Olympian Jake Herbert, a 9X U.S. National Champion and 3X World Medalist, shares insights on transitioning from wrestling to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the joy of grappling as one ages. He offers advice on training kids in combat sports, emphasizing the importance of balance to prevent burnout. Jake discusses the shift in mindset towards longevity in training and the significance of personal accountability. He also reflects on how finding faith has influenced his life, and the vital role of community in both sports and personal growth.
Jake Herbert emphasizes the importance of training for longevity, focusing on injury prevention and adaptability as an older athlete.
He illustrates the value of a positive mindset, encouraging athletes to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks.
Herbert discusses the role of family in sports, prioritizing enjoyment and positive experiences over competition for his children's athletic journey.
He highlights the significance of coaching in both athletics and business, fostering accountability and personal development for parents and entrepreneurs.
Deep dives
Jake Herbert's Wrestling Legacy
Jake Herbert is an accomplished wrestler, known for his impressive accolades including being a world silver medalist and Olympic athlete. He started wrestling at a young age due to his father's background as a Pennsylvania state champion, and he was heavily involved in sports throughout his childhood. Interestingly, he started with judo to build foundational skills before transitioning into wrestling. This early reinforcement of grappling techniques laid the groundwork for his later success in the sport.
Transitioning to Jiu-Jitsu
After retiring from competitive wrestling in 2016, Herbert explored the world of Jiu-Jitsu, which he found to be an excellent transition for wrestlers. He initially approached Jiu-Jitsu with the mindset of potentially moving into UFC or coaching but quickly fell in love with the sport. Despite his wrestling background, he faced challenges as a beginner in Jiu-Jitsu, emphasizing that grappling is a different beast with its unique techniques and rules. Nevertheless, he appreciates the camaraderie and community within grappling, which has provided him a space to continue being active.
Maintaining Longevity in Training
As an older athlete, Jake prioritizes training for longevity rather than purely performance, focusing on injury prevention and adaptability. He has learned to listen to his body, opting for stretching or lighter rolls over pushing through intense training sessions. This shift in perspective helps him remain active in Jiu-Jitsu while minimizing the risk of injury. Moreover, he emphasizes the importance of consistent training over intensity, cultivating a balanced approach to physical activity.
The Importance of Mindset
Throughout the podcast, the significance of a positive mindset is highlighted as a crucial element in athletic success and personal development. Herbert believes that athletes should view challenges as learning opportunities rather than setbacks, adopting a mentality of 'I win or I learn.' This approach shifts the focus from fear of failure to the excitement of growth and improvement. Such a mindset fosters resilience, allowing individuals to navigate obstacles in both sports and life.
Parenting Through a Competitive Lens
Herbert shares his experiences as a father and the lessons he aims to impart to his children through sports. He focuses on exposing his kids to various grappling and combat sports, prioritizing their comfort and engagement on the mat. Instead of forcing competition, he encourages them to develop a love for physical activity and the freestyle mentality that comes with it. His goal is to guide them in developing a positive relationship with sports, integrating enjoyment into their training.
Coaching and Growth
Jake speaks to the role of coaching not just for athletes but also for business-minded individuals, emphasizing accountability and personal development. He leads a coaching group for fathers, allowing them to share challenges related to parenthood and entrepreneurship. The conversation centers on the importance of finding balance in life, managing time effectively, and setting realistic goals within the demands of both family and work. This structure supports individuals in navigating their personal and professional worlds with intention.
Embracing Evolution as an Athlete
Herbert recognizes that evolution as an athlete involves adapting to changing physical capabilities and embracing new challenges. He acknowledges the importance of planning for gradual returns to sport and understanding one’s own limits after injury. This evolution in training emphasizes strategic movement and the value of proper recovery techniques. By doing so, athletes can sustain their passions while still competing and growing within their respective sports.
On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Olympian, 9X U.S. National Champion, 3X World Medalist, and BJJ Purple Belt Jake Herbert. Jake is a husband, father of four, and business coach.
Jake discusses his start in wrestling, how he got his kids to start training in grappling, pros and cons of specialization vs training in multiple sports, "living through your kids,” starting BJJ, the importance of camaraderie, how his training has changed as he has gotten older, training for longevity, making the decision to retire from wrestling, how finding religion was impactful for Jake, the importance of having a "white belt mentality," the importance of drilling and positional sparring for skill-development, and how to work with Jake for business coaching.
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