SSKI Senior Division Overall Champion

Sphinx Shoto-kan Karate-do International

Senior Division Overall Champion

4-Champions / 2-1st Runner Up / 1-2nd Runner Up.

Bhoy Cielo Sensei - Kumite - Blackbelt Heavy Weight Division - Champion

Al Debalucos - Kumite - Brownbelt Heavy Weight Division - Champion

Danny Iglesia - Kumite - Greenbelt Heavy Weight Division - Champion

Eduardo Caones - Kumite - Greenbelt Light Weight Division - Champion

Nestor Rizardo Sensei - Kumite - Blackbelt Heavy Weight Division - 1st Runner Up

Guru Dev Danuwar - Kumite - Greenbelt Light Weight Division - 1st Runner Up

Andres Balane - Kumite - Greenbelt Light Weight Division - 2nd Runner Up

SSKI TOURNAMENTS ACHIEVEMENT

Source: Jun Loyola Sensei

SPHINX SHOTO-KAN KARATE-DO INTERNATIONAL
TOURNAMENTS ACHIEVEMENT

2010

1st Place Overall - Senior Division (4-2-1)

3rd WOMA-USA

Invitational Karate Tournament

Madina Palace Hotel, Jeddah, K.S.A.

March 26, 2010

1st Place Overall - Senior Division (5-1-3)

6th FIMAA

Invitational Karate Tournament

"Arena of Honor"

Al Badr International School, Jeddah, K.S.A.

January 22, 2010

2009

4th Place Overall - (1-2-2)

1st SSSKII

Stealth Shidokan Shorin-ryu Karatedo International

Invitational Karate Tournament

"Fight for a Cause"

Al Badr International School, Jeddah, K.S.A.

October 16, 2009

2008

Tournament Organizer

2nd SSKI

Sphinx Shoto-kan Karate-do International

Invitational Karate Tournament

"Sphinx Cup - Fight for a Cause"

For the Benefit of Distressed OFW

International Philippine School in Jeddah, K.S.A.

March 14, 2008

2nd Place Overall - Senior Division (4-1-2)

5th FIMAA

Filipino International Martial Arts Association

Invitational Karate Tournament &

Martial Arts Exhibition

International Philippine School in Jeddah, K.S.A.

January 04, 2008

2007

Records (0-3-1)

PHILMASA Int'l.

Karate / Kickboxing Tournament &

Martial Arts Showdown

"Streetfighting Sport"

Al-Mostaqbal Plaza (Future Mall), Jeddah, K.S.A.

July 9 & 13, 2007

1st Place Overall - Senior Division (5-2-0)

4th TASK-LEKCI

"Freedom Fight"

International Philippine School in Jeddah, K.S.A.

June, 2007

Tournament Organizer

1st SSKI

Sphinx Shoto-kan Karate-do International

Invitational Martial Arts Tournament

"Sphinx Cup 2007"

Pearl of the Orient International School (POIS), Jeddah, K.S.A.

March, 2007

2006

3rd place Overall (1-2-6)

3rd PSKAI

Philippine Shotakan Karatedo Association International

Karate Tournament

Asian Martial Arts Dojo Club (AMADC), Jeddah, K.S.A.

December 08, 2006

4th Place Overall - Junior Division (2-0-0)

3rd Place Overall - Senior Division (1-1-2)

4th FIMAA

Invitational Karate Tournament &

Martial Arts Showdown

International Philippine School In Jeddah (IPSJ), K.S.A.

November 3, 2006

3rd Place Overall (2-3-1-2)
ISMART/FFKC/CERILLA

Invitational Karate-do Championship

"Showdown in Jeddah 2006"

Asian Martial Arts Dojo Club (AMADC), K.S.A.

March 3, 2006

3rd Place Overall (3-2-1)

3rd FIMAA

Invitational Karate Tournament &

Martial Arts Exhibition

Pearl of the Orient International School (POIS), Jeddah, K.S.A.

February 3, 2006

2005

Tournament Organizer

3rd ASKI

Karate Tournament

"Fight for a Cause II"

For the benefit of Bantay Bata 163

Sunbulah Compound, Industrial Area, Jeddah, K.S.A.

