In this conversation, Mike Lady and Brad Congram explore the intersection of grappling, life, and personal growth. Brad shares his journey in Jiu-Jitsu, the challenges of balancing life as a new parent and a black belt, and the insights gained from both competition and professional life. They discuss the importance of community, the role of failure in learning, and the resources available for new parents. The conversation highlights the continuous journey of learning and the impact of Jiu-Jitsu on personal and professional development.

Takeaways

Brad started Jiu-Jitsu in 2010 after being inspired by a match he saw online.

He received his black belt in December 2024 and reflects on the mixed feelings of achieving this milestone.

Balancing training with being a new parent has been challenging but rewarding for Brad.

Morning classes have become a new routine for Brad, allowing him to train without taking time away from family.

The importance of learning through failure is emphasized, both in Jiu-Jitsu and in professional life.

Brad works in institutional research, applying analytical skills developed through Jiu-Jitsu to his job.

Parenthood has shifted Brad's perspective on economics and social issues, particularly around childcare.

The conversation touches on the cultural differences in parenting resources between Canada and the U.S.

Brad emphasizes the importance of community support for new parents and grapplers alike.

The journey of continuous learning in both Jiu-Jitsu and life is highlighted as a key theme.

In this conversation, Mike Pabua shares his journey through Jiu-Jitsu and healthcare, exploring how grappling has influenced his life and career. He discusses the challenges he faced in both fields, the importance of resilience, and how Jiu-Jitsu provides perspective on life's difficulties. Mike also highlights his training philosophy, the significance of skill development, and his experiences training in Austin. In this conversation, Mike Lady and Mike Pabua delve into their experiences in Jiu-Jitsu, discussing training with notable figures like Nicky Rod, the community aspect of martial arts, and the personal growth that comes from the sport. They also explore the parallels between their careers in healthcare and Jiu-Jitsu, emphasizing the importance of patient advocacy and navigating the healthcare system. The discussion highlights the significance of regular health check-ups, including blood work, and the idea that health management is a skill that can be developed over time. Ultimately, they reflect on the rewarding nature of helping others and the impact of Jiu-Jitsu on their lives.

Takeaways

Grappling can be applied to everyday life situations.

Healthcare and Jiu-Jitsu share common themes of resilience and problem-solving.

Perspective gained from healthcare can enhance Jiu-Jitsu training.

Training in Jiu-Jitsu helps relieve stress and provides a healthy outlet.

The importance of fundamentals in Jiu-Jitsu cannot be overstated.

Engaging with different training environments can lead to significant growth.

Patient advocacy is a crucial aspect of healthcare work.

De-escalation skills learned in healthcare can be applied in Jiu-Jitsu.

Training with a focus on specific skills can lead to rapid improvement.

Building relationships in the Jiu-Jitsu community enhances the training experience. Training with pros can be humbling and fun.

Jiu-Jitsu fosters a strong community spirit.

The joy of martial arts comes from personal improvement.

Engaging in Jiu-Jitsu is about more than competition.

Patient advocacy is crucial in healthcare.

Navigating the healthcare system requires persistence.

Regular blood work is essential for health management.

Health is a skill that can be improved over time.

Helping others is a rewarding experience.

Jiu-Jitsu can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Grappling and Life

