Congratulations to Chavez Dojo and grandmaster Chavez on his 37th year celebration. Can’t wait for the next one.
Article and photo courtesy of NMCombatsports.com
