EPISODE 100 — THE ART, SCIENCE, AND PHILOSOPHY OF FIGHTING Guest: Lucas Rosa – Professional MMA Fighter, Watson Fellow, Author

What does it take to fight — not just with your body, but with your mind?

In this milestone 100th episode of The Neurologic Wellness Institute Podcast, we sit down with professional MMA fighter Lucas Rosa, a rare combination of fighter, scholar, and philosopher. Lucas doesn't just train to win — he trains to understand.

He earned the prestigious Thomas J. Watson Fellowship, allowing him to travel the world studying the deeper meaning of combat. His journey led him through:

• Cambodia to train in the ancient martial art Bokator

• Thailand to immerse in Muay Thai

• The Netherlands to study Dutch kickboxing

Lucas comes from a family of fighters and carries a multi-generational legacy into every match. But what makes him different is how he integrates neuroscience, philosophy, and peak brain performance into his training.

In this episode, we explore:

• The art, science, and philosophy of fighting

• How elite fighters train their brain—not just their body

• What martial arts can teach us about discipline, suffering, uncertainty, and identity

• Tools Lucas uses to keep his brain sharp and recover quickly

• His upcoming book blending cryptids, ancient mythology, and martial arts

Whether you're an athlete, coach, brain-performance enthusiast, or someone fascinated by the psychology of combat, this episode will challenge how you think about movement, mindset, and meaning.

Key Themes:

• Neuroplasticity and combat sports

• Brain optimization and recovery

• Fighter mindset and performance psychology

• Ancient martial arts and the origins of combat philosophy

Connect with us: Follow the Neurologic Wellness Institute for more conversations exploring the brain, movement, healing, and human potential.