A mentor taught me that there is a confidence that only comes from training combat sports. Jiujitsu and striking gives me that extra confidence in every single area of my life that nothing else can. I show up because the mats don’t lie—pain fades, but respect is forever.

Our JiuJitsu Mat chats will be all about RULES. Rules teach us proper behavior. Our chats will focus on why we have rules, how following rules shows respect, and how rules help us improve. Having rules gives us structure, guidance, and keeps things fun and safe!

This week's striking mat chats are all about focusing on details. When we say “analyze details,” it means paying close attention to the little things. Great martial artists don’t just go through the motions — they watch their foot placement, where their hands are, how they move their body.

Why? Because small details make a BIG difference.

When you notice the small stuff — like how to pivot your foot, or how your partner reacts — you get better faster and stay safer too. 

The best athletes (and people) don’t rush. They slow down, focus, and notice the small things — because details are the building blocks of greatness.

Breath through your nose - out through your mouth - then take them down!

I’m massive on visualizing - going over techniques way too many times in my head until I can do it on the mats. I listen to audiobooks like Gracie’s 32 Principles and the Zen Jiujitsu books. I study fights, but now I’m really excited about the UFC going BJJ in this new series: https://www.youtube.com/live/61M_EvA1eyU?si=SBRcvdzkoZjt-rmE

Great topic! I’ll be visiting Randy Couture's gym in Las Vegas this June with my kids — can’t wait to soak it all in. You're right about calling ahead! If I can give any advice - be respectful. Traveling is a great way to experience new styles, make connections, and level up your game. Let me know if you’ve got any tips for Xtreme Couture!

Cus D'Amato - legendary trainer and Mike Tyson's coach - once said the most beautiful sound was when two punches sound like one. This week in striking, we are going to work on mastering the mechanics of the 1-2 combo. https://youtube.com/shorts/UAOtzR-lw5g?si=2aeozLijOFYvtOOy

https://youtube.com/shorts/xihyPgdGUeU?si=up-obec47_uGettf

I’d create a class called “Pressure & Presence: Jiujitsu for Dominance and Control.” It would focus on using weight, posture, and mindset to overwhelm opponents before submissions even begin—teaching how to control the fight through positioning and pressure. 

This week's JiuJitsu Mat Chats center around Trust. Here is our Key Message About Trust:

Trust is earned through actions, honesty, and respect.

Trusting yourself is the first step to achieving your goals.

Building trust with others makes us stronger as a team and as individuals.

These mat chats encourage students to think about trust in multiple dimensions, fostering stronger relationships and self-confidence. "Trust is built with respect."