December 9, 2005

Tournament Organizer

2nd ASKI

Invitational Karate Tournament &

Martial Arts Exhibition

Fight for a Cause"

For the benifit of Bantay Bata 163

Sunbulah Compound, Industrial Area, Jeddah, K.S.A.

November 3 & 4, 2005

Records (_-_-_)

19th AMAF

Invitational Open Karate &

Kickboxing Championship

Sunrise International School (SIS), Jeddah, K.S.A.

September 2005

2004

Records (1-2-1)

2nd PSKAI

Clash of the Best 2004

Asian Martial Arts Defense Club

August 2, 2004

Records (1-0-4)
PHILMASA International
Karate / Kickboxing Invitational Tournament &
Martial Arts Exhibitions

"Master Cup - The Quest for Power"

Philippine Consulat Grounds, Jeddah, K.S.A.

June, 2004

2003

Records (1-3-0)

1st FIMAA

Invitational Martial Arts Championship 2003

Philippine Consulate Grounds, Jeddah, K.S.A.

October 2003

Records (1-0-0)

1st PSKAI - PKF

Invitational Karate Tournament

"Independence Cup 2003"

Al Ahli Sports Club, Jeddah, K.S.A.

June 20, 2003

Records (1-2-2)

1st KAMC

Open Invitational Karate Tournament

King Abdulaziz Medical City,

National Guard Hospital, Jeddah, K.S.A.

April 4 & 11, 2003

Records (2-0-1)

1st Black Cobra

Invitational Karate Tournament

Al Ahli Sports Club

Jeddah, K.S.A.

February 14, 2003

2002

1st Place Overall (5-2-3)

PAMAC / ISMART -ISKF

Karate Tournament

"OFW Quest for the Best"

Safari New Camp, Jeddah, K.S.A.

December, 2002

Records (1-1-1)

16th AMAF

Invitational Open Karate & Kickboxing Championship

Philippine Consulate Grounds, Jeddah, K.S.A.

October, 2002

1st Place Overall (3-1-3)

Seiko - PAMAC International

Karate & Kockboxing Invitational Tournament

"Independence Cup"

Philippine Consulate Grounds, Jeddah, K.S.A.

May, 2002

Records (1-0-0)

United Black Belt

Invitational Karate Tournament

"Best of the Best Showdown 2002

Philippine Consulate Grounds, Jeddah, K.S.A.

April, 2002

2001
5th Place Overall (1-1-1)
7th JEMAC
Jeddah Martial Arts Council
Invitational Karate Tournament &
Martial Arts Exhibition
Philippine Consulate Grounds, Jeddah, K.S.A.
October, 2001

1st Place Overall (3-4-3)

1st PHILMASA International

Karate & Kickboxing

"Clash 2001"

Industrial Area, Jeddah, K.S.A.

August 2001

2000

Records (_-_-_)

6th JEMAC
Invitational Karate Tournament & Martial Arts Exhibition
Philippine Consulate Grounds, Jeddah, K.S.A.
April, 2000

1998

2nd Place Overall (3-7-5)

3rd SMAI

Shotokan Martial Arts International

All SHOTOKAN Karatedo

Championship '98

April, 1998

1997

2nd Place Overall (5-3-3)

FIST SHOTOKAN KARATE BUDOKAI

Invitational Karate Tournament

"Battle of the Best '97"

Samba Club / Al Itihad Sports Club

Jeddak, K.S.A.

March 7 &14, 1997

1996

Tournament Organizer

1st ASKI - APO

Invitational Karate Tournament

Al Ahli Sports Club

April 26,1996

1st Place Overall (7-4-2)

2nd SMAI

Shotokan Martial Arts International

"Showdown Full Contact Karate Championship"

Al Itihad Sports Club, Jeddah, K.S.A.

January 19, 1996

1995

2nd Place Overall (3-4-3)

2nd AMAF

Invitational Open Karate Tournament

& Martial Arts Exhibition

Al Itihad Sports Club, Jeddah, K.S.A.

November 17 & 24, 1995

4th Place Overall (3-1-7)

1st AMAF

Invitational Karate Tournament

Al Itihad Sports Club

Jeddah, K.S.A.

