In this episode, I sit down with BJJ Brown Belt Kyle Rocke from Crazy 88 MMA to talk through how he found Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and what shaped his early development on the mats. Kyle shares what originally drew him toward martial arts, how his time in the Marines influenced his mindset, and how he moved from Krav Maga into BJJ. We look back at his first year training at Ivey League MMA, including those late 11 p.m. classes, the early learning curve, and the challenge of balancing training with everyday life.

Kyle reflects on the people who guided him, coaches like Danny Ives and the upper belts who played key roles in his progression. He also revisits the early moments that confirmed he was on the right path, including how his background in rock climbing helped him adapt to training in the gi.

We continue by examining his growth from white to blue belt and the lessons that carried him into purple and now brown belt. Kyle talks about managing plateaus, injuries, and periods of self-doubt, as well as what has kept him consistent through the grind. He shares how teaching and mentoring others changed his perspective, and how competition shaped his development and his thoughts on competing again.

Outside of BJJ, we talk about how training has impacted his life at work, at home, and in how he stays grounded. Kyle opens up about the habits, hobbies, and routines that help him stay balanced and what advice he gives beginners who struggle to maintain consistency. We wrap up with a quick rapid-fire round.