LIHUE —Mixed Martial Arts fighter Eric Bettencourt traveled to great lengths to see the sport he’s been involved with 25 years grow.
Bettencourt flew in from his residence of Santa Clemente, California, to compete in the first Kauai Open Mixed Martial Arts Tournament Saturday afternoon at Kukui Grove Center.
Bettencourt said his reason for flying in was simple— to help grow the popularity of the sport, that he holds a fifth-degree black belt, and also trains in multiple forms of Kung Fu.
“I am passionate about Mixed Martial Arts, and I’ve been teaching it over 25 years, and it’s important to get back to the community,” Bettencourt said. “I feel like I am carrying the torch, and I have to pass it on, and I am blessed to be in Kauai, this island is Ohana to me.”
Bettencourt trains in multiple disciplines of MMA, including Kajukenbo, Kali villabrille, Largusa, Kung fu, Form Fu Hok tiger, crane 9 section whip chain, and Gung Qu.
A triumphant return
The tournament, which featured Kata, open forms, Kumite fighting, and weapons forms competition, is the first tournament of its kind on the island in 20 years, according to MMA promoter Vance Pascua.
The MMA showcase was the first day of a two-day exhibition that will feature a Kauai Cage at 5 p.m. Sunday at Kukui Grove Center in the old Sports Authority location.
“For a lot of people who never saw a tournament and came here in the tournament, they get to see the other side of MMA and the blending of the styles,” Pascau said. “It’s a different side of martial arts, and it’s great to mix the traditional and modern.” Pascua, who was a participant in the last tournament in Kauai, said he felt the first on-island tournament in two decades was well-received. “It was good to see the kids’ eyes light up, and to see the response from the parents saying ‘it’s about time we did this,’” Pascau said. “It makes for positive reinforcement that we are doing the right thing.”
Fruits of hard labor
MMA contestant Jonathan Tejada, who fought in Ventar Kajukenbo against his opponent, was excited to showcase his skills in front of an audience.
“I was kind of nervous it was my first tournament,” Tejada said. “I started training about ten years ago, and I think I am only going to get better.”
Kalen Smith, who participated in point fighting, thought the scene benifited from the tournament showcase.
Smith, who practices his craft Monday, and Friday, finally had a stage to showcase his hard labor.
“When you are working for something, you want to get to show everyone what you can do,” Smith said. I’ve been waiting for a tournament to showcase what I can do in an competitive form.”
