I once asked Brennan Kamaka about why he became a promoter, he said, "Basically, I'm just a fan like everyone else, and I want to see the best fights.  As a promoter, I can give the fans the fights they want to see.  I can also use it to promote our local boys to show the world that we are among the best in the fight world."  On Friday March 29th, at Blaisdell Arena, we saw the fourth incarnation of Kamaka's dream - Warrriors Quest 4 "Genesis."

Genesis was a mixture of some of Mixed Martial Arts' newcomers, rising stars, fight veterans, and established champions.  Thrown into the mix was a women's match and an exciting homecoming by David "Kawika" Pa`aluhi.  Making a strong showing in Genesis, were Gamebred's Yobi Song, and David Padilla.

Song, showed the guile and patience of a veteran, overcoming a series of lighting quick blows by TJ Johnson, to gain control, and eventually submission with a rear naked choke. Padilla, and Universal Roughhousing's JR Palmer put on quite a show -  exchanging near submission moves.  Palmer showed a lot of heart coming straight at Padilla, but Padilla's ground skills and strength were dominant as he scored a unanimous decision.  Instrumental in the victories, was the calming presence of fight veterans Bob Ostovich and Stephen Paling in the corner, giving experienced advice.  In the Women's match Hawaii's Betta Yeung faced California newcomer Erica Montoya.  Both rounds started out with the fighters sizing each other up (in other words not throwing any blows) for over a minute.  When they did lock it up, Montoya used her grappling skills to control Yeung on her way to a unanimous decision.

Charuto Verrisomo scored an impressive victory over Frances Roland Fabre of Team Renzo Gracie.  Charuto may have been sporting the surf trunks, but followed an early takedown, with a some devastating punches from mount leaving Fabre unable to defend himself. 

David "Kawika" Pa`aluhi gave the home crowd a treat with his welcome return to the fight ring.  Pa`aluhi's opponent was Pride veteran Bobby Southworth in what promised to be an evenly matched bout.  Could the compact powerhouse Pa'aluhi get through Southworth's reach?  In sixteen second, Pa`aluhi answered all questions with a tremendous right to the head of Southworth, knocking him out ON-HIS-FEET.  Southworth slumped in slow motion to the mat and had to be awaken with smelling salts, while Pa'aluhi executed a 'perfect 10' gymnastic style celebration back flip.  Good sportsmanship was ever-present, as Pa'aluhi made sure Southworth was alright.  Hopefully, Pa`aluhi will be a frequent addition to the Warriors Quest Card.  

True to his word, Kamaka brought in some of the best fighters to match our local boys.  Chris "The Westside Strangler" Brennan, a 2x King of the Cage Champion, was brought in to fight 808 Fight Factory's John Crsistomo.  Crsistomo put up an early challenge, locking Brennan up against the ropes, and taking some knee shots to Brennan.  At one point, Crsistomo stomped Brennan's foot, waking the Strangler into action.  From that point on, Brennan broke the hold of Crsistomo, taking the match to the ground.  From there, the Westside Strangler unleashed his favorite finishing move, a key lock (Kimura) onto Crsistomo, forcing a tap-out.

In search of a Shooto Title, Ray "Bradda" Cooper has asked to fight the best to prove his skills.  Kamaka obliged by bringing in Hell House's Dan Gilbert for the featured match.  Gilbert shot out immediately at Cooper's legs, trying to use the element of surprise.  Cooper fought of the initial attack, and countered with some quick punches.  It seemed as though Gilbert had studied Cooper and was determined not to become a victim of his powerful fists.  Gilbert again tried to take Cooper to the mat, attempting a belly-to-belly throw.  Cooper showed amazing quickness and leverage, countering the throw, and landing right on Gilbert in guard position.  From here Cooper landed repeated blows to Gilbert's head and body forcing a referee stoppage.  Cooper scored an impressive victory that should move him closer to the Shooto title.

Brennan and Edwina Kamaka get a Hawaii411.com thumbs up for putting on a great event for both the audience and fighters.  Warriors Quest's purpose is to provide a place where MMA (mixed martial arts) is a competition full of sportsmanship and spiritual growth.  The event is so jam-packed with local Hawaii talent and big name mainland competitors that it leaves no room for large egos.  Ask the competitors and they'll all tell you they had a great time and were treated like close family. Whether they won or lost, all participants came away with new friends and great experiences, which makes everyone participating in Warriors Quest a winner.

Brannon Noguchi for Hawaii411.com

Check out www.warriorsquest.tv!