Testing out the GOPROHD while driving to a video shoot and being stuck in traffic. You can actually see me get road rage a few times (well, slightly).

Music by: Tassho (@tassho)
Song title: Books

FLIP THE BIRD!

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The following is a comprehensive look at some of my highlights from 2010. This year has opened up so many doors to relationships as I sought to build stronger bonds with good people from all over the country. By doing so, I am proud to call each and every one of them my friends.

As a photographer, I take pride and honor reaching out to people through my eyes, which ran parallel to planting the seeds of NAKAMA. Therefore, sit back, relax and take a trip with me down memory lane….

Officially, my year began at my home away from home… Oahu, Hawaii. The sights, sounds, smells and people all scream Aloha and it is here where I found some lifelong NAKAMA. Most people don’t know, but I actually took this trip on my birthday by myself. It was the best thing I have ever done in my life and the jump off for a great year.

Hip-Hop lives in Hawaii. My good friend Brad Wismar brought me over to the Creed Chameleon‘s The Ultimatum Record release party at the Trops in Honolulu. This night opened my eyes to Hawaii Hip-Hop and I became an advocate immediately. If you’re ever on the Island, you must checkout the raw talent these peeps have. They will astound you.

Respect due to Creed Chameleon, Brad Wismar, Flip the Bird, Tassho Pearce, Osna, K-Luv, Big Mox, DJ Packo, Prie, Kwalified MC , Paul Puanahele , Harbor Division , The Angry Locals and the rest of HI’s passionate Hip-Hop community.

While in HI, I also hooked up with my fam. These people created memories that will last me a lifetime. They showed me what true aloha really was and uplifted my spirits. Without them and the experiences we shared, even for a brief moment in time… I would not be who I am today.

What’s up to the Vialu clan of Milani, Leroy Lehano, Greg Honda, Brad Wismar, Britt Yap, Fetia Solomon and Mayhem Miller. Miss you all and will be back soon! HANA HOU!

[Photo Credit for Brad shot to Brad Wismar & Photos of Britt & Company courtesy of UpRoar Hawaii]

In the Spring time, I hung out with Rich Ibarra and his band Misc Ailments in San Diego. Rich is an avid supporter of NAKAMA and is great peeps. To checkout their music, click here

UFC 114 x Fan Expo 2010 chronicled my entrance to MMA photography with MMAJunkie.com. My NAKAMA from Junkie are on the forefront of MMA Media and I’m proud to say I’m part of the family. This was a very memorable weekend with great friends. Shouts to everyone from MMA Junkie, Gorgeous George, Goze, Jenny, Jamoan, Sam All Jam, Prashant Patel, Kenny Lim, Albert Smith, David Le, John Morgan, Dann Stupp, Mike Ramirez, Ed Soares, Derek Kronig Lee, Aaron Fisher, Adrian Gallegos, Dick Berrymore, Dru and Anton from Fist Ta Cuff Radio, Damon from Round 5, Nicole Craner, Natalie Skyy, Evan Shoman, Stephanie Ann Cook and everyone else who I’m forgetting to mention. Let’s do it again!

In June, the homie Creed Chameleon along with DJ Packo and Analog Dive invaded San Diego. Although the venue (Boars Crossin’ In Carlsbad ended up being kinda lame), we ended the night with great memories and badass stories. Especially one when a dude kicked a chair across the taco shop. But I’ll save the one for later. Ha.

In the Summer, I hit the Vegas strip for NAKAMA Partner.. Jayson Pizarro’s Bachelor Party. These peeps are my brothers from a different mother and have built strong ties to them on this weekend. Much love and respect: Jayson Pizarro, Ron Pizarro, Rich Nolasco, Barry Chiang, Will Martinez, Alex Chang, Tri Hyunh, Ian Pizarro, The Vosnos Brothers, the hot chicks at the pool and everyone else I’m forgetting to shout out!

In the late summer, Nationals 2010 brought up some fierce competition. During this event, I represented with camera in hand and chronicled my teammates James Geggie & Ryan Varela from Rafael Dallinha ( BJJ Revolution Carlson Gracie Team) as they fought their way to the top of their divisions. Ryan took Gold for the second year in a row in his Blue Belt class and James took Silver in his class. In addition, BJJ Revolution won best team by beating out all other teams by a 200+ point spread!

Special shouts to Damien Bertolo for placing Bronze, Bobby Dean, Rafael Dallinha, Chris Kessler, Yusuke Hayashi, Rodrigo Mederios and everyone from BJJ Revolution Carlson Gracie Team & IBJJF.

