FORMER De La Salle rugby league player Josh O'Sullivan is making a big name for himself in mixed martial arts (MMA) after apparently overcoming a health scare a few years ago.
O'Sullivan, 22, of Gymea, focuses on Brazilian jui jitsu, wrestling and Muay Thai and already holds several international, national and state titles in numerous martial arts. He took home the Australian Grappling Tournament title at the start of the month.
"I would like to win the world championships at the Abu Dhabi world jui jitsu tournament in Dubai this year (equivalent to the Olympics for jui jitsu exponents)," he said.
"The world trials will be at Sutherland in November and I have about six state and national titles to go in preparation for this, including the Pan Pacific titles in Melbourne in October. "I would also like to have a MMA cage fight later in the year."
Trained at Southern Cross Jui Jitsu Academy by head coach Rodney Ellis, O'Sullivan has had to overcome rib and stomach injuries to continue on his successful path. Amazingly, he also had to deal with epilepsy along the way.
At 18, he suffered a minor knock to his head, became disoriented and was rushed to hospital where he collapsed on the steps and suffered multiple seizures.
"Doctors put me into a coma to prevent possible brain damage but complications meant I couldn't be eased out of it for 14 days," he said.
"I lost 15 kilograms and the large amount of prescription medications I took to treat my now-diagnosed epilepsy stopped me from working for six months."
Months later he had what he describes as a "mental snap" — and decided to stop all drugs and get back into training.
"Since that day I have never looked back and continue to train hard without prescription medication," said O'Sullivan, who has been inspired by world MMA champion George St Pierre.
So far, so good. Now the world is waiting for Josh O'Sullivan.
■Away from sport Josh O'Sullivan has worked hard to set up a new online company, Ontail.
"It is a world-first auction concept designed to support Australian retailers while providing big savings for customers," he said.
"We have an awesome team developing the website and we are set to launch mid-year."
