Martial arts: Hard work pays for welterweight title

Kelvin Joseph shows off his national welterweight title belt at his gym in Tauranga. Photo / John Borren

Kelvin "Crazy Horse" Joseph can finally wear the treasured MMA national welterweight champions belt he has desired for so long.

The 36-year-old instructor, based at the Hybrid MMA Academy in Tauranga, won the title against highly-rated BJ Bland, at the Shuriken Proving Grounds event at the North Shore Events Centre last month. Bland is a tough competitor and a southpaw, which made things difficult, but Joseph eventually got the job done in style.

"It was so satisfying because it has been years and years of training to come down to one moment, and to ensure you seize that opportunity," Joseph said. "When you lose it could be a while before you get another shot at a title. It was very important and there was a lot of pressure going into the fight of course.

"I am grateful to Bedlam fight ware, Adonis supplements and the Martial Arts Academy."

Joseph has represented New Zealand at the world champs for wrestling, won the Sansaar kickboxing and submission grappling titles, is a former New Zealand national wrestling title holder, and is a brown belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu.

Next stop is a chance at making the big time via the US. "We are looking to go to the US and train at Jackson's MMA and Xtreme Couture (Las Vegas). These are famous gyms with top UFC fighters competing at the world level and doing well. Hopefully meeting the right people at these gyms can open up the door for the future to fight abroad. Train with the best, as I strongly believe that iron sharpens iron, so to get better you need to have the best around you."

Joseph rejects suggestions his sport is overly violent. "These guys that are fighting in these cages are actually not thugs but exceptional athletes. "They weigh the same, have the same amount of time to train and prepare, are matched at the same sort of level in their career, and it is a very fair platform to perform at their best."

Joseph has another side to him that is just as important as his coaching and competing. He works for the Bay of Plenty District Health Board as a health and wellness coach, dealing with youths with drug and alcohol issues, bullying and mental health problems. "It is a wonderful opportunity to give back and inspire and mentor other kids, and try and bring positive influences into their life. Then hopefully get them to join the gym and progress over here with me."