In this episode, I sit down with a friend whose jiu-jitsu journey thus far is unforgettable. Originally from Andrews, Texas, a Texas Tech grad now living in Midland, he works as an engineer in the oil business — but decided to give BJJ a try a little over a year ago. After just four classes, disaster struck: he broke his leg in three places during training. What followed was over a year of recovery, reflection, and a deeper appreciation for the mental side of the art. We talk about how jiu-jitsu is like chess — cerebral, uncomfortable, and yet deeply satisfying — and how the lessons of the mats go far beyond technique. Now, after a year and a half away, he’s finally ready to return to training. This is a story about resilience, mindset, and why sometimes the hardest battles are the ones fought in our own heads.