Crazy Mike Fowler | 12.26.08
Jason Meyers of Rockus chats it up with Mr. Fowler himself.
JM: First I would like to say thank you for letting us do this interview with you, and a big thank you from the Guam BJJ community for expanding it with your knowledge and experience. People might wonder why you picked this tiny dot in the middle of the pacific to teach BJJ. Is it the island lifestyle? What would you say you miss the most about the mainland and what do you love most about Guam?
MF: I miss family the most, but I have a great one here on Guam. That’s what I love most. Also the surf, fishing, and the chow!
JM: You just recently led team Guam to compete in Japan to compete in the Asian novice Jiu-Jitsu championship and the Asian Open Jiu-Jitsu championships, how was that experience? Team Guam won second-place in the Novice and third place in the Asian Open plus numerous individual medals including a couple yourself, do you think Team Guam improved all together as a team since last year’s Japan trip? Who were some of the Team members that stood out?
MF: The Team did an excellent job. Large strides made since the last tournament. Super proud of them. Everyone did great, and I think everyone has something they feel ready to work on and continue improving.
JM: Can you tell us a little bit about competing in the absolute division in Japan, and the competitors you faced? What was going through your mind when you sunk in a deep armbar on Marcos De Souza and submitted him to win the comp?
MF: The absolute is always more tougher mental than anything. Just because weight is no longer the issue. Who’s technique, strength, and cardio is better. It felt great to get that armlock sunk in. Feels like what I’ve been teaching is really working.
JM: Now that Japan is over, what is up next for crazy Mike Fowler? Any plans? Any competition’s coming up?
MF: Just training! Going back to the east coast to sharpen those knives.
JM: You have won matches and lost matches with that being said, what was the most memorable match you won and who was it against? Even with the matches you’ve lost, what did you learn the most from those experiences? Did they discourage you or make you even more hungrier for more comp?
MF: Nothing discourages me. I’m pretty positive about every situation. My matches with Renzo and Saulo are probably my most memorable, just because of the status that they hold in the Jiu-Jitsu world.
JM: Who would you say is the top BJJ guy(s) out there right now?
MF: Cobrina, Marcelo Garcia, and Galvao.
JM: I’ve noticed in a lot of your matches (and the couple times I’ve rolled with you) you’re very defensive, is this part of your game plan? Do you wait for your opponent to make a mistake and capitalize on it? Is this what your usual game plan is?
MF: No way! Just with you. 
I like to be in control and dictate the pace. I like them to be forced to react rather than me reacting.
JM: When getting ready for a competition what are some of the things you do to prep for it?
MF: Always make sure I eat good and cardio is good. Strength training 3 months out and plenty of mat time!
JM: I’ve noticed in your classes among your students there is a sense of loyalty, pride and brotherhood, is this something you try to instill in your students? Was it always like that for you when you were a student learning also?
MF: Always. You must instill these qualities in your students. My job isn’t just to teach Jiu-Jitsu, but to try and help people better themselves with confidence and patience. There is more to learning Jiu-Jitsu than techniques!
JM: You were one of the fastest Americans to get their black belt(along with BJ Penn and Master Lloyd Irvin) in four years if I’m not mistaken, so then how was your first match as a black belt, were you amped or nervous to be competing at black belt level?
MF: Nervous, but that never changes. But always confident in my abilities. Master Lloyd wouldn’t have given it if he didn’t feel I was ready!
JM: Who are some of your heros in this sport?
MF: Lloyd Irvin, Terere, and Roger.
JM: Could you see yourself focusing on mixed martial arts in the future? Is it in the plans?
MF: Nah. I may fight again, but only for personal reasons. No desire to make a living there.
JM: Do you even really follow MMA?
MF: A little bit. Just what I gather occasionally from the students or the occasional forum.
JM: What do you like to do in your free time when you’re not training?
MF: Fish, surf, eat, sleep, and play!
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Baby Joe “The Juggernaut” Taimanglo | 12.07.08
Rai: First and foremost, I appreciate you giving us the opportunity to chat it up for a bit. Let’s get personal. How’s life been treating the Juggernaut these days? Anything in general you’d like to share not relating to your MMA career?
BJT: Life’s doing great for me as of right now! I’m just very relax this holiday season. 
It’s fun, haven’t done that in a while. I just love the Christmas feeling around here in Guam! So besides all that I’m keeping it REAL!
