FIGHTER Joe Harding says his passion is not about battling opponents, but is instead a constant battle with himself.

The mixed martial arts champion, who is a PE teacher at Maltings Academy in Witham, started fighting when he was 10 years old.

He has gone from kickboxing under the guidance of his dad to joining Team UK in an international mixed martial arts championships in Las Vegas.

Mr Harding, 25, said: "My dad was a kick boxer and I liked learning about discipline and channelling my energy.

"I fell in love with the idea of what it could do for my life. By the time I was 19 MMA was getting quite big and I thought I should learn some other elements to see what I was really made of."

The former John Bramston School student admits he was never destined for a bright future, but has used his grit and determination to achieve success – a mindset he now instils in his students.

He said: "I'm always thinking about how good I could be. After finishing biology and sports science at university in 2013 I started teaching and both jobs are quite similar.

"Martial arts is a way of life, it's not just about punching and kicking, it's about making yourself better.

"I also want to be a good teacher and excel in everything, and pass that on to the children.

"It's not about battling opponents, you're in a constant battle with yourself."

Having been crowned British Champion in Mixed Martial Arts last month in front of 35,000 viewers, he has now qualified fight in the international championships during UFC 200 Fight Week.

He spent two months at a training camp in Thailand in preparation for his last fight, returning in February to beat the number two in Europe and be crowned champion.

With the support from his parents and girlfriend Olivia, he is now preparing for the international championships in July.

He said: "It's my biggest platform yet, I feel excited.

"It's been a long time coming and it's a big deal representing the country.

"Usually I'm a laid back character, but I'm very foccussed and have a great family who support me."