This update from Grandmaster Jerry Fast Speed Francis highlights the relaunch of the UMAN OG Pro martial arts apparel line, including the innovative Sniper One sneakers and hoodies. It reflects on the history of martial arts apparel, the challenges faced by the community, and the vision to attract mainstream audiences with professional league events and quality gear.
Good evening from Grandmaster Jerry Fast Speed Francis and the UMAN OG Pro Internationals. The Unified Martial Art Network (UMAN) Professional League is back, and the focus is on getting paid and elevating the martial arts community. This update covers exciting developments in martial arts apparel, reflections on the sport's history, and plans to bring martial arts to a broader audience.
There was a time when I manufactured martial arts apparel, including top-tier headgear, Ring Star sneakers, and what I called Real Easy Kicking Suits. Over the years, many copies of these products have appeared, but the original quality and innovation remain unmatched.
Today, I am proud to announce the relaunch of the UMAN OG Pro apparel line, featuring the latest innovation: the Sniper One. This includes the Sniper One hoodie sweatshirt and the Sniper One sneakers.
The sneakers are unique because they collapse easily, providing comfort and protection during sparring. When you get hit in the body, the impact is barely felt, and hits to the face are less painful than a foot strike. The shoes have multiple holes that create a spring effect, enhancing traction and performance. Both myself and Master Thai have been using them extensively with great results.
The gym where events are held is impressive, with over 1,000 seats located on the second floor, providing excellent spectator views. This setup is designed to attract more spectators than typical tournaments by targeting the mainstream market — people who have never seen a martial arts show before.
Events run from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM, offering a two-and-a-half-hour show reminiscent of the golden days of martial arts competitions. This approach aims to revive the excitement and professionalism of martial arts events.
Looking back to 1997, I created a documentary with Tico Flores, Tuan, and Felix Cortes because I was concerned about the introduction of the 30 to 39 age division in competitions. I felt it was not implemented with good reason, and unfortunately, many aspects of the martial arts world have regressed since then.
One major issue is the prevalence of unconscious incompetence — people who do not realize what they do not know. This has led to a proliferation of low-quality copies of apparel and gear, diluting the integrity of the sport.
Coming from Arizona is Dwan Magett, nicknamed Spider-Man and known as Buster in the Bronx basketball scene. He was one of the top heavyweight fighters in California during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Dwan is relocating to North Dakota but will be returning to the Bronx soon, bringing his experience and energy back to the community.
UMAN continues to support all fighters, men and women alike, in the professional league. The focus remains on providing opportunities to get paid and grow the sport professionally.
The UMAN OG Pro Internationals update is a call to action for martial arts enthusiasts to embrace quality, professionalism, and mainstream appeal. With the relaunch of the apparel line, innovative gear like the Sniper One sneakers, and a vision for engaging events, the future of martial arts looks promising. It is time to move forward, learn from the past, and build a stronger, more competent martial arts community.
Getting paid, getting paid, getting paid — that is the mantra as we push the sport to new heights.
Stay tuned for more updates from Grandmaster Jerry Fast Speed Francis and the UMAN OG Pro Internationals.
