By Nov 08, I would have played paintball for more than 2 years. In these 2 years, I have met many wonderful people who will never cross my lpath if its not for paintball. I remember we had to make weekend trips to KL to play paintball, sometimes even up to 3 weekends. 320 Km drive up the North... just to play paintball on Saturday afternoon and on Sunday morning then driving back to Singapore in the evening. Those weekends were almost close to "Eat, sleep and live paintball"... 2 years down the road, nothing much has changed perhaps less travelling. But still the paintball calendar is still as pack as before.
Commitment for paintball? Topic of this blog...comes after hearing someone said "I cant make the BTO because I am having a dinner with some friends" Hmmm...surely not a justifiable reason for me. I understand that everyone has their own commitments, paintball is not the only thing in life, there are still other things such as family, friends, TV, rest, etc. I once read an article about the commitment of paintballers. The author wrote on how much time people spent on paintballing and forgot about other things in their life. For married paintballers, the first people that will feel the "effect" of your paintball commitment is definitely your spouses. Instead of spending time with your spouse, you are painting away on the field.
A typical paintball day would start off by spending a good breakfast with your partner, during the course of the meal, you will let them know about how reluctant you are about attending the training but STILL have to be there. You sneaked out for paintball...and return home tired and straight to the bed. This "effect" usually last for 2 days, considering that your body needs some rest after each practice session. Lost of voice while shouting at your teammates during practice...certainly you dont want to speak anymore after a long day at the field. So to all spouses that have made way for your partner to play a little paintball here and there...My salute to you. For without you, things would have been worst. So guys who are regular paintballers... buy your wife a good present during Christmas, it will make up for all the time that you have spent paintballing. Some bribe will do you good. Dont buy her a paintball mask please.
As for those without much commitment but just want to idle your time away at the field, of course you are welcome to do so too... Let the field be a pit stop for you until you find your next love. Be surprise, we have people coming to the field as they have nothing to do for the day. This is what Red Dynasty is all about, a hangout place for lost souls.
Some things that I have heard:
"I am having dinner with my friends this week so I cant go for BTO, but I really feel like playing in field 3" (yah right...)
"I am stopping paintball for 3 months, I need to rest...too much paintballing in the last 2 weeks" (!!!!!)
"I am too lazy to go so far to play...transportation is a problem" (Far? Canada is far....)
"I have not been practicing and feeling rusty in paintball" (All you need to do is to pull the trigger!")
"I am resting my injury... will be going for a jog tomorrow morning"
Commitment....commitment...
Friday, October 31, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Relationship between Singapore Paintball and World Cup Asia 08
With the World Cup Asia 08 drawing nearer, we will see the best paintball teams in the region flocking down to Malaysia to gain a spot in representation. Unlike other conventional sports, this event is not represented by national selected players but instead teams/clubs who are keen to take up the challenge to represent their countries. It is interesting to see the different representation from the various countries; teams waved the country flag up high with patches of the country flag sewed onto their jerseys. Players enter the field with a sense of pride. For example, at the end of the day, the game could well be remembered as "Singapore vs Malaysia" even if it was only a matchup between Red Sevens and Johor Pirates, this is the kind of representation that I am referring to. How is the World Cup Asia different from the other paintball tournament? I would say it’s a big difference...Literally, you are playing on the same field against the same team...but the difference lies in the "pressure to be the best in the region". It’s not so much of just being there to get represented but also to do well. The reason is simple, the world is watching... teams are going there to win...not to be represented. Team registration and paintballs are sky high, teams dont pay this kind of money to get representation. Only the seasonal teams will try and have a go at the prizes, new teams, dont even consider. But of course, the word is representation...
There is always a first time... yup, go there, try out games, be represented, have some fun, make friends, get some teambuilding done, meet some objectives, these are not for World Cup??? These are only suitable for seasonal tourneys, definitely not for the World Cup. There was a rude shock last year, when after playing for an entire year of seasonal tournament, the team decided to meet the bigger boys... we were amazed. Booted out of the tournament after Day 1, lost more games than we can even count. At the end, we had to fall back on "at least we are represented in this event" as our consolation.
Are Singapore teams ready for the rude shock? Definite NO. Why? Lack of play time, lack of tournament experience, lack of resources, lack of training, lack of a paintball culture, etc. Rude shock? Definite YES. This is the World Cup Asia that we are talking about...not some other competition.... I once said, Singapore teams will do well in Division 4....and we did. World Cup? NO for sure. Just be mentally prepared for the lobe-sided scores.
To all Singapore teams who are going for "representation", good luck and see you guys on the field. Cheers! Oh yes, remember to bring the Singapore flag along.
There is always a first time... yup, go there, try out games, be represented, have some fun, make friends, get some teambuilding done, meet some objectives, these are not for World Cup??? These are only suitable for seasonal tourneys, definitely not for the World Cup. There was a rude shock last year, when after playing for an entire year of seasonal tournament, the team decided to meet the bigger boys... we were amazed. Booted out of the tournament after Day 1, lost more games than we can even count. At the end, we had to fall back on "at least we are represented in this event" as our consolation.
Are Singapore teams ready for the rude shock? Definite NO. Why? Lack of play time, lack of tournament experience, lack of resources, lack of training, lack of a paintball culture, etc. Rude shock? Definite YES. This is the World Cup Asia that we are talking about...not some other competition.... I once said, Singapore teams will do well in Division 4....and we did. World Cup? NO for sure. Just be mentally prepared for the lobe-sided scores.
To all Singapore teams who are going for "representation", good luck and see you guys on the field. Cheers! Oh yes, remember to bring the Singapore flag along.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Johor Bahru MPOC Leg 5
Last leg of the MPOC...the final leg for the year. Red Sevens qualified for Day 2 after a 10th placing at the end of Day 1. Not a very good showing but at least we made it to Day 2, which means that we are back on track (hopefully).
We were joined by 2 guest players, Spacemonkey and Noir who are both regulars at Red Dynasty. The former is a member of the Red Fraction and the latter is a junior player for Team Spectre in Penang. Playing for the first time together, I think we had a decent showing...not very good and certainly can be better. There were times when we lost our focus and got eliminated "cheaply". "Cheap" elimination here refers to being shot when playing to openly, shots that usually land on the mask or loader. Due to some miscommunication, Padam Pelita was unable to join us, its a real pity as the snake was hardly played by most teams and I am very sure that Padam Pelita will create a stir at the snake if he was there.
