Clayre, trustee at Tottenham Community Sports Centre, reflects on the launch event

Cllr Lester Buxton and David Lammy MP at Tottenham Community Sports Centre

The evening of Thursday, 20th July 2023 saw Labour MP for Tottenham David Lammy reveal a newly decorated judo room by Ultrakolor at Tottenham Community sports centre (TCSC).

Also in attendance was Haringey’s youngest-ever Mayor, Cllr Lester Buxton and local councillors, Ibrahim Ali, Sue Jameson,
Erdal Dogan, John Bevan, along with former mayor of Haringey Sheila Peacock and Eddie Dujon.

The night commenced with a biography highlight video of Lammy followed by a speech where he referenced doing his “best to represent the people of Tottenham at Westminster” and the importance of “how to support community
hubs like TCSC, which are essential”. Buxton spoke on his passion for sports, its power and seeing all generations getting involved.

Kevin Lincoln BEM (and secretary to trustees) gave a brief account of the centre’s 54 year history, as well as being one of the oldest sports centres in London. A few words were said by local artist and youth worker Felix Stochaj of Ultrakolor
on the value and effect that hubs like TCSC have on youngsters whilst Es Francis of TKBA Juniors raised the fact that it was the anniversary of Bruce Lee’s death…. and what a great way to honour a legend.

After video highlights of sportspeople who would appear on the wall, beverages and refreshments, it was time to
reveal the judo room. Surrounded by excited children, a countdown was delivered and orchestrated by Lammy and Buxton – there were a lot of ‘wows’ and open mouths as the door was opened and all were pleasantly impressed with
the artwork.

The Ultrakolor artwork features martial artists who have had an impact in their chosen field. Some of the artists featured are:
 Bruce Lee
 Jackie Chan
 Jirogo Kano (founder of judo)
 Laila Ali (daughter of Mohammed Ali and former multiple world boxing champion)
 Benny Urquidez (former Undefeated world kickboxing champion/actor/pioneer)
 GM Helio Gracie (Ju Jitsu)
 Khabib Abdulmanapovich Nurmagomedov (Ju Jitsu/MMA)
 Mas Oyama (founder of kykoshinkai karate)
 Claressa Shields (multiple weight world boxing champion)
 Lateef Crowder (Capoeira expert stuntman actor)
 Panchan Rina (Japan’s most popular Kickboxing/Muay thai world champion)

The centre piece of the artwork is a collage of children in different martial arts poses with the quote “big journeys begin with small steps”.

Next on the agenda was a short demonstration by TKBA Juniors, a junior kickboxing club for children and young people, then a showcase of capoeira from Michael Nelson of Shuai Jiao London and his team. Both Lammy and Buxton were
real ‘good sports’ in getting RDX gloved up for a quick exhibition with TKBA Juniors student Angela Griffiths as well as a pad session with TKBA Juniors kickboxing instructors Es and Clayre Bennett.

At the end of the evening, members of the public and children took pictures with Buxton and Lammy whilst some young students preferred the autograph on the glove!

Kevin thanked Haringey Council for their support and funding of Ultrakolor artwork in the judo room which is used on a daily basis by different martial arts such as kickboxing, capoeira, judo, muay thai and ju jitsu.

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