Sam: In October you were invited to compete in the ADCC Trials 77-87 kg division. Tons of talent in that weight class. Describe that experience.

Chim: It was definitely an honor to compete against the group of people I did, and even a greater honor to be in what was one of the most stacked tourneys ever in the country. That being said, I was let down with my performance. I didn't do what was necessary BEFORE the tournament and my lack of gas made that pretty apparent. I was
cramping all day, almost killed myself making the weight the night before, and didn't compete at the best of my abilities. The tournament showed me that I need to work on balancing my priorities, if nothing else.

Sam: You impressed a lot of people. Who impressed you the most that day and why?

Chim: I was impressed with Moriarty specifically. I appreciate competing against not only technical grapplers, of which he was definitely one, but smart ones too. He was a lot more cerebral than I expected, and it was a pleasure to compete against him. For the record, I will beat him the next time we compete.

Sam: You own the Jungle gym in the Bronx. Give us the rundown on your school. There are lots of schools in NY, why train at the Jungle Gym?

Chim: One of the things I pride myself on with the Jungle Gym is the atmosphere above all. Gone are the days where "Cliques" dominate the student body. Where you train with someone for six months and don't even know their name. We have an atmosphere that thrives off open minds and helpful teammates. The students call me "Justin" and I never expect any different. Some call me "Coach", but I think they get more of a kick out of it than I do! We have top notch jiujitsu, as
evidenced by the fair amount of success competitively, but we're smiling the whole time.

Sam: From a coach's perspective, what are the two most important things a student must do to maximize progress?

Chim: Two, eh? Well, that's tough. If pressed to find only two, I'd say consistency and organization. For consistency, folks have to realize that what they're learning requires time. I have plenty of students who tell me they're frustrated by the lack of progress they've seen, but they rarely come more than once a week. I tell them they're not allowed to be frustrated, because it's not rocket science figuring out why they're not experiencing visible progress. The hardest part of jiujitsu is showing up to class. Organization is what allows you to even see progress or acknowledge a need for some "homework". I'll often ask a student when rollng, "Pause! What pass are you trying?" or "Pause! Where's your guard going?" It helps them realize jiujitsu is about winning the numerous "little battles" which lead to victory in the "war." If a student gets the takedown, passes the guard, mounts, but then gets bumped and heel hooked, it was a positive score in their progress. They need to realize it's their mount control that may need work, but they also need to acknowledge the things that they're finding success with. I often help students organize their agendas so they know what they're doing from different positions and transitions.

Sam: How did you get started in BJJ?

Chim: After a modest bodybuilding and powerlifting venture post-college, I wanted to get back to a contact sport. Having done Judo in the PAL as a kid for a few months and wrestling in high school my sophomore year, I figured I'd give Judo a go again. Well, the school I found was in turmoil and I hated the bowing, "Ussing", and overall uptight atmosphere. It just wasn't fun. After three weeks there, one of my training buddies told me he was going to one of those "Gracie" schools the following day and asked if I wanted to come. I said yes and after getting my ass handed to me my first day, the rest is history!

Sam: You are undefeated in MMA. What was your first MMA fight like?

Chim: My first fight was an awesome experience. I knew, since I started BJJ, that I would get into the ring/cage eventually. I'm just a fan of pushing oneself to new levels and I figured that if I couldn't display my jiujitsu in a fight, what the heck is the point? I gave myself plenty of time to prepare and my guy at the Jungle Gym were there for me every step of the way. When you leave your opponent sleeping in under a minute, you know everything went as planned!

Sam: The ChimChim stare down rivals Vanderlei Silva's. Have you ever submitted anyone with it?

Chim: The funny thing is one of the Athletic Commission Officials couldn't stop saying after my fight how he had no idea how I could go from having everyone in stitches in the warmup room before my fight, to looking like I had rabies! I believe in getting myself "in-state" before a fight/match, and unfortunately I'm a scary looking bastard when I do.

Sam: Who do you try emulate in MMA? Favorite pro fighter?

Chim: Having trained long enough, I know what I'm suited for and what I can and can't add to my game. It's the mental aspects, though, of certain fighters that I try to emulate and add to my game. When I look at the intensity of Wanderlei, or the lack of emotion in Sak or Fedor, or the confidence of the Gracies, you start to see how significant a role the mental aspect plays in this sport and you find ways to harness your own.