In fact, I would consider the Johor Cup as the toughest Division 3 leg in the MPOC for there are very good teams in the Southern region. Teams such as Ironsea Legion, Johor Pirates and D'Mercy Kidz are all very tough teams to play against. We were always on the fringe of qualification and securing wins were very important, every elimination counts to qualifying for the next round.
What is more amazing and interesting was the participation of 5 Singapore based teams. Other than Red Sevens, we were also joined by our local SPNS Overall Champion, PSG Warfreakz, the Red Dynasty Staff Team and Team Damnation Wargh! which were all competing in Division 4 and Team EXA who has a spot in Division 3. After a series of gruelling games, PSG Warfreakz and Red Dynasty Staff clinched the 2nd and 4th spot respectively. Team Damnation Wargh! also made it to the 2nd Round and quoting Amok "Technically, we didnt lose...we had 3 draw games". Playing for the first time together, Team EXA had their first taste of the Division 3 games. Although the results could be better, EXA held their heads up high as the 1st official full fledged Singaporean paintball team!!!
Now its back to the drawing board again as we anticipate our participation in the World Cup Asia 08... to Padam Pelita and Callio (if you are reading this blog), let's go out and kick some ass again!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
And who says we dont play woodsball? Think before you say...
Calgar! Stop hiding behind the closet! I mean...cloth.
General Jane
Waterboy?
Signals?
Things you never knew about us.
When we were there...you were most probably somewhere.
Woodsball is good. But speedball is extraordinaire...
The beginning of speedball in Singapore...History of Red Sevens
First Red Sevens Tournament - Werdnahol Cup. Look at that pants...haiz...RAMBO ah?
This photo was taken 2 years ago during the Werdnahol Cup. This was the first paintball tournament that was participated by the Red Sevens. We have since claimed to be the first Singapore paintball team although this was argued on numerous occasion by members of Team Nightmare who used to play in Power Paintball Park. Nightmare also claimed to be Singapore's first paintball team, though it was more of a local team playing together for recreational purposes. Nightmare's captain, Bill Fisher also known as Ikanman visited Red Dynasty last year. He joined us during the CNY gathering and was a prominent figure in the field. You can surely hear him from the back with his loud commanding voice. Too bad, we didnt take a photo together.
Our second tournament, MPOC...noticed that we were using mech markers against e-markers in Div 3. Slowpoke giving as pointers as a player-coach.
Our second tournament, MPOC...noticed that we were using mech markers against e-markers in Div 3. Slowpoke giving as pointers as a player-coach.
Members of the Red Sevens never knew one another. We knew each other through the internet. It started off from finding out more about paintball on the internet and happened to chance upon the World Cup Asia in 2005. Curious to find out more about the game, I made a lone trip to KL to witness what paintball was all about. To my surprise, paintball is in fact a very interesting game, speedball to be exact...for sure I was amazed by the uniforms, markers, rate of fire, masks but more importantly...the representation. There were representation from Thailand, Korea, Japan, Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia...hey, where is Singapore? In fact, I was refused entry into the tournament area for I was without a crew, vistor or player tag. But it was worth it, as the rest was history.
We tried to get similar jerseys...Werdnahol Cup Leg 2.
We tried to get similar jerseys...Werdnahol Cup Leg 2.
Upon my return to Singapore, I told Elle about this game and how amazing it was. There were then plans to know more about the game. So we decided to form a paintball team....yes, with only 2 players. Then came the naming of the team, Red Orchids, Red Lions, Merlions, etc. Trust me it was a difficult time. Eventually, we came up with Red Sevens. Red is a representation of the Singapore flag and Sevens because we needed 7 members to form the team.
Then came the website...with no information and just a simple recruiting message.
Then we found Seburo who wrote to us and asked us if we are going for the Hybrid Paintball Clinic. We met him there and soon he was part of the team. With a 3 men team, we went on searching...that's when Calgar came along. Still serving his NS, he wanted to know more about paintball after playing a few sessions in OCC. Wanting to know more about the Red Sevens, we arranged to meet up at the Burger King in Novena. With him was Donovan, a 3rd sergant from the army. And we thought he was going to be our fourth... but it was Calgar who kept in contact with us and after a few training trips to KL, he joined us as our fourth.
Months later, I received an email from Padam Pelita, he was then working in Singapore and wanted to play paintball on a regular basis. Our first meeting was at the Starbucks of Plaza Singapura. He is a Malaysian who has been working in Singapore since 2005 and has always wanted to find kakis to play paintball. He chanced upon our website and wanted to meet up to talk paintball. In our first meeting, he brought us a DVD of the Dynasty Dysected 1. That was our first paintball DVD...and sure Elle and I were excited to watch it. We passed the night by watching the DVD and a brief introduction of the Red Sevens team. And soon, Padam became our fifth player.
On and off, we will have guest players from other teams who will play for us. We used to have Slowpoke from Tornado, Darlie from Neighbours Pulse, Rayson from Heatwave, Dragonboi (who is now a trainee pilot) and Monkey from ?? (I cant remember). As we were training and training and learning the game more, we were introduced to Team Infinity...then there were Doyok, the team captain and Callio...we will train together once in a while....and talk paintball. Weekends were usually in KL and paintballing for 2 consecutive days. Callio clicked very well with Red Sevens and soon...he became our sixth player. Having Callio around was always good...he gels the team and is definitely the PR man when we compete in tourneys. He will always light his ciggies and talk to other teams thus building rapport for us. And yes, we have 3 Malaysians playing for Red Sevens...but what the heck...we are still the first team from Singapore.
Darlie joining us occasionally...
One day, Kev-Lee from Death Maverick sent us an email. He wanted to try paintball too as it was his holidays and he wanted to travel overseas...so he thought, might as well make it a paintball holiday. So soon enough, we were shooting one another on the field. So in fact, Kev-Lee is one of the pioneer for speedball in Singapore. He was later joined by Sean, Andrew and Daryl...all of whom are still playing paintball.
