Mike Leach

Mike Leach

How long have you been training?

I started in 2018.

Why did you begin training?

As baseball and rugby wound down for me, I found myself looking for another physical and competitive outlet. I knew about jiu-jitsu from watching MMA and judo from watching the Olympics, but I didn’t realize it was something I could pick up as an adult until I started hearing about it more often through podcasts. I decided I would train either BJJ or Muay Thai, so when a BJJ school opened up around the corner, I dove right in.

What encourages you the most about your practice?

At this point in my journey, it’s what I can pass on. I found myself teaching and coaching very early in my grappling career, and I really enjoy working with other students of the game to unwind positions and techniques so they can be communicated effectively to anyone: kids, adults, brand new white belts, seasoned competitors.

What challenges you the most?

Like everyone else, I feel like there are not enough hours in the day. It’s been a fun challenge to solve for efficiency so I can give more of my time and effort to my family, my faith, and the students who trust us to guide them through everything BJJ has to offer.

How have you evolved as a result of it?

It’s cliché, but training really is the hardest part of my day. Negotiating tough training partners and back-to-back-to-back rounds has translated to how I interact with the rest of the world. It has forced me to find more discipline and organization. What I enjoy most now is passing the intangibles down to my daughters and watching them grow through the art and everything it offers.

What is something that you learned about BJJ that was unexpected?

The impact it would have on my life off the mats. I’ve learned a lot about myself and become a more disciplined person in every part of my life. I also didn’t anticipate the friendships and loyalty that would come with it.

Any notable accomplishments, interests or facts you’d like to share?

I’m proud of what we’re building here at Princeton BJJ. I left the sport for two years, so finding this school and the people in it, and then earning my black belt from Emily, is something I’m grateful to have achieved and experienced.

It’s still a work in progress, but raising our three daughters through faith and discipline is something my wife and I are very proud of. I really enjoy woodworking and doing our home and yard projects myself, and it’s far more interesting and satisfying now that my kids want to be involved.