02:58 Journey into Jiu-Jitsu

05:58 Transitioning into Healthcare

08:59 Challenges in Healthcare Administration

12:03 Resilience and Perspective in Healthcare

14:59 The Intersection of Jiu-Jitsu and Healthcare

19:15 Dynamic Interactions in Jiu Jitsu

22:43 The Importance of Testing Skills

28:21 Experiences at 10th Planet Austin

32:02 The Joy of Jiu Jitsu: Community and Personal Growth

38:14 Connecting Jiu Jitsu with Professional Life

42:06 Problem Solving in Healthcare

44:19 The Growth of Healthcare in Las Vegas

45:36 Understanding Healthcare Systems

46:50 Finding the Right Doctor

48:15 Navigating Medical Reviews

50:38 The Importance of Blood Work

52:46 Understanding Your Health Data

54:39 Taking Control of Your Health

56:52 The Value of Coaching and Mentorship

In this conversation, Eric Robinson shares his extensive journey in Jiu-Jitsu, from his initial introduction to the sport to his evolution as a content creator. He discusses the challenges and joys of building a community through social media, the importance of crediting creators, and the philosophical aspects of training. Eric reflects on his experiences living in the Caribbean, the dynamics of ego in training, and the significance of balancing life and Jiu-Jitsu. The conversation culminates in insights about belt progression and the social nature of the sport. In this conversation, Mike Lady and Eric Robinson delve into the ecological approach to Jiu-Jitsu, discussing its benefits, the importance of fun in training, and the challenges faced by practitioners, particularly at the blue belt level. They share personal experiences, insights on coaching, and the significance of engagement and community in the sport. The discussion emphasizes the need for a shift in training methods to enhance learning and enjoyment in Jiu-Jitsu.

Takeaways

Eric has been practicing Jiu-Jitsu for over 16 years.

He started creating content to credit other creators in the Jiu-Jitsu community.

Living in the Caribbean provided unique experiences and challenges for his Jiu-Jitsu journey.

Social media plays a crucial role in building community and sharing knowledge in Jiu-Jitsu.

Eric emphasizes the importance of crediting original content creators.

He believes in tapping quickly during training to avoid injuries and maintain longevity in the sport.

Ego plays a significant role in training dynamics and personal growth.

Belt progression can be a long journey, with many ups and downs.

Training is not just about competition; it's about community and personal development.

Eric aims to continue sharing his passion for Jiu-Jitsu through content creation and coaching. The ecological approach emphasizes learning through engagement and fun.

Positional sparring with task constraints can enhance skill acquisition.

Training should be enjoyable to promote longevity in Jiu-Jitsu.

Coaches have a responsibility to create a positive training environment.

Understanding positions is crucial for effective technique application.

Games in training can make learning more enjoyable and effective.

Plateaus in skill development can be mitigated through effective coaching.

Engagement in training leads to better learning outcomes.

The community aspect of Jiu-Jitsu is vital for personal growth.

Fun should be a primary focus in Jiu-Jitsu training.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jiu-Jitsu and Content Creation

05:46 Life in the Caribbean and Jiu-Jitsu Development

11:43 Building a Community Through Social Media

16:50 Navigating Content Creation and Engagement

21:07 The Journey of Belts in Jiu-Jitsu

22:52 The Challenges of the Brown Belt

24:52 The Culture of Training and Ego

26:49 The Importance of Intent in Training

28:42 Understanding Mistakes and Learning

30:32 The Evolution of Training Philosophy

32:49 Exploring Ecological Approaches in Jiu-Jitsu

43:06 Embracing Fun in Jiu Jitsu

45:58 The Importance of Engagement and Longevity

48:33 Learning Through Movement

51:18 Understanding and Teaching Jiu Jitsu

54:06 Overcoming Plateaus in Jiu Jitsu

58:00 The Role of Community and Fun in Training

Keywords

Jiu-Jitsu, content creation, social media, training, ego, community, Caribbean, belt progression, philosophy, grappling, Jiu-Jitsu, ecological approach, positional sparring, coaching, engagement, fun, learning, techniques, plateaus, community

In this conversation, Mike Lady and James Wilson explore the intersections of mountain biking and Jiu-Jitsu, discussing James's journey from fitness training to becoming a Jiu-Jitsu black belt. They delve into the principles of mastery, the importance of biomechanics, and the evolution of training methods. James shares insights on pedal design and how it relates to performance, while also emphasizing the significance of live training and understanding the most important battles in Jiu-Jitsu. The discussion highlights the challenges and rewards of the journey in martial arts, encouraging listeners to embrace the process of learning and growth.

Takeaways

James Wilson transitioned from mountain biking to Jiu-Jitsu, finding parallels in mastery.

The principles of mastery apply across different sports and disciplines.

Biomechanics play a crucial role in both mountain biking and Jiu-Jitsu.

Live training is essential for understanding and applying techniques effectively.

Coaching should focus on principles rather than just memorizing techniques.

Ego can be a significant barrier in the learning process of Jiu-Jitsu.