Unfortunately for Kev-Lee, he was unable to join us soon after his holidays ended. Later, Seburo introduced his friend to us...he was Residentevilchef. Residentevilchef used to work as a chef and has since took a big career change and took up photography. His first session with us was in JB, he gel very well and soon he was part of the team, and thus the seventh. Being an excellent cook, Residentevilchef invited us to his home for dinner...it was to celebrate Seburo's birthday.
Overseas tournament was good...this was taken in Penang.
Hell, this guy can really cook! Till today, I cannot forget the melting salmon. Yeah...history of the team. Many parted ways...playing for other teams. We have since recruited Lydia and Ryan who will occassionally play for us. So far, we have played twice or thrice together.
In NPPL Asia, Darlie joined us again.
What is most amazing...is that we all started not knowing one another. Since playing paintball, my circle of friends is growing almost everyday... strangers became friends. People who dont know one another....some becoming best of pals. Paintball brings the world closer.
This weekend's MPOC, will be the 14th time that we are participating as a team. So wish us luck.
Monday, October 20, 2008
How to be the best front player in Singapore?
Ask Francis otherwise known as "Kiko". Our friend from the Philippines will be back in Singapore by November this year. Kiko was part of the champion team that won the PALS Division 2 in 2007. Back then he was playing for Global Gutz as a front player but he has since joined the Real Pinoy and will be participating in this year's Asia World Cup. The last time when he was in town, he imparted his skills to the paintball community. Those who were there will most probably remember "Kiko" for his charismatic smile and how fast he is on the field. He will be in Red Dynasty when he visits Singapore again. So keep a look out for him. The best in Asia? You will know what I mean when you see him on the field. Btw, he was coaching Carnage when they first started...
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Marker for Assigned Registered Keeper (MARK) policy
Marker for Assigned Registered Keeper (MARK), otherwise known as MARK policy is not rocket science. What is this all about? What will this evolve to? Is it worthwhile doing this? Today, I will share my thoughts about the MARK policy which will be the first door to opening speedball to Singaporeans.
As Malaysia is far more established in the area of paintball as compared to us, we will have to watch and learn. I was once told by a very senior paintball person that paintball was first introduced to Singapore first. But let's look at how far we have gone? Our neighbours have gone a step earlier than us, Nation's Cup in 2004 was an eye opener, the Asia World Cup will be in its 3rd year, the Asia Pacific Paintball Federation (APPBF) was established with an Asian Series known as the Paintball Asia League (PALS). A recent introduction to the paintball scene is the new Asia Paintball Registry, a database to capture all records of paintball players in Asia.
So, yes we are definitely behind...Can we catch up to them? well...possible. Any time soon? No.
How then can we go about developing paintball in Singapore? Play it like the real thing.
This is where MARK comes in. In simple terms, MARK is simply marker tagging. Marker is tagged to a player who will have exclusive use of the marker whenever he plays paintball. This is not rocket science but something that has been implemented for years in Singapore, especially in gun clubs in Singapore. Except that it will be extremely expensive to become a member of the gun club thus the take up rate is low.
MARK will open up a whole new era to paintball in Singapore. With the introduction of e-markers in Singapore, many will be aware about the game and eventually create room for the sport to grow in Singapore. Yes, no doubt there is a cost to be in MARK but surely we have to start somewhere.
When Singapore first decided to leave the Malaysia Cup in 1995 and start the S-League, many people find it unwelcoming. But surely, we have to start somewhere. What are the potential for MARK?
- More people playing paintball? Hopefully...we should now that speedball is more interesting.
- Awareness of the game? Surely...look at that machine gun!
- E-marker division? Possible...just need to get enough people in MARK to start one.
- Singaporeans playing in Malaysia and PALS? Confirmed! Already we will have 5 teams playing in the upcoming MPOC and possibly up to 3 teams playing in the Divison 3 for PALS using e-markers. Fingers crossed.
- Recognition from Singapore Sports Council? hmmm...no comments but perhaps.
But its really up to the community. We are just opening up the opportunitites, whether it will work is still dependent on everyone. We are just trying to make paintball more fun and possibly play it the way we deem best fit the development in Singapore.
As Malaysia is far more established in the area of paintball as compared to us, we will have to watch and learn. I was once told by a very senior paintball person that paintball was first introduced to Singapore first. But let's look at how far we have gone? Our neighbours have gone a step earlier than us, Nation's Cup in 2004 was an eye opener, the Asia World Cup will be in its 3rd year, the Asia Pacific Paintball Federation (APPBF) was established with an Asian Series known as the Paintball Asia League (PALS). A recent introduction to the paintball scene is the new Asia Paintball Registry, a database to capture all records of paintball players in Asia.
So, yes we are definitely behind...Can we catch up to them? well...possible. Any time soon? No.
How then can we go about developing paintball in Singapore? Play it like the real thing.
This is where MARK comes in. In simple terms, MARK is simply marker tagging. Marker is tagged to a player who will have exclusive use of the marker whenever he plays paintball. This is not rocket science but something that has been implemented for years in Singapore, especially in gun clubs in Singapore. Except that it will be extremely expensive to become a member of the gun club thus the take up rate is low.
MARK will open up a whole new era to paintball in Singapore. With the introduction of e-markers in Singapore, many will be aware about the game and eventually create room for the sport to grow in Singapore. Yes, no doubt there is a cost to be in MARK but surely we have to start somewhere.
When Singapore first decided to leave the Malaysia Cup in 1995 and start the S-League, many people find it unwelcoming. But surely, we have to start somewhere. What are the potential for MARK?
- More people playing paintball? Hopefully...we should now that speedball is more interesting.
- Awareness of the game? Surely...look at that machine gun!
- E-marker division? Possible...just need to get enough people in MARK to start one.
- Singaporeans playing in Malaysia and PALS? Confirmed! Already we will have 5 teams playing in the upcoming MPOC and possibly up to 3 teams playing in the Divison 3 for PALS using e-markers. Fingers crossed.
- Recognition from Singapore Sports Council? hmmm...no comments but perhaps.
