On 22nd October 2009, it was officially announced that BJJ Borneo is finally inducted as Checkmat Asia’s Kota Kinabalu branch representative in Sabah, East Malaysia.
Marcos Escobar, a great fighter with many titles in Brazil and overseas, including ADCC, and the coordinator of Checkmat in Malaysia & official representative in Asia, made the announcement during Escobar BJJ’s grading ceremony prior to Leo Vieira’s hugely successful seminar in Malaysia. The ceremony was attended by Leo Vieira himself and Chico Mendes. The ceremony also saw BJJ Borneo’s representatives: Allen Chong, Angie Bartholomew, Andy Bartholomew, Darren Low and Michael Chong receiving their grades from the Checkmat officials.
To kick off BJJ Borneo’s journey under Checkmat’s tutelage, Chico Mendes would be spearheading a month long training course in their home gym in Sabah throughout the month of November to upgrade the young club’s skill set. BJJ Borneo expresses their utmost appreciation for the gesture and pledge to contribute to BJJ’s growth in Malaysia with fervent enthusiasm and vigour.
