Nick Carpenter’s journey into combat sports is a story of pliability, born from personal tragedy. Growing up on the small island of Jersey in the Channel Islands located between England and France, Nick’s life took a profound turn after the loss of his best friend to suicide. This heart-breaking event led him to boxing, not just as a sport but as a lifeline.
“I started boxing when I was about 16,” Carpenter recalls. The sorrow from losing his friend left him struggling mentally, and he found himself in a dark place. “Combat sports hold a special place in my heart, especially after I lost my best friend to suicide. It got me out of a dark place mentally.”
Boxing as long as Carpenter with an outlet to channel his emotions, offering structure and discipline during a time of chaos. It wasn’t just about the physicality of the sport; it was about finding focus and reclaiming a sense of purpose. “Boxing changed my life,” he says, highlighting how the sport played a crucial role in his mental recovery.
His move to Sri Lanka was driven by his passion for martial arts and fitness. He now works as a coach specifying in boxing, kickboxing, MMA, wrestling, and all things fitness-related. “I help people down in Ahangama, at Loka Lanka Fitness. ‘Loka’ means realm of existence, and I aim to create a space open to everyone, from beginners to advanced practitioners, fostering an atmosphere where everyone can learn and enjoy their training,” says Carpenter, 30, who won the MMA title at Fight Night V.
As Carpenter engrossed himself in combat sports, his passion grew beyond personal healing. He began to see martial arts as a way to connect with others and make a positive impact. His experience with depression and the solace he found in boxing fueled his desire to teach and help others discover the same sense of purpose. “Teaching and seeing people enjoy this sport, particularly in Sri Lanka, is incredibly meaningful to me,” he shares.
His love for combat sports ultimately led him to explore other disciplines, including MMA and Jiu-Jitsu. Now, as a coach at Loka Lanka Fitness in Sri Lanka, Carpenter uses his platform to inspire others, particularly those facing their struggles. He understands firsthand the transformative power of martial arts and is committed to creating a space where others can find the same curative and growth that he did. “For me, it’s not about winning or losing but trying your best. You win before the fight by being disciplined, training consistently, and making sacrifices,” Nick emphasizes, underscoring the life lessons combat sports can teach.
Carpenter is not only a contestant but also a dedicated coach. “I’m qualified as a coach. I’ve been in this industry teaching while fighting and training, handling everything from weight cutting to coaching people from their first white-collar event to professional athletes. My journey has been unbelievable, having competed in events like the HFC (Highland Fighting Championship) and Combat by Jesh, and I’ve had a couple of fights in the UK, alongside about 10 boxing matches. I’m also a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and have been a full-time coach since about 2018.”
The MMA scene in Sri Lanka has enjoyably surprised Carpenter. “The MMA scene in Sri Lanka has been interesting. Cricket is the main sport here, so I was unsure about the combat scene. However, the turnout for rivalries has been great, with a lot of interest, especially in events like Combat by Jesh. The atmosphere around the combat scene is amazing, and it’s becoming very popular, which is great to see.”
He stressed the position of safety in training. “Regulating the dangers of the sport requires having a good coach who knows what they’re doing and creates a safe environment for training and competition.”
Reflecting on his recent successes, Carpenter shares, “In my recent fights, I finished both in the second round with ‘ground and pound’, achieving dominant positions and striking effectively. It has been an astonishing journey, and I’m excited to see where it leads next.”
At Loka Lanka Fitness, he fosters a helpful and inclusive community. “There’s a saying: ‘You can’t fire a cannon off a canoe.’ This translates to boxing and striking – balance is crucial, or you will fall over and not generate power. Footwork is one of the most important things to learn in martial arts.”
“I want to work together and collaborate with coaches and gyms to help inspire younger generations to try something new or chase their dreams. Martial arts are amazing for discipline, fitness, strength, confidence, and humility. Having the ability to defend you is always a must. Winning is done before the fight by showing up every single day, striving to be at least 1% better than the day before,” he pointed out.
Carpenter’s vision spreads beyond personal success in the ring. “My goal now is to continue fighting and coaching. Being in the cage or ring makes me feel alive and present. I love coaching and teaching, and I’m working to build a business here in Sri Lanka. It’s not about competing with other coaches or instructors; it’s about collaborating and helping people improve their training. I train everyone, from beginners to professionals, and I believe we can all learn from each other,” he said.
Nick Carpenter’s journey from a inconsolable teenager to a passionate coach and MMA titleholder is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Through his work, he not only shares his love for martial arts but also honours the memory of his friend by helping others find their way out of darkness, just as he did.
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