Seni 2010: Were You There?
UFC hall of famer - Royce Gracie
This past weekend (May 29 & 30) the UK’s premier martial arts expo returned to Excel, London, just down stream from the 02 arena.
Have you been to Disney Land? Did you see everything? Probably not. Seni 2010 was like that, more than enough to see and do in one day.
Travelling up from Bournemouth, reaching the Excel on the Saturday afternoon, I chose to fit in as much as possible to soak up the experience. Upon arrival I had to question if I had in fact arrived at the correct location, greeted by the sight of costumed cartoon heroes, rather than dudes in martial arts attire. It so happened Seni this year coincided with Expo – a special event for sci-fi and anime fanatics.
After checking in at the press desk I journeyed through the expo towards the area for Wu Shu Open, in order to give my Tai Chi instructor Brendan Burnett some moral support, as he entered the Chen style part of the competition. Amidst the many trade stands, I caught site of living legend Royce Gracie, meeting fans and signing copies of his book. Unsuprisingly the queue to meet the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu master was massive.
Another master present – Samuel Kwok, a Wing Chun expert demonstrated close combat defence blindfolded! Amazing stuff! Seeing was believing, believe me!
Traditional Tai Chi winners on the podium.
Inside the classical martial arts arena, the Wu Shu was located between Kali stick fighting and the Jiu Jitsu grapplers. There appeared to be less space allocated for this section of the fighting arts since I last attended back in 2007, still great to see it represented. Fortunately I made it just in time, witnessed Brendan’s Chen Sword Form and Cannon Fist Form. Celebrating his 33rd birthday, the Somerset Sifu earned 2 third place trophies. Well done mate.
As previously stated the plan was to experience at much as possible. Next: time for a 10 minute back, shoulder and neck massage, courtesy of one of the lovely ladies at the UCMMA stand. The Ultimate Challenge crew were there promoting their best of DVD, plus the forthcoming Feel The Pain fight card – June 19, Troxy, London.
Your roving reporter and the gorgeous girls from Nuts Magazine.
Visitors also had the opportunity to meet ring girls and the gorgeous girls from Nuts lads magazine, who were more than happy to pose for photos.
Andre Winner - UFC fighter.
Throughout the day top cage fighters were on hand meeting fans. Some of the many mixed martial artists in attendance were Andre Winner (TUF 9), Dan Henderson (UFC & Pride FC), Jamaine Facey and Jimmy Manuwa.
Towards the end of the afternoon 3 very special surprise guests attended the show, non other than Celebrity Big Brother 7 winner Alex Reid, joined by glamour girl wife Katie Price and her son Harvey. Katie tried on a special training vest for size, whilst Alex appeared to be having a brilliant time stopping off at the many trade stands, greeting friends and fans alike.
To sum it up, a fantastic day out, Seni’s got something for everyone. Will I be visiting Seni next time? Damn right I am!
A special thanks to Joe Long – Fighters Inc.
UFC & MMA blog by Duane Farr
duane@bluraymma.com
