Adam Hamilton

Adam Hamilton at the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu dojo in Calgary, Alta. Sept. 26, 2024.

Martial arts are systems and traditions of combat practiced for self-defense, military, and law enforcement applications, competition, physical, mental, spiritual development and entertainment or simply preservation of a nation’s cultural heritage.

The term martial art is derived from Latin and means “arts of Mars” the Roman god of war, however, some authors have argued that fighting arts or fighting systems would be more appropriate on the basis that many martial arts were never “martial” in the sense that they were not created or used by professional warriors.

Muay Thai or Thai boxing is a combat sport that uses stand-up striking along with various techniques using fists, elbows, knees and shins and Jiu-jitsu is a self-defense system that focuses on grappling with particular emphasis on ground fighting.

Adam Hamilton, 19-year-old Londoner, has been living in Calgary for the past two years and has been involved in the world of martial arts since he was 12.

He, as well as many other young men has found in those practices more than a hobby. Hamilton “never resonated” with any other sport. He disliked skating so hockey was out of the picture early; he didn’t find any enjoyment in soccer, basketball or volleyball and although he did try to like baseball and football, he never really felt a connection to those either.

“Sports weren’t my thing. I was the fat, lazy kid, and never really showed interest in sports but my dad insisted I tried something different every time,” he reminisced about his childhood experiences.

And that’s where his passion for martial arts started. His father Nathan was a boxer from age 14 to his early 20’s when he became a parent. After that he taught Adam all about UFC fights until he said he wanted to be a UFC boxer himself.

Not really excited about his son wanting to be a boxer and a bit worried about brain damage. The father encouraged him to try Brazilian jiu-jitsu which he called “the superior technique.”

After that Adam started training and found in the sport a motivation to be fit. After “getting his ass kicked” he was determined to get in shape and workout more. He started training more often and lifting weights with his friend Thomas, who had learned how to do it from his own father. After training for a while, Adam started competing. And on his first competition at only 15 years old, he took home the gold.

“It instills discipline, teaches mental toughness and motivates you to pursue physical fitness like nothing else,” declared Adam.

People who know him can see how this has impacted his personality and admire how resolute he is to work for what he wants.

“Adam is a very quiet and reserved guy; he seems very determined and he is hardworking and that shows,” stated Katharyn Sotvedt.

Characterized by always showing determination to achieve his dreams and responsibility towards his commitments. He became a part-time lifeguard at the YMCA and takes his job seriously. He worked hard for that job and definitely knows the value of making an effort for the things he wants.

“I first applied to be a personal trainer but I didn’t have the credentials, but I wanted to work there so bad! I just shot my shot and applied to be a lifeguard,” Adam reflects.

His friends describe him as logical and disciplined; they admire and see a clear connection between his training and the persona they care about.

“Adam is the most honest, down-to-earth, caring human being I’ve ever met. He knows exactly when to listen, when to give advice, and when to tell me I’m delusional. I think a lot of these characteristics that I treasure in our friendship come from the mental and physical training of his background in martial arts,” asserts Juliana Silva who has been his best-friend for years.

In summary, his friends list his qualities and state Adam is a simple young man; with a kind smile and eyes that make him seem approachable and willing to help. He looks at people in the eye when talking to them and keeps the conversation polite and engaging.

Those who know him describe knowing him as a “great privilege” and value having him as a friend.

He now dreams to be in the military and continues to portray a strong inclination to serve others in everything he does.