In martial arts, certain individuals leave an impression so strong that their lessons stick with you for life. For me, one of those individuals was Troy Dorsey. A local hero in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Troy wasn’t just a world champion in kickboxing—he also became a world boxing champion. That kind of crossover success is rare, and for a young martial artist like me, it made him larger than life.
Through my instructor, Joy Turberville, I had the opportunity to train with Troy several times. He wasn’t my primary instructor, but his influence on me was profound. Troy’s accomplishments, his work ethic, and his willingness to welcome us into his gym left a lasting mark. And, of course, I’d be remiss not to mention his mullet—a thing of beauty, truly befitting a Texas legend.
👉 Click here for Part One of this series: Part One
A Champion in Two Worlds
Troy Dorsey’s career is the kind of story that inspires generations. Born in Mansfield, Texas, he started his journey in martial arts as a kid, earning black belts in karate and taekwondo. He didn’t just compete—he dominated. Troy won multiple world championships in kickboxing, including titles under ISKA and PKO, showcasing his unmatched skill in striking.
But Troy didn’t stop there. He transitioned to professional boxing, where he reached the pinnacle of that sport as well. In 1991, he became the IBF World Featherweight Champion, and in 1996, he captured the IBO World Super Featherweight Title. Few fighters have ever held world titles in both kickboxing and boxing, making Troy’s achievements truly historic.
And let’s not forget the look. This was the early ’90s, and in Texas, mullets were big. But Troy’s mullet? It wasn’t just big—it was iconic. Flowing in the back, clean and sharp up front, it was the kind of haircut you just knew belonged to a champion. For a young martial artist growing up in Texas, that mullet was almost as inspiring as the belts he wore.
Training with a Legend
Through Ms. Turberville, I had the privilege of training with Troy on several occasions. It was surreal to work with someone who had achieved so much, yet he was down-to-earth and generous with his time. He wasn’t just focused on teaching techniques—he shared the mindset that made him a champion.
Troy’s emphasis on fundamentals left a big impression on me. He had mastered the basics, and he made it clear that no fancy moves or flashy techniques could replace a solid foundation. “If you don’t get the basics right, nothing else matters,” he’d say. It wasn’t just good advice for martial arts—it was a lesson in life.
There were also times when Ms. Turberville was out sick due to her battle with multiple sclerosis, and Troy opened his gym to us. That gesture of hospitality stood out to me. He didn’t have to let us train in his space. We weren’t his students, and he owed us nothing. But he welcomed us in without hesitation, treating us like we belonged.
The Legacy of a Local Hero
Troy Dorsey’s success in both kickboxing and boxing was monumental, but his legacy goes beyond the belts and trophies. He showed what it means to be a champion not just in competition, but in life. His willingness to share his time, knowledge, and space with a group of young martial artists left a lasting impression on me.
For a young fighter, especially one who was smaller than most of my peers, Troy was proof that size didn’t matter. What mattered was how hard you worked, how much heart you had, and how much you believed in yourself. Watching him dominate in two combat sports inspired me to set higher goals for myself—not just as a competitor, but as a martial artist striving to make an impact.
Carrying the Lesson Forward
Troy Dorsey wasn’t my primary instructor, but the lessons I learned from him are woven into the way I train and teach today. His emphasis on fundamentals, his work ethic, and his generosity remind me that martial arts is more than just a physical practice. It’s about character, perseverance, and how we treat the people around us.
At Pride Mixed Martial Arts, I try to pass on the values I saw in Troy to my students. I want them to understand that success isn’t just about what you achieve—it’s about how you carry yourself and the impact you have on others.
Final Thoughts
Troy Dorsey’s career as a world champion in both kickboxing and boxing is a testament to what’s possible when you combine talent, hard work, and determination. But for me, his true legacy lies in the lessons he taught, both directly and indirectly.
He wasn’t just a fighter to look up to—he was a man who showed that being a champion is about more than winning. It’s about leaving a legacy, inspiring others, and using your platform to uplift those around you.
Even though I wasn’t one of his students, I’ll always be grateful for the time I got to train with him. Troy Dorsey didn’t just teach martial arts—he taught me what it means to be a martial artist. And that mullet? It was just the icing on the cake for one of the coolest, toughest guys I’ve ever met.