Retired MMA fighter and founder of House of Tinkerbel, JP ‘Tinkerbel’ Kruger, is determined to raise a generation of fighters who strive to be their best selves
in every aspect of their lives.
The Addie sat down with Kruger to found out more about his career and philosophy.
What were your early MMA days like?
Like many young boys and girls, I got bullied at school and decided that I have to do something to fight back and protect myself, so I took up kickboxing.
I won some tournaments quite early and saw that this is something I’m actually quite good at so I got into MMA. I saw how competitors were complete athletes.
What will you remember most from your MMA career?
I will never forget my fight with Tumelo Maphutha, it felt like the guy could kill me if he wanted to but somehow I won.
The best thing was discovering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), which turned me into the best fighter I could be.
What makes BJJ so special?
For me it was a complete lifestyle change, you don’t only become a better fighter and athlete but it changes you in almost every single way you can think.
It’s one of the best things that have ever happened to me, and I really want to thank my coach, Huntley Smith.
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MMA’s James Read feels blessed to still be fighting in the ring
What should young and aspiring fighters know about MMA?
They should know that talent is overrated and that hard work is the only thing that matters. The guy who spends the most time on the mat is guy who will eventually win.
They must also check their egos and not become arrogant. Stay humble, keep your head down and train.
How did you earn the nickname ‘Tinkerbel’?
I always like to say ‘first you hear the tinkle then you get the bell’, but it was actually a name given to me by my coach Raymond Phillips to keep my ego in check and not become too arrogant.
Is there a special message you give to the fighters you train?
I tell them that belts and titles don’t count that much in the end.
I want them to become the best version of themselves, be that when they are on the road driving in their car, in the streets or with their families and friends.
I want them to not just become champions in the ring, but the peoples’ champion in every way they can. Then I know I have done a good job.
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