World Muay Thai Champion Dean James is a full-time school teacher, but credits his martial arts career to helping him overcome colon cancer. Now 32-years-old, he was diagnosed at the age of 19 and underwent seven months of chemotherapy and several operations, but he continued his gym visits. Looking back, his devotion to the sport boosted his self-confidence and prepared his body for intense combat.

"Instead of internalising it and getting angry with the hand I’d been dealt, I used the Muay Thai to channel that frustration. I kept my passion for Muay Thai from my doctors who’d advised against it for fear of me splitting stiches. I even kept it from my parents because I know they’d worry that it would have detrimental effects on my health if they found out. Training was like a physical and emotional release for me. Punching and kicking the bags made me feel so much better.”

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