Jayden Holmes claims three combat sports titles after starting out at Fontainebleau gym
EXCERPT: A local teenager's decision to get fit and lose weight has turned into a historic run across kickboxing and Muay Thai disciplines. Mthulisi Lwazi Khuboni
Eighteen-year-old Jayden ‘The Pitt Bull’ Holmes has carved out an impressive path in kickboxing and Muay Thai after starting his training at Elite Muay Thai Boran Gym in Fontainebleau to lose weight.
Jayden began his journey three years ago looking for a way to stay active and shed weight, which sparked a passion that changed his life.
His search for a new challenge led him to Elite Muay Thai Boran Gym in Fontainebleau, where he took his first steps into combat sports.
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“I was quite overweight, and I needed to lose weight,” says Jayden. “I got interested in gyms like weightlifting. Then I eventually stumbled into martial arts and UFC. I then researched gyms around the area, and I found Elite, and then I just started training from there.”
He explained that training was initially intimidating, but the local community welcomed him.
“It’s such a great community,” says Jayden. “They’re so welcoming and whatever. So I was, like, this is definitely something I want to do in the long run.”
What began as a fitness journey soon became something much bigger. As Jayden pushed his limits through gruelling training sessions, discipline and determination, he discovered a love for kickboxing and Muay Thai.
He said he did not expect to reach his current level of success, despite setting good goals for himself.
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Three years later, his commitment and hard work have paid off remarkably. Jayden now proudly holds three championship belts: South African Muaythai Organisation Junior South African Welterweight Title belt (Muay Thai), Junior Welterweight South African Title belt (Kickboxing) and K1 WKU Junior Intercontinental Title.
From a teenager seeking a healthier lifestyle to a rising champion in the ring, Jayden’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion and the courage to push beyond limits.
He advised upcoming fighters to put in the work and show up every day.
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