Jesse Phillips

Jesse Phillips, a BJJ black belt and head coach at Gentle Giant Jiu-Jitsu in Seattle, talks about the pressures of expectations in martial arts and life. He shares his journey through early burnout from a toxic work environment and a tech career before finding his passion in Jiu-Jitsu. Jesse discusses the importance of recognizing burnout warning signs, building an inclusive gym culture, and defining personal success on one’s own terms. He emphasizes the significance of balancing training, family, and individual values in a high-pressure world.