Orthodox Health Fighting the Good Fight: Orthodoxy & BJJ w/ Jeff Messina
In this long-awaited episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & co-host John are joined by Jeff Messina: 4th degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Judo black belt, owner of the Revolution Dojo, paratrooper & infantryman, theology graduate, & newly-illumined Orthodox Christian.
Jeff shares his powerful journey from the mat to the Church, weaving together themes of discipline, humility, struggle, & faith. With decades of experience training & teaching, he offers insights on how martial arts can shape not only the body but also the soul... & how Orthodoxy calls men to a higher form of strength: ascetic, sacrificial, & Christ-centered.
Takeaways:
- Struggle shapes our character & faith.
- Discipline in training parallels spiritual discipline.
- Community support is vital in both martial arts & faith.
- Ego can hinder growth in both training & spirituality.
- The journey of faith is continuous & requires effort.
- Understanding lineage in faith & martial arts is crucial.
- Failure is a part of growth and learning.
- Humility is essential in both training & spiritual life.
- Accountability helps maintain focus & purpose.
- Living out one's faith is a daily practice.
- Why Orthodoxy is, in Jeff’s words, “the Jiu-Jitsu of Christianity.”
Soundbytes:
“Formation is not just spiritual... it’s also physical.”
“The world tells men to dominate or disappear. Orthodoxy calls us to sacrificial leadership.”
“You can’t just go once a week: in the gym or in the Church. Faithfulness is daily.”
“Orthodoxy is the Jiu-Jitsu of Christianity. If you want the truth, this is it.”
Chapters:
00:00 Opener
01:30 Introduction to the Journey of Faith & BJJ
04:36 Jeff Messina's Path to Orthodoxy
08:54 Apostolic Succession & Knowing Your Roots
11:51 Jeff Messina's Martial Arts Journey
17:14 Intersection of BJJ & Orthodoxy
22:41 Sola Scriptura & Tradition
27:04 The Professor & The Spiritual Father
29:24 On Failure, Repetition, & Humility
32:00 On Remaining Dispassionate While Fighting
35:28 Jeff's Advice to Christians Interested in Martial Arts
40:50 Tempering Convert Zeal
43:48 Living Orthodoxy: A Compelling Witness
46:07 The Selfishness & Pride of "Ritual Purity"
52:22 A Call to Orthodox Men & BJJ Practitioners Alike
54:19 Where Can You Find Jeff Messina
55:46 Closing Thoughts & Looking Ahead
58:57 Outro
Support the Show with a One-Time or Recurring donation: coff.ee/OrthodoxHealthWork with Dr. Mike: https://www.OrthodoxHealth.comPre-Order Orthodoxy & The Medicine of the Future: https://www.orthodoxhealth.com/bookIntro & Outro Music: St. John of Chicago Orthodox Church Choir (Arkansas) - Please support their building fund by buying the whole album here:https://stjohnorthodoxchurch.bandcamp.com/album/come-ye-faithful-building-fundraiser