Ronnie's Blog

TOTTENHAM RIOTS 2011 - THE NEED FOR CHANGE

2011-08-07T20:32:44Z

By Esmond Francis

August the 6th 2011 saw a sad day for North London. The area of Tottenham saw a confrontation between the Police and protesters which began outside Tottenham Police Station. You may have heard the news of the reported shooting of Mark Duggan by the Metropolitan Police on Thursday 4th August. While the incident was still fresh in the minds of the community there was to be a scheduled peaceful protest at Tottenham Police Station.

The Parents of Mark Duggan demanded answers from the Police about the shooting which involved the loss of their son. It is reported that there was no communication between the Police and the deceased Family for over 5hrs following the shooting. Taking this into account along with the loss of Mark in these circumstances fuelled their need to protest. A peaceful protest was arranged for the 6th August.

It's unclear at this stage what sparked the riot but it resulted in 29 injuries most being police, petrol bombs were thrown, vehicles were burned including a bus and police cars and homes and buildings were damaged. So far there has been a reported 50 arrests. Reports suggested that up to 1,000 people were involved.

Like many major boroughs Tottenham in North London is an area with serious social and economic problems. The whole United Kingdom is affected by a high unemployment, lack of youth programmes, crime, gangs, drugs and the local black community is suffering particularly high youth crime. In addition you have a situation where relations between the Police and the community have a history of mistrust (Broadwater Farm Riots October 1985).

The following morning was subdued. Local residents came out to observe the destruction and some to pick through the remainder of their belongings. The fire brigade were still on the ground putting out fires. People were distressed at what had happened.

There are much wider issues here. "Young people that never worked and its not because they don't want to work. The council cuts to youth programmes have really effected the community. The community feel that they have no voice. The Police and authorities don't listen to what we have been saying for years." Sonia from Tottenham

This situation highlights the need for money to be pumped back into the community youth programmes. Authorities need to empower the elders of the community to develop programmes that work and that the youth will respond to. There are no easy answers of solutions. Until the human race learns that it's about kindness, understanding and mercy we will have a repeat of this all over the world.

Investigations are currently ongoing.

Tmas 2011The Martial Arts Show

2011-05-20T22:00:00Z

Thai Boxing and more at The Martial Arts Show: By Esmond Francis

The month of May quickly seems like it's going to become the month tocelebrate all in the martial arts world.

Over the last few years we had the birth of the SENI show, the TerracottaAsian Film Festival, celebrity seminars and now we have The Martial ArtsShow Live.

Organised by Paul Clifton of Combat Magazine along with the TMAS (TheMartial Arts Show) team and I believe is scheduled to run alongside SENI.So again it seems like there is a martial arts reawakening happening.

The Martial Arts Show or TMAS Live was born from the need for the UK to havea central event for the UK's finest martial arts athletes to showcase theirtalent. The event consisted of manufacturers & suppliers, demonstrations,Celebrities seminars for free, Fighters, Tournament Competitors, visitorsand fans of Martial Arts. The line up looked really good as you had former5 x World Muay Thai Champion at 4 different weights Master Ronnie "MachineGun" Green, former 4 x times World Kickboxing Champion Kash " The Flash"Gill, Bob "The Beast Sapp", Bill "Superfoot" Wallace, Joe Lewis, CynthiaRothrock, the Shaolin Monks and more.

Shaolin - forever entertaining

I managed to make it down to Birmingham NEC on the Saturday 7th for around11.00am. There was a decent crowd and the buzz was slowly gathering pace.

As I walked in to my left was the Lei Tai (elevated fighting arena/platform,without railings or ropes). There were Kung Fu performances taking place.I particularly remember a young girl performing with a bench (Jackie Chanstyle). Armed with my camera my objective was to seek out the stars andenjoy the day. As I looked to my right I caught a glimpse of CynthiaRothrock marching over to what looked like a photo/autograph signing area.I thought first one spotted, I'll catch up to her later. I walked aroundsome more and had a look at some of the new training equipment on displayand for sale.

Modern Day Ninja Master Ronnie Green

Read the full story here.