But its really up to the community. We are just opening up the opportunitites, whether it will work is still dependent on everyone. We are just trying to make paintball more fun and possibly play it the way we deem best fit the development in Singapore.
Sports Education Programme - SEP disappointed
Extracted from SEP website:
"The Sports Education Programme (SEP) is a collaborative partnership between Singapore Sports Council (SSC) and the Ministry of Education (MOE). Under SEP, each school is provided with a $10,000 dollar-to-dollar matching grant for them to take up sports programmes from an endorsed list. The SEP aims to advocate the importance of sports education, encourage sports participation in schools and increase sporting opportunities for the young. It also serves as an integrated and structured approach to link sports service providers with schools to ensure that innovative and quality sports programmes are delivered. "
I always get this question. "Have you tried going into schools?"
After applying for paintball introduction and speedball to be included into SEP since 6 months ago. I have received a reply from the SEP administrator. And here it goes:
"Lacking relevant coaching certification- NCAP theory level 1. Lacking coaching certification. Lacking First Aid certification"
This reply shows how much people know about paintball. Its jungle, its war, its uniform, its shooting one another, its blood, its expensive... no doubt. But there is more to it...so open your eyes guys...make it right.
Yes, there is no such thing as a coaching certificate for paintball. But no worries, PBAS is working on this. NCAP Level 1 Practical Paintball...interested?
But what amazes me most was the reply. I am saying this out of my own opinion and in no way should it be related to PBAS, Red Sevens, or the paintball community in Singapore. This is personal as the application was submitted using my name and the credientials of my certification was in questioned.
I went for NCAP Level 1 Theory in 2004 organised by SSC, got Level 1 Basketball Practical in 2005. Registered with Basketball Association Singapore for 2 years as a registered coach. Assistant to coaching staff for tertiary basketball team. Completed netball orientation to coaching in 2005 organised by Netball Singapore. Completed coaching certification level 1 with Basketball Australia. Completed a part time diploma in Sports and Exercise Sciences with Blackburn College. And still I am not good enough. The point I am trying to make is...the reason that was given is NCAP Level 1 theory...I am very sure if not 100% sure that I have supercede the requirment. So I wrote back to them.
And the reply was: "We did indicated clearly that we will need all the necessary supporting document" Fair enough...I am sure I did not submit all the documents needed. Sorry for that.
But could there be a form of review system to make up for it? E.g. what if my SEP application was before the time when I undergo coaching certification, what happens then? Isnt there a database that you can check? Which means, if I submit a bogus certification...do you take that for real?
Again...we are all short sighted... rejection is easy but picking up is never easy.
Paintball in schools? Never that easy...Paintball in schools for 2009? Just got booted.
"The Sports Education Programme (SEP) is a collaborative partnership between Singapore Sports Council (SSC) and the Ministry of Education (MOE). Under SEP, each school is provided with a $10,000 dollar-to-dollar matching grant for them to take up sports programmes from an endorsed list. The SEP aims to advocate the importance of sports education, encourage sports participation in schools and increase sporting opportunities for the young. It also serves as an integrated and structured approach to link sports service providers with schools to ensure that innovative and quality sports programmes are delivered. "
I always get this question. "Have you tried going into schools?"
After applying for paintball introduction and speedball to be included into SEP since 6 months ago. I have received a reply from the SEP administrator. And here it goes:
"Lacking relevant coaching certification- NCAP theory level 1. Lacking coaching certification. Lacking First Aid certification"
This reply shows how much people know about paintball. Its jungle, its war, its uniform, its shooting one another, its blood, its expensive... no doubt. But there is more to it...so open your eyes guys...make it right.
Yes, there is no such thing as a coaching certificate for paintball. But no worries, PBAS is working on this. NCAP Level 1 Practical Paintball...interested?
But what amazes me most was the reply. I am saying this out of my own opinion and in no way should it be related to PBAS, Red Sevens, or the paintball community in Singapore. This is personal as the application was submitted using my name and the credientials of my certification was in questioned.
I went for NCAP Level 1 Theory in 2004 organised by SSC, got Level 1 Basketball Practical in 2005. Registered with Basketball Association Singapore for 2 years as a registered coach. Assistant to coaching staff for tertiary basketball team. Completed netball orientation to coaching in 2005 organised by Netball Singapore. Completed coaching certification level 1 with Basketball Australia. Completed a part time diploma in Sports and Exercise Sciences with Blackburn College. And still I am not good enough. The point I am trying to make is...the reason that was given is NCAP Level 1 theory...I am very sure if not 100% sure that I have supercede the requirment. So I wrote back to them.
And the reply was: "We did indicated clearly that we will need all the necessary supporting document" Fair enough...I am sure I did not submit all the documents needed. Sorry for that.
But could there be a form of review system to make up for it? E.g. what if my SEP application was before the time when I undergo coaching certification, what happens then? Isnt there a database that you can check? Which means, if I submit a bogus certification...do you take that for real?
Again...we are all short sighted... rejection is easy but picking up is never easy.
Paintball in schools? Never that easy...Paintball in schools for 2009? Just got booted.
Bye 2008...Hello 2009!
We have concluded the Singapore Paintball Novice Series 2008. It was all fun.
The Overall Champion went to PSG Warfreakz, having participated in all 3 legs, 2 podium finish and accumulating enough points to pit everyone else, see them sitting comfortably at the top. Congratulation guys! You have made history. First champion of the SPNS!
Also, it was good to see the rise of another paintball team, Team Carnage which is led by Thomas Lee, the nominated MVP for Leg 2. Carnage has always been a formiable team, good in paintball fundamentals and obviously young and fast enough to make the dives and get into bunkers quickly. They have recruited a guest player, Sean from Death Maverick for this leg. I must say this is a good decision. Sean was playing paintball way before anyone else, before Thomas, before White Death was even formed, before there was Red Dynasty. I remember him wanting to play almost every weekend when he first hooked to the game. Young, humble, skillful... I would like to see how this young man can spur on the development of paintball in Singapore.
