Quick Intro to Matt Mann Jiu-Jitsu is much more than you think

1. Introduce yourself 

Matt, married father of 3 children. I live in Saltash, Cornwall. I chose to set up social media accounts to document and journal my first steps into Jiu-Jitsu right through until the day I can no longer study the art. I have managed them for almost 10 years now, keeping an honest, down to earth perspective of a normal guy trying to better himself.

2.  What is your passion? 

Aside from time with my wife and children my passion is Jiu-Jitsu for self defence. I started training under black belt Professor Danny Macmillan at Macmillan Martial Arts Academy in Plymouth 29th March 2014 and haven’t looked back since. 

3.  How did you get into Jiu-Jitsu?

I used to be a police officer and felt that I was getting into more and more situations that highlighted I needed to supplement my training. I researched locations that specifically catered for self defence because I didn’t want to train for Jiu-Jitsu as a sport and have reflexes that may not keep me safe in a real fight. I’ve trained consistently since I began in 2014. The more I’ve trained, the further and deeper into training I’ve wanted to go. It’s an endless pursuit of personal betterment. 

4.  Choose your top 5 dinner guests

Ricky Gervais, Salma Hayek, Ryan Holiday, Christian Bale & George Saint Pierre.

5.  What is your favourite book?

The Book of Five Rings - Miyamoto Musashi.

6.  What is your favourite film?

The Dark Knight.

7.  What is your favourite song / artist?

NF, fantastic down to earth music with clean lyrics.  

8.  Why you use necksaviour and how it helps?

I have a condition called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. I get a lot of neck pain and tension from it, which is worsened by a chronic neck injury I sustained in training. In lockdowns I wasn’t able to access my normal chiropractor/sports therapy services so started researching ways to help myself at home. I found the necksaviour!

I’d go as far as saying that without my daily necksaviour routine I would have had to stop practicing Jiu-Jitsu. It allows me to keep on top of my neck, remain pain free, sleep better and allow myself to train against people half my age under a lot of resistance. I use it twice daily for 10 minutes. I’ve made it as much a part of my routine as brushing my teeth. 

9.  Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I’d like to think that I would be a well rounded black belt of Jiu-Jitsu for self defence by that time. Aside from that as long as my family is happy and healthy, I’ll be more than content.

10. What is the best bit of advice you’ve been given or your best bit of advice for others?

It’s more of a proverb, but fall down 7 times, stand up 8. Keep going. Keep moving yourself forward. Don’t give into adversity, adapt. There is always a way to stand up when you are knocked down.  

Listen to this enlightening and fascinating podcast with Matt Mann - 

https://thematmapodcast.buzzsprout.com/2093212/12293799

Follow Matt Mann here - 

Instagram - @jiujitsuismuchmorethanyouthink

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