Rai: Bro, I haven’t had a Christmas on Guam in years! I know what you mean though. I guess MMA Fighters are REAL people, too? Anyway, let’s get down to business. In your last fight, you faced a very game opponent, your thoughts and/or reactions on that match?
BJT: I fought Tomonori Taniguchi at PXC16. I’m okay with the lost. Meaning, I did what I had to do in the fight. I guess it wasn’t my night. I won the first round and was controlling the second but it was just who ever made the first mistake, and it was me! Ai Adai! (Laughing) But it’s all good! At least I didn’t get hurt and now I’m just going to train even harder and run over all opponents who come across the Juggernaut! No more chances! (Laughing)
Rai: That’s right! Ram them like there’s no tommoru? Just like in the comics, huh! But how prepared were you? You left for the mainland to train for that fight, yeah?
BJT: I was prepared for that fight. Like i said, it came down to the first one to make the mistake. Training over at FTCC in San Francisco and ATT in Florida made me more of a comfortable fighter. When I get into the ring I feel more controlled with my feelings and feel relaxed. Not like before when I used to just go in and jam! I don’t really remember much when it was last like that! (Laughing)
Rai: Whoa. It must be the yoga or what? Just joking. In all honesty, I see a more level-headed person in you. That takes great heart and dedication. Speaking of those honorable characteristics, congrats on your belt promotion! Please elaborate on that.
BJT: Yups! I got my Purple Blet!!!!! Whoooohoooo!!! And it was from Charuto Verrissimo!!!!! Whooohooo! So it’s official! (Laughing) It’s funny because before I left to ATT I borrowed Joey Calvo’s purple belt and everyone, including Spike 22 thought i was actually a purple belt! (Laughing) I was the last one Mel and Charuto promoted because they thought the same! (Laughing)
Rai: Good stuffs! Any chance that you’d want to compete in a different weight class?
BJT: Well right now my fight weight ranges from 135lbs to 145lbs and I wouldn’t mind jammin’ at 155lbs to jump into the UFC one day.
Rai: Damn! That’ll be the day, huh! The BIG leauges! Great ambition, you definitely have the talent, Bro. Anyway, if you could set-up your own dream fight against another fighter, who would it be?
BJT: Dream fight! Hmmmmm! Dude, Bro, I”ll JAM anyone BADASS!!! But make sure you tell me 3 months prior to the fight (Laughing) because I don’t want to be out of shape.
Rai: It’s okay, Pari. All you need to do is 100 push-ups, cherry-pickers, and jumping jacks! Then your’e ready to go! So what’s next for BJT? Any upcoming events where you’ll get to give the fans a great show? We heard from a little bird that you may be competing professionally in the US, any organizations approached you, and if so which one(s)?
BJT: Taza (nothing) for now. Pretty much I’m really comfortable fighting here on Guam!!! But I’ll be traveling in the near future to Jam either in the US Mainland or Japan!!! I’m soo excited! Honestly I’m keeping quiet becuase I’m just not sure of my future. I know there’s alot of up and coming shows out there but I’m jus keeping it cool and not rushing anything. I mean I’m still 24 years old! Still alot of time!
Rai: Yes, you got a lot going for yourself and a very bright future ahead of you. Family and loved ones first though. By the way, how’s the new fight store doing? Any other projects in the works?
BJT: The Baby Joe fight shop is doing great, Bro! When I walk into the store and see alot of local material it makes me happy that the talent we have is coming from our island of Guam. Hope your fight shop is doing solid as well Che’lu!
Rai: Thanks! I know how you feel. I take great pride that BangPro is the only Northern California MMA shop where you can find all the main local inspired labels. Down with the movement and cause, Nai! Since ever since! Baby Joe, it’s been a pleasure. Thank you again for taking the time out of your schedule to chat with me and do this interview. Any last words?
BJT: Thanks Rai and ONETYME!!! It was fun chatting with you as well! I would like to thank God for always watching over me and my whole family! And my sponsors: Mini Camachilie Store, Green Rock Ent., The T-Factory, Pacific Life Chiropractic, Shoyoroll Clothing, Kyoujin Industries, OneTyme, PXC, Spike22 and Ground-Fu, IT&E, Empire Realty, and the people of Guam! Happy Holidays and God Bless to Everyone!
