MMA Social Network | Featured Fighter Josh Kinser | Indiana MMA | Local MMA News

MMA Social Network Featured Fighter Josh Kinser

Why do some people decide to become a mixed martial artist?  Some fight to test their years of hard work in the dojo or academy.  Some do it because they think it adds some sort of street credibility.  Some even do it for fame.  Then there are those that do it because it’s part of being a man.  Josh Kinser falls more into those that just wanted to find out if he has that fighter mentality or not.  “You’re either a fighter or you’re not, and MMA give you a way to find out.”

Josh never really had any traditional martial arts training growing up.  Like many MMA fighters today, he had some background in wrestling, but nothing too extensive.  In 2001, he joined the United States Marine Corps.  The mental toughness he gained from being in the Marines infantry is a key component to the toughness Josh brings into the cage.  “You can’t complain about training.  You just push through it and do it,” Kinser says about putting in the time to train, whether in the Marines or in MMA.  While in the Marines, Kinser participated in the USMC Martial Arts Instructor Course.  There, he met an instructor who was also competing in MMA.  He invited Josh to train with him, and like many others, Kinser was hooked.  In 2005, he moved back to Indiana continued his MMA training.

Now that he is a professional MMA fighter,  Kinser has to mix in training with his job responsibilities.  Josh works part time at Fed Ex on the night shift, leaving his days open to continue his training.  “I will go to Top Level Gym at noon for Muay Thai practice, mid-afternoon I will do conditioning, and at 7 PM, I will head to the Indiana Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy for BJJ or MMA.”  Kinser practices his Muay Thai 3 or 4 times a week while supplementing those striking skills with boxing on the other days.  He will work both gi and no gi training, occasionally mixing in grappling with strikes.  When a fight is approaching, Josh will concentrate more on the MMA aspect of training.

It’s during these grueling training sessions that Kinser looks back on previous performances or will look forward to his upcoming opponent to continue his growth as a professional MMA fighter.  “I respect all of my opponents the same, so I prepare for all of them as hard as I can.”  With everything that goes in to properly preparing for a fight, Kinser is thankful to have Maria Douglas of MJD Services now managing the other aspects of his career.  “I’m a fairly quiet guy, so it is important to have someone negotiating for me,” Kinser says about the importance of a good manager.  MJD Services help make connections with connections in the fight game including sponsorships, as well as helping choose the right fights for Josh’s career.

Kinser has fought at many different weights from 155 lbs to 170 lbs.  His next fight will be at 150 lbs on August 19th at 8-Second Saloon in Indianapolis.  In October, he will be competing at 155 lbs, but is possibly eyeing the 145 lb division in the future.

Josh wants to thank those that have helped him throughout his career so far and is definitely ready for an even bigger future in MMA.  “I would like to thank The Indiana Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy, Top Level Gym, Quest Chiropractic, Loudmouth Marketing Solutions, and Best Beers Inc. of Bloomington.”  Also Steven and Linda Scott of Monroe County Martial Arts for helping him get started in his MMA career and Vortex Martial Arts.  While he can’t thank his many sparring partners enough, Josh would like to specifically thank Brad Woods for all of his help in preparing and wants to wish him good luck in his debut on August 19th as well.   You can LIKE Josh Kinser’s Facebook Fanpage.