The Story
Joel Henry.
The Royal Guard.
Joel Henry, better known as The Royal Guard, is a professional dunker, elite athlete and one of the UK's most recognised names in the world of professional dunking — known for explosive power, creativity and the ability to perform on basketball's biggest stages.
Dunk Contest
Contest Finish
The Journey
From pro basketball to the world stage
Before establishing himself internationally as The Royal Guard, Joel played professional basketball for teams including the London Lions and Surrey Scorchers — a competitive foundation that extends far beyond dunking. His career has since taken him across the globe for international competitions, exhibitions and performances.
FIBA 3x3 World Dunk Champion
Crowned world dunk champion on the FIBA 3x3 stage.
World Tour Finals Champion — Manama
Took the title at the World Tour Finals.
Great Britain Silver Medallist
Represented GB on the international stage.
First UK Dunker at an NBA Halftime
Performed for the LA Clippers — a UK first.
Dunkman League Athlete
Pro dunking league co-owned by Shaq, broadcast on TNT Sports.
Pro Basketball Career
London Lions & Surrey Scorchers — a true ballers' foundation.
An international career
Joel has built an international career competing and performing around the world. His accolades include becoming a FIBA 3x3 World Dunk Champion, World Tour Finals Champion in Manama and Great Britain silver medallist.
He made history as the first UK dunker to perform at an NBA halftime show, taking to the court for the LA Clippers. He is also an athlete in the Dunkman League — the professional dunking league co-owned by NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal and broadcast on TNT Sports — putting him amongst an elite roster of pro dunkers on one of the sport's biggest stages.
Working with the best
Along the way, Joel has worked alongside major names and brands across sport, media and culture.
Behind The Highlights
More than a decade of work
Behind the highlights is more than a decade of developing the strength, speed, jumping ability and explosive athleticism required to compete at an elite level. Now, Joel is bringing that experience into training.
Explosive
Power, control and take-off — built over a decade of elite training.
Creative
Dunks no one else has thought of, performed on the biggest stages.
Relentless
More than ten years developing the strength and speed to compete.
Accessible
Bringing pro-level methods to every athlete who wants to fly.
Now Coaching
Train explosive. Jump higher. Unlock your potential.
Through online coaching, on-demand workouts, specialist training programmes and in-person experiences, Joel helps athletes develop the physical qualities that transformed his own career — from increasing vertical jump and explosiveness to becoming faster, stronger and more powerful. Whether your goal is to jump higher, become more explosive, improve your athletic performance or work towards your first dunk, you'll be learning from an athlete who has spent years putting these methods into practice at the highest level.
Dunk Contest
Contest Finish
Training
Above The Rim
Behind The Work
Explosive Reps