In the fall, I photographed the WCK Muay Thai event featuring my Muay Thai coach and dear friend, Tiffany VanSoest. This set is one of my favorites of the year as I am proud of all the photos that came from shooting ringside. Tiff is an advocate of NAKAMA and is just getting started with her fight career. You will know her name in the future. Shouts go to WCK, Scott Hirano, Alexander Palma, Merv Jovero, Junior Dos Santos, Kat Herring, Chris Kessler, Bobby Dean, Neil Foreman, Joe Dallman and everyone else at the event. Good times, great memories and awesome shots.

In October, I metup with my fam Blake and Eddie from Analog Dive at the Airliner in Los Angeles. Both Blake and Eddie rock the brand hard and represent NAKAMA whenever they can on stage. They have a sick unique sound and most importantly good peoples who share the Aloha spirit. The Underground Hip-Hop movement was alive and well here, as peeps represented hard with their music. Big shouts to Analog Dive, Diane Abapo, Lovelin Descalso, Bin Cao, Urban Underground and everyone else who I met that night.

[Photo Credit for NAKAMA group shot goes to Eddie Saucedo]

At Artwalk15, met a bunch of creative peeps who showcased their works with installations and live demonstrations. Respect to Jimmy Symaphone, Adrian & Cris Gallegos, Diane Abapo, Loveline Descalso, Blake Borisoff, Agapito Dorino, Conquistador, Eric Domenden, Small Flowers and everyone else at Artwalk. See you next show!

UFC 121 was a tremendous event in more ways than one. Reason being, it was here where I photographed some epic shots once again for MMA Junkie, and it was also the first event where Jayson and AL (The NAKAMA crew) worked together to get the brand out and gain some support. In addition, it was here where I finally got a chance to meet some classy gents: James Law , Ryan Loco, Nam Phan & Miguel Torres

Having a jam-packed weekend and no sleep from the UFC 121 festivities didn’t stop me from photographing the Jiu-Jitsu Progear Tournament in San Clemente. I initially went to support my teammates as they competed. However, on this day, I was able to meet many good people who I still keep in touch with today. Notably, Gilberto Faria, Jesse Sethi & the DeLa Cruz familia.

Meet some of my Jiu-Jitsu Brothers: Rafael Dallinha, Ryan Varela, Jimmy Geggie, Damien Bertolo, Neil Foreman & Chris Kessler. Although, the following pictures aren’t my greatest, they do hold value to me as this was Chris’s last night before being shipped off to serve our country in Okinawa. I’ll never forget the drunk chick with the crazy eyes hitting up on the team. haha!

Jay Slade is a longtime homie who’s also a a tack star in the College circuit. He’s one of the hardcore supporters of NAKAMA and represents the brand proudly. The following images are taken for a special NAKAMA project which will be released sometime in 2011. Watchout!

The Ibjjf Nogi Worlds proved to be one of the best events I have ever been to. The action was jam packed and provided many opportunities to capture beautiful moments. What impressed me most were the women competing. They poured their hearts out every match in every bracket. It was a truly impressive site to witness. Most notably impressive is my new friend Mackenzie Dern who is making a lot of noise in the Jiu-Jitsu circuit. Lookout for more greatness from her in the future. Big shouts to IBJJF, Bao Quach, Adrian & Aaron Tru from MMA Prime and the Acai Girls.

James Law’s Deft Perception Ninja Birthday Party was literally off the chain. I walked away from this night with some of the best shots of my life and with new friends. We invaded Pacific Beach with no restraints. Climbing trees, walking in convince stores and stopping hot chicks as they drove by….. we did everything but withdraw money from a bank.

The night is still talked about today and remembered fondly. BIG SHOUTS TO: James Law | Lindsey Chang | Ryan Loco | Mark Doze | Scott Cralley | Evan Shoman | Jack Law | Cerisa Lee | Samson Tiep | James Ferguson | Jeff Stevens | Justin Owensby and all of the other Ninjas who lurked back into the shadows.

I hope to wreak havoc on the streets once again with these guys. Lookout for DP to be making some more noise in 2011. NAKAMA fam.

One Night Stand with Diane Abapo and Lovelin Descalso was a memorable evening. I drove up nearly 2.5 hours in traffic just to support my friend showcase her work at the art show. These chicks are the future of creative and are making a splash in the independent art scene of Los Angeles. I’m proud to have them support the brand and to call them my friends. Dare I say NAKAMA x DAP x Lovelin Collab in the future?