Recognizing the most important battles in Jiu-Jitsu is key to success.

There is no hidden knowledge in Jiu-Jitsu; all techniques are accessible to everyone.

The journey in Jiu-Jitsu is filled with ups and downs, but it's worth it.

Continuous learning and adaptation are vital in martial arts.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to James Wilson and His Journey

02:55 Transition from Mountain Biking to Jiu-Jitsu

05:57 The Evolution of Mountain Biking and Jiu-Jitsu

08:54 The Science Behind Pedals and Performance

11:58 The Catalyst Pedal: Innovation in Cycling

14:56 The Intersection of Insights: Adjacent Possible

18:02 Coaching Philosophy and Learning in Jiu-Jitsu

28:34 Critical Thinking in Jiu-Jitsu

31:53 The Role of Demonstration in Learning

33:26 Practical Applications of Drilling

35:49 The Continuous Nature of Jiu-Jitsu

36:58 Recognizing Opportunities in Jiu-Jitsu

38:26 Adapting Techniques Over Time

40:46 The Evolution of Techniques

42:30 The Accessibility of Jiu-Jitsu Knowledge

44:50 The Journey to Blue Belt

45:42 Defining Battles in Jiu-Jitsu

47:54 Recognizing the Most Important Battle

49:05 Revisiting Teaching Methods

51:16 Walking the Path of Mastery

Keywords

Jiu-Jitsu, mountain biking, mastery, coaching, biomechanics, training, sports, personal development, pedal design, ego

Welcome back to Humans of Grappling, where we explore the intersection of grappling and everything else in life. We talk about applying grappling to everyday life, and everyday life to grappling.

Mike describes how he’s been feeling in 2024 and how it’s different than what he felt in 2022. He talks about how he and a small group of friends enabled him to make it to the round of 16 in ADCC West Coast Trials as a regular software engineer with no professional athletic background beyond high school sports. Mike talks about his mental health, his battle with anxiety, and how he’s channeling his passion into coaching others to follow his lead.

ADCC 2022 WC Trials -99kg bracket

https://arena.flograppling.com/event/a2fe54ab-be1f-9ebd-c24f-be927cc4fe18?page=brackets

If you want to level up your game with a curriculum and community that guarantees results, check out www.sandboxbjj.com

⏩ the fastest way to develop grappling skill

🏖️ creative, iterative, resettable play

🔲 boundary around what we focus on

👇 join a community that cares

www.sandboxbjj.com

Follow for more on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/mikelady/

https://www.instagram.com/sandboxbjj/

Mike describes how anyone can start training ecologically by defining their own games with the elements of:

https://www.instagram.com/mikelady/

https://www.instagram.com/sandboxbjj/

Mike describes how we can frame ecological Jiu-Jitsu games similar to video game tutorial levels. Mike relates this to his course and community on Sandbox BJJ.

If you want to level up your game with a curriculum and community that guarantees results, check out www.sandboxbjj.com

⏩ the fastest way to develop grappling skill

🏖️ creative, iterative, resettable play

🔲 boundary around what we focus on

👇 join a community that cares

www.sandboxbjj.com

Follow for more on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/mikelady/

https://www.instagram.com/sandboxbjj/

Let’s play around in a sandbox to work on something

How do we fuck around and find out?

Doesn’t mean that this is directionless, it’s actually very empowering.

We don’t have to have a “master” coach to get better.

We can just start where we’re having trouble and sit there until we figure some relative truths out.

It might not be the most optimal or ideal, but it’s a start.

Low level white belts don’t need high level technique. You just need the next increment up to actually get better.

Sandbox implies defined boundaries (fancy word is “constraints”)

Also implies physical and psychological safety

It’s still just practice

It’s okay if we mess up, we can tear it down and start over again

What is the sandbox we need to set up?

Sandbox BJJ Skool Community https://www.skool.com/bjjfaqs

Summary

In this episode, Mike reflects on his journey as a content creator and shares his insights on the challenges and expectations of work. He emphasizes the importance of taking action and iterating to figure out one's niche. Mike also discusses the difficulties of college and the transition to the industry, highlighting the compressed timeline and the need for good time management. He advises junior developers to focus on intrinsic motivation and to understand that becoming a senior developer takes time and effort. Mike concludes by emphasizing the importance of finding fulfillment both on and off the job.

