Brazilian call-up Siamthing special

GRAND master . . . Kevin Lloyd has been passing on his specialist knowledge to an elite Brazilian police unit

AN Oldham martial arts expert has been drafted by the Brazilian government to help regain control of the slums from drug gangs ahead of the World Cup.

Grand Master Kevin Lloyd (58), of Shaw, has been teaching self-defence at Siam Camp, Fitton Hill, for 22 years and is now passing on his skills to an elite unit of the Brazilian police force.

The Muay Thai instructor, who has headed the English team since 1995, has been holding sessions with a special branch of the military police in Rio De Janeiro.

Members of the public and police officers have died in violent clashes in Brazil since efforts to pacify the “favela” slums began.

Kevin said: “We covered quite a few aspects of the art. It teaches discipline and keeps you fit and healthy. We went through different twists and throws and they all loved it.

“I enjoy that side of things, passing on knowledge about the style and history of the art and they were all open to learning more.”

Kevin was visiting Brazil as secretary general of the World Muay Thai Federation when he was asked to teach the special unit.

Kevin is one of only three people in the world trained to his level; his knowledge and skills are in demand all over the world.

“We do a lot of work with community groups like Mahdlo and also local schools and it has been very successful and is great fun from my point of view.

“Wherever I go I feel like I’m an ambassador not only for England but for Oldham too.”