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Gunshots to Grappling: Two Lives Transformed by Jiu-Jitsu with Black Belt Mike Medina and Nate Crisler

The Morning Formation Podcast

The Morning Formation Podcast
Gunshots to Grappling: Two Lives Transformed by Jiu-Jitsu with Black Belt Mike Medina and Nate Crisler
May 26, 2025 Season 3 Episode 19
KP

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BJJ Black Belt Mike Medina and Rising star Blue Belt Nate Crisler share their extraordinary journeys through trauma and resilience, revealing how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu transformed their lives from surviving childhood violence to building community through martial arts.

• Mike survived being shot in a drive-by shooting at age 11 in Taos, New Mexico
• Nate lost his father at age 9 and moved frequently during his formative years
• Both found purpose and direction through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training
• The gentle art provides mental focus that takes practitioners' minds off everything else
• Training partners and gym culture are crucial factors in BJJ development
• Competition requires both mental and physical preparation
• Finding the right gym environment makes all the difference for beginners
• Mike opened his own gym to create a welcoming family atmosphere
• Resilience is defined as "you versus you" - becoming better than yesterday
• The hardest part of jiu-jitsu is simply showing up consistently

If you're interested in trying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, remember it's not about who you are or what you look like - this martial art is truly for everyone. As Mike says, "It's the most positive addiction you can have."


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