On February 21, 2008 was a historic moment for all youth athletes all across the globe as well as for Singapore.
The 2010 Youth Olympic Games - Y.O.G. was handed to Singapore beating out Russia for the bid and being the first Youth Olympic Games ever.

I have been appointed on the Singapore Wrestling Federation as Vice-President.

Congratulations Singapore!

2010 Youth Olympic Games

In 2006 I approached the Singapore Sports Council about promoting the sport of Wrestling.
Of course, since there is no team here in Singapore I can tell you in great length that this was going to be a difficult hill to climb.
When most people think of wrestling they will think of the usual such as men in tights, sweaty bodies or WWE.
I can understand the narrow thinking because of the lack of knowledge with the oldest sport in the world. Who's to blame?
To cut to the chase, with Singapore holding the first ever 2010 Youth Olympic Games... Wrestling (Greco-Roman & Freestyle) will be recognised by the Singapore Sports Council, therefore, a team has been appointed to start up the Singapore Wrestling Federation - S.W.F.

We have been under the gun as the wrestling has been announced as a new National Sports Association in Singapore.

link:
http://sg-youth-olympic-games.blogspot.com/search/label/YOG%20Wrestling

The wrestling journey continues...


 The Suplay - Greco-Roman & Freestyle technique

Thanks to Wrestling!
My career started at Monterey High School in California. Prior to this, I was a troubled youth... got into a lot of fights and suspended and kicked out of school. This was probably the most difficult time in my adolescent. Trying to find my own identity amongst my peers. I grew up on a military base where there were only a few asians surrounded by the black, white and brown.
It was constant name calling (I means lots) about my Asian heritage, therefore, I had to step up to the plate and defend... Yup! Knuckle up and Fight!
For all y'all who grew up in da hood! When y'all stand up fo' yo'self eventually you git respect to da full! Just don't be a punk and mouth off like you iz all that, otherwise, you will mos' def' git knocked outtt!
Anyway, to cut another story short, Wrestling in high school gave me a focus from straying on the streets in my hood... Seaside. Believe me at that age, chasing girls and hangin' with your homeboys was fun!

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My Career

During my sophomore year (age 15) I was just starting to get a a handle at wrestling with enough losses to get me wanting to learn more moves to beat my opponent. I can remember training very hard during the season as well as running more than I ever did. I always had my Sony Walkman/cassette listening to the Theme for Rocky and Going The Distance (bells chiming in my ears to run faster and faster) and wrestled for a club after the season and continued to wrestle in tournaments throughout Northern California.

I guess the hard work payed off. (even drinking six raw eggs before a tournament-Big Mistake! My stomache started to churn and burn... Yikes!)


I placed California State 3rd place winner in Greco-Roman at 132 pounds which earned me a spot to compete in U.S.W.F. Jr National Wrestling Tourney at Iowa University in 1981.
What memories... California's best wrestlers in Freestyle and Greco-Roman training at San Jose State University for 3 days of double sessions and then a 42 hour non-stop Greyhound bus ride all the way to Iowa crossing through Utah, Nebraska, Wyoming and Iowa.

I can say I did not place and lasted for only 2 rounds of competition. My last match was to John Giura of Illinois who later became an NCAA-All American and a 1988 U.S. Olympic qualifier.

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I was no stranger to National Tounaments in the U.S.

When I was 12 years old I competed in my first Judo Nationals held in San Francisco with the nations best and Puerto Rico and lasted the 2nd day of the tourney without placing.

The following year, I became the 13 year old U.S. Jr Judo National Champion which was held at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. (The best part was getting on the winner's podium and receiving my trophy and calling my parent's collect and telling them the news... my parents couldn't believe it... they drove to San Francisco International Airport from Monterey as proud parents to pick me up)

At 14... the tourney was held in Kent, Washington. That year I placed 5th in the nation (It was the first time ever beating the former National Champion/Pan American Champion Richard Moss).

I started judo at the age of 6 years old and won my 1st tourney at Albany High School in Berkeley, California.

Mits Kimura of the San Francisco Judo Institute handing me my 1st gold medal.

