Mur Hawk Slater embodies the bravery and tenacity reminiscent of a standout athlete in ONE Championship.
Hailing from Derby, England, this 25-year-old individual was born with spinal muscular atrophy type II, a rare genetic condition. Despite facing numerous challenges stemming from his health condition, he remains dedicated to self-improvement.
Inspired by the remarkable athletes in ONE Championship, Slater greets each day with optimism, a stark contrast to his previous mindset. Discover how this devoted British enthusiast transitioned from despair to hope, with the martial arts community serving as a significant catalyst for his transformation.
Early Challenges
Diagnosed with a degenerative disease at birth, Slater found himself reliant on a wheelchair by the tender age of 20 months. Throughout his school years, he experienced a sense of belittlement and neglect from his educators, individuals expected to offer support.
Reflecting on this period, Slater expressed his frustration, stating:
“I really hate that schoolteachers will talk to you like you are stupid because you’re in a wheelchair.”
Despite his young age, Slater grappled with profound fear on a daily basis due to the severity of his condition, leading to a distressing existence.
Recalling those difficult times, he shared:
“When I was young, I had dark thoughts about dying. I was so scared. Reading stories on the internet didn’t help.”
Discovery of MMA
Fortunately, Slater found unwavering support from his devoted mother, a single parent who tirelessly aided her son through his struggles. During a challenging period marked by extensive spinal surgery, she stood by his side, offering comfort and encouragement. Initially introduced to boxing as a recreational pursuit, Slater’s interest swiftly shifted to mixed martial arts, igniting a deep passion within the young man.
Reminiscing about his early involvement in the sport, Slater fondly remembered:
“When I was younger, my mom used to do little games with me and tell me, ‘Mur, you cannot leave your room until you can name me 10 fighters and their weight classes.‘”
Embracing the ONE Community
Immersing himself in the world of MMA, Slater developed a profound admiration for ONE Championship, finding solace in a welcoming online community that acknowledged and appreciated him. This newfound sense of belonging significantly boosted his self-esteem, offering a fresh perspective on a future where he is seen as an equal.
Grateful for the camaraderie he discovered among his virtual companions, Slater expressed:
“Thanks to the people on Discord, especially some of whom I consider close friends, it’s so much better to wake up every day now. I look forward to the competitions, quizzes, and ONE Championship events. I look forward to it all.”
Recognized as a devoted superfan within the online ONE community, Slater was enlisted as a beta tester for the official mobile game of the promotion set to launch globally this year. His exceptional performance in the MMA strategy game not only contributed significantly to the project but also served as a personal milestone in his journey.
Expressing his gratitude, Slater conveyed:
“I am so grateful to everybody from the ONE Fight Arena Discord Team. You really have helped me in more ways than you could ever imagine, and for that, I am forever grateful.”
A Brighter Path Ahead
Presently excelling as a straight-A student pursuing graphic design in college, Slater harbors aspirations for a promising career trajectory. Reflecting on the challenges he has overcome, this resilient individual acknowledges the pivotal role played by his favorite ONE athletes, including, in fostering his mental resilience.
Extending his heartfelt appreciation to his role models, Slater expressed his aspirations:
“My dream is to one day meet you guys and be able to experience your fights. I’m one of your biggest fans. You have motivated me to develop a strong mind. Thank you for making my life more enjoyable.”