Mike Bates is an ex-Royal Marine and also worked undercover in human intelligence for the MoD where he was an ops leader.

Since leaving he has become a successful business owner after opening Gracie Barra Roundhay Leeds, a Jiu Jitsu academy which has seen amazing growth.

On top of that he is also about to start the unbelievable challenge of rowing across the Atlantic Ocean (solo) to raise funds for Leeds Children's Hospital.

Perhaps his biggest challenge is being a Dad. 

We sat down to discuss his approach to parenting, how he keeps his two boys motivated and what he's learned from being a parent with children involved in sport.

This was one of our favourite conversations with so much to takeaway.

You can find out more about Mike and his charity work by visiting: 

Website https://www.theatlanticgrappler.com/

Instagram https://instagram.com/theatlanticgrappler?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=