Little mentioned was this Leg's MVP, Faris who plays for Team R.A.G. Fine young body builder who just picked up paintball 3 weeks ago and there he was, recognized by the paintball community as the most valuable player for Leg 3. Fair enough... the other day, I was training Contract Killer on snapshooting and asked him to join us. This kid was amazingly accurate. While he still need some improvements on his stance. This guy is a natural...good on you mate! I could see the disappointment on his eyes when his team didnt make the cut to the 2nd round but there are so much potential.
We didnt get much media coverage for leg 3.
Kudos to redsports.sg for seeing the potential in paintball. I was actually quite disappointed that we only have a listing on TNP and nothing else. I was thinking maybe this time there are more things that could be newsworthy...but it doesnt seem like it. Never mind, we will continue to work hard to dispel your misconception about paintball.
I have heard this so many times, "Oh....paintball is not a sport" yah right! Next year, it will be in the World Games. If its not a sport, what about cup stacking? ballroom dancing? Anything can be a sport. Walking can be a sport. Just come and look at the intensity of how the game is being played. It is DEFINITELY, 100% NO DOUBT a sport. We have marshals, rules, fixtures, wins and losses...so how is it not a sport? I am confuse...all we need is a chance. So let us have it! A fair one please! So will it be a sport if we have a PALS Singapore next year? maybe, perhaps...
Anyway...here's to the paintball community in Singapore! We look forward to seeing all of you again for "SPNS 2009: Close to Heart"
The Overall Champion went to PSG Warfreakz, having participated in all 3 legs, 2 podium finish and accumulating enough points to pit everyone else, see them sitting comfortably at the top. Congratulation guys! You have made history. First champion of the SPNS!
Also, it was good to see the rise of another paintball team, Team Carnage which is led by Thomas Lee, the nominated MVP for Leg 2. Carnage has always been a formiable team, good in paintball fundamentals and obviously young and fast enough to make the dives and get into bunkers quickly. They have recruited a guest player, Sean from Death Maverick for this leg. I must say this is a good decision. Sean was playing paintball way before anyone else, before Thomas, before White Death was even formed, before there was Red Dynasty. I remember him wanting to play almost every weekend when he first hooked to the game. Young, humble, skillful... I would like to see how this young man can spur on the development of paintball in Singapore.
Little mentioned was this Leg's MVP, Faris who plays for Team R.A.G. Fine young body builder who just picked up paintball 3 weeks ago and there he was, recognized by the paintball community as the most valuable player for Leg 3. Fair enough... the other day, I was training Contract Killer on snapshooting and asked him to join us. This kid was amazingly accurate. While he still need some improvements on his stance. This guy is a natural...good on you mate! I could see the disappointment on his eyes when his team didnt make the cut to the 2nd round but there are so much potential.
We didnt get much media coverage for leg 3.
Kudos to redsports.sg for seeing the potential in paintball. I was actually quite disappointed that we only have a listing on TNP and nothing else. I was thinking maybe this time there are more things that could be newsworthy...but it doesnt seem like it. Never mind, we will continue to work hard to dispel your misconception about paintball.
I have heard this so many times, "Oh....paintball is not a sport" yah right! Next year, it will be in the World Games. If its not a sport, what about cup stacking? ballroom dancing? Anything can be a sport. Walking can be a sport. Just come and look at the intensity of how the game is being played. It is DEFINITELY, 100% NO DOUBT a sport. We have marshals, rules, fixtures, wins and losses...so how is it not a sport? I am confuse...all we need is a chance. So let us have it! A fair one please! So will it be a sport if we have a PALS Singapore next year? maybe, perhaps...
Anyway...here's to the paintball community in Singapore! We look forward to seeing all of you again for "SPNS 2009: Close to Heart"
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
When East meets West
This article was written by me after Ollie's clinic in Taiwan. I sent it to Dye hopping to get a column in some paintball magazines...but after a couple of months, I thought its good to share with even more people.
Venue: Taipei County Yingge Paintball Theme Park
Duration: 9 – 10 August 2008
Number of participants: 40
The Beijing Olympics 2008, an international sporting event participated by 205 countries from around the world is one of the highlights in the 2008 calendar. This mulit-sport event is watch by millions from across the globe and participated by more than 10000 athletes from around the world. While paintball is not an official event in the Summer Olympics, this adrenaline rushing sport has indeed a potential into make in BIG in the near future. Despite the fact that thousands of athletes and spectators travelled half way across the globe to witness the Olympics, a professional paintball player from the United States did the same to impart his knowledge of paintball to a group of paintball enthusiasts in Asia, Taiwan. An illustration of East meets West.
Attended by more than 40 Taiwanese and 2 Singaporeans, the “Oliver Lang Paintball Clinic in Taiwan” was conducted in Taipei County Yingge Paintball Theme Park that has facilities for both recreational and competitive group. Sponsored by DYE Asia, Team Shocker and Achilles Paintball, this clinic hopes to meet the objective of learning from the best in the world. Although paintball clinics by professional players are frequent in the United States and many European countries, clinics as such are hard to come by in Asia, especially when this clinic is conducted by the most iconic paintball player in the world, Oliver Lang from the Ironmen. The last paintball clinic that was held in Asia was in 2007 where another member of the Ironmen, Nicky Cuba was in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with Todd Martinez and Gary Shows to show pointers to Asia players.
After a brief introduction of his mission to Taiwan, Ollie emphasized on the day’s objective, which was working towards an improved individual shooting postures. 2 rounds of slow jog around the field kick start the clinic. This was followed by stretching all related working muscles, and so the training begun for Day 1.
Under a humid weather of 35 Degrees Celsius, participants were taught the fundamentals of playing behind different bunkers using different snapshooting postures. To ensure that the drill was effective, a total of 10 bunkers were set up to ensure that every participant goes through 3 rounds of practices! Yes, 30 times of snapshooting for the first practice. For someone who has not gone through snapshooting drills for a long time, my quadriceps was calling for help, not forgetting my calves and of course my gluteus maximus too! To make the practices realistic as game play, the inclusion of an opposing player was introduced. Yes, 30 times of getting hit if not careful and playing loosely…
“The clinic was effective, fun and interesting. A lot of emphasis was placed on adopting the right shooting posture” exclaimed Jane Koh who was one of the 2 participants who flew into Taiwan from Singapore after knowing about the clinic. Jane plays for a Singapore team known as the Red Sevens who participates in the Paintball Asia League Series (PALS), a tournament series in the Asia region.
