Professor Carlos Reyes (Splendid Savage) on Jiu-Jitsu, Humility, Self-Defense, and Life Change

Host Pete Deeley welcomes Professor Carlos Reyes ("Splendid Savage") to The Jiu-Jitsu Mindset, promotes the My Jiu-Jitsu Journey social app and Submission coffee, and discusses how jiu-jitsu redirected Reyes' life away from trouble associated with his band years, alongside faith. Reyes describes being drawn in through punishing early experiences, including being repeatedly submitted by a much smaller blue belt, which taught humility and openness to learning. He recounts a DUI and time in jail that prompted a commitment to jiu-jitsu, and how competition can inoculate practitioners against stress, though it should not be forced. Reyes contrasts sport-focused training with self-defense principles, emphasizing "DNA" concepts like base, connection, leverage, and weight distribution. He shares a student's transformation—losing 70 pounds and gaining confidence—illustrating jiu-jitsu's off-mat impact, and closes with where to find him online.

00:00 Welcome and Announcements

01:42 Life Without Jiu Jitsu

04:31 First Roll Reality Check

06:58 Humility and Honest Growth

12:13 Jail Wake Up Call

15:37 Habits and Incremental Change

17:30 Why Compete at All

20:27 Competition as Stress Training

26:16 Most Memorable Rolls

29:10 Self Defense Awakening

30:40 Sport Gym Shark Tank

31:53 Choosing the Right Gym

37:36 Principles Over Moves

39:48 Embracing Failure and Time

43:47 Student Transformation Story

49:26 Virtuous Cycles and Lifestyle

51:21 Splendid Savage Identity

52:44 Wrap Up and Where to Find