A DETERMINED martial arts fighter is preparing for the biggest moment of his career so far.

Jay Connor, 27, who studies Muay Thai, had been told by doctors while he was at school that he wouldn’t be able to take part in sport due to a back injury sustained in a car accident.

But Jay refused to give up and he is now preparing for his first fight in February in Liverpool.

Jay said: “I started when I was about 18.

“I thought I am in pain anyway, so I might as well enjoy myself.

“I am excited, it is going to be a lot of hard work.

“I have been off for about a year in rehabilitation for my knee, but I have got six months to prepare.”

Now online TV channel Essex TV is making a documentary on Jay and his journey. It has been entitled My First Fight.

Jay said: “It will be a four-part series following my journey.

“It is a bit strange having cameras following me about. I definitely appreciate my alone time more now.”

Muay Thai is a form of hard martial arts practised around the world, including Thailand and across South-East Asia.

Jay, who lives in Braintree, said: “It is like boxing, but with elbows and kicks.

“It is a very traditional sport and it is a very respectful sport.

“There is whole history to it. It is a great sport to be involved in.

“We have to study the art and it is not something you can just pick up overnight.”

He trains at Romford’s MMA Clinic and said: “The gym I am at now are like a family, it is just like a great family place.

“I teach the children’s classes and it is great to see the kids’ confidence grow. That is so enjoyable to see. It has changed my life and built up my self-esteem and confidence.”

Jay trains hard also going to a traditional gym for weight training.

He hopes in the future, he may be able to run his own gym and pass on his experience to the next generation of would-be fighters.

In the mean time, he runs a pub and studies creative media.

Jay is on the lookout for sponsorship to enable him to continue his training and competition.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact him through Facebook, or via Twitter @JayOneBang