The star-studded event drew major political and sporting heavyweights, including Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, Sports Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar, and Zonet Directors L.V. Lalthantluanga and Lalnunpuia. The global combat community was heavily represented by Asian MMA Federation Senior VP Sharif Bapu, MMA India General Secretary Prasad Gaitonde, and reigning UFC Flyweight Champion Joshua Van, who witnessed firsthand why SPES continues to dominate the Indian MMA landscape.
The Foundation of a Regional Dynasty
In the rapidly growing world of Indian combat sports, few names resonate with the grit, excellence, and structured development of mixed martial arts like SPES. Established in 2017, this powerhouse gym nestled in Northeast India has quietly but consistently evolved into a premier incubator for championship-caliber fighters.
SPES was founded by Samuel Lalrozama, a recognized pioneer of MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) in the country. The gym’s creation was heavily backed by his late father, Dr. Thangchungnunga, a foundational support system that continues today through Samuel’s family—most notably his wife, V. Lalnunpuii.
What began as a localized vision to structure martial arts training in Mizoram has transformed into an undisputed regional dynasty. Under the aegis of the Mizoram State MMA Association (MISMA), SPES has secured the State Team Championship title consecutively from 2017 to the present day. Parallel to their MMA dominance, the academy regularly commands the Muay Thai circuit, consistently capturing the Team Champion or First Runner-Up trophies under the Muaythai Association of Mizoram.
Forging Elite Talent on the Global Stage
Despite its geographical placement on the eastern frontier of India, bordering Myanmar and Bangladesh, SPES has proven that world-class talent knows no boundaries. The academy has brought immense pride to Mizoram by producing the state’s first-ever athletes to qualify for and compete on prestigious global grappling platforms, including ADCC, IBJJF, and AJP.
The gym serves as a launchpad for elite combatants, seamlessly transitioning amateur champions into global professional promotions. Alumni like Zarmawia and Nazareth Lalthazuala have successfully made the leap to major organizations like Combat Fight Night (CFN) and global martial arts powerhouse ONE Championship.
The current SPES roster boasts an elite lineup of athletes who have claimed numerous national and international medals: MMA Standouts:Zorammawia, Xico Zorinmawia, Andrew Lalnunmawia, Lalnunsanga, Lalnunmawia, and female standout Lalvenhimi.
Muay Thai Icons:Ngursaimawia and Joseph Vanlalhruaia.
World-Class Leadership & Coaching
The relentless success of the SPES stable is a direct reflection of its founder’s world-class credentials. Professor Samuel Lalrozama’s resume is historic in Indian combat sports:
- Pioneering Referee:The first Indian to ever serve as a center referee in an IMMAF World Championship and during UFC Fight Week.
- Elite Grappling Lineage:One of India’s first BJJ Black Belts (under IBJJF and 9th Degree Red Belt Grandmaster Joe Moreira) and the first Indian Black Belt in Luta Livre (under Prof. Ryan Peterson, Hugo Duarte lineage).
- International Competitor:An international medalist in Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing, and Dap Thai, as well as an international referee/coach in WAKO Kickboxing, IFMA Muay Thai, and IMMAF.
Samuel’s administrative footprint shapes the national scene. He is a National Board Member for MMA India, Founder Vice President of the Jujitsu Association of India, Director of Luta Livre India & South Asia, and Co-Director of the BJJ India Association (BJJIA) alongside Co-Founder Director Joys Varghese.
He is backed by a highly decorated coaching staff, including National Muay Thai Champion Vanlaldingngheta, pro Muay Thai and MMA Champion Israel Lalrinawma, and decorated wrestling medalist Rohit Halder.
A “Fighter-First” Philosophy
What truly separates SPES from the modern wave of commercial fitness gyms is its core ethos. The academy’s philosophy discards superficial, “fancy” maneuvers in favor of mastering pristine, fundamental techniques. Instructors commit to daily skill upgrades to ensure students receive cutting-edge instruction.
Most importantly, SPES is a mission, not a business.
Built specifically for the fighters, the academy frequently waives training fees for athletes from underprivileged economic backgrounds and fully sponsors those traveling for out-of-state competitions. To elevate the regional skill level, SPES has flown in foreign instructors from the United States and Australia on four separate occasions, providing completely free masterclasses to its students. A special mention must go to Mr. K. Lalhmachhuana (Valtea), the owner of the SPES building. A fellow combat sports enthusiast, he has generously supported the academy by leasing the facility at a highly subsidized rate and occasionally sponsoring the fighters himself.
Reflecting on the academy’s journey and the immense potential of Northeast India’s youth, founder Samuel Lalrozama summarized the ultimate vision of SPES:
India can shine in all combat sports, and we shall prove it by the grace of God.
With an unbroken regional legacy and their eyes fixed firmly on global gold, the warriors of SPES Martial Arts are doing exactly that—one submission and knockout at a time.