Sam: You tried out for this past season of the UFC's Ultimate Fighter reality show. Gimme the scoop on the try outs.

Chim: All I can say is I kept telling myself afterwards that it wasn't a talent show, but a casting call for a show. I like my chances against anyone of the guys that did make it that season, but hey, waddayagonnado?

Sam: Any plans to do it again?

Chim: I have to take every opportunity as they come. Maybe it'll happen, but I just want to continue my growth in the sport, so I'll just "flow with the go" for now!

Sam: What are your goals for MMA? What are the next steps for you?

Chim: It's funny, because I never realized how hard the running of a school can be and always figured I would have the best environment for training MMA, but damn was I wrong! It's a tough balance when you have training, coaching, and managing all needing 25 hours a day! For now, I'll just keep my training, and take one thing at a time, the Jungle Gym taking priority over them all.

Sam: Any advice for a MMA fighter just starting out?

Chim: Absolutely. Establish yourself in one proven art, be it jiujitsu, thai, or boxing, then start filling in the gaps. Nowadays, you have to have skill in every range of a fight, but I think a common mistake is trying to learn everything at once. The foundation should come first!

Sam: Who are your top 3 BJJ influences and why?

Chim: Royce, for his never say die attitude. Say what you will about him, how many of you would have gotten in that ring in UFC 1 looking like a tennis player! The next is Ron Kahn, because he showed me that BJJ didn't have to be about closed doors and secret techniques. He showed me it was ok to be me. The last is probably Marcelo. This dude is smaller than most but just attacks all day long. He's an inspiration to those of us who aren't six feet long!

Sam: Top 3 life influences?

Chim: My father, because he endured the move to the US from Puerto Rico in the fifties, being called "nigger", being turned down for jobs because of his color, and much more to be a father that always provided for me and my brother. They say it takes adulthood to appreciate what your parent's have done, and boy do I ever.

Second, I'd say my mother. She was a hippie (still is, as  a matter of fact) and she was almost accepting to a fault. The influence from her was, though, to accept people for who they are. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm as opinionated as they come. But I will never care about your tastes, your style, or your business.

Lastly, as a new father, my son has just placed a "lens" over my eyes. I see everything as it relates to my family, and that is
something I'm adapting to every day. Damn I love that kid!

Sam: What's the competition schedule for you in 2007?

Chim: I honestly don't know. I would like to at least get some grappling comps in, as I know what rust can do to someone's game, but I'm laying off the MMA for a while. If you don't give 100% in your training for the cage, you get knocked the eff out! I know I can't, at this moment, give that amount of attention to training, so I'll pass until the next lull in life's responsibilities.

Sam: Anyone you'd like a rematch with?

Chim: I'd love a rematch with anyone that's ever beaten me! And yes that includes Roger! Lol!

Sam: Who wins: Rob Kahn VS a grizzly bear?

Chim: It depends if Royce is training him or not. And it can't be on a Saturday. That's Rob's Sabbath.

Sam: Congrats on the new baby boy! When does he start his jiu jitsu training?

Chim: Thanks. I just recently saw a clip of Lloyd Irvin's little man kicking the pads and dominating Jim Kelly, so I feel less bad about the hip drills I have him doing already!

Sam: Any parting shots?

Chim: Look out for the Jungle Gym's first DVD in the coming months. Sorry, though, it's a kids DVD! And I'd like to thank those who take the time to share in the Jungle Gym experience. Without you folks, there is no ChimChim and certainly no Jungle Gym!

Salvatore Sanguinetti is a BJJ Brown belt and tearing up the tournament scene lately. If you haven't seen him at a tournament yet, he is a FIERCE competitor. I wanted to catch up with him and introduce him to you all with a quick interview. I've known Sal since he started training BJJ about 6 or 7 years ago. I used to kick his ass on the mat a few times a week. That hasn't happened in a loooooong time...hehe.

2006 4-man pro brown belt invitational at the East Coast Grappling Championships - Gold Medalist
3 times VABJJ Champion - ( Blue - Purple - Brown) - Gold Medalist
Judo Maryland State Championship 2004 - Gold Medalist
Mundials 2003 - Quarter Finalist
Pan American Games 2003 - Bronze Medalist
3 times Grapplers Quest Championships - Gold Medalist
Atlantic Coast Championships - Gold Medalist

Sam: Hey, Sal. First off, thanks for taking the time to do this interview. So how long have you been training and with whom?

