At just 23, Joshua Iyalla has carved his name into history—three times.
As a Guinness World Record holder for the fastest punches in multiple categories, he’s become a global sensation. But his journey to the top is one rooted in adversity, faith, and relentless determination.
Picture credit: Pukaar
Born in Leicester to British-Nigerian parents, Joshua’s early years were marked by frequent moves—from Leicester Forest East to Stanton Under Bardon, and later to Manchester. Though he’s left Leicester behind, he carries it with him.
“Leicester will always have a special place in my heart,” he says. “I was bullied in school, so some memories are tough. But the time with my family and friends made it meaningful.”
A bright student at Stafford Leys Primary, South Charnwood High, and Brookvale Groby College, Joshua set his sights on Oxford. Predicted A*s in Maths, Physics, and Chemistry made the dream seem attainable. But when he was rejected, it shattered him.
“I remember exactly where I was when I opened the email. It felt like my world collapsed.”
Yet, what felt like failure became redirection. At the University of Leeds, while studying Mathematics, he received a sports scholarship and discovered his passion for content creation. In 2019, he began posting martial arts videos—but growth was slow. For two years, he had just 2,000 followers.
“It was exhausting,” he recalls. “I was studying full-time, creating daily content, and competing—all while struggling financially.”
Then in 2021, everything changed. His follower count exploded, brand deals came in, and he finally found financial stability and confidence.
“That was the turning point. I realised I was capable of much more,” he says.
Joshua’s martial arts journey began at age seven, initially as a response to bullying. For nearly a decade, he hated it. That changed at 16, when he started competing for England.
“Martial arts became everything—my outlet, my business, my discipline. It built who I am.”
After graduating, Joshua set his sights on breaking a Guinness World Record. On April 17, he achieved his goal: 453 full extension punches in one minute. But he didn’t stop there. Within two hours, he broke two more records—374 punches in one minute wearing boxing gloves, and 333 while holding 1 kg weights.
“ It was surreal. I poured everything into it. To go from being bullied to being a world record holder—it was overwhelming. ”
Now, Joshua sees himself differently.
“I’m not just a content creator. I’m a world-class athlete. No one can take that from me.”
Picture credit: Joshua Iyalla
Despite global recognition—from ESPN to Fox News—Joshua remains grounded in his Christian faith and his family.
“Without Jesus and my family, none of this would’ve happened.”
Looking ahead, Joshua hints at exploring music and business.
“Sport, music, entrepreneurship—I want it all. People think I’m delusional, but I believe I can do it,” he says.
His message is clear: “The only thing stopping you is you. I turned pain into power. So can you.”
To follow him on social media, go to: www.instagram.com/joshua_iyalla
