How debacle on Tinian became genesis of Trench Tech

For Justis “Cuki” Alvarez, seeing the new generation of mixed martial arts practitioners warms the heart, especially if he looks back and it’s already been 20 years since he started Trench Tech Purebred Saipan.

He said in 2004, as MMA surged in popularity across the globe, a pivotal moment unfolded for, at the Tinian Fiesta, an annual celebration on the island of Tinian. A friend running the Fiery Fighting Islands Promotion—a local cage-fighting organization—asked Alvarez to assemble a team of 10 fighters from Saipan to compete against

10 fighters from Guam.

Alvarez recalled this was a time when MMA was gaining popularity, and many islanders were eager to compete. However, when Alvarez’s team fought, all 10 of them lost.

“The problem wasn’t a lack of desire to fight,” Alvarez said. “It was simply that they lacked the skills.” He explained that even the best stand-up fighters, those skilled at kicking and punching, were vulnerable if taken to the ground. Without the ability to grapple and defend themselves, the Saipan fighters were at a disadvantage. These losses ignited Alvarez’s determination to improve the skill set of local fighters. He brought jiu-jitsu trainers from abroad to teach the techniques essential for success in MMA.

“Jiu-jitsu is a big part of the game to fight competitively in the cage,” he explained.

Now, 20 years later, Alvarez is celebrating two decades of teaching mixed martial arts on Saipan. He brought Trench Tech Purebred Saipan to the island in November 2004, and since then, his focus has broadened beyond preparing fighters for MMA. Teaching kids Jiu Jitsu has become a core part of his mission.

“It builds self-esteem,” said Alvarez, emphasizing that the gym’s slogan is “We’re going to make your child bully-proof.” He explained that the skills his kids learn in jiu jitsu go beyond self-defense. They know life lessons, including discipline, humility, friendship, and teamwork—qualities that extend beyond the mat.

When teaching students with different skill levels, Alvarez takes a foundational approach. “Everyone is different,” he said, adding that jiu-jitsu is a universal language. “As long as we teach them the basics and build a good foundation, they can go on to become better jiu-jitsu players.”

The impact of Alvarez’s teachings is best illustrated in the young students who have embraced jiu-jitsu under his guidance. Students like Jessica Ma, Trey Manglona, Tate Manglona, and Mica and Amelia Zevallos share how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has influenced their lives.

Ma, a 17-year-old Marianas High School student, said she got her start in BJJ when a relative introduced her to the sport.

“I was 16 years old when I got introduced to BJJ. At first, I was hesitant to join, but my auntie was the one who introduced the gym, Trench Tech, to me and brought me there. When she stopped BJJ, I continued my journey because I loved the sport, and it made me happy. When I do BJJ, it clears my mind, and I don’t think about all the other things. BJJ taught me how to focus on schoolwork and life in general. Before, I couldn’t focus on one thing, and I kept getting distracted, but since joining, all those distractions went away. It also taught me that life isn’t all about studying and school, which is how my parents raised me. BJJ made me happier and showed me that there’s more to life.”

For Trey Manglona, 12-year-old from Cha Cha Ocean View Middle School, said he got into BJJ after being inspired by his cousins Rijah and Selena who were training in California.

“Jiu-jitsu made me more disciplined and respectful. At school, I treat every student, staff, and teacher with the same respect I give to my professor.”

His brother, 11-year-old Tate, also of Cha Cha Ocean View Middle School, said aside from their cousins he also followed on the footsteps of close friend Reiden.

“Jiu-jitsu has made me respectful and trained my body, mind, and spirit, both physically and mentally. I’m humbled to be ready to defend myself if needed and to set my mind on the right things through jiu-jitsu.”

Saipan International School students Mica Zevallos, 9, and Amelia Zevallos, 7, said it was their father who wanted them to learn self-defense techniques so they could learn to protect ourselves.

“We were also looking for an enjoyable physical activity that we can do with our friends. BJJ helped us ⁠boost our discipline, self-esteem, and confidence. We both see improvement in ourselves on an ongoing basis through BJJ.”

For Alvarez, seeing students like Ma, the Manglona brothers, and Zevallos sisters grow both as athletes and individuals is deeply fulfilling.

“Seeing them excel in the sport and compete against other children brings me a sense of satisfaction,” he said.

Watching his students test their skills after months of hard training provides him with a “natural high.” One of Alvarez’s most memorable moments as an instructor was when he took his students to compete in the Påt Gon Jiu-Jitsu tournament in Guam.

“All of my kids who went to Guam won medals,” he said, a highlight of his jiu-jitsu teaching journey.

As a coach, Alvarez remains sensitive to the mental and emotional challenges that students may face, especially those dealing with issues like anxiety or depression. While he never forces anyone to compete, he encourages them to push their boundaries at their own pace.

“The hardest part about jiu-jitsu isn’t the training,” Alvarez said. “It’s walking through the door and beginning. Once students take that first step, they often thrive.”

Reflecting on the recent “Mats on Fire” tournament held at the Garapan Central Park Roundhouse last Saturday, Alvarez expressed joy at the community’s overwhelming support.

“I was overjoyed by the turnout—not just by the number of competitors, but also by the fans who came to support the event,” he said. For Alvarez, the tournament wasn’t just about the competition; it was a celebration of community, resilience, and the growth of jiu-jitsu on the island.

Whether you’re aiming to improve your self-defense skills, increase fitness, or compete in the MMA world, Alvarez’s gym has something for everyone. Those interested in joining or learning more can reach out to Alvarez at (670) 783-4MMA.