Sal: Since March 2000. I remember when I went to visit my cousins in Boston, Kenny, Keith and Kirk Florian and they used to beat me up in their basement. They told me about Mario Yamasaki in the Washington, DC area, that's how I got involved.

Sam: Describe your style of BJJ.

Sal: It's hard to describe my game right now because I'm always changing and looking for new ways to play bottom or top in Jiu Jitsu. But I'm always pretty aggressive and fast when I have to be.

Sam: What is your favorite submission or setup?

Sal: I always like to get the armlock from the side control and guard or setup different chokes from knee on stomach or half guard. Mostly, I like to try new submissions and positions.

Sam: You recently won the 4-man pro brown belt invitational at the East Coast Grappling Championships dominating both your opponents (8x0 and 22x0). What did you think of your matches? How did you prepare before the event?

Sal: Yeah, the first fight wast against Jeff Jacobs from Gustavo Machado. He is a very technical competitor with a good heart, always moving and never giving up the pass. For me that was my hardest fight, but I scored enough to move up to the final where I faced Dennis Hayes from Pedro Sauer. I think he is also a Black Belt in Judo, not sure. He felt very strong, but I started scoring some points with a throw and stayed on top most of the match. I end up scoring more points through the end of the match getting the win. Team Yamasaki has a lot of great fighters we always help each other as a family and train together. 
 

Sam: You never seem to get tired and it's hell to keep up with you. What is your training like these days?

Sal: I just went back to my competition routine; cardio conditioning, lifting and swimming help me a lot. When I'm on the mats I try to correct the technical side of my jiu jitsu. Fernando [Yamasaki] is a huge motivator before tournaments. He is always pushing us to the limits.

Sam: Who are your top 3 BJJ influences? Why?

Me, myself and I [laughs]. Of course, always my masters and cousins. Mario Yamasaki, Fernando Yamasaki, Francisco Neto, Keith Florian and Kenny Florian. They have been there since the beginning, not just as jiu jitsu instructors, but as brothers, friends and fathers at the same time. I'm very lucky to have people like them in my life.

Sam: Top 3 life influences. Why?

Sal: I have more than three. My mother, she is an incredible woman, Francisco Neto, Antonio Cancino (tartaruga ninja) and the Yamasaki Bros. OOOZZZ!!!

Sam: If you could start your BJJ training all over again from the beginning, what would you do differently?

Sal: Less partying!!!

Sam: You have an attacking, aggressive jiu jitsu game. Seems like it would translate well. Any plans for MMA?

Sal: Starting training for MMA is in my plans for 2007. I have to train really hard before I even get my first MMA fight. For sure you will see me there when I feel mentally and physically ready. I want to perform really well, there are a lot of TUF guys out there now, it's not joke.

Sam: Give me one of your top highlights of your BJJ career?

One time we went to California to compete at the Pan American Games. It was just a few of us. All of a sudden Fernando Yamasaki called Rickson Gracie to meet with him at his gym in Beverly Hills. When we got there I thought it was gonna be just saying hi and hanging out, but we all went inside the mat and he closed the door. There was probably around 13 guys inside and Rickson start talking about jiu jitsu and life, letting us ask questions, but the best part is that he used me to demonstrate some techniques. I think that was pretty cool. Rickson is a living legend.

Sam: I hear you are opening a new school in Manassas, VA. What's the scoop on that?

Sal: Yes, the new Yamsaki Jiu Jitsu in Manassas, VA. We will have the grand opening on February 12th, 2007. Mario  Yamasaki and  Fernando Yamasaki will be there giving a seminar for all the new beginners in BJJ. The address is 10391 Central Park Dr. (2nd Floor) Manassas, VA 20110. www.grappling.com - A new adventure and responsibility with the students, hopefully every thing will work out the way we expect.

Sam: When is your next competition? Schedule for 2007?

Sal: This year I came back to competitions full time.  This January I am competing at the European Cup in Portugal and after that the Pan American Games, Mundials, Nationals and many other tournaments in the U.S. I will probably be doing a super fight in April also, but for sure it's a busy year for me.

