A DEDICATED and talented athlete has sacrificed many things to follow his dream of becoming an MMA star.

Joining the HAMMA mixed martial arts academy as a "shy" 11-year-old, Joe Frodsham quickly came out of his shell and has since become one of the gym's most promising athletes.

Although Joe actually lost his first amateur fight, he used this setback to train even harder, determined not to let this happen again, and he subsequently won a series of wins at amateur level across the North West.

With the North Road gym developing a hive of talent in St Helens, the 19-year-old has gone on to win national championship belts and has recently been selected for England's MMA squad for an upcoming championship.

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Joe said he owes everything to HAMMA gym and its coachesJoe said he owes everything to HAMMA gym and its coaches (Image: Joe Frodsham) Highlighting Joe's talent and potential, the 19-year-old won and defended the British Amateur Flyweight Championship at the Golden Ticket Event in 2023 and 2024, and also won the Bantamweight belt at this year's prestigious event.

These wins have come from Joe dedicating his time, energy, and lifestyle to the sport, and the former Rainford High pupil also stepped back from a multi-trade apprenticeship in order to fully commit to his dreams of becoming a professional mixed martial artist.

This extra time has allowed Joe to train religiously at HAMMA, which has become a second home for the athlete as he trains up to six days a week and often multiple times a day.

Joe has become one of HAMMA's most promising talentsJoe has become one of HAMMA's most promising talents (Image: Joe Frodsham) "I first joined came to HAMMA back in Year 7 as quite a shy kid, but I always wanted to make it professional in MMA", Joe said.

"Now the gym has all my belts up on the walls and all the coaches there have invested so much time in me, and I'm so grateful for that.

"With my championship fights, they were training me up to three times a day and made me realise how much work I need to do to make it professional."

With Joe's current title belts proudly hanging up at HAMMA, he is now searching for sponsorship to help fund his trip to the IMMAF World Championships with England next month.

If he wins this fight in Uzbekistan, the 19-year-old hopes to continue competing in the biggest fights he can until he fulfils his dreams and potential of making it pro.

Information about HAMMA, including contact details for Joe's sponsorship can be found here.