Ron Van Clief (aka the “Black Dragon”) is an American martial artist and an actor in Hollywood and Hong Kong action films.
Ron was a five-time World Champion and a 15-time All-American Champion who fought in UFC 4 at the age of 51 (the oldest competitor to-date).
Ron was voted as the 2002 Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame Actor, Author, Action Director and Chinese Goju Founder and had competed in over 900 tournaments over a span of 40 years on the tournament circuit.
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Ron is also the author and creator of a number of instructional books and video recordings.
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Here is my Q&A session with Ron Van Clief:
James
In your opinion, what needs to change in 2010 to make MMA more widely accepted and mainstream popular?
Ron
There needs to be international rules and regulations established…Better referee/judge certification.
James
What do you love most about MMA?
Ron
It is the natural evolution for the martial arts. I love the cross training concept in reality training. MMA will be like baseball, football and soccer in its popularity globally.
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Certainly, the fans experienced a great deal of frustration in 2009 due to the inconsistencies by various referees and judges, so I would tend to agree with Ron on his recommendation. Why as there will always be a certain amount of subjectivity that goes with a referee/judge system, it is important that the fans understand this process and that the process itself is based on greater consistency between organizations.
I also think that it says a lot about the future of the sport when a legend such as Ron Van Clief is supporting the values and mission of MMA. The evolution of MMA would appear to be inevitable, but at this stage, it still requires as much positive influence and optimism as possible.
Thanks very much Ron and have a very happy New Year!
These are my opinions. If you don’t like them…I have others. Check them out at www.mrjamesryan.com
Tomorrow: MMA Q&A with Pat Miletich: What Needs to Change in 2010?
LOL You should ask Joseph Lupoli what he thinks needs to change in MMA in 2010. Set up your article as though it's an 'exclusive' interview with “The one and only Joseph”. That ought to get a rise out of the B/R Dana White propaganda machine suckers, and all those other UFC-is-great-everything-else-sucks, nuthuggers.
Ask me about five or so questions, and you know me: You'll get nothing less than intelligent, honest opinions.
Who?? LOL
Tell ya what Joseph, I will contact you when this series is complete (probably in a about a week or so). I would love to hear your take on things.
Hope you had a great Christmas and Happy New Year!!
Thanks, James…
And happy New Year to you and your family!
You are a fellow Canadian so I like your article! Kidding, it is short but I am looking forward to see the future articles.
A true pioneer. This guy entered a cage when there were no rules, no pre determined expectations of what could happen, it was all an unkown very dangerous world. Ive said before, the original fighters in the UFC had “you know whats” of pure steel to get in that cage. Now everyone pretty much knows what could possibly happen and are mentally and physically prepared for it, back then no body knew what to expect and that makes them very admirable in my opinion. Bravery at its finest within the sport. Pat Miletich huh, very cool. Going after the old schoolers huh, a great idea. They deserve their due. It was an interview with Don Frye that really got my appetite for MMA going again. Good stuff here James.
That's pretty cool – I think Master Van Clief is a very inspirational man and I totally agree – the establishment of universal rules and regulations is badly needed.
Van Clief was 51-years-old when he fought Royce Gracie in UFC IV (I think it was IV)
And he hung really tough with Royce. Sure, Van Clief was taken down quickly and out of his stand-up element, but despite eating an awful lot of palm strikes on the ground, he still lasted quite some time before being forced to tap due to a choke hold.
Ron was and is a tough, tough guy!