Sam: Anything else you want to say?

Sal: Thank you very much for the interview and for the support from NHBgear.com all these years. I also want to thank my masters for guiding me for the right path every day of my life. To all my team mates from white belts to black belts for keeping the team strong and support each other. Finally to my sponsors NHB Gear and Jiu Jitsu Gear, Sirius Kimonos and BadAss Coffee of Alexandria.

 
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UPDATE: 2/2007 Sal competed in the BJJ European Cup in Portugal and brought home the Silver medal in the adult Brown Belt Featherwieght division.

Sam: Kenny, you have the biggest heart in MMA, dude. Major props for fighting all 5 rounds like a champion. You said in your pre-fight interview that, win or lose, Sean Sherk would respect you by the end of the night. You definitely earned his respect as well as the respect of fight fans worldwide after that fight.

The most important question in this interview: What's with the Japanese hamaka with the old west cowboy music? Those go together like peanut butter and concrete!

KenFlo: LOL, yeah I figure since most westerns are based on Kurosawa’s samurai movies, why not. I have always loved that song in “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” (Ecstasy of Gold) by Ennio Morricone so I thought it would be a cool entrance song. The old  gunslingers of the west were much like the ronin samurai so it kind of fits.

Sam: So your critics said "Kit Cope is too much for Kenny on the feet. He'll never be able to close the distance." Then they said, "Sam Stout has KO power and is well rounded enough on the ground to give KenFlo problems." Those opponents were primarily strikers. You faced a seasoned MMA fighter and wrestler in Sean Sherk. The critics had a lot to say about how you would last against Sherk and you proved them wrong. What say you?

KenFlo: I have my own expectations and don’t listen to the critics or the haters for that matter. Few people know what it is like to train for an MMA fight, let alone fight in one. Then fighting in the UFC is a whole other level. I am always the underdog and that fuels me a bit. Only my camp and the people I train with consider me a favorite in my fights. I set high expectations for myself and I still have a lot to learn and accomplish.

Sam: How did you prepare for the fight with Sherk? How was it different than previous opponents?

KenFlo: With the Sherk fight, I had to train harder and smarter because it was a 5 round fight as opposed to a 3 round fight. Sherk is a wrestlers and although I did not show it at all, I worked on my defensive wrestling quite a bit along with footwork and other things.

Sam: Tell us your thoughts on the fight. What went right, what went wrong?

KenFlo: From a technical standpoint, it all went wrong. I had an off night. My game was awful from the wrestling to the ground. My camp and myself expect and demand much more that what I showed that night. I don’t want to get into things that happened before the fight because excuses can be found by anyone. Sherk was the better fighter that night and that is all. My heart and my will kept me in that fight and I knew it was an off night but I still thought I could pull off a win until the last second. I did not lose hope and I will never quit.

Sam: It seemed in each round you landed some nice body kicks while standing. Were you  anticipating you could keep it standing longer and utilize your Muay Thai skills? Or did you expect to be fighting from the bottom?

KenFlo: I expected to stand more with him and force him into a striking match. I was confident I would knock him out on the feet if he stayed and traded with me. My lack of wrestling did not allow me to do that. Of course, I also expected to be on my back at some point. I

prepared for that as well but again, I was not my usual self on my back. I also thought I could reverse and submit him from my back as well but obviously that didn’t happen. The blood all over the place didn’t help and Sherk is very good on the ground as well and

knew how to defend and stay out of trouble.

Sam: A few times you reversed to top position with Sherk on the bottom in his guard. The crowd (and the people watching at my house) went nuts thinking the tide was turning. Unfortunately, Sherk was pretty quickly able to get to his knees and turn the tables again with the takedown. That has to be a roller coaster of emotions for you during the fight. Does it faze you or are you just rolling with it during the fight? Most of us fans will never know the ups and downs of being in the Octagon, so good and bad we want to live vicariously though you, Kenny. It's like the movie "Being John Malcovich."

KenFlo: Man, it was frustrating. I can equate this to when I played soccer. Sometimes, you would get the ball right in front of the net and you would think I am gonna score, I am gonna score and then you kick the ball over the net from 5 feet out. The reason you miss is

because you think about the goal instead of thinking about what you need to do to kick the ball properly and then score. It was my emotions getting the best of me during that time I was on top. I was thinking about pummeling him and tapping him instead of thinking I need to keep position a little and then work my game.

