Today we examine the physical and mental health benefits of Brazilian Jujitsu and  martial arts at large. We will also discuss some of the dramatic ups and downs experienced by those who walk the path of the martial artist as well as some of the shadowy aspects of dojo culture. 

The star of today's show is Mike Murrell, a Jiu-Jitsu Instructor at Ralph Gracie San Francisco and the Owner of his own Jiu-Jitsu school, The Cave Academy, in Pacifica, California. He holds a Blackbelt in both Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and has been teaching for nearly 15 years. Outside of the Martial Arts, Mike is a bit of a Psychology and Philosophy Nerd with unique experiences which dovetail beautifully  to this week's topic. He will bravely discuss his family history of depression and other mental health conditions, as well as his own struggles with anxiety induced panic attacks. He will also describe the role he plays for his students in relation to bullying, building confidence, dealing with nervousness in competition, and healing from histories of trauma through the practice and community of Jiu-Jitsu.

You can reach him on instagram (@cavemikebjj) or check out his Academy at: www.thecaveacademy.org.

Shameless plug for my father's book on Animal Dream Symbolism: 

Animal Guides in Life, Myth and Dreams (Studies in Jungian Psychology by Jungian Analysts, 97)

My Contact Info: [email protected]; benjaminrussack.com, 415.497.1908