Why and what does Koru mean?

The koru

"The koru, which is often used in Māori art as a symbol of creation, is based on the shape of an unfurling fern frond. Its circular shape conveys the idea of perpetual movement, and its inward coil suggests a return to the point of origin. The koru therefore symbolises the way in which life both changes and stays the same."

Symbol of creation, perpetual movement, returning to the beginning, change while maintaining sameness.

You may be wondering why a combat sports guy from Los Angeles would choose the name Koru Gym.

In September 2003, Bob Bass told me that my primary MMA coach, John Solin, had recently died four weeks prior - he was just 36 years old.

I came to Saipan in October 2003. Four days after my arrival, I met the late Ben Govendo who had just returned home to Saipan after spending some years in Thailand. He studied Muay Thai there, and I fought under Muay Thai rules before - I'm primarily a boxer who learned some of the Thai stuff. Ben was the first of many people I had the fortunate blessing to train with since I've been on Saipan, but Ben was my primary training partner - meaning we beat each other up good.

In 2004, I went to Palau for the 9th Annual Pacific Arts Festival and I was very fortunate and blessed to receive a moko (tattoo) from Derek Lardelli from New Zealand. It was a peculiar tattoo and it was based on the Maori creation myth. Further study of Maori art and culture led me to the Koru.

Ben died Oct. 1, 2005. Caesar Whitt, our jiu-jitsu coach, came to my house early that Saturday morning to pick me up for morning practice - a ritual seldom missed by Steve Arthur, Doug De Witt, Ben Govendo, and I. Caesar Whitt told me Ben died just hours after the police arrived at the accident scene.

John and Ben dying, Doug DeWitt and Steve Arthur leaving island created a void in my training that stayed with me until I started working with Albert Ichihara about a year ago.

When I started my training with Albert, I wanted to roll with someone that would improve my game, but not injury me in the process. It started with critical questions like, "Why don't we roll and punch each other a little to see how our jiu-jitsu changes? We're both getting older, so how can we do combat sports without getting injured? What's a good fight gameplan and training program for people who are getting older like us?".

The answers to those questions are continually being re-evaluated so as to ensure our safety and enjoyment.

Albert and I are blessed to be able to train with each other and he's one of the most technical guys out there. Albert will tell you that he is the only guy who gets my "game" and what I'm trying to accomplish. I will tell you that Albert is a great guy to work with who helped me figure out "the game" and not just my game - It's a never ending process.

I don't believe the road to the martial arts is a teacher/student relationship as it is viewed in the East. I think improving in fighting is more importantly an athlete/athlete relationship.

For those of you who train at the Koru Gym, please get yourself a good training partner to bring to the gym that will push you, but not hurt you! Injuries happen from time to time, but I suspect will be less likely when you find someone you can trust. Albert and I need to get back to training more together so that we can continue to make each other better.

Danny was telling me that people have been asking about the gym [location, class times, content, price, etc.]. That means I will have to turn more people away. It's something I hate doing, but I have to do nonetheless.


Classes will remain Private and admission not open to the general public.

If you want to join, please send us an email briefly describing why and we'll let you know. Class sizes are getting full so we need to be really selective. Age, weight, or gender is not an issue. Having a training partner is important so try and find someone you know who might be interested in training - make sure its someone you can trust not to injure you in the process.

If you are already affiliated with a gym - we're sorry, but we don't take business from others.

If you desire to compete in MMA, you need not apply as fighter positions are already full.

If you are a "master" or "instructor" etc. - you need not apply as coaching positions are already filled.