Sam: In round 2, you cut him with those sharp elbows from the bottom. That made for a bloody, bloody mess, but it seemed almost to be more of a hindrance to you than

to your opponent. At some point having all that blood all over your eyes, face, body do you say to yourself "This is nasty. Why do I do this for a living"?

KenFlo: Man, I drank so much of Sherk’s blood, it literally made me sick during the fight. At one point I remember gargling his blood and spitting it out and saying, this is ridiculous. I had tons of blood in my eyes, my ears, my nose, my mouth and it was all Sherks’. It was so damn slippery, I could not get anything going on the ground. Blood was everywhere. At one point, I had to use my own hand to cover Sherk’s cut because it was just pouring out so bad into my face. I thought I stayed really calm considering the blood hindrance.

After the fight, I did a urine test and pissed out red. It was Sherk’s blood coming out. It took 2-3 showers to get the blood off. Nuff said!!

Sam: You had some submission attempts throughout the fight. Some straight armlocks attempts and a few guillotines, one of which you were cranking and seemed pretty close. You had him with one arm in and one out. Was it as close as it looked?

KenFlo: It was pretty close at one point but Sherk knew how to defend well and fought the grips well. His lack of neck helped defend. The armlock was tight but slipped cause of the blood.

Sam: We know you are a spiritual guy and you take a holistic approach to fighting and training. In between rounds, your corner man told you to "Listen to God. He will tell you what to do." Soooooooo what is God's favorite move from the guard?

Seriously though, I know in MMA you have just a few minutes between rounds to gather yourself, recover, rehydrate, refocus, breathe, and tend to any injuries. You don't want 3 people all yelling at you to do different things at once when you won't be able to absorb any of it anyway. Then again, I've never heard a corner man say something quite like that. Was it, at that point in the fight, you just needed to trust in your instinctive skills honed through years of training and have faith that you could capitalize on the right opportunity? Let me know because maybe I've been coaching jiu jitsu the wrong

way all this time!

KenFlo: LOL, I know God is always with me win or lose so he kept me strong throughout that fight. I actually only have 1 minute in between rounds. I needed to trust in my training and hope that my body would find the answer but it didn’t happen. It is my fault for not

fighting well and for having an off night. I don’t blame my corners, God or anyone. It is all me. I never lost faith though despite fighting poorly. I still believed I could win somehow.

Sam: After watching the tape and analyzing the loss, was anything brought to light now that you didn't realize? Do you now train differently in the gym or work on specific things as a result?

KenFlo: We prepared perfectly for this fight. I screwed up, plain and simple. I just need to continue to train and do what I do and just pound the techniques into my brain more and make sure my body and mind respond better.

Sam: What or who is next for you? Pulver? Guillard? Yves? Hermes? Lauzon? Anyone in particular you would like to fight? And don't say "whoever the UFC puts in front of

me!"

KenFlo: Honestly, I don’t know. I would like to fight another grappler if possible and I would like to fight as soon as possible. I feel like I need to get back in there and redeem myself. Guillard, Hermes, Fisher are all possibilities. We will see.

Sam: I judge "great" champions not only by their fighting prowess, but by their level of humility and how they carry and present themselves win or lose. Randy Couture is a good example (Tito is not). You have a champion's character and when you do get that belt,

you will be among the greats in my book. You've gained a ton of fans through this and we look forward to your next fight.

KenFlo: Thank you for everything Sam. I appreciate that. I still have a lot of work to do and I hope to be able get another shot for the belt. This fight certainly motivates me to get back in there and eventually realize a dream of being a UFC champ. I am going to take a week off or so and get right back to learning and getting better. Thank you.

* Check out Kenny's website at www.KennyFlorian.com

** Then check out NHB GEAR and Jiu Jitsu Gear at www.NHBGEAR.com

KF: I guess doing more tactical strategy on the ground and stand up based on weaknesses we have seen in his stand up and ground game. Sam is not as strong as a striker as Cope but he is certainly better overall and has more experience. I will be prepared for this fight for sure.

SK: Tell us about training in Thailand. Did any 11 year old Thai kids kick your ass?

