Local legend Lloyd Russell the first Community Ambassador at Empire Fighting Chance

What is your background?

I was born in 1956 in Bristol , my parents were part of the Windrush Migration to England from Jamaica in the 1950s.

I went to Saint Barnabus Primary in St. Pauls and then onto Fairfield Grammar School in Montpelier.

What is your association with Empire – when and how did you start coming?

My association with Empire stems from 1969 when I was at Fairfield from the age of 13. I  used the weight lifting gym, and went there until it closed.

What does Empire mean to you?

Empire was my life, it made me who I am today, making many lifelong friends from all corners of the world with different nationalities and backgrounds.

Training there throughout the decades gave me the foundation to be a champion in Rugby and Karate.

Do you have fond memories of the old gym in St Pauls? You once told me it was the only place black, white and brown people could mix? Tell me more about that…

I introduced many non-black people to the Empire over the years , many who would not have ventured there on their own, and who have embraced diversity and become part of the Empire family.

In the old days all types of people went there from villains to white collar workers, there was no ego’s,  no attitude, no racism, you would come to the Empire to train.

What impact did the club have on the community?

The Empire opened  during the Windrush, to all nationalities and the owner Den Welch did a good job in making sure everyone felt welcome. But he took no nonsense from anyone and the respect was mutual from all his customers.

The wider community embraced the Empire as their home, families and generations of the same families went there.

Women were also welcomed and the gym was always full on their days of training.

Why did you want to become a community ambassador for Empire Fighting chance?

I would like to  become a Community Ambassador for Empire Fighting Chance as I am a Black Bristolian, who still has something to offer to the younger generation.

I believe Fighting Chance is a Legacy of the Old Empire and what it stood for, and I believe I can help to continue the trend.

What do you feel you can bring to the role? Personally and professionally?

I have vast experience in mentoring young people in schools and the community for 30 years, and I believe I can still connect and hopefully am still in touch with young people.

I can bring passion, commitment and always give 100% and expect the same in return.

You are a karate expert too – how did the sport help you and others?

I excelled in Karate as a Black Belt, and fought for Bristol and as an International.

I competed at the very top level in Karate representing England and won English and British titles.

During my younger days, I was a bit of a wild boy, so I took up Martial Arts to curb my anger issues. I never looked back, as the skills gave me the confidence and taught me to control my anger and emotions. I was  member of Scorpion Karate Club which produced many champions which helped that.

You were quite pivotal in mentoring England rugby captain Ellis Genge – and he talks about how important you were to him - tell me about that and your relationship?

Mentoring is not easy; you must have the skills and the personality to connect, at first with Ellis it was difficult because he put up a barrier and had many issues. So I turned the situation around by talking about myself, showing Ellis that I was no saint but had managed to turn my life around. Once he acknowledged and understood this, he adhered to me and then he started to open up.

Each week of mentoring we got closer and closer and created a bond, right to where we are now with Ellis being a superstar.

You have worked in schools with challenging young people – have the issues in young people changed over the years and why?

I worked in schools from 2000 as a family support worker to being a mentor and ending up assistant head of year, mainly doing pastoral work with challenging young people.

In the early years there was plenty of pastoral support, then in 2010 the education system got rid of the pastoral team. This I believe was the start of young people going off the rails.

The role of the pastoral team was to engage with the family and young people and help out with issues at the home, which was very important.

Adding to this the closures of youth clubs the dynamics have again deteriorated where young people are getting out of control on the streets, and do not receive enough support.

Are you concerned about recent knife crime in the city and what are some of the solutions for you?

The recent knife crime is a massive concern for everyone , both young and old, and there are no easy answers, but having regular constructive seminars with the right audience can do no harm.

Parents have to be in tune with their children and should be challenging more. That's important.

I believe every sporting association should also be doing regular surgeries with their young people. This not only  makes them feel they belong, but if the young people are being drawn into the gang world, they have someone to go to.

Funding is also the key, more needed with sustainability.

What role can Empire play today to tackle youth violence and knife crime?

Empire can play a massive and lead role as it is an iconic name that all the communities know, so by maybe inviting other organisations  and their young people to deliver a seminar, Empire can spread one message to all.

Too many organisations doing their own thing will only keep the knife issue separate and communities apart, when all should be singing from the same hymn book.

What advice would you give to young people to stay out of trouble?

My advice to young people is don’t be a follower, be your own person, be a positive leader and role model.

What is your opinion of the work Empire does in the gym today?

The Empire today is still doing the work that the old Empire did, by having a safe place and a family hub where everyone is welcome.

Whilst times move on and things evolve, they are still helping young people to aspire and get out of the bubble they are in.

If you want know more about the Empire Community Ambassador project click here.