To add icing to the clinic was the free tryout of the different paintball markers available at the DYE Asia booth. Participants can request for trial usage on all the DYE and Proto series, from entry level marker such as the SLG to the DYE signature series such as the Ollie Lang DM8. Talk about getting hands on the different markers… DYE Asia representative Ellen indicated that “It is our gesture of support to all participants of the clinic and we hope to make use of this opportunity to bridge professional paintball closer to the paintball community in Asia”. All participants of the clinic also each received a gift which comprised of paintball accessories such as lanyard, cap, marker feedneck and postcards.
After lunch and a photography session with OIlie Lang, participants were treated with more professional advice on the “art of bunkering”. Players were lined up behind boxes which acted as shooting targets and were asked to perform run through as an act of bunkering opponent players while switching the paintball marker between hands depending on which side the boxes were placed. After a couple of switching from left to right and right to left, participants were instructed to pick up speed in the run through.
Day 1 ended with a raffles draw with participants walking away with DYE masks and the new ultra light frame SLG.
Day 2 started with a recapped of Day 1’s practice followed by the appreciation of “flight path”. Flight path in this sense refers to the route in which the paintballs are travelling after they left the barrel. The appreciation of flight path allows a player to be aware of their opponent’s firing position and allow him/her to counter his firing suppression. Participants were told to step up to be “shot” by Ollie while observing the paintball flight path and avoid being hit. This was the most exciting part of the clinic as players were all focused and attentive trying their best not to be hit by the world number most prolific paintballer. As the day continued, the participants were also introduced to the proper techniques of sliding as Ollie performs a detailed stage by stage breakdown demonstration of the side slide and the “Superman” slide. A paintball clinic would not be called a clinic if all that were taught were not put into good use. Thus to convert all knowledge into practical sessions, participants were grouped into teams to compete against one another in a similar format as the widely popular X-ball format. Each team was supposed to play 4 qualifying games with the winning team walking away with a brand new SLG marker.
Throughout the 2 days clinic, relationships were fostered and the Asia paintball grew stronger but most important of all is having the opportunity to learn and appreciate the game of paintball from one of the world bests. While Asia paintball is gaining in popularity, it is also vital for players from this part of the world continue to adopt, play and appreciate the game that we all loved in the proper way. As Ollie Lang said before the end of the clinic, “I am also an apprentice of the Asian culture and always learning…”
Venue: Taipei County Yingge Paintball Theme Park
Duration: 9 – 10 August 2008
Number of participants: 40
The Beijing Olympics 2008, an international sporting event participated by 205 countries from around the world is one of the highlights in the 2008 calendar. This mulit-sport event is watch by millions from across the globe and participated by more than 10000 athletes from around the world. While paintball is not an official event in the Summer Olympics, this adrenaline rushing sport has indeed a potential into make in BIG in the near future. Despite the fact that thousands of athletes and spectators travelled half way across the globe to witness the Olympics, a professional paintball player from the United States did the same to impart his knowledge of paintball to a group of paintball enthusiasts in Asia, Taiwan. An illustration of East meets West.
Attended by more than 40 Taiwanese and 2 Singaporeans, the “Oliver Lang Paintball Clinic in Taiwan” was conducted in Taipei County Yingge Paintball Theme Park that has facilities for both recreational and competitive group. Sponsored by DYE Asia, Team Shocker and Achilles Paintball, this clinic hopes to meet the objective of learning from the best in the world. Although paintball clinics by professional players are frequent in the United States and many European countries, clinics as such are hard to come by in Asia, especially when this clinic is conducted by the most iconic paintball player in the world, Oliver Lang from the Ironmen. The last paintball clinic that was held in Asia was in 2007 where another member of the Ironmen, Nicky Cuba was in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with Todd Martinez and Gary Shows to show pointers to Asia players.
After a brief introduction of his mission to Taiwan, Ollie emphasized on the day’s objective, which was working towards an improved individual shooting postures. 2 rounds of slow jog around the field kick start the clinic. This was followed by stretching all related working muscles, and so the training begun for Day 1.
Under a humid weather of 35 Degrees Celsius, participants were taught the fundamentals of playing behind different bunkers using different snapshooting postures. To ensure that the drill was effective, a total of 10 bunkers were set up to ensure that every participant goes through 3 rounds of practices! Yes, 30 times of snapshooting for the first practice. For someone who has not gone through snapshooting drills for a long time, my quadriceps was calling for help, not forgetting my calves and of course my gluteus maximus too! To make the practices realistic as game play, the inclusion of an opposing player was introduced. Yes, 30 times of getting hit if not careful and playing loosely…
“The clinic was effective, fun and interesting. A lot of emphasis was placed on adopting the right shooting posture” exclaimed Jane Koh who was one of the 2 participants who flew into Taiwan from Singapore after knowing about the clinic. Jane plays for a Singapore team known as the Red Sevens who participates in the Paintball Asia League Series (PALS), a tournament series in the Asia region.
To add icing to the clinic was the free tryout of the different paintball markers available at the DYE Asia booth. Participants can request for trial usage on all the DYE and Proto series, from entry level marker such as the SLG to the DYE signature series such as the Ollie Lang DM8. Talk about getting hands on the different markers… DYE Asia representative Ellen indicated that “It is our gesture of support to all participants of the clinic and we hope to make use of this opportunity to bridge professional paintball closer to the paintball community in Asia”. All participants of the clinic also each received a gift which comprised of paintball accessories such as lanyard, cap, marker feedneck and postcards.
After lunch and a photography session with OIlie Lang, participants were treated with more professional advice on the “art of bunkering”. Players were lined up behind boxes which acted as shooting targets and were asked to perform run through as an act of bunkering opponent players while switching the paintball marker between hands depending on which side the boxes were placed. After a couple of switching from left to right and right to left, participants were instructed to pick up speed in the run through.
Day 1 ended with a raffles draw with participants walking away with DYE masks and the new ultra light frame SLG.
