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Summary
In this episode of the Still Rolling BJJ podcast, host Matthew Montgomery interviews TJ Kreitzer, a retired Air Force fighter pilot and current ambassador for the We Defy Foundation. TJ shares his journey from a childhood fascination with aviation to becoming a fighter pilot, his experiences during deployments, and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. He discusses how he found purpose in Jiu-Jitsu and how it has become a tool for helping veterans cope with their challenges. The conversation highlights the mission of the We Defy Foundation, which sponsors disabled combat veterans to train in Jiu-Jitsu as a form of therapy. In this conversation, TJ "Blitz" Kreutzer and Matthew Montgomery discuss the transformative power of Jiu-Jitsu, particularly for veterans dealing with trauma. They explore the founding of the We Defy Foundation, the physiological and cognitive benefits of Jiu-Jitsu, and the importance of community and structure in recovery. The discussion highlights the significance of trust, achievement, and overcoming negative self-talk, while also looking towards the future of the foundation and its impact on veterans and the broader community.
Follow TJ and WeDefy.
https://wedefyfoundation.org/
https://www.instagram.com/wedefyfoundation/
https://www.instagram.com/blitzatwedefy/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to TJ Kreitzer
01:48 Journey to the Air Force Academy
08:54 Life at the Air Force Academy
14:33 Becoming a Fighter Pilot
17:46 Deployment Experiences
20:38 Leadership in the Air Force
27:35 Transitioning to Civilian Life
29:13 Navigating the Transition from Military to Civilian Life
39:59 The Mission of We Defy Foundation
44:26 The Five Components of Jiu-Jitsu Therapy
58:17 Building Community and Trust through Jiu-Jitsu
01:06:45 The Importance of Vulnerability and Community in Healing
01:08:02 Understanding Self-Efficacy and Achievement
01:10:12 Proving Them Wrong: Overcoming External and Internal Voices
01:11:35 Navigating Negative Self-Talk in Jiu-Jitsu
01:13:43 The Evolution of Competitive Mindset in Jiu-Jitsu
01:15:53 Shifting Focus from Self to Community
01:17:06 Supporting Newcomers in Jiu-Jitsu
01:20:29 The Future of We Defy Foundation
01:24:10 Building Community Beyond Veterans
01:28:22 Upcoming Events and Community Engagement
Keywords
TJ Kreitzer, Air Force Academy, fighter pilot, We Defy Foundation, Jiu-Jitsu, military transition, veterans support, mental health, combat veterans, personal growth, Jiu-Jitsu, We Defy Foundation, veterans, trauma recovery, community, neuroplasticity, self-efficacy, mental health, physical health, achievement
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