Meet Edir Terry

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Edir Terry. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with edir below.

Edir, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

Resilience, for me, was never a choice—it became a necessity. I was born and raised in Venezuela, a place where I had everything familiar: my culture, my family, my comfort. But when I left my country to start over in the United States, life tested me in ways I could have never imagined. Suddenly, I had to build everything from scratch—new language, new culture, new opportunities—and none of it came easy.
I was tested in school, in friendships, and in work. Recovering from setbacks was never simple, but my past gave me the strength to keep moving forward. I learned not only from my own experiences but also from observing others who had walked difficult paths before me. At first, my mindset was fragile. I would fight back, yes—but without true direction. Over time, I realized resilience was not about avoiding hardship; it was about transforming pain into purpose.
Being the youngest of two brothers and two sisters, I often felt alone. My siblings left home early, and although my parents worked tirelessly, I rarely saw them. The temptation to take the wrong road was always close, and at times, I almost believed it was the only option. But deep down, I knew I hadn’t left my homeland, my family, and everything I knew to come to a new country just to become lost. I had to grow up quickly. I had to figure out life on my own.
Resilience became the fire that pushed me forward. It was forged in every struggle—every misunderstanding in a language I didn’t yet know, every cultural barrier, every moment when I questioned my worth. What kept me going was the belief that life would continue to test me, and my only response could be to rise stronger each time.
Today, I see resilience as part of my identity. It is not just survival; it is growth. It is what turned my weakness into strength and my setbacks into comebacks. Resilience followed me since I was a child, shaping my character, preparing me for the battles I now face with a championship mindset. And in every test life throws my way, I remind myself—I didn’t come this far to stop here.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Who I Am
Life has always been about growth, discipline, and purpose for me. I am a professional MMA athlete, but beyond the cage, I wear many hats that shape who I am and the mark I strive to leave on this world. Fighting gave me the foundation of resilience, but my journey has expanded into something much greater—a mission to empower others.
Today, I dedicate myself to guiding the next generation of martial artists to compete at the highest level of MMA. Alongside that, I am an entrepreneur and businessman, building my own clothing and accessories brand to represent not just style, but the spirit of perseverance. I am also a coach, a fitness trainer, and a mentor in the martial arts community, helping individuals develop not only their physical strength but also their mindset and character.
My purpose goes beyond combat sports. I am a philanthropist, an investor, and soon, a published author. My first book on self-development will be released soon, and it represents my commitment to inspiring growth in others—mentally, physically, and spiritually. Helping people transform and discover their own strength brings me joy and fuels the reason I live with passion every single day.
So, who am I? I am a simple man with a big purpose. A man determined to create a lasting impact on this world by lifting others while continuing to evolve myself.
For anyone who would like to learn more about my journey, you can visit my website at www.edirterry.com, or connect with me across platforms under @BelicoMMA, especially on Instagram where I share much of my daily journey.
And stay tuned—the release of my book, (OCTF), is coming soon.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Three Skills That Shape a Champion in Life
When people ask me, “What are the most important skills in life?” my mind often races through countless lessons, experiences, and values. There are many I could share, but if I had to narrow it down to only three, these stand above the rest—not just as skills, but as pillars of character.
The first skill is keeping your word. In life, your word is your bond, and in many ways, it defines who you are. Whatever comes out of your mouth should be treated as a promise, something you will honor no matter the circumstance. When you say you will do something, do it—or die trying. The discipline of keeping your word builds trust, respect, and strength. It is not always easy, but a true champion understands that commitment is the foundation of greatness.
The second skill is showing respect to everyone. Respect should not be selective. From the youngest to the oldest, from the poorest to the wealthiest, across every race, religion, gender, and background—every human being deserves to be treated with dignity. When people see you, let their first impression be: “This is a person of integrity and deep respect.” Respect elevates you as much as it honors others, and it creates an environment where greatness can thrive.
The third skill is learning how to communicate. Too often, problems in school, work, relationships, and even within ourselves stem from poor communication. To listen deeply, to speak with clarity, and to express yourself with honesty and empathy—this is one of life’s most powerful tools. Communication is the bridge that connects us, the tool that resolves conflicts, and the key that opens doors to opportunity.
These three skills—keeping your word, showing respect, and mastering communication—are not just qualities of good people, but of true champions. They are the skills that separate those who merely exist from those who leave a legacy. In my journey, I’ve learned that strength is not only built in the gym or inside the cage, but also in the way we live, speak, and honor others every single day.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

If I Had Just One Decade to Live
If I were told I had only one decade left to live, my perspective on time, effort, and meaning would sharpen into absolute clarity. Ten years is long enough to build something extraordinary, yet short enough to demand urgency in every action.
If I had to begin with nothing—no wealth, no assets, no security—I would start by identifying one skill I could sharpen and use to generate income quickly. I would devote myself to learning, not just casually but obsessively, absorbing knowledge from finance, investments, and personal development. Books would become my allies, and wisdom would be the currency I would gather to transform my situation.
I would hold a regular job, not as an end but as a foundation, while creating side hustles to multiply my income. Every dollar earned beyond survival would be reinvested into the stock market, into opportunities that could grow beyond me. My mindset would be one of discipline, patience, