WORLD CHAMP CAMERON JONES
Former Shortland Street star Cameron
Jones has found a way of easing the stresses of Hollywood — by becoming a champion martial artist.
Jones, who starred in The Hobbit, has been juggling his acting roles with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has just taken out the world championship in Long Beach, Los Angeles.
“The best part was at worlds when the announcer said ‘and the world champion, all the way from New Zealand . . . Platypus Jones’,” the 26-year-old told Spy.
“My coach Gabe Ruediger fought in the UFC under the nickname Godzilla and I made the mistake of asking for a nickname.
“He called me Platypus because he and everyone else thought I was Australian. They still believe I come from a small Australian island.”
Jones said he received his medal and stood on a podium as the Kiwi national anthem played.
“I got into BJJ because my good friend Ben Mitchell suggested it to me back in New Zealand. It took me a while to take it up, but I haven’t looked back since and I thank him for introducing me to the incredible sport.”
Jones, who will be back home for Christmas, said he was happy to keep BJJ as a hobby as he continues working on his Hollywood career. He walked the red carpet at the Emmys in July after his TV movie Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love was nominated for Outstanding Television Movie. He has made an independent film,and had his own one-man show in the Hollywood Fringe festival this year. “It’s been a difficult year, constantly fighting for those roles,” Jones said. “Part of what draws me to BJJ is that it is a lot more black and white than acting. Hard work results in success and there’s no BS. You can’t talk up or fake anything or you’re going to get choked out. I love that about it.”