Takeaways

Take action and iterate to figure out your niche

College is hard due to the compressed timeline and the need for good time management

Becoming a senior developer takes time and effort, and it's important to focus on intrinsic motivation

Find fulfillment both on and off the job

Sound Bites

"Doing more is going to help me figure things out better than waiting and doing less and thinking through things"

"Work is going to be hard, but not necessarily in the way you expect it"

"You have to figure out a better pace for the next 40 years"

Chapters

00:00 Finding Your Niche: Taking Action and Iterating

02:26 The Challenges of College and the Industry

17:31 Developing a Better Pace and Long-Term Plan

21:32 From Junior to Senior: Time, Effort, and Skill Development

41:11 The Fulfillment of Being a Professional

Keywords

content creation, challenges, expectations, work, action, iteration, college, industry, time management, junior developers, senior developers, intrinsic motivation, fulfillment

AI-Generated text:

In this episode, Mike interviews Doug Ancey, a black belt in jiu-jitsu and a technical writer. Doug shares his journey in grappling, from starting with wrestling in middle school to discovering jiu-jitsu in college. He talks about the importance of fostering relationships in the jiu-jitsu community and the value of having a third place for kids. Doug also discusses his career in technical writing and how it has helped him analyze and explain jiu-jitsu techniques. He emphasizes the connection between writing and jiu-jitsu in terms of processing thoughts, understanding concepts, and adapting to different audiences. The conversation covers topics such as jiu-jitsu, technical writing, neurodivergence, and mental health. It emphasizes the importance of understanding your audience and effective communication. The speakers discuss their experiences with ADHD and the challenges they face in managing their mental health. They also touch on the societal expectations of work and the need for self-care and recovery. The conversation highlights the need for therapy and the importance of giving oneself grace and understanding. The conversation covers various topics including the growth of knowledge, media scrutiny, the influence of social media, the impact of AI on different industries, the role of capitalism in shaping society, the importance of questioning the motives of the country, the need to dissect media, the evolution of jiu-jitsu, and the challenges of competition mindset.

Keywords

grappling, jiu-jitsu, wrestling, relationships, community, third place, technical writing, career, analyzing, explaining, processing thoughts, understanding concepts, different audiences, jiu-jitsu, technical writing, neurodivergence, mental health, ADHD, communication, work, self-care, recovery, therapy, knowledge growth, media scrutiny, social media, AI, capitalism, questioning motives, dissecting media, jiu-jitsu evolution, competition mindset

Takeaways

Building relationships in the jiu-jitsu community is valuable and fosters personal growth.

Having a third place, like a jiu-jitsu gym, provides a sense of community and belonging for both adults and kids.

Technical writing skills, such as analyzing and explaining concepts, can be applied to understanding and teaching jiu-jitsu techniques.

Writing helps in processing thoughts and understanding one's own jiu-jitsu journey.

Jiu-jitsu and technical writing both require adapting to different audiences and effectively communicating information. Understanding your audience and effective communication are key in various aspects of life, including jiu-jitsu and technical writing.

Managing mental health, especially for individuals with ADHD, requires self-awareness, therapy, and finding the right balance.

Societal expectations of work often do not align with the needs of neurodivergent individuals, and it is important to prioritize self-care and recovery.

Therapy is beneficial for everyone, regardless of their mental health status, and provides a space to talk about and process life's stressors.

Having an open and critical mind is important, but it is crucial to maintain rationality and not fall into conspiracy theories or false beliefs. Continual growth of knowledge is important, and anti-intellectualism is a problem.

Social media has both positive and negative impacts on society, allowing for greater access to information but also making it harder to control the narrative.

Media scrutiny is crucial, and it's important to learn how to dissect media and question biases.

Capitalism plays a significant role in shaping society and can lead to the alignment of interests among powerful individuals and organizations.

It's essential to question the motives of the country and recognize that the West is not always the 'good guy'.

Understanding history is important to gain a broader perspective and challenge mainstream narratives.