Josh Tufte, Minister, Business Owner, Author, Weirdo
Josh Tufte, whoam I? Well, I'm kind of weird if I'm honest.
Writer’s bio
I I’m not entirely sure where to start—so let’s go with the beginning. I was born in 1987, which makes me feel either young or ancient depending on the day and how many joints pop when I stand up. I hit the parental jackpot: my mom and dad had me young, but they somehow figured out how to be absolute rockstars at raising a kid. They’re still two of my best friends. When I was six, we moved from upstate New York to Kernersville, North Carolina, and a few years later, everything changed—thanks to Jackie Chan.
That’s when I fell head over heels for martial arts. I started training as a kid, then competing in kickboxing at 16, Toughman at 18, and went pro in boxing at 23. I’ve won World Titles. I’ve been humiliated in back-to-back losses. I’ve been called a prodigy and overrated by the same reporter. But through it all, I learned something: you only really lose if you quit.
Today, I hold a 6th-degree black belt and co-own Edge Fitness and Combat Arts LLC with my dad, with locations in Kernersville and High Point, NC. In 2024, I had my 24th professional boxing match—and won. That marked the start of my retirement run in the sport that’s shaped so much of my life. But I’ve never been a one-lane kind of guy.
When I was 12, my dad helped me build my first custom PC. That sparked my second love: technology. I dove into gadgets, computers, gaming (Skyrim for life), and even ran a tech business for a while with my cousin, repairing computers and building networks for homes and businesses. At 13, I found my third love—faith. I became a Christian and, despite a few rocky chapters, I’ve never looked back. In 2024, I started Passion Church in Kernersville, NC, and it’s been one of the hardest, most rewarding adventures I’ve ever taken on. I believe in leading with honesty, grace, and a deep love for people—especially the ones who don’t think they belong.
Life hasn’t always followed the script I expected. I got married young and became a dad even younger. My daughter Izzy is now 16 (almost 17), and she’s easily one of the greatest joys of my life—funny, fierce, and smarter than me on most days. I’m no longer married to her mom, Heidi, but I’ll always be thankful for the journey that brought us Izzy.
Somewhere along the way, I picked up an associate’s degree in Biblical Studies from Carolina Christian University and started working on my next degree through Liberty University. I’ve also been a computer nerd, children’s pastor, gym owner, professional fighter, author, church planter, and wannabe Jedi. I never really settled on what I wanted to be when I grew up—so I just said yes to everything that set my soul on fire.
My family is still my foundation. Mom and I regularly team up for mischief. My sister Yania—who we adopted years ago—is the biggest miracle I’ve ever witnessed up close. One day I’ll write a book about that. She’s that special. It was the saddest day of my life when we lost her on January 15th of 2024. I don’t have it all figured out. But I’ve learned that faith, failure, grit, and gratitude will take you places talent never could. I’m endlessly thankful for the people who’ve stood by me, cheered me on, and reminded me that the story’s not over yet. Also… I like long walks on the beach. But only if there’s coffee at the end.
Me and my baby girl before a "Daddy Daughter Dance" at church.
Picture Coming Soon
