Nick Carpenter’s journey into the world of combat sports is not just a story of athletic pursuit. Instead it is a deeply personal tale of resilience and healing.
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 tragic loss of his best friend to suicide. This heartbreaking event became the catalyst that drove him into the world of boxing and martial arts, not just as a sport but as a lifeline.
“I started boxing when I was about 16,” Nick recalled, reflecting on a time when his life was marked by profound grief and confusion. “Combat sports hold a special place in my heart, especially after I lost my best friend to suicide. It really got me out of a dark place mentally.”
For Nick, boxing wasn’t just about throwing punches; it became a way to channel his emotions, find focus and reclaim a sense of purpose. The discipline, structure, and physicality of the sport offered him a much-needed escape from the pain and a path toward recovery. “Boxing changed my life,” he says, underscoring the impact the sport had on his mental health and overall well-being.
As Nick delved deeper into combat sports, he began to see them as more than just a personal refuge – they became a way to connect with others and make a difference. His experience with depression and the healing he found through martial arts fuelled his passion for teaching and helping others discover the same sense of purpose and strength. “Teaching and seeing people enjoy this sport, particularly in Sri Lanka, is incredibly meaningful to me,” he explains.
Nick’s move to Sri Lanka was driven by his passion for martial arts and fitness. He now works as a coach specialising 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 Nick, 30, who won the MMA title at Fight Night V.
Nick’s love for combat sports eventually led him to explore other disciplines, including MMA and Jiu-Jitsu, which allowed him to continue pushing himself physically and mentally. “I transitioned from boxing to Jiu-Jitsu, competed in a few competitions, and eventually moved to MMA. Watching UFC compelled me to try it myself. It’s one of the hardest sports I’ve ever done, but it’s amazing because of all the disciplines involved.”
Now, as a coach at Loka Lanka Fitness in Sri Lanka, Nick is using his platform to inspire others, particularly those who may be facing their own struggles. He understands firsthand the transformative power of martial arts and is dedicated to creating a space where others can find the same healing 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. When you step into the ring or cage, it’s time to relax and showcase your skills,” Nick says, emphasizing the life lessons that combat sports can teach.
“Teaching and seeing people enjoy this sport, particularly in Sri Lanka, is incredibly meaningful to me. While cricket is the main sport here, witnessing the growing love for MMA is inspiring, and there are some truly talented athletes.”
The transition from boxing to MMA was a natural progression for Nick. “What made me switch to MMA from boxing? Everything in martial arts is interconnected. After boxing for so long, I wanted a change and felt the next step was to try Jiu-Jitsu. I transitioned from boxing to Jiu-Jitsu, competed in a few competitions and eventually moved to MMA. Watching UFC compelled me to try it myself. It’s one of the hardest sports I’ve ever done, but it’s amazing because of all the disciplines involved”, he said.
Nick is not only a competitor but also a dedicated coach. “I’m definitely 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 incredible, 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,” he contends.
Balancing coaching and competing is challenging but fulfilling for Nick. “Yes, I am competing. It’s challenging to build a business, teach people, and train for the sport, but it’s something I’m very passionate about. Inspiring others, especially young people or those interested in the sport, is what truly matters to me”, he said.
The MMA scene in Sri Lanka has pleasantly surprised Nick. “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 competitions 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.
“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. It’s crucial for coaches to ensure that techniques are done correctly to prevent injuries or accidents,” he asserted.
Reiterating the importance of footwork to his students, he says: “People often get tired of me emphasizing the importance of footwork. Footwork is everything in martial arts. If you can get in and out of danger, you’re halfway there. Balance is the key and strong foundations are essential for generating power in strikes. In MMA, there are so many disciplines to consider, making it both a physical and mental challenge, unlike boxing, which primarily focusses on punches.”
Reflecting on his recent successes, Nick 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 amazing journey, and I’m excited to see where it leads next.
“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 is amazing for discipline, fitness, strength, confidence and humility. Having the ability to defend yourself 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.
Nick’s vision extends 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’s journey from a grieving teenager to a passionate coach and MMA titleholder is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. Through his work, he is not only sharing his love for martial arts but also honouring the memory of his friend by helping others find their way out of darkness, just as he did.