Also big shouts to Brandon Contreas from No Insurance LA and the homie Marvin who I met that night as well. Looking for some great things from those guys in the future. Rock on!

Most recently, NAKAMA fam and Teammate, James Geggie had his last fight of the year at Gladiator Challenge. I was proud to be backstage with him as he prepared for his battle in the cage. Alongside was the homie Ryan Varela rockin our NAKAMA Green Street tee and M1 Global fighter Kadillac Marshbanks. Although the night didn’t go as planned for our camp, Jimmy still held his head up high and plans on making a solid mark on the MMA landscape in 2011. We will be with him every step of the way.

And last but not least. I’d like to introduce you to my niece Gigi. She is the main reason why I do the things I do and my fuel for creativity and passion. Plus she’s cute to boot, how can you not live that mischievous little smile?

Overall, 2010 was a tremendous year and a great jump off for NAKAMA. I feel the year was a proving ground to gain support and attention from friends, loved ones and strangers. We are in a good place right now and are looking to 2011 to elevate us even further. Stay tuned folks, we are just getting started.

Here’s Genki Sama’s follow up to his much popular 5th Avenue “World Order” Music video. In contrast, it’s a night time dance montage by World Order Japan. I don’t even think the word “Awesome” is enough to describe it. Just watch and enjoy…

This has got to be one of the most badass promo videos ever made. The awesome folks at Revision 3‘s Film Riot recently created this video for one of their episodes (sponsored by the Ford Fiesta). Their work is always entertaining but this particular piece is EPIC. I just had to share. Enjoy….

The following is a rather old video (circa 2007), however it has garnered much acclaimed attention as of late. I suppose it’s because of the current times we live in and it’s chaotic state. The AARP actually awarded this video second in their U@50 video contest, however I believe it’s messaging was ahead of its time.

The video was directed by a Columbia film student, Jonathan Reed to provide simple messaging in a profound way. Watch the video below and you will understand. [Think Big or Go Home via SoulPancake]

Perhaps one of the most alien places on Earth, the island of Socotra in Yemen has got to be in my top 5 places to photograph. A young photographer can dream can’t he? What a wondrous and enchanting place to photograph models and scenery. In addition to experiencing the world in a unique and colorful way. By just looking at the images below, you’ll know what I’m talking about. If you ever get the chance to visit, you MUST.

via ListVerse
Socotra has been described as one of the most alien-looking place on Earth, and it’s not hard to see why. It is very isolated with a harsh, dry climate and as a result a third of its plant-life is found nowhere else, including the famous Dragon’s Blood Tree, a very-unnatural looking umbrella-shaped tree which produces red sap. There are also a large number of birds, spiders and other animals native to the island, and coral reefs around it which similarly have a large number of endemic (i.e. only found there) species. Socotra is considered the most biodiverse place in the Arabian sea, and is a World Heritage Site.

Below is a remarkable video filmed by Julie Gautier. In it, you will see world freediving champion Guillaume Nery Free Dive into the worlds deepest ocean sink hole: Dean’s Blue Hole. The cinematography was shot with a Canon 5D MK2. This certainly raises the bar with using the features found in a HD Video Capable Digital SLR. It’s a stellar piece of art that will have you hypnotized from beginning to end. Enjoy…

guillaumenery — FREE FALL: World champion freediver Guillaume Nery special dive at Dean’s Blue Hole, the deepest blue hole in the world filmed entirely on breath hold by the french champion Julie Gautier. This video is a FICTION and an ARTISTIC PROJECT. Edited by BLUENERY (c). Music: ARCHIVE – you make me feel.

France’s Axe RiseUP has one of the most brilliant commercials I have seen in a long time. Pay close attention to the video and look very carefully. Everything will be revealed at the very end.

I was pleasantly surprised when my good friend Jackson Helmox (Big Mox) linked me to his latest music video “System Overload”. Directed by Jake Akuna for Akuna Entertainment, the high end production video features an awesome track. The world better take notice of the great talent coming from the HI state!

Checkout the video below and see if you can spot my little cameo in it. Rather pleasant surprise indeed. NAKAMAHALO’s to Mox, Osna, Mic3 & Jake Akuna!

Saw this on YouTube via my friend Trigg & just had to post it. It’s a perfect example of mother natures fury. A pure and dominating force that’s very scary.