KF: Man, it was unbelievable. Thailand was just awesome from a cultural experience and a learning experience. I trained with some of the best Thai Boxers in the world. It does not get any better than that. They start fighting early there and the kids do this to literally survive. Seeing these little kids go out there and fight for their lives puts things into perspective and is really inspirational. It was like when Rocky goes to Apollo's old gym in the hood in Rocky 3, lol.

SK: You injured your back before the last scheduled fight with Sam Stout. How does it feel now?

KF: My back is much better and knock on wood, I will be all ready to go on the 24th without any problems of nay kind. I am thinking about hiring bodyguards and walking around in a bubble for this last week.

SK: What are your thoughts on this season of the Ultimate Fighter? Do these guys have it easy now that there are no challenges?

KF: I think this Season has had the right amount of exciting fights and good characters that you can either hate or like. It has been enjoyable to watch.

We were the guinea pigs doing Season 1 and we had to go through tougher times than the others I believe. Now they have all these sponsors and bonuses and have the whole recipe down so the show goes off smoother.

SK: Who would you rather have as a coach, Ken or Tito? And why? (Don't be a wuss and pull a no-comment! lol)

KF: Based on what I have seen and heard. The easy and logical choice is Tito Ortiz. I would have been pissed if I ended up on Ken's team.

SK: Aside from the finalists, which fighters would you like to see in the octagon from this season?

KF: Nice try, I am not falling for the old tell me who is in the finals trick, lol!

SK: Who is the man to beat in the 155 lb weight class right now?

KF: For me, right now it is Sam Stout. This is a competitive division and I have to be ready for everyone.

SK: What's the inside scoop on a title fight for the little guys?

KF: I have heard rumors that it may happen sooner that we all expected but for sure the UFC wants to bring back this title when the top two 155 lbers have established themselves.

SK: Anyone you would like a rematch with? Does the name rhyme with Siego Danchez?

KF: Of course the competitor in me wants a rematch. It makes me feel embarrassed to see how I fought in the finale. I didn't even show up. Just an awful experience that shows nothing of what I had or have as a fighter. Mentally, I did a lot of growing up after that fight. It was all for the better and maybe one day I can get a chance to avenge that loss but I see it right now that I have bigger and better things to do. I would certainly move up in weight classes to welterweight to do it if the opportunity presented itself but for now, my goal is the 155 lb world championship UFC belt.

SK: How are you a different fighter today since your fight with Diego a year ago?

KF: Oh jeez, I think the gains I made technically has been leaps and bounds. I am completely different fighter. But the mental difference is 100 times improved. Just the few UFC fights I had after that has given me a tremendous amount of experience. I would kill Kenny from TUF 1 mainly because of the mental changes I have made but not only that, I feel like technically, I am soooooooo much better and dangerous.

SK: What do you do to make sure you have the proper mindset for training and before stepping into the octagon?

KF: Your training is what really makes you mentally prepared but I also do a lot of relaxation and visualization to keep me ready for what is to come. I no longer put pressure on myself. The pressure we feel only comes from our own mind. I concentrate on my performance and not the win. I know if I concentrate on my performance, I can beat anyone in the world.

SK: Why no victory dance or move after your wins in the cage? Ya know like the Running Man or the Caterpillar.

KF: I kind of did a muay thai style celebration with the bow and arrow thing against Kit Cope. Maybe I will stick to that. It signifies the hunter killing the hunted.

SK: Who is your favorite poster on the NHB GEAR/Jiu Jitsu Gear Forum?

KF: Ahh man, tough one. That Sam Kim guy is a jerk but sometimes he has some good posts. Perhaps Nathan Wager for his consistently controversial and numerous posts but maybe not because he kicked me off Team Groundhog. Screw the NHB GEAR Forum, it is way over rated!! LOL.

SK: Thanks very much for your time. Anyone you would like to thank or anything else you would like to mention?

KF: I have to thank Sprawl Fightshorts, of course NHB GEAR for their support and the rest of my sponsors for their help over at KennyFlorian.com. Definitely check out my website for some good info, stories and other stuff. I have to thank Sityodtong Muay Thai/MMA as well as Boston BJJ for all of their help over the years. My family, friends and business manager Ron Weinberg for all of their help and support. At the end of the day, the fightgame is truly a team effort.

[For more info on KenFlo visit his official website at www.KENNYFLORIAN.com]