Joseph grew up in a poor working class market town in the North West of England, where young boys had to learn how to fight. Joseph’s Muay Thai journey first began in his home town of Chorley, Lancashire, England, at the age of six years old. Two of Kru Tony Moore’s students, Dave Jones, and Steve Burns who were holding Muay Thai classes at the local sports centre. “Back then we called it Thai Boxing, but the funny thing was that there was just as much grappling, takedowns, and sweeps as there was boxing. Nowadays we call it by the traditional names of Muay Thai, Muay Boran, Muay Pram, Lerdrit.” In 1990, Joseph graded in front of Kru Tony Moore. This inspired the young Joseph and he devoutly attended classes and trained in his backyard with his friends, a pair of focus mitts, and an old tire. Getting in trouble at school for organizing lunch time Thai Boxing fights to train against bullies, where he would award the winners hand made certificates. Joseph’s father was a business man who owned a health food store, security company, and even bet on the odd fight, taking the young Joseph to many Boxing, and Thai boxing fights around the United Kingdom. Later on, Joseph trained with the Sitnarong camp for a couple of years, with Neil Holden, Sandy Holt, and Master Sken, where he graded again.
Joseph joined the cadet force where he learned about military life and activities. At this point, many of Joseph’s friends were taking up Lancashire Catch Wrestling, Rugby league, and other traditional Lancashire sports. Now he realized that history was important to any civilization.
By 2000, Joseph had earned 3rd Grade in Wing Chun Auto defense, but had to stop since there were constant fights between the Wing Chun instructors and Muay Thai Instructors; however, Joseph had been inspired by Shor Chana aka Master Chan in the military styles of Muay Thai. Spending more time with his Thai friends then he would his English friends he would learn to find a love for the Thai culture, Joseph trained hard in Muay Thai, but could not find a Thai to fight him for sport due to the huge weight and height difference.
Joseph joined the United States Marine corps and before he knew it, America was at war. After his service he became depressed, so he tried to find purpose in life by travelling. All of a sudden, there was a huge interest in Muay Thai again. “I guess it’s what the Buddhists call the dharma wheel, but for some reason Muay Thai has been my biggest friend.”
“Currently, I am working with others to promote Muay Thai in North Carolina, and I feel that North Carolina will host some of the best Muay Thai camps, fights, and events. North Carolina already has two full time authentic Muay Thai camps under Aaron Fisher and Chris Clodfelter who are helping me start the ball rolling for North Carolina. I have a couple of Muay Thai meet up groups for the Marines; meanwhile, laying the grassroots for the promotion of Muay Thai in North Carolina. With Plans underway for free fitness and self defense classes for military families, and wounded warriors.”
Joseph is currently training for fights and is a certified trainer in Muay Thai, Muay Kaat Cherk, and Muay Pram with SakSitHaawk Pontawee camp International and the Native American League, Florida, under the supervision of Arjarn Ric Sniffen.
