Sun, sand, sea — and the sound of fists and kicks landing cleanly on target.
That’s the unmistakable atmosphere of Borneo Martial Arts Expo (BMAEX), Malaysia’s only combat sports event held directly on the beach. Forget flying to Thailand for Muay Thai-by-the-sea… BMAEX brings the experience home, right to the sandy shores of Batu Manikar, Labuan.
With a full-sized ring planted on the beach and spectators watching barefoot on warm sand while sea breeze cools the arena, the ambience is unlike anything else in the region. Waves crashing, supporters roaring, coaches shouting instructions beneath coconut trees — BMAEX has become one of the most unique and vibrant martial arts festivals in Southeast Asia.
A Record-Breaking 8th Edition
Held from 5–7 December 2025 at Palm Beach Resort & Spa, the 8th edition of BMAEX drew:
- 160 athletes
- 15+ teams from across Sabah, Sarawak, Peninsular Malaysia & Brunei
- 2,000+ live spectators
- Over 10,000 online viewers
The event once again cemented Labuan’s growing reputation as a martial arts hub in Borneo — a place where tradition meets evolution.
Athletes competed across a wide spectrum of disciplines:
- Sanda
- Low-Kick Kickboxing
- Full Contact Kickboxing
- Boxing
- Forms & Weapons (Silambam, Silat, Wushu, Taekwondo)
- Silambam Poruthal
This blend of striking arts and traditional forms created a colourful, energetic showcase that reflected the diverse martial arts culture of Borneo.
Penang Silambam Reigns Supreme — Again
The undisputed story of the championship was the dominance of Persatuan Silambam Pulau Pinang, who once again achieved an extraordinary medal haul:
- 🥇 38 Gold
- 🥈 11 Silver
- 🥉 2 Bronze
Their outstanding performance earned them the Overall Champion title for the third consecutive year, placing them firmly at the top of BMAEX history.
Highlight Bout: Josephine vs. Siti Riyah — A Fight to Remember
One of the weekend’s biggest attractions was the Female 45kg Full Contact Kickboxing title fight, featuring:
- Josephine “PinPin” (Sabah Top Team)
- Siti Riyah (Labuan)
It was a high-paced, high-pressure showdown from the opening bell. Despite fighting on short notice and cutting 3kg during camp, Josephine delivered a disciplined and sharp performance — ultimately taking home the championship belt for Sabah.
Her win was celebrated not only by Sabah Top Team, but by several teams around the ring who cheered her on. The unity and respect between gyms perfectly captured the spirit of BMAEX.
Voices From Across Borneo
Teams from Malaysia and Brunei shared heartfelt reflections that showed just how meaningful BMAEX has become:
Team Monster Muaythai KK
Their debut appearance left a deep impact, describing BMAEX as a “well-run, inspiring, high-energy event” that gave their athletes motivation and unforgettable memories.
018 MMA Brunei
With 11 kickboxers and 4 poomsae athletes, the Brunei delegation exceeded expectations. They praised the unity and courage of their fighters — and thanked parents who travelled all the way from Brunei.
Rocky MMA Keningau
Returned home with an impressive 16 Gold, 8 Silver, 1 Bronze, celebrating the growth and learning experience gained from competing on a platform as energised as BMAEX.
Tambuakar Martial Arts Papar
Proudly showcased their young Sanda and Kickboxing talents, who earned 11 Gold, 5 Silver, 6 Bronze — proving BMAEX is a vital stepping stone for the next generation.
Cengkam Harimau Ghaib Labuan
Deeply grateful for the invitation, they celebrated their own haul of 12 Gold, 2 Silver, honouring the organisers for their dedication.
Luyang Wing Chun – Kota Kinabalu
Brought home 2 Gold and 7 Silver, emphasising the value of exchanges with other martial arts groups and the learning that came from meeting practitioners from across the region.
BAMEX is building a Community
Organised by:
- Labuan Wushu Association
- Labuan Sport Kickboxing Association
- BCG MMA Academy
Supported by the Federal Territory Sport Council & sanctioned by ISKA Borneo, BMAEX has become the annual meeting point for martial arts families across Borneo.
Every year at the welcoming dinner, founder Dr Alvin Chong will give out give special momento to instructors, coaches & fighters This is truly a commendable aspect of BMAEX to give recognition & honour individuals that has contributed to the development of martial arts.
This is a tradition that has started 4 years ago and will continue to do so as a unique aspect of BMAEX.
Every year, teams leave Labuan not only with medals, but with new friendships, shared knowledge, and memories that last a lifetime.
BMAEX: A Beachside Legacy
With eight successful editions under its belt, BMAEX is no longer just a tournament — it’s a festival, a pilgrimage, and a celebration of martial arts culture in Borneo.
It is the only combat sports event in the country where warriors step into the ring with sand beneath their feet, waves in the background, and supporters cheering from the shoreline.
As BMAEX 2025 comes to a close, one thing is certain:
Labuan has created a combat sports experience unlike anywhere else in Malaysia — and it continues to grow stronger every year. Here’s to the warriors, the coaches, the families, and the organisers who made it possible.
See you again on the beach for BMAEX 2026. 🥋🌊🔥
story by TWW
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