Meet 'Wanderlei Silva' 22nd October 2010

2010-10-05T00:07:19Z

Meet the man himself Wanerlei Silva, Huddersfield Friday 22nd October.

Team Wanderlei Video

Mike Tyson

2010-09-19T19:37:56Z

Mike talked about fear, real fear that makes you loose all control and in the ring your are on view were everyone can see you. Remember we are both champions and we fell, real feelings.

He explained that when on view, you are at your most vulnerable point.

We met in Japan more than 20 years ago, both champions in the same hotel just competing at different sports. What was great was Mike Tyson knew the sport of Thai boxing and I was over the moon that he recognised my achievements and followed the sport.

Mike was fighting Tony Tubbs and I was fighting Kioji Sato.

In his resent documentary Mike Tyson talks about how amazed he is that he is still alive today, he lived on the street and fought for us all to get away from those very same streets. I am sure many people in is management knew were they wanted him to be?

Signed: Ronnie Green

Knees in action.

2010-09-18T20:32:07Z

Knees are great for self-defence, particularly for the females its a hard low blow that in the correct place can drop the largest and strongest of men straight to the ground and a tear in their eyes.

Ask any man about low blows to the groin.... that's why in competitions in martial arts those self-defence moves have been left out, hence Muay Thai knees have been adapted for the sport.

Evander Holyfield Interview

2010-08-22T22:05:44Z

Picture Draw By Allan Youl

Evander Holyfield Interview

Q: What is your typical training routine when you are preparing for a professional fight?

Evander Holyfield: When I prepare for a fight conditioning is the most important thing, because I fear I could get injured. Being in the best shape you could be in, you must push yourself and go back to the basic things; the running, working on the hand pads working on your timing, etc. And once you get into great shape, you start working on the things that are necessary and required to beat your opponent.

Mariusz Pudzianowski Proud And Polish. UFC anyone?

2009-12-12T05:45:59Z

Five-time World's Strongest Man winner Polski Mariusz Pudzianowski needed 43 seconds to win his MMA debut on Friday 11 th December 2009 in Poland, he luw kicked and pummeling an opponent named Marcin Najman by TKO in the first round.

The fight, which took place in Pudzianowski's native Poland.

DazBlog writes: Tonight I was sat around with some Polish lads, after our training. We were all sat back enjoying this fun fight. Polish like a fight and they can fight.

Mariusz is a Champion 'Full Stop' it is hard to fight any champion that sets their mind on beating others. But for sport and for fun. Mariusz has entertained and amazed us all for years.

We train with power lifters, world class and they always big up Pudzianowski. He is a real champ, a nice man and very very competitive, or yes he's Polish, they say. Hes going to be strong.

Former World Power Lifter Brian Reynolds. Friend and training partner of DazBlog.

Randy Couture Hardrock Cafe Q & A book signing Photos.

2009-11-30T16:42:39Z

Randy Couture with Simingdams Jaz Singh

'Hardrock Cafe' Manchester UK.

BECOMING THE NATURAL

is now available from bookstores and online by clicking on

http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/book/9780956258601/Becoming-the-Natural

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0956258603/flatwave-20

LORETTA HUNT EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

2009-11-26T22:44:03Z

Becoming the Natrual by Randy Couture, with Lorette Hunt.

LORETTA HUNT EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Loretta Hunt is the only full-time female mma journalist and collaborated with Randy Couture on his bestselling autobiography 'Becoming The Natural' which is now avaialble in the UK. Randy Couture launched his book in the UK at the Hard Rock Cafe in Manchester on November 15 after his unanimous decision win at UFC 105 the day before at the MEN Arena.

Q:Loretta, before we talk about your collaboration with UFC legend Randy Couture on his autobiography, can you tell me what sparked your interest in covering a sport which at one time was being labelled 'human cockfighting'?

Randy Couture the day after UFC 105 win

2009-11-25T16:42:00Z

Fresh and stiched up, after the fight. Here pictured with Simingdams Kru Daz Chadwick

Randy Couture looking great the day after UFC 105 held at MEN Arena UK.

Voted 'The Greatest Fighter of All Time' by viewers' choice.