April 28, 1995

1994

6th Place Overall (1-0-1)

1st PHICKAJU - WOMA

Invitational Karate Tournament

Jeddah, Preparatory School, K.S.A.

September, 1994

SSKI rules 6th FIMAA Karate Tournament

Source : Arab News - February 5, 2010
By: Ben Micu, Jr. Sensei

With barely a month before the start of the "Year of the tiger", Sphinx Shoto-kan Karate-do International (SSKI) added another milestone in its quest for supremacy in martial arts by capturing the most coveted over-all Championship title in the Senior Division of FIMAA's (Filipino International Martial Arts Association) 6th Karate Tournament with an insurmountable 5-1-2 record for Champion, 2nd & 3rd Places, respectively. The event dubbed "Arena of Honor" was held at the Al Badr International School in Jeddah last January 15, 2010.

First to put SSKI in the limelight was Dan Sagmit Jr., who was adjudged Champion in the Green belt "Kata" category with his flawless rendition of "Heian Shodan" This was followed by Al Debalucos, who likewise claimed the Championship plaque in the Brown belt Category (Kata) with his Bassai Dai" execution and a 2nd Runner-up plaque for Boy Cielo Sensei, who performed "Gojushiho Sho" and "Nijushiho" in the Black belt elimination and final phases, respectively in the Black belt Kata competition.

Not to be outdone and greatly motivated by their victorious counterparts in the Kata competition, Kumite (sparring) participants thrilled the audience with Andy Balane taking the lead and the Lightweight Championship plaque in the Green belt category. He was followed by Danny Iglesia and Noel Torlao who gamely fought for the right to claim the Championship plaque in the Green belt Middleweight category which was eventually won by the former.

With a Championship plaque already to his credit, Al Debalucos, a perennial winner in Kumite events, lost his bearing earlier but still managed to grab 3rd place honors in the Brown belt Lightweight category. Boy Cielo Sensei on the other hand, had more energy to spare in the Kumite event and was crowned Black belt Champion in the combined Middle/Heavyweight category. Meanwhile in the Junior Division, Brian Sagmit added another 3rd place honor for his effort in the Kata - Greenbelt category bringing SSKI's final medal tally to 5-1-3.

Being one of the founding members of FIMAA, with Master Nestor Suliva as its current President, SSKI also took part in overseeing the smooth conduct of the tournament by fielding some of its instructors namely; Senseis Jun Loyola, Sonny Alvarez, Ben Micu, Jr., Samuel Nacario, Jr. & Sonny Dalloran, along with other club instructors to act as referees, judges & arbitrators.

SSKI-Middle East along with SSKI-Canada were founded by Master Eddie V. Rama, a certified 7th Dan Black belt (Shotokan). It has a full-pledge membership with Sphinx International, Philippine Chapter, headed by its founder, Master Jimmy Galez and is locally headed by Romeo Rivero Sensei, a 3rd Dan Black belt with branch chapters in Xenel Bldg., Al Oun Industrial Area, King Faisal Naval Base & Power Punch, among others.

SSSKII - KARATE TOURNAMENT - AL BADR - 16 OCT.2009

By: Ben Micu Jr. Sensei

The 1st SSSKII (Stealth Shidokan Shorin-ryu Karatedo International, Inc.) Karate Tournament held at the Al Badr International School last October 16, 2009 was a resounding success in terms of attendance, audience-wise and gate receipts from participants. It was one of many tournament that Sphinx Shotokan Karate-do International (SSKI) had given its full support not only in the number of participants but also in providing ample referees/judges and table officials to meet the requirements of running a martial arts tournament. Its close association with Mario Mendoza Renshi, Chief Instructor and Founder of SSSKII, was evident as Jun Loyola Sensei was given the honor as Chief Referee during the tournament. The latter along with Sony Alvarez Sensei likewise painstakingly conducted seminars to newly recruited referees and table officials. Other SSKI Senseis who refereed/judged the tournament were Ben Micu Jr., Bhoy Cielo, Samuel Nacario Jr., Sonny Dalloran, Vani Gasmenia, Ruben Cabigas, Cris Ortiz & Steve Rivero and members Jonathan Gastanez & Rolando Lapay. Plaques and certificates of appreciation were awarded to them by SSSKII in recognition of their valuable support during the tournament.

