“In conversation with inspiring figures of the martial arts world, lessons from the training mat offer critical life insights. In one such significant exchange, what emerged from an episode of Bram Radio shines a light on the holistic nature of martial arts. Consent, discipline, relationships, life changes—the discussion covered an array of topics and left us captivated.

The man behind the mic—Brandon, the host, is also a practitioner and deeply embedded in the world of martial arts. The guest of the episode was Ricky Lundell, a reputed figure in combat sports, known for training some big names in UFC and being the youngest North American to earn a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt at 19.

Plotting Paths & Building Bonds

Delving deep into Ricky’s journey, the conversation touched upon his unique path to wrestling, which started in jiu jitsu. He shared how cultivating character was more important than harnessing skill, underscoring one central point—martial arts are a means to shape the individual above all else.

The Road to Mastery: Energetic Exchange & Progress

Ricky’s philosophy on coaching also came to light. He emphasized the importance of consistency, hard work, and progress over perfection. His mantra of striving for 1 percent improvement every day is a guiding principle, not just for training but for life.

An aspect that resonated deeply was the phenomenon of energetic exchange, evident in grappling arts like wrestling and jiu jitsu. As explained, when two warriors spar, an unspoken communication occurs through their movements. One can sense the emotional state and mental disposition of the other, leading to valuable insights into one’s psyche.

Ricky detailed budgeting time, energy, and relationships as significant learnings from training. Honing the skill of commitment, from executing techniques to developing relationships, is a valuable life skill in his opinion.

The Community Aspect: Nurturing Relationships

Amid heated bouts and grueling training sessions, camaraderie blossoms quietly but significantly. The importance of a strong, supportive community rang clear in Ricky’s narrative.

Drawing parallels between his experience and those beginning their journey, Ricky stressed the importance of cultivating relationships. To him, the people on the training mat—your pack—play a vital role in your development.

Empowering Females and Cultivating Character

The conversation also touched upon the place of women in this sphere. Ricky firmly believes that women should have foundational training in martial arts. Beyond self-defense, he considers it a means to empower oneself.

When it’s all said and done, Ricky sees martial arts as more than just learning techniques. It’s about growing, adapting, evolving, and being a part of a community. It’s about becoming a better version of oneself. The training mat, Ricky hints, mirrors life—the arena where we contend with challenges and grow stronger.”