At 35 years old, Jelani thought that he was too old to start doing Muay Thai and/or Mixed Martial Arts. Then he met another future Straight Blast Gym athlete, Josh Ledford.
Jelani’s girlfriend, Nan (who also trains Muay Thai at Straight Blast Gym Buford), recalls Josh’s words to Jelani regarding getting started in Muay Thai:
“Forget that, you’re not too old. I’m in my 30’s and get in there to train all the time.”
That was the beginning for Jelani, who then began training in Muay Thai. He and his new friend Josh soon discovered Straight Blast Gym Buford and began training with the Muay Thai athletes. Within a couple short months, it was evident that Jelani was here to stay. Head Muay Thai Coach Patrick Barger said this about Jelani:
“He’s got a great attitude and is in the gym almost every day. Even after the kickboxing tournament last summer, when most of the athletes were taking time off, he was right back in the gym training.”
The kickboxing tournament he is referring to was Jelani’s first foray into martial arts competition. Along with 12 of his fellow Muay Thai athletes (including his girlfriend, Nan), he stepped into the cage to compete in a Muay Thai-Kickboxing contest….at 37 years old.
Jelani is not only a great influence in the
Keep up the awesome work Jelani!
