I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with the one and only Matt Kwan, a powerhouse in the BJJ community.

Matt is the man behind On Guard Academy of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Canada. Matt holds a black belt under Rob Biernacki from Island Top Team, Matt's journey into the world of Jiu-Jitsu ignited at the age of 20. He's been an avid competitor, showcasing his prowess in many tournaments.

Matt's been knee-deep in BJJ since 2009,  He's not just a fantastic practitioner; he's also a devoted coach, leading the charge as the Head Coach of the Simon Fraser University Grappling Team. But that's not where his contributions end – he's teamed up with his brother Steve Kwan to create the enlightening BJJ Mental Models podcast, and as if that weren't enough, Matt takes center stage as the host of The Essential Jiu-Jitsu Podcast, sharing his insights and connecting with the Jiu-Jitsu community.

But wait, there's more! Matt's also an author, pouring his heart into "Zara Can Do Jiu Jitsu," a heartwarming children's book aimed at nurturing determination and confidence in little ones aged 5 to 7.

This episode takes an exhilarating twist, Matt peels back the layers and shares some incredible personal stories that have never seen the light of day before. Brace yourselves, folks – this is raw, unfiltered honesty at its best. And, fair warning, if you're someone who's easily rattled, this might not be your cup of tea. But personally, I was all in, and I hope you'll be too.

Matt's magnetic personality and exceptional wit shine through as we cover a whole spectrum of topics. From his reflections on coaching and being an academy owner to the mind of a fierce competitor and an unyielding free thinker – we left no stone unturned. Matt's journey, his insights, and how he wears his heart on his sleeve – it's a rollercoaster of emotions and revelations that'll leave you enlightened, moved, and perhaps even inspired to tackle your challenges head-on.

Links:

https://onguardbjj.com/

https://onguardbjj.com/p/podcast

https://www.instagram.com/onguardbjj/

https://www.instagram.com/theessentialjiujitsupodcast/

Finally, if you ever get to beautiful Northern California please come roll with us at North Bay Jiu Jitsu in Marin County just north of San Francisco, there are amazing instructors, and everyone there is great people. Mention the podcast and get two weeks Free.