POLOKWANE – Derrick Deysel (32) chooses to inspire others through his impressive achievement of losing 49 kg.

Derrick has been participatng in kickboxing, jiu jitsu and mixed martial arts (MMA) for the past seven years and has recently received his blue belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu.

About three years ago he competed in MMA and stopped for two years but will be entering the cage yet again this year. “I will be competing in the 77 kg weight class this year, if I manage to cut my weight to 70 kg, that will be a blessing and a great achievement.”

He said that he chose MMA to prove to himself that he can achieve his dreams even though the sport is tough. “The Brazilian jiu jitsu and the wrestling must be the hardest, toughest sport around, so I chose them to prove to myself what I am capable of physically.”

He added that this special achievement was thanks to the great support from all the fighters of Guts and Glory MMA, under head coach Jan Roets, his wife, family and jiu jitsu coach, Dewet du Bruyn. “I would like to thank all of them for the help, especially in the last five years with my training, diet and advice.”

He stated that it wasn’t an easy achievement as he works a full-time job, but he also said that if you want something bad enough you will find a way to achieve it.

“I am on a high protein diet, eating eight times a day to keep my metabolism going, it consists of small portions and cutting carbs and sugar out for the past four to five years.”

Deysel has excellent advice for people who are struggling with weight problems, and people who would like to make a positive change in their lives.

 “My advice is to just start training, any training, the hardest part will be the healthy eating, but once you survive the first two to three weeks you will make it, so stop dreaming and start doing.”

He also said that the battle with weight loss is all in the mind and if you change your mind, you can change your body. “I am working a full-time job, like most of my training partners, but it never stopped any of us from training at five in the morning, many late nights and even weekends too.”

He added it is important to be patient because you did not pick up all your weight overnight, and you will not lose all that weight overnight either.

The fighter is married with two young sons, and he likes to spend his free time with family and friends. “When I train, I am free of stress and I am relaxing, I love being active, remember being healthy is a lifestyle, be patient and know it is never too late to start.” he said.
calvyn@nmgroup.co.za