In this episode of CTM, Brazillian jiujitsu athlete/coach, Jeff Kowamoto, joins me in conversation via Zoomchat. Jeff talks about his upbringing, and his introduction to BJJ. Paying mention to the everlasting effect that BJJ has had on his own mental state of mind. Expressing that BJJ can allow oneself to remove any inner frustrations, and negative feelings in a safe manner. Jeff also talks about how BJJ can thoroughly teach a women self defence. And for men, it educates men to be respectful. Community within the sport itself, plays a massive role, states Jeff. It doesn't matter how old you are, what your background is, where you come from. People within the BJJ community will accept you for who you are, it's like having a second family. Ego's are also diminished within the sport. Jeff details that, you might be a big and buff, masculine male. But as soon you walk into the gym and embark on your first 'roll' with an experienced BJJ athlete, you'll very quickly learn that size and strength doesn't matter one bit. The overall message of this episode, is to treat others with the same respect that you would like to be treated with. Whether or not you may have had a better upbringing then someone, or your situated in a higher paid occuatpation, we're all equal. Drop the act, drop the judgementing, and bring your thoughts back down to earth. To where everyone is seen as equal.