Day 2 started with a recapped of Day 1’s practice followed by the appreciation of “flight path”. Flight path in this sense refers to the route in which the paintballs are travelling after they left the barrel. The appreciation of flight path allows a player to be aware of their opponent’s firing position and allow him/her to counter his firing suppression. Participants were told to step up to be “shot” by Ollie while observing the paintball flight path and avoid being hit. This was the most exciting part of the clinic as players were all focused and attentive trying their best not to be hit by the world number most prolific paintballer. As the day continued, the participants were also introduced to the proper techniques of sliding as Ollie performs a detailed stage by stage breakdown demonstration of the side slide and the “Superman” slide. A paintball clinic would not be called a clinic if all that were taught were not put into good use. Thus to convert all knowledge into practical sessions, participants were grouped into teams to compete against one another in a similar format as the widely popular X-ball format. Each team was supposed to play 4 qualifying games with the winning team walking away with a brand new SLG marker.
Throughout the 2 days clinic, relationships were fostered and the Asia paintball grew stronger but most important of all is having the opportunity to learn and appreciate the game of paintball from one of the world bests. While Asia paintball is gaining in popularity, it is also vital for players from this part of the world continue to adopt, play and appreciate the game that we all loved in the proper way. As Ollie Lang said before the end of the clinic, “I am also an apprentice of the Asian culture and always learning…”
Monday, October 6, 2008
Taiwan Mafia...
This man here...many people call him the paintball mafia in Taiwan, he runs the biggest paintball park in Taiwan. Knew him way back before speedball was introduced in Singapore. Nice guy, no air and most important of all, like to share his passion about paintball with people. In Taiwan, not many people regard him nicely...but then again, who cares? For someone who runs the biggest paintball park in Taiwan, I have to give him the best respect...
Ollie is a staff of RD too...
Dean Apcar...our friend from UK
Dean Apcar who plays for Medway Halloween was in town and decided to pay us a visit at Red Dynasty. It was a special appearance considering that we are a week away from SPNS and his visit was nicely time. Dean captained the Medway Halloween team which currently sits on 4th position of the M5 Millenium Series. Personally, I have learnt a trick or two from him....but the most amazing thing was to play alongside him and seeing him in action simply means that I will have to hit the gym soon.
Paintball in Singapore, the past and the present
Paintball in Singapore, the Past and the Present
Paintball was first introduced to Singapore in the year 1999. The first paintball facility (TAG Paintball) was established in the most eastern part of the city located in a family oriented resort known as Downtown East. This teambuilding game was somewhat similar to what many call “war” where two parties armed with paintball guns (commonly known as paintball markers in the paintball industry) go into the woods to shoot and “gun down” one another. As the famous phrase “no pain, no gain”, participants who are shot often left the game with bruise marks on their body after being shot at during the course of the game. With strict rules and regulations in Singapore, paintball markers have since been classified as firearm equipment. With the essential elements of teambuilding activity such as communication, strategizing and teamwork, the game of paintball has commonly been adopted as the game for all ages to “settle their differences” on the field. This has led to the establishment of 2 other paintball facilities in Sentosa (Power Paintball Park) and Toa Payoh in the late 90’s. However, these 2 establishments had to call it quits early as the cost of operating a paintball field in a land scarce country such as Singapore, is almost not the most cost effective business plan.
Since their closure, paintball was never in the mind of many Singaporeans and it became one of the most unheard of teambuilding activities with lurking myths such as expensive, army-liked, promotion of violence and the most important of all, dangerous. While it took 7 days to create earth, paintball development was in dormant for 8 years, all waiting for the right time to shed its skin. As Singapore moves towards national education, another paintball facility (Cross Fire) was established in 2005 on the western part of Singapore to allow Singaporeans to understand the importance of working together and if it fails so will our city.
While paintball was not potentially developed in Singapore for 8 years, its popularity is growing in numbers in most countries. With a growing number of participants every year, paintball has over the years become an activity that is suitable for people of all ages and different gender. The first paintball game was played in the woods with players dressed in camouflage uniforms spending an entire day out in the woods looking for “kills”. To create awareness and general acceptance of the game by the public, paintball has evolved from woods game into a team sports where many people are passionate about. Today, many people still begin their first paintball experience in the woods but move on the another evolution of the game otherwise known as speedball if they are more passionate in achieving well in the sports.
The first group of people who introduces speedball to Singapore belongs to a group of paintball enthusiasts who call themselves the Red Sevens. Since their formation, they have conducted numerous paintball awareness games and the promotion of paintball as a sport to many Singaporeans. Due to the lack of speedball facility, the team has to travel to Malaysia to practice and learn the game. Red Sevens represented Singapore as the first speedball team by participating in the 2nd Leg of Malaysia Paintball Official Circuit in 2007. Singapore also received its first international representation when Red Sevens was invited as the only Singapore team to participate in the Asia World Cup 2007 and the NPPL Asia Championship 2008. During the National Day Parade 2008, Red Sevens was featured on the segment of “Red on Red” and was shown live telecast to spectators of the parade.
The first paintball tournament that saw the participation of international teams from across the world was held in Malaysia and known as the Nations Cup. This inaugural international paintball tournament which was held in 2004 twinkle the light to allow more people in Asia to become aware of paintball. In 2007, the Asia World Cup which was held in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia was recognized as one of the top 50 events for the “Visit Malaysia Year” to mark its 50th Anniversary of independence from the colonial occupation.
With the support of the Singapore Sports Council, Paintball Singapore Society was formed in 2007 as a paintball interest group; it was not long that the name was eventually changed to Paintball Association (Singapore) PBAS to allow a structural overseeing of the development of paintball in Singapore. The primary objective of the PBAS is to ensure progressive development of paintball as a sport in Singapore. To allow paintball to develop into a mainstream sport in Singapore, members from the PBAS devised a Basic Tournament Orientation (BTO) course to allow beginners who are interested in pursuing the sport to undergo a theory and practical orientation to ensure that participants are aware of the necessary safety precautions when handling a paintball markers and other safety aspects of the game. After its formation, the PBAS was included as a recognized paintball association under the Asia Pacific Paintball Federation (APPBF) which oversees the development of paintball in the Asia Pacific region. The APPBF which is recognized by the Millennium Series and the Paintball Sports Promotion (PSP) went on to organize the Paintball Asia League Series (PALS) and the Asia World Cup.