In the tournament proper, Leanne Loyola, a junior green belter and daughter of Jun Loyola Sensei participated both in the Kata and Kumite events and in the process took home 1st Runner-Up and Champion trophies, respectively. The outcome did not come as a suprise to the club as Leanne has been a perennial winner in every tournament that she entered into. The same story can be said of Al Debalucos, a senior brown belter, who also placed 1st Runner-Up in the Brown belt Middleweight category Kumite competition. It was a close fight and the outcome was decided on breaks which eventually went to Al's opponent. Leanne and Al's success can be attributed to their dedication to the sport to which they both excel thru constant practice.

Another winning entry was Eugine Gruela who took home the 2nd Runner-Up trophy in Brown belt Lightweight category Kumite competition. Ironically, Eugene's win could have been better if not for a freak accident in the elimination round that cost him to fight for a higher finish. He is a loyal student of Bhoy Cielo Sensei.

Meanwhile, a suprise revelation in the tournament was Julius Ben Micu (my son), who was entered in the Kumite's 6 to 9 years old category. His first round was a shut-out, scoring at least 4 knock downs by employing gyaku tsuki (reverse punch) , two of which were rendered "out-of-form" by the referee. He nonetheless finished the bout with a 5-0 score in his favor. His second round likewise ended in shut-out with his opponent scoring nothing but fouls and just like the first round, Julius again scored some knock downs ( I now refer to him as the "Little Pacman" in karate ). But he faltered in the fateful third round wherein he was paired with a taller and bigger opponent (no more choice as he was the smallest participant left in the draw). The eventual winner was at first holding his strikes and scored first with a reverse punch. Julius then initiated the fight by pressing the attack and employing what has been taught to him, scored 2 points by delivering a mawazi geri (roundhouse kick) for a 2 to 1 in his favor. At this point, Steve Rivero Sesnei, who acted as his coach, had signaled Julius by way of a coded hand signal to keep away from his opponent, but, a born-fighter as he is, he decided to put more pressure to his opponent by continuously attacking him. With the time down to more or less 10 seconds, his opponent let go a mawazi geri for a 3 to 2 score en route to the final championship round.

PUMA, UMMAF Dominate SSKI-SAFRA Martial Arts Tourney

Source: Arab News

March 21, 2008

Ben Micu, Jr. Sensei / Erwin Pangan

JEDDAH - The Philippine Union Martial Arts Club (PUMA) of Renshi Cesar Bencito bagged the overall championship in the Junior Division by virtue of its 5-3-3 finish, while the United Muslims Martial Arts Federation (UMMAF) headed by Renshi Mac Tending captured the prestigious overall championship in the Seniors Division with its almost flawless rendition of kata or the so called "karate dance" and their combatants' fiery performances in the kumite competition.

In the competitive exhibition, UMMAF got the nods of the judges with their syncronize kata rendition of Heian Shodan followed by "Bonkai" or its application. The Philippine Martial Arts Combat Aikido (PHIMACA) who rendered various knife and arnis defense techniques was second, while five (5) kids from PUMA, who showcased their talents in aikido took third place.

But the biggest winner of them all were the numerous distressed OFWs being housed at the Philippine Consulate compound, they being the beneficiary of the proceeds of this annual event. Entry fees collected from the participants in addition to financial assistance received from SAFRA Co., the major sponsor, and from various generous donors and collections out of the coin banks distributed among SSKI instructors, Guardians Brotherhood International (GBI-TBBG) and Migrant Association in Saudi Arabia (MASA), will be distributed among the distressed OFWs in the form of consumable good and other items.

