Mental toughness isn’t just about pushing through, it’s about adapting, feeling, and growing. Labeled “too sensitive” as a child and navigating a late ADHD diagnosis, I learned that resilience comes in many forms. This post explores how true toughness isn’t about suppressing emotions but using them as a strength.

Ecological dynamics explains how athletes learn by adapting to their environment, but it doesn’t address why so many grapplers still hesitate. Recognizing an opportunity and acting on it are two different things. This post breaks down why hesitation happens and how to train fluid execution under pressure, so you stop overthinking and start trusting your game when it matters.

There is a moment in every athlete’s career when the thought creeps in: What happens when I stop competing?

People don’t change because they’re broken. They change because something feels off.

It’s not always obvious at first. Maybe it’s a quiet discomfort, or a sense that you’re not fully yourself. Sometimes, it’s just a moment when you stop and think, “Is this really who I want to be?”.

What combat sport athletes have openly spoken about mental health?

MMA is a different animal than jiu jitsu but I’ve come prepared and six months in, I know I’m with the right team on the right path.

Have you ever dropped everything to chase a dream? What about dropping everything again, just to change the direction of that dream. Given up future plans, relationships, bonds, comfort? I did. And apparently I’m addicted to it at this point.

So excited to be going down under for a big seminar tour!