Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelvin Fonseca
Hi Kelvin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born with Arthrogryposis, a rare condition that affected my limb development, and for most of my life, I walked on my knees. Despite the physical challenges, I was always drawn to sports and competition. In 2011, I discovered Jiu-Jitsu and became one of the pioneers in Para Jiu-Jitsu, competing and winning multiple championships worldwide.
Over time, my interests expanded beyond competing—I developed a love for photography and media. I began working as a photographer, videographer, web designer, social media manager, and graphic designer, helping martial arts organizations and athletes share their stories with the world. This eventually led me to establish my own media company, Clay Media. Today, I specialize in professional Jiu-Jitsu photography, covering the biggest events and tournaments in the sport.
In 2024, I faced one of the biggest challenges of my life—a bilateral above-knee amputation. It was a life-changing moment, but it never stopped me. While recovering in a wheelchair, I continued photographing tournaments, staying connected to the sport and community that have given me so much.
Now, as I prepare to transition to prosthetic legs, I remain committed to my passion—capturing and sharing the stories of athletes, growing my businesses, and inspiring others through resilience and hard work. My journey has been anything but ordinary, but every challenge has only fueled my drive to keep pushing forward.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is proving myself in industries where I didn’t initially have formal training. When I started Clay Media, I had to learn everything—photography, graphic design, web development, and social media marketing—on my own. I didn’t have a roadmap, so I made a lot of mistakes along the way, but each one helped me refine my skills and build a solid reputation.
Another challenge has been managing multiple roles at once. As a business owner, photographer, athlete, and husband, balancing time and responsibilities has never been easy. Running a business requires constant attention, traveling for tournaments keeps me on the move, and making time for my personal life is just as important. There have been moments of burnout, especially when juggling client deadlines, commitments to the sport, and ensuring I’m present for my family.
Through all of this, my wife, Megan Roddie-Fonseca, has been crucial in both my personal life and business journey. Her unwavering support, patience, and encouragement have helped me stay grounded through the toughest times. Whether it’s offering advice, helping me organize my work, or simply being there when I need her, she has played a major role in keeping me motivated and focused. Having a strong partner by my side has made all the difference.
Additionally, working in Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts media means constant competition. There are always new photographers, brands, and agencies emerging, which means I have to keep evolving, staying creative, and delivering high-quality work that stands out.
Through it all, persistence has been key. Every challenge has pushed me to learn, adapt, and keep moving forward while making sure I stay true to what matters most—my family, my work, and my passion for the sport.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What sets me apart is my deep connection to the sport. I’m not just a photographer—I’m a competitor, coach, and lifelong martial artist. Having been involved in Jiu-Jitsu for over a decade, I understand the moments that truly matter, the emotions behind every match, and the dedication that athletes pour into their craft. That perspective allows me to capture raw, authentic moments that others might miss.
I’m most proud of the impact my work has on the sport and community. Seeing my photos and videos used by top athletes, major Jiu-Jitsu organizations, and global competitions is incredibly rewarding. I love being able to highlight the hard work of competitors, whether they’re world champions or first-time competitors stepping onto the mat.
Beyond my professional work, my personal journey—overcoming physical challenges, competing at the highest level of Para Jiu-Jitsu, and continuing my work even after undergoing a bilateral above-knee amputation—has shaped my approach to everything I do. My goal is not just to document the sport but to inspire and uplift the community that has given me so much.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories was simply exploring and figuring things out on my own. I was always curious and loved to challenge myself, whether it was finding creative ways to move around, solving puzzles, or figuring out how things worked. I remember spending hours just testing my limits—seeing how far I could go, what I could build, or how I could adapt to different situations.
Those moments of problem-solving and independence gave me a sense of confidence that has stayed with me throughout my life. They taught me that there’s always a way forward, even if it’s not the most conventional path. That mindset has shaped everything I do today, from my approach to Jiu-Jitsu to running my businesses.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://claymedia.us | https://shop.claymedia.us/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claymedia.us | https://www.instagram.com/kelvin.gb
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClayMediaUSA
- Twitter: https://x.com/KelvinFonsecaX
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ClayMediaChannel
Image Credits
Please, get the credits from the images. I’ve add the credits in text in the images
