StarBulletin.com

New DVD offers inside look at MMA superstar BJ Penn


By

POSTED: Thursday, April 16, 2009

BIG ISLAND MMA superstar BJ Penn has a big weekend planned on Oahu in conjunction with the release of “;BJ Penn: 90 Days,”; an inside look at the mindset and training regimen of the current UFC lightweight champ.

According to BJPenn90Days.com, a Web site promoting the project, the DVD includes interviews with his trainers and his mom, along with stories about his childhood on the Big Island. When contacted last week, Penn refused a request for an interview, choosing instead to pass along his thoughts via a publicist.

“;I've been really lucky to grow up in Hawaii and to have the experiences I've had,”; he said in an e-mail. “;I hope everyone will see (the DVD) and be able to relate to it.”;

Oahu residents will get a chance to watch “;BJ Penn: 90 Days”; on Friday at LEVEL4 Nightclub and Ultralounge when Penn hosts a release party from 7 to 9 p.m. All ages are welcome.

On Saturday, Penn will sign copies of the DVD at Borders Pearlridge from 1 to 3 p.m. before heading back to LEVEL4 to watch UFC 97 with his fans. He'll sign more autographs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday at Borders Waikele ...

GOT A sweet ride and want to show it off while helping a good cause?

Gas up your car or motorcycle and take part in the Hawaii Foodbank cruise, starting at 9 a.m. Saturday at Waimanalo Elementary School. After a drivers meeting with the Aloha Mustang Club and Shelby Club of Hawaii, the cruise will depart for Koko Marina Center to drop off donations sometime after 10 a.m.

According to the HFB, canned tuna is the most needed item; call 836-3600 for info ...

HONOR ROLL: Congrats to Lael “;Laels Beats”; Clement, the local producer who took first place Saturday at the “;Beat Root: Grand Championships”; at the Loft. Clement was my pick to win it all, but I was also impressed by finalists DJAH, The Hap and TKO ... 18-year old Kauai resident Alex Smith is now one of only a few people, if not the only person, to be featured on the television show “;MTV Cribs.”; The cable network visited the amateur surfer's house earlier this year for a teen-themed version of the show, and the finished episode aired on Saturday. “;I was eating breakfast (and) we all watched it,”; said Smith. “;It's cool that people in the middle of the U.S. are gonna be checking it out”; ... Waikiki nightclub Coconut Willy's celebrated its first anniversary last Friday with DJ Kutmaster Spaz and a live set by Soulution ...

WEEKEND PICKS: 4Play Nightclub (formerly Panama Hattie's) kicks off what the United DJs, Mix Doctors and SOHI call “;the only 18+ party on a Friday night”; this week. “;4Play Fridays”; will feature mainstream club hits and drink specials, with dancing until 2 a.m. ... Also on Friday, the band formerly known as At Sea will headline a music video filming party at NextDoor. Now known as City, they'll be joined by DJ Fame and Shindig. Local photographers Olivier Koning, Aaron Van Bokhoven, Harold Julian and others will be on hand to shoot portraits for use in the video. Cover is $10; doors open at 9 p.m. ... Tickets are still available for the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Hawaii's 10th annual “;Spring Soiree”; at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Price is $150, but it includes complimentary food and drink from a number of local restaurants and live entertainment by the Piranha Brothers. Krater 96's Steve Kelly and Sista Sherry will host; call 593-4454 ...