This annual event was made possible thru the collective efforts of various SSKI instructors namely Romeo Rivero, Jun Loyola, Sonny Alvarez, Ben Micu, Jr., Sonny Dalloran, Samuel Nacario, Jr., Joey Reyes, Vani Gasmenia, Rudy Estepa, Ed Chavez, Angel Palaypayon, Alex Buce, Cris Ortiz & Ruben Cabigas, among others. The staging of this annual event has the approval of Master Eddie V. Rama, a certified 7th Dan Blackbelt and the founder of SSKI-Middle East and Canada and now based in Iraq. The Guardians Brotherhood International (GBI) with AB Julius Briagas and FGMF Eldemer Flores, acted as tournamet marshals,while MASA representatives, Teng Damiar, Andre Natabio and Andrew Ociones also assisted in the Registration and treasury committee.

Vice Consul Lorenzo Jongco IV of the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah gave a short inspirational talk, GBI founder FGRF Edison Cariaga and MASA representative Bobby Pajarito delivered a short message while Mr. Humayun and Mr. Hussain Fayez Zagzoog a representative of SAFRA Company arrived later to witness the exciting kumite events and gave the awards to the winners of the senior blackbelt divisions.

Other sponsors who donated cash and/or related gift items aside from Safra Company Ltd. were; Abdullah Al-Saiary of Al-Aoun Company; NCCI thru Kyud Rene Morales, who provided an insurance coverage to Greenbelt lightweight Champion Jeff Cayme, for having won with the most number of opponents; Sheikh Muhammad Jamil Farsi, for providing the tournament venue; Al Injazat Trading Corporation for distributing variuos Nivea beauty care products; Skyfreight Forwarders thru Emmy de Guzman / Danny Abines, who donated gift certificates; and Romeo Rivero and Sonny Dalloran of SSKI for their cash donations.

All Set for SSKI-SAFRA "Fight for a Cause" Tilt

Source: Arab News

March 14, 2008

Ben Micu,Jr. Sensei & Erwin Pangan

JEDDAH - SAFRA Company Ltd., a subsidiary of Xenel Group of Companies, has agreed to be the main sponsor of the 2nd SSKI Martial Arts Championship dubbed "Fight for a Cause" to be staged at the International Philippine School in Jeddah (IPSJ) March 14, 2008 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

This was announced by Jun Loyola Sensei, Executive VP of SSKI, during the final meeting at the SSKI-Xenel Balad Chapter's gym last March 7, 2008, attended by various club instructors along with newly elected officers of Filipino International Martial Arts Association (FIMAA), Guardians Brothehood Inc. - (GBI-TBBG) and Migrant Association in Saudi Arabia (MASA).

The proceeds of the event will benifit numerous distressed OFW's still stranded and being housed at the Philippine Consulate compound in Jeddah. The group likwise decided to provide empty "coin banks" to collect surplus coins from the participants and audience.

General rules, scoring/points systems, trophies and certificates were laid out for the tournament. Added attraction but on a competitive basis will be various clubs exhibitions on Arnis (stick fighting), Kata with Bonkai applications, Jiu-jitsu, Kung-Fu, Taekwondo, Aikido and other forms of martial arts. Winners will be decided and graded by SSKI instructors and in one representative each from GBI and MASA.

Club Instructors present during the meeting were Renshi Cesar Bencito, PUMA founder and previous FIMAA president, Renshi Mac Tending of Philippine Shotokan Karatedo Association International (PSKAI) and current President of UMAAF (United Muslim Martial Arts Federation), Renshi Pons Estrada of Law Enforcer Karate Club Int'l. (TASK/LEKCI), Sensei Nonoy Gacola of WILDCAT, Master Mohammed Ishaq of Star Budokan Karate Club, Sifu Boy Buayan of AMAF/Tat Kon Tou, Kyud Rene Morales of KUNTAW, Renshi Raul Austria of Mortal Combat-OSKA, Renshi Mario Mendoza of Stealth Shidokan Shorin Ryu Karatedo Int'l. (SSSKI), Sensei Danny Untalan of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Sensei Rex Griego of Black Cobra-OSKA, Sensei Mardy Dimalotang of ISKD, Sensei Rubie Marie Lanada of PUMA. Club instructors were not able to attend but likewise assured their participation were Renshi Alfred Tizon of Fist-SKI, Sensei Pol Poleras of SHOSIKAI, Renshi Max Sapi-e of KENZENDO, Renshi Jainodin Manipis of ASMAC, Renshi Jake Kabiling of NGIKA, Master Alex Aplacador of HHCAI and Master Nilo Sumallo of Black Eagle (BECJKAAP).

