Why I Train at Future Jiu Jitsu: My Journey Back to the Mats
If you want to know what someone is really made of, put them on the mats. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu isn’t just a martial art; it’s a crucible that tests your physical limits, your mental toughness, and your ego. For me, that crucible is Future Jiu Jitsu.
My Martial Arts Journey
My journey in combat sports started years ago with wrestling. Like many, I took a significant amount of time off from the mats to focus on building my career and business. However, the itch to compete and train never truly left me.
I eventually found my way back into combat sports at UFC Gym in North Brunswick, NJ. It was there that I trained Muay Thai under the legendary Coach James “B-52” Smith. I’m proud to have earned my yellow band as part of the B-52 Bombers team—a New Jersey Hall of Fame coach and a team recognized as one of the top striking programs in Central Jersey. That experience reignited my passion for combat sports and reminded me of the discipline and focus that only training can provide.
That passion eventually led me to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and my current home at Future Jiu Jitsu.
The Mental Game
In business, especially in capital management, you face high-pressure situations daily. You have to stay calm, think strategically, and execute under stress. BJJ is the physical manifestation of that. When you’re caught in a bad position on the mats, panicking is the worst thing you can do. You have to breathe, assess the situation, and work your way out methodically. Training at Future Jiu Jitsu has sharpened my focus and resilience in ways that directly translate to the boardroom.
World-Class Coaching: Wayne and Dan
A gym is only as good as its leadership, and Future Jiu Jitsu is led by the best. My coaches, Wayne and Dan, are phenomenal. They don’t just teach techniques; they teach concepts, timing, and the underlying philosophy of the art. They have an incredible ability to break down complex movements so that everyone, from beginners to advanced competitors, can understand and apply them.
More importantly, Wayne and Dan foster an environment of continuous improvement. They push you to be better than you were yesterday, but they do it with respect and genuine care for their students’ progress.
The Community
What truly sets Future Jiu Jitsu apart is the community. It’s a welcoming, ego-free environment where everyone is there to learn and help each other grow. You’ll find people from all walks of life—business owners, law enforcement, students, and parents—all sweating it out together. The camaraderie on the mats is unmatched.
My Recommendation
Whether you’re looking to get in shape, learn self-defense, or challenge yourself mentally and physically, I cannot recommend Future Jiu Jitsu highly enough. If you’re in the area, do yourself a favor and drop in for a class. It might just change your life.
See you on the mats.
Adam Levine
CEO, Levine Capital