I have always had a love for judo and wrestling.

In 1987 I had my first coaching job at San Marcos High School in Santa Barbara, California.
We had some pretty good wrestlers and one of them went to the California State Championship in his Senior year.

I also coached at University High School in West Los Angeles in 2000.
Sung Kang (AliveNotDead Member) even came down to wrestle with the kids. This was a few months afer he had his ribs cracked from grappling a 200 pound something South American dude in his Jiu-jitsu class. Sung is strong and quick... so don't mess with him as he is also a bit crazy underneath that stoic persona.

Trivia: If I recall at a 165 pound weight class: Charles Liddell... Can you spot him?

From the left: Me!                                      From the 3rd right:  Chuck Liddell

NOW: UFC CHAMPION CHUCK LIDDELL

Chuck was dedicated to wrestling and at the time he was heavily into martial arts even then.

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Anyway, wrestling has been growing sport because of Mixed Martial Arts and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.
Wrestling can be helpful in self defense... as all fights usually end up on the ground and thats where one can have the advantage.

My goal in Singapore is to promote wrestling and cultivate wrestling talent for the future competitions such as the Olympics, SEA Games and other tourneys across the globe.
In Asia, China, Japan, Korea, Phillipines, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia and Kazakhstan already have competitors.

Wrestling can be introduced to troubled youths to give focus on discipline, character building and self esteem.

Support Wrestling as it is one of the toughest sports pound for pound. No pain no gain.

Sincerely,

Jimmy T

P.S. Daniel I read your blog and I admit during your time as a kid the wrestling tights were pretty skimpier back in the day but it is getting better. Lol.
Just look at the B-ball shorts back in the 80's. D-Wade is always cappin' on Barkley about his shorts.
Peace.

    In this world we have lost another great comedian. Bernie Mac  October 5, 1957 - August 9, 2008 He died of complications from pneumonia in Chicago aka Chi-town at the age of 50 years old. This is a shocker and a wake up to reality. He is part of the Legendary Greats such as Richard Pryor, Redd Foxx and Robin Harris. He is best known for his raw humor straight from the hip and all punches. He will be missed. Much love to Bernie.

   
I am currently playing on the Singapore Typhoons Baseball team.

We are currently looking for teams to play in 2009.

Please contact me or you can reach us through our website.

http://www.baseball.sg

Let's Play Ball!

Cheers,

Jimmy T

TaKE mE oUt tO THe bALLpaRk

PLAYBALL! -------------------IN THE SCORCHING HEAT!

Profilin' like Jimmy Rollins of the Philadelphia Phillies.

Struck again with Baseball Fever in 2008!

photo taken by Jerry Zhao

America's Favorite Pastime is here once again in Singapore minus the Davidson sunflower seeds and Bazooka bubble gum (not sold in Singapore).

I am currently playing on the Singapore Typhoons in the Singapore Baseball League comprised of 10 teams. This is my 2nd season with the Typhoons with a new look and some new prospects.

Our team has players from the U.S.A., Canada, France, Italy, China, Malaysia, Taiwan, Czechoslovakia, Australia, Vietnam, Phillipines, Korea, Japan and Singapore... talk about multicultural. Awesome!


Waiting for the pick off at 1st base... waiting and waiting... just in case.
photo taken by Jerry Zhao

We are competing in the Malaysia All-Star Baseball League Tourney - July 25-20 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia representing Singapore.


Practicing at Kallang Field.

1 - #24 Jimmy Taenaka at bat. (Kobe Bryant's # too)

photo taken by Jerry Zhao

2 - He swings...

Into centerfield and takes off running...
photo taken by Jerry Zhao

3 - Rounding 1st base...

Sliding safely into 2nd base.
photo taken by Jerry Zhao


photo taken by Jerry Zhao

Stay tuned as the Singapore Typhoons start the regular season in August.


photo taken by Jerry Zhao

I am a big fan of these commercials which are only showing in the U.S during the NBA Playoffs and Finals.

Keegan-Michael Key of FOX TV' Mad TV iz da Big Playa.


GMC Denali - "The Player's Lot"