Beyond The Canvas

In this episode of  Beyond The Canvas , I’m joined by former multiple-weight world champion, P.E. teacher, Muay Thai coach, and cancer fighter, Dean James. We talk about Dean’s first steps into Muay Thai and the challenges his family has faced, from dealing with bullying to battling cancer. Dean opens up about the strength it took to keep going through those difficult times and how those experienc...

In this episode of  Beyond The Canvas , I’m joined by former world champion Muay Thai fighter Daniel Sam. We talk about Black Diamond Gym, Dan’s fighting history, and his journey to winning European gold twice, as well as British and world titles. Dan shares his coaching methods and the mentality behind pushing people to their limits in training so they can replicate that resilience in everyday li...

In this episode of  Beyond The Canvas , I’m joined by former professional MMA fighter and now counsellor, Matt Ewin. We talk through Matt’s journey into MMA, the physical and financial challenges of being a fighter, and the proud moment of capturing the Cage Rage British Championship. After retiring from professional MMA and going through a period of depression that took him to the brink of suicid...

In this episode of  Beyond The Canvas , I’m joined by former professional MMA fighter and head coach of Trojan Free Fighters, Paul Sutherland. We explore the history of Trojan and how Paul came to lead one of the most respected teams in the UK. Paul reflects on his own MMA career and the fighters who have come through the gym, including the Figlak Brothers, Che Mills, Ronnie Mann, Chris Arstley, L...

In this episode of  Beyond The Canvas , I’m joined by former professional boxer Andy Harris. We talk through Andy’s decorated amateur and professional boxing career, as well as the realities of life as a journeyman fighter and what it takes to keep going on the road. Andy opens up about the safety implications of cutting weight, taking fights on short notice, and the financial pressures and strugg...

In this episode of  Beyond The Canvas , I’m joined by former professional MMA fighter and head coach of IRON Mann MMA Gym, Ronnie Mann. We dive into Ronnie’s heritage, upbringing, and the early days of MMA, including how the sport and its ruleset have evolved over time. Ronnie also reflects on his professional fighting career, taking us through appearances at Cage Rage, Cage Warriors, Bellator, Ca...

In this week’s episode of  Beyond the Canvas , I’m joined by Amin Khan, head coach at Truth Boxing Club in Gloucester. We explore Amin’s journey through boxing, from his early influences in the sport to what ultimately led him into coaching. He shares his perspective on the history of boxing and the values it instills, alongside the responsibility of being a role model — particularly within the Mu...

In this episode of  Beyond the Canvas , I’m joined by Eli Harrison — Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and head coach at Gracie Barra Gloucester. We dive into Eli’s journey through the ranks and what it truly felt like to earn his black belt, along with his perspective on the different stages of the belt system and where he found the most growth. We also talk about dealing with injuries and the chall...

In this episode, I sit down with former professional boxer Todd Roberts, now head coach at Baker Street Boxing Club. We explore Todd’s journey into boxing, from his early days in the sport through to his amateur and professional career. He shares the realities of life as a fighter, the sacrifices required to compete, and the mindset needed to stay in the game. Todd also opens up about his decision...

This episode of  Beyond the Canvas  is dedicated to the life and memory of Adam Webb, who sadly passed away on 13/06/26. Adam was a former professional MMA fighter and coach, but more than that, he was a presence — someone who brought energy, confidence, and warmth into every room he stepped into. Known for his big heart, infectious spirit, and genuine kindness, Adam left a lasting impression on e...

In this episode of  Beyond the Canvas , I’m joined by Dan Ward — a 10th degree black belt in Ninjitsu, a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, former amateur MMA fighter, and ex-Metropolitan Police firearms officer with experience in diplomatic and political protection. We dive into Dan’s journey into martial arts and fighting, exploring the history and philosophy behind Ninjitsu, and how his path ev...

In this episode, I’m joined by  Job Salomão Rigon —a former Brazilian Tactical Police Officer,  Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt , and amateur MMA fighter—for a powerful and wide-ranging conversation. We explore Job’s deep-rooted  family history in service , from his grandfather in the army to his father in the police, and how that legacy carried through him and his brothers serving in the navy befo...

In this episode, I’m joined by  Hassan Patel —a firearms police officer,  Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt , former amateur MMA fighter and boxer, and now a novice archer. We explore how he balances a demanding life across  martial arts, career, fatherhood, and religious commitments , and what it takes to stay consistent across so many disciplines. Hassan shares insights into why  rugby players oft...

In this episode, I’m joined by  Jon Pitman , head coach of  Fight Factory Gloucester , for a raw and honest conversation about his journey. From his early days as an  amateur boxer , Jon opens up about a difficult period in his life involving  trouble with the law and addiction , and the turning point that led him to rebuild his life through boxing. Now a respected coach and gym owner, Jon shares...

In this episode, I’m joined by  Michael Biggs  to explore his journey from the amateur ranks into his  professional boxing career , and the decision to step away from competition to pursue a path in  coaching . Now a  Level 3 England Boxing Coach  and  DiSE Head Coach at Filton College , Michael is shaping the next generation of fighters. We dive into the  evolution of dieting and weight cutting i...

In this episode, I’m joined by  Ben Rudman  to explore his journey through  boxing, judo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu , and how those experiences led him into  MMA coaching  and co-promoting his first event,  Iron Fight Championship . Ben also shares insight into his life outside of combat sports, working as a  landscaper  and successfully using  social media to grow his business and build a loyal fol...

In this episode, I’m joined by former UFC fighter  Ché Mills  for a powerful and honest conversation. We discuss his journey through  MMA , the development of  Mills Muay Thai Academy , and his passion for  mentoring young people  coming through challenging environments. Ché opens up about his  childhood , including growing up while his father was incarcerated, and how those experiences shaped his...

In this episode, I’m joined by former English, British, and European six-title Muay Thai champion  David Willmott . We explore his incredible journey through combat sports, including stepping into the boxing ring at  48 years old  and not even beginning his career until the age of 30. David shares stories from training across some of the UK’s toughest gyms, the moment a sparring session with  Andr...

Former professional boxer  Max Mudway  joins the show to share his journey beyond the ring. We discuss his  transition from boxing  to a new chapter focused on  mindset coaching, personal training, and HYROX , exploring how the discipline and mental resilience of sport apply far beyond competition. Max also offers powerful insights into  modern masculinity , reflecting on society’s expectations of...