From Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Joseph "Hammer" Sanderson's path to Muay Thai began far from the ring. After touring in metal bands and playing Division 1 hockey, Joseph was drawn to the niche tradition and violence of Muay Thai through a friend who competed. In August 2016, at 30 years old, he took his first class at Stout in Pittsburgh under Coach David Reese.

What started as a new challenge became a complete lifestyle transformation. Joseph took his first amateur fight at 32, and after just 9 amateur bouts, turned professional at 36. When COVID-19 shut down the music industry and much of his work, Joseph made a decision: lean into becoming a full-time fighter. That commitment has defined the last several years of his life.

Over 27 fights and a 20-7 record, Joseph has captured the Warriors Cup 155lbs Amateur Championship, Sparta 155lbs Amateur Championship, and GFC 165lbs Amateur Championship. But his most memorable achievement transcends titles - fighting four times at Rajadamnern Stadium in Bangkok, one of Muay Thai's most sacred venues. Few Western fighters earn the opportunity to compete there even once. Joseph did it four times.

Known for his aggressive style, Joseph's signature weapons are his body hook and devastating low kick - techniques honed through years of relentless training and competition. His fighting philosophy is brutally simple: "Die before I quit, whatever else happens, happens." This isn't bravado; it's a reflection of what he believes is the most important trait to possess: hardness - the ability to withstand hardship.

Guided by his personal philosophy that "hardness is the most important trait to possess in excess," and his unwavering mindset of "I'll die before I quit," Joseph embodies a fighter who refuses to break under pressure. For him, Muay Thai is "the hardest thing I've ever done, while also being the most rewarding."

Mentored first by Coach David Reese at Stout in Pittsburgh and now by Coach Matthew Van Valkenburgh at Kogen Dojo in Annapolis, Maryland, Joseph has built a life around the sport. He teaches Muay Thai—both in classes and privately - and works as a property manager, the flexibility allowing him to balance training, fighting, and life responsibilities. His wife, Anne Grushecky, and his friend Willy Whipple have been crucial supporters throughout his journey.

Now approaching 40, Joseph has no intention of slowing down. His current goal? Continue taking fights in his 40s, proving that age is just another form of hardship to overcome. His message to aspiring fighters is refreshingly honest: "It's all just hard work, nothing special. If you're resilient and grind, you can keep pushing through the ceiling."

Joseph's story shatters the traditional fighter timeline. First class at 30. First amateur fight at 32. First professional fight at 36 after only 9 amateur bouts. "You can do this any which way, old, young, there's no straight line or right way. Just go and take it where it leads."

Support Joseph "Hammer" Sanderson as he continues to prove that hardness, resilience, and the refusal to quit can carry you further than natural talent - and that the best fights of your life might come in your 40s.