Singapore’s first speedball facility (Red Dynasty Paintball Park) was established in 2007 to facilitate the growth of speedball in Singapore. In less than 3 months of its establishment, Singapore’s inaugural paintball tournament, Singapore Paintball Novice Series (SPNS), a 3-legged paintball tournament was borne with 7 participating teams. A local team named Redlords was crowned the inaugural champion of the event. In its first, the competitive paintball in Singapore was first featured on Straits Times sports section and on television with Channel News Asia during Leg 2 of SPNS.
While there are cultural differences and disparity in the regulation of laws in all countries of the world, paintball in Singapore will continue to grow and progress with more people getting awareness of the sport. While it takes time to grow a sport with good foundational base, the way in which paintball develops in the world has a direct impact on how paintball can be perceived as a mainstream sport as compared to the rest. While there are upcoming developmental plans for paintball to grow in Singapore, it is everybody’s effort to see and support the continual growth of this sport in Singapore.
Paintball was first introduced to Singapore in the year 1999. The first paintball facility (TAG Paintball) was established in the most eastern part of the city located in a family oriented resort known as Downtown East. This teambuilding game was somewhat similar to what many call “war” where two parties armed with paintball guns (commonly known as paintball markers in the paintball industry) go into the woods to shoot and “gun down” one another. As the famous phrase “no pain, no gain”, participants who are shot often left the game with bruise marks on their body after being shot at during the course of the game. With strict rules and regulations in Singapore, paintball markers have since been classified as firearm equipment. With the essential elements of teambuilding activity such as communication, strategizing and teamwork, the game of paintball has commonly been adopted as the game for all ages to “settle their differences” on the field. This has led to the establishment of 2 other paintball facilities in Sentosa (Power Paintball Park) and Toa Payoh in the late 90’s. However, these 2 establishments had to call it quits early as the cost of operating a paintball field in a land scarce country such as Singapore, is almost not the most cost effective business plan.
Since their closure, paintball was never in the mind of many Singaporeans and it became one of the most unheard of teambuilding activities with lurking myths such as expensive, army-liked, promotion of violence and the most important of all, dangerous. While it took 7 days to create earth, paintball development was in dormant for 8 years, all waiting for the right time to shed its skin. As Singapore moves towards national education, another paintball facility (Cross Fire) was established in 2005 on the western part of Singapore to allow Singaporeans to understand the importance of working together and if it fails so will our city.
While paintball was not potentially developed in Singapore for 8 years, its popularity is growing in numbers in most countries. With a growing number of participants every year, paintball has over the years become an activity that is suitable for people of all ages and different gender. The first paintball game was played in the woods with players dressed in camouflage uniforms spending an entire day out in the woods looking for “kills”. To create awareness and general acceptance of the game by the public, paintball has evolved from woods game into a team sports where many people are passionate about. Today, many people still begin their first paintball experience in the woods but move on the another evolution of the game otherwise known as speedball if they are more passionate in achieving well in the sports.
The first group of people who introduces speedball to Singapore belongs to a group of paintball enthusiasts who call themselves the Red Sevens. Since their formation, they have conducted numerous paintball awareness games and the promotion of paintball as a sport to many Singaporeans. Due to the lack of speedball facility, the team has to travel to Malaysia to practice and learn the game. Red Sevens represented Singapore as the first speedball team by participating in the 2nd Leg of Malaysia Paintball Official Circuit in 2007. Singapore also received its first international representation when Red Sevens was invited as the only Singapore team to participate in the Asia World Cup 2007 and the NPPL Asia Championship 2008. During the National Day Parade 2008, Red Sevens was featured on the segment of “Red on Red” and was shown live telecast to spectators of the parade.
The first paintball tournament that saw the participation of international teams from across the world was held in Malaysia and known as the Nations Cup. This inaugural international paintball tournament which was held in 2004 twinkle the light to allow more people in Asia to become aware of paintball. In 2007, the Asia World Cup which was held in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia was recognized as one of the top 50 events for the “Visit Malaysia Year” to mark its 50th Anniversary of independence from the colonial occupation.
With the support of the Singapore Sports Council, Paintball Singapore Society was formed in 2007 as a paintball interest group; it was not long that the name was eventually changed to Paintball Association (Singapore) PBAS to allow a structural overseeing of the development of paintball in Singapore. The primary objective of the PBAS is to ensure progressive development of paintball as a sport in Singapore. To allow paintball to develop into a mainstream sport in Singapore, members from the PBAS devised a Basic Tournament Orientation (BTO) course to allow beginners who are interested in pursuing the sport to undergo a theory and practical orientation to ensure that participants are aware of the necessary safety precautions when handling a paintball markers and other safety aspects of the game. After its formation, the PBAS was included as a recognized paintball association under the Asia Pacific Paintball Federation (APPBF) which oversees the development of paintball in the Asia Pacific region. The APPBF which is recognized by the Millennium Series and the Paintball Sports Promotion (PSP) went on to organize the Paintball Asia League Series (PALS) and the Asia World Cup.
Singapore’s first speedball facility (Red Dynasty Paintball Park) was established in 2007 to facilitate the growth of speedball in Singapore. In less than 3 months of its establishment, Singapore’s inaugural paintball tournament, Singapore Paintball Novice Series (SPNS), a 3-legged paintball tournament was borne with 7 participating teams. A local team named Redlords was crowned the inaugural champion of the event. In its first, the competitive paintball in Singapore was first featured on Straits Times sports section and on television with Channel News Asia during Leg 2 of SPNS.
While there are cultural differences and disparity in the regulation of laws in all countries of the world, paintball in Singapore will continue to grow and progress with more people getting awareness of the sport. While it takes time to grow a sport with good foundational base, the way in which paintball develops in the world has a direct impact on how paintball can be perceived as a mainstream sport as compared to the rest. While there are upcoming developmental plans for paintball to grow in Singapore, it is everybody’s effort to see and support the continual growth of this sport in Singapore.
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