Part 17 of our ongoing interview series with amateur MMA fighters.

This week we spoke with Joshua Fernandez. Joshua fights out of Vancouver, WA. He spoke with us about what motivates him to be a better fighter, husband and father. His next fight is coming up on February 24th 2011. So, Joshua, what is your current record? Any fights coming up soon?

My Current record is 0-1-0 but going to keep on fighting till I can't do it anymore. Win or lose I just want to prove I have the heart to fight.

Words to live by, my friend! Anyway, Mixed Martial Arts is clearly not for everyone. At what point in your life did you realize you wanted to become a competitive Mixed Martial Artist?

I don't know if I can tell you the exact date. At some point I just decided to prove to myself that I had the heart not to give up in life. I felt that MMA was going to drive me and push me into becoming a better father, husband, and a better person. And it has. I just want to show my family to fight for what you want in life and never to back down to anyone but God Almighty.

Sounds like you have the heart to take you places. Have there been any challenges in your life that you’ve had to overcome in order to get where you are today?

Well, I have struggled with an anger problem throughout my life. It has gotten me in trouble and has made me do things I wish I hadn’t. Having a mental disorder isn’t that great either. I’m Bipolar and I hate it. I also have ADHD but I use that to my advantage. It helps me keep training. And like most people I had to work hard to get through life. I wouldn’t want it any other way. I can feel proud knowing I worked hard with my hands and strong back to provide for my family. How I overcome it with the help of God, Jesus, and the love of my family. MMA has also helped with my anger and bipolar disorder. I’m way too tired to be angry after training and it gives me a positive outlet to release my anger. MMA helped with my Bipolar because it I have to stay focused to learn new things. It really helps control my emotions.

Wow. That’s amazing. I’m glad everything is working out for you. Is there a current MMA star you like to pattern yourself after?

I respect all MMA fighters. If you have heart to fight I respect you. I really can't pattern myself after any MMA stars. I believe everyone has his or her own way of fighting.

Where do you train? Care to make a shout out to any of your instructors or training partners?

I train at Gladiator MMA in Vancouver, WA. I would like to send out a big thank you to Austin for giving me a shot at my first cage fight. I also would like to acknowledge all the instructors that push me and take their time to train me. And thanks to all the other fighters that train with me at Gladiator MMA.

Has your fighting style evolved since you began training or have you stuck with a specific style throughout?

For now I’m just going to focus on learning all I can, but I believe my fighting will evolve. I already know stuff I didn’t so that’s a sign that I’m learning new skills.

The mental aspects of MMA training are often overlooked. What you do to prepare mentally?

What I do is pray and ask God to give me the heart to train and fight. It gives me a clear state of mind so I can stay focused during training and fighting.

Is there anyone you would like to thank for helping you get to where you are?

God and Jesus for giving me the strength to keep on going. When I feel like quitting they don't let me. Of course there is also my wife and son. My love for them is what drives me to push myself to be a better man.

What advice would you give to other people looking to get into MMA, or any competitive sport, for that matter?

Just go out there and fight instead of sitting down and thinking about it.