Stand up - 100%. When things go down - they always start from a standing position. Lawyers avoid language like "100%" and "always", but I'm confident im right, even when I am totally wrong.

📢 Mat Chat Recap: This Week’s Theme – DecisionsMaxim: “Decisions shape our path.”

👊 Mat Chat 1: Every Decision MattersWe learned that even small choices add up over time. Choosing to practice instead of skipping builds growth and strength. Every decision moves us closer to — or further from — our goals.

🤔 Mat Chat 2: Making Smart ChoicesWhen things get tough, smart choices matter. Just like escaping a tough position in Jiu Jitsu, staying calm, thinking ahead, and picking the best option helps us succeed — in training and in life.

📚 Mat Chat 3: Learning from Our DecisionsNot every decision will go the way we want — and that’s okay! Mistakes are lessons in disguise. Every choice, good or bad, gives us a chance to improve, grow, and get stronger.

✨ Takeaway:

Every decision matters

Make smart choices under pressure

Learn and grow from every outcome

Best answer I could come up with - training with pads and striking across the body more naturally trains us to rotate and wind up our torso for max impact. Here is a clip of Saenchai pad training in Thailand: https://youtu.be/dY6ZVJjkTNM?si=eMwbou1MqXQH8GUc

In this week's Adult Striking class we will sharpen the hooks, practice the switch kick from a southpaw stance, and run the Hemmers combo till it’s in your blood. Show up, put in the work—respect is earned on the mats.

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!