What's the difference between a fighter and a true martial artist? How does an MMA champion deal with a career-ending diagnosis?
In this episode, I'm joined by International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) World Champion and Professional MMA Fighter Rafael Lovato Jr. We talk about the events leading to his brain disorder diagnosis and how it propelled him to power through what he calls the "pinnacle challenge" of his martial arts journey.
Here, he reveals more details on his disorder, his secrets to defeating his opponents, what separates a martial artist from a fighter, and why we shouldn't train only to win but to continuously learn. Also, we reflect on the meaning of success and death and how martial arts teaches us the art of letting go – a skill that will save us from life’s most difficult moments.
What we discuss:
00:00 - Introduction to Rafael Lovato Jr.
1:00 - His childhood, first losses, first wins, & what success means
4:00 - The life-changing diagnosis
10:40 - How he used his diagnosis to fuel his drive to win
16:00 - What martial arts can teach us about the power of letting go
21:30 - What retirement taught him about life & relationships
26:00 - How to win a fight by detaching yourself from your emotions
30:00 - The marks of a true martial artist
35:00 - Rafael reacts to Morihei Ueshiba quotes
48:00 - Secrets to becoming a world champion & a better human being
53:00 - Why you should practice martial arts
Learn more from Rafael Lovato Jr.:
Website: https://okbjj.com/
Instagram: @lovatojrbjj
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