DHP's Resident MMA Champion - Jozey James

Jozey (right) opposite his opponent at the weigh-in

Dolphins Health Precinct are privileged to have many different types of Members at different stages of their fitness journey.

Today we look at one such Member; Jozey James. Jozey competed in his first MMA fight last weekend and won in the under 80kg class. Jozey is in an elite category and attributes his wins to the following:

• Trained in Martial Arts since he was 4 (or since he could walk!)
• Judo, Taekwondo, Tora Bushido (Black Belt at 14 years), boxing and kickboxing.
• Trains out of Integrated Martial Arts Academy in Stafford – one of the best gyms in Australia.
• Jozey’s trainers are selected as the very best in their fields with Australia’s number 1 MMA trainer Dan Higgins heading the Mixed Martial Arts and MMA Champion Adrian “the hunter” Pang.

Jozey has won a couple of Kickboxing, Boxing and Thai Boxing fights over the years and has played Rugby League for 15 years (starting at Arana). He works at Eagle Farm mentoring apprenticeships / traineeships – making sure they have a balanced life and keeps them on track.

Jozey says he chose DHP because the facilities were impressive and they suited his training with the equipment and Aquatic Centre, he says he really feels comfortable at DHP because of how welcoming the staff are.

We wish Jozey well in his future MMA fight pursuits and are proud to have him as a Member of DHP.

Member Story - Wendy Burke

Before and after photos of Wendy

Another very inspirational Member story:

“I am over 40 years of age and have struggled with my weight of at least 25 of those years. Some of my earliest childhood memories are comments from well meaning adults about my size, such as; “she’s been on a good paddock”, “she’s got good condition”, “what a butterball”, “such a pretty face-hopefully she will lose that chubbiness” etc.

Being the fat kid at school, I am sure the only thing that saved me from relentless teasing was that I attended a small country high school. There was a very big socio economic spread so there were a lot of different personalities with different backgrounds – not many “normals”.

In my twenties I had enough and embarked on a weight loss regime that involved mostly running and some diet modification. I lost about 15kgs and it stayed off for a number of years, but it was not a complete lifestyle program. I had also not prepared myself for the physiological change that weight loss brings.

I had another crack in my 20’s that was a bit more successful- the weight stayed off for around 6 years but again, involved a crazy amount of exercise (all cardio) but little diet modification. I started to get pain in my knees and met my future husband pretty much at the same time. I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in both knees so used this as an excuse to give up running and playing soccer whilst doing all those things you do when you are first in love-go out to dinner, go out to drinks, go out for breakfast, spend hours talking, sleeping in-you get the idea. Consequently I gained 20kg in one year. When I got pregnant I gained even more.

I was a large size 20 about 5 months after my first son was born and I utterly detested myself. I wanted to make changes and wanted to be a healthy example to my son. I joined a gym and started training with Ange and began learning about training properly with arthritis and about the impact of good nutrition. I lost about 25kg and discovered a love of nutrition so started studying it at college.

After having my second son I realised keeping up with kids is hard work and I have found now that I am more patient and a lot more active with them. I have the stamina at the end of the day to still be smiling and playing with them and not plonking them in front of the television because I’m tired. Beyond the physical changes to my body, I have proven to myself that I have the discipline, determination and persistence to succeed in whatever I want to pursue.”

- Wendy Burke

(Personal Trainer: Angela Mitrovic)

Member Story - Anthony

Anthony before starting at Dolphins Health Precinct
and training with Teneka

We love receiving and hearing about DHP Member stories, and we love passing them on to our Members. This is important as everyone is on a different pathway in their pursuit of health and fitness, but we all have one thing in common - Dolphins Health Precinct. The following story is from Anthony and is very inspiring, hopefully it inspires someone else and shows determination and consistency really do pay off.

In Anthony's words:

"I am Teneka's client, my name is Anthony Arden, I am 41 years old, 6ft tall, browny eyes. I used to be 110kgs, I used very fat indeed, I had a 44 inch waist, so last year I decided to lose weight. On January 10th 2012, I joined your gym (Dolphins Health Precinct), I was told to lose weight by my doctor, I was headed towards getting diabetes, so I bit the bullet, so on January 10th, Carlos showed me around the gym and i decided to join, I signed up for 12 months and three months of personel training with Teneka. I decided to that it was to show my Mum the new me when she came to see me in September and she was amazed when she saw me in Singapore! 

The first few months I went everyday Monday to Friday, and in 3 months I had lost nearly 5 kgs. Teneka was very good, and so far in 12 months I have lost 18kgs. I want to lose another 2 kgs and will be very happy indeed. I am now a 36 inch waist, my wife is so happy for me as well."

Well done Anthony from all the team at DHP!

Regulars Spotted at DHP Cafe!

Regulars and friends Lyn and Penny from Everton Park and Newmarket travel about 40 minutes to come and experience Dolphins Health Precinct!

Thanks for appearing on our blog ladies. As a thank you, please collect your FREE Hot Beverage Voucher from DHP Cafe.

Stay tuned for the next surprise Member appearance!