This week on the Combat Base Podcast we spotlight Melissa Haueter! We discuss her background, graduation from UCLA, struggles with addiction, and choice to live a family focused holistic life. Its fascinating how jiu jitsu and martial arts have pushed her in the right ways to overcome crippling anxiety and other mental health struggles. We touch on the importance of role models in Helen Currie (Chris' first female black belt and the UK's first female black belt), first wave american female jiu jitsu legends (Cindy Omatsu, Felicia Oh, and Sophia McDermott), and second wave american female jiu jitsu competition. Melissa lays our a clear narrative on what it takes to be a top level jiu jitsu competitor and where that path can lead. We also touch on what a it takes to achieve a balanced family life. A sweet love story unfolds as we hear about how Chris guided a fiery young Melissa on her chosen path of a martial arts life.