Pioneering the Cage: How SPES Martial Arts is Shaping the Future of Indian Combat Sports
maniv
AIZAWL — In front of a roaring crowd of more than 2,000 fans, SPES Martial Arts Academy fighters Lalramsangliana, David Lalmalsawma, Lalnunmawia and Lalnunsanga put on a massive display of technical brilliance at the Zonet MISMA Fight Night on 30 May, 2026, winning all their bouts via TKO and submission.
The star-studded event was attended by Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, Sports Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar, Zonet Directors L.V. Lalthantluanga and Lalnunpuia, Asian MMA Federation Senior VP Sharif Bapu, and MMA India General Secretary Prasad Gaitonde. Highlighting the evening was the presence of reigning UFC Flyweight champion Joshua Van, who witnessed firsthand why SPES continues to stand out as a premier, one-of-a-kind institution in the Indian MMA landscape.
The Foundation of a Legacy
In the landscape of Indian combat sports, few names resonate with the grit, excellence, and structured development of mixed martial arts (MMA) like SPES Martial Arts. Established in 2017, this power-packed gym nestled in the northeast has quietly but consistently evolved into a premier incubator for championship-caliber fighters, defying geographical limitations to put India on the global combat sports map.
SPES was founded in 2017 by Samuel Lalrozama, a true pioneer of MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) in India. The gym’s inception was heavily backed by his late father, Dr. Thangchungnunga (L), a foundational support system that continues today through Samuel’s family—most notably his wife, V. Lalnunpuii, and his sister, Abisac Lalhruaitluangi.
What began as a vision to structuralize martial arts training in Mizoram has turned 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. Parallelly, the academy has consistently dominated the Muaythai circuit, regularly winning the Team Champion or First Runner-Up trophy under the Muaythai Association of Mizoram.
Forging National and Global Champions
Despite being geographically situated on the eastern frontier of India, bordering Myanmar and Bangladesh, SPES has proven that world-class talent knows no boundaries. SPES brings immense pride to Mizoram by producing elite athletes who are the first-ever competitors from the state to qualify for and compete in prestigious global platforms like the ADCC, IBJJF, AJP, and other major international promotions.
The gym has acted as a launchpad for elite combatants, producing national amateur champions like Zarmawia and Nazareth Lalthazuala, both of whom successfully transitioned into the professional ranks under major promotions like Combat Fight Night (CFN) and the global martial arts powerhouse, ONE Championship.
The academy boast an elite roster of athletes who have claimed numerous national and international medals across MMA, Muaythai, and Jiu-Jitsu, including:
- Muaythai Icons: Ngursaimawia and Joseph Vanlalhruaia.
- MMA Standouts: Zorammawia, Xico Zorinmawia, Andrew Lalnunmawia, Lalnunsanga, Lalnunmawia, and female standout Lalvenhimi.
World-Class Leadership at the Helm
The relentless success of the stable reflects the world-class credentials of its founder. Professor Samuel Lalrozama holds a historic record as the first Indian to ever serve as a center referee in an IMMAF World Championship and during UFC Fight Week.
His grappling and striking pedigree is equally historic:
- He is one of the first Indian Black Belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), earning his rank under IBJJF and the legendary 9th Degree Red Belt Grandmaster Joe Moreira.
- He is the first Indian to be awarded a Black Belt in Luta Livre (submission grappling) under Prof. Ryan Peterson, tracing back to the direct lineage of Grandmaster Hugo Duarte.
- He is an international medalist in Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing and Dap thai and international referee and coach in kickboxing (WAKO) & Muaythai (IFMA) and in MMA (IMMAF)
Samuel's administrative influence stretches across national governing bodies. He serves as a National Board Member for MMA India, the Founder Vice President of the Jujitsu Association of India, and has previously operated as the National Technical Director and Coach for both Muaythai India and the Muaythai & Muayboran Association of India. Currently, he helms Luta Livre India and serves as the Director of the BJJ India Association alongside Co-Director Joys Varghese.
The coaching staff at SPES is rounded out by highly decorated instructors, including National Muaythai Champion Vanlaldingngheta, pro Muaythai and MMA Champion Israel Lalrinawma, and decorated wrestling medalist Rohit Halder.
A Fighter-First Philosophy
What truly sets SPES apart from modern commercial gyms is its core ethos. The training philosophy discards superficial, "fancy" maneuvers, choosing instead to focus deeply on mastering pristine basic techniques. The instructors engage in daily self-upgradation to ensure the students receive cutting-edge instruction.
More importantly, SPES is a mission, not a business. Built specifically for the fighters, the academy waives training fees for athletes coming from underprivileged economic backgrounds and fully sponsors fighters traveling for out-of-state competitions. To further elevate their game, SPES has flown in foreign instructors from the United States and Australia on four separate occasions, providing completely free masterclasses to its students.
Reflecting on the journey and the immense potential of the country's youth, the founder summarized the ultimate vision of the academy with profound conviction:
"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.
Add these links on 2nd article:
SPES: https://www.instagram.com/spes.martialartsgym.mizoram?igsh=Z3M2M2txNnBuYmhs
Lalrozama: https://www.instagram.com/krusamuellalrozamahmar?igsh=MWY0Y2Qwa3RzZjF4Mg%3D%3D&utmsource=qr
