In this episode of The School Podcast, Cameron Parker sits down with Mitch Goode and Rich Rubino for a powerful conversation around jiu-jitsu, mindset, motivation, ego, behaviour and what education can learn from martial arts.

Mitch Goode is a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu, professional MMA athlete and coach who works closely with both adults and young people inside the gym environment. Rich Rubino is a business owner, second degree black belt and founder of one of the top Bristol Jiu-Jitsu gyms.

This wasn’t just a conversation about fighting.

It became a deep discussion around why some young people struggle with confidence, how ego develops, the importance of belonging, discipline vs motivation, pressure, stress, masculinity, coaching and the role environments play in helping people grow.

Throughout the episode they discuss:

Why motivation is unreliable

How competence builds confidence

What martial arts teaches young people about discipline

The connection between stress, behaviour and performance

Why relationships matter when coaching students

How jiu-jitsu can help confidence and self-belief

The difference between therapy and “therapeutic”

Ego in sport, education and life

Why challenge and accountability still matter

There are also some hilarious moments, stories from the gym and honest conversations around competition, parenting, schools and personal growth.

This is one of those episodes where the conversation just flows naturally and leaves you thinking long after it finishes.

A massive thank you to Mitch and Rich for joining us.

🎙️ The School Podcast is hosted by Cameron Parker, the UK’s #1 Motivational Speaker for Secondary Schools.

Sponsored by Nisai Learning - specialists in online and blended education for young people across the UK - https://www.nisai.com/

📩 For podcast enquiries, school partnerships or speaking opportunities: [email protected]

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