GBI was presented by its founder, FGRF Edison Cariaga, along with Julius Jose Briagas, Eldemer Flores, Vicenta Gacola, Virgilio Preza, MG Martino Belano, John Candaroma, Mervin Andalahao, Alvin Anglo, Allan Adonis, Louie Cabalquinto, Rhegie Buhano & Vani Gasmenia. MASA's representatives include Samuel Nacario, Jr. Sensei - Acting Chairman, Bobby Fajarito, Droidz Ociones and Matt Mendoza.

SSKI had its president, Romeo Rivero, Exec. VP Jun Loyola, tournament director and current FIMAA President Sonny Alvarez and other SSKI instructors namely Ben Micu, Jr., Steve Rivero, Sonny Dalloran, Angel Palaypayon, Ed Chavez, Ruben Cabigas, and members Eldy Bagondol, Delfin Patotoy and Junard Hayag.

Other sponsors donating cash and gift items are Sheikh Mohamed Jamil Farsi, Abdullah Al-Saiary of Al-Aoun Company, insurance coverage (for the best player of the tournament) and gift items courtesy of NCCI thru Rene Morales, gift certificates with 50 kgs. sea freight from Skyfreight Forwarders through Emmy de Guzman and Danny Abenes and cash donation from SSKI Romeo Rivero and Sonny Dalloran.

2nd SSKI "Fight For a Cause" Tourney On Cards

Source: Arab News

February 29, 2008

Ben Micu, Jr. & Erwin Pangan

JEDDAH - Sphinx Shoto-kan Karate-do International with the initiative of Jun Loyola Sensei, SSKI Executive VP, held its meeting at the SSKI Xenel Balad Chapter gym last Feb. 22, 2008. Among the attendees were Romeo Rivero Sensei, SSKI-Middle East President, and various SSKI Chapter instructors and members along with the Guardians Brotherhood Inc. (GBI) headed by FGRF Edison "Jedi" Cariaga, founder and Chapter President, Sonny Alvarez Sensei, newly elected President of Filipino International Martial Arts Association (FIMAA) and Samuel Nacario Jr., acting Chairman of Migrant Association of Saudi Arabia (MASA), an umbrella chapter of MIGRANTE, a well-known Philippine community group tasked in assisting OFWs worlwide.

On top of the Agenda was the forthcoming martial arts event being organized by SSKI in colaboration with GBI and MASA on the 14th of March 2008 at the International Philippine School in Jeddah (IPSJ). As agreed upon by the group, the proceeds of the tournament will be for the benefit of distressed OFWs being temporarily housed at the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah. As explained by Jun Loyola Sensei, this is not the first time that SSKI had organized such event for the benefit of those in need citing various project that SSKI had undergone namely; the financial assistance awarded to the family of a member who died while on vacation; donation extended to the beneficiaries of "Bantay Bata 163", a Philippine foundation primarily set-up to assist and extend financial assistance to deprived and under-privilaged Filipino children; and donation in kind given to run-away contract workers that took shelter at the Philippine Consulte General grounds. Aside from financial assistance that will obtained from generous and willing would-be sponsors, the group also discussed the distribution of "coin banks" to various Filipino community group to ask for their surplus coins that will somehow be significant once accumulated. A similar plan will be initiated and passed at the venue during the actual competition day.

Other SSKI officers and members present during the meeting were SSKI instructors; Senseis Ben Micu Jr., Joey Reyes, Steve Rivero, Sonny Dalloran, Ruben Cabigas & Vani Gasmenia and SSKI members; Jonathan Gastanez, Junard Hayag & GBI was likewise represented by Edison "Jedi" Cariaga, Eldemer "Tabak" Flores, Virgillo "Park" Preza, AB Julius Jose "Jo" Briagas & Vic Gacola while MASA had Samuel Nacario, Jr. and Teng Damiar as its representatives.

A final meeting to include participating club instructors is set on March 7, 2008 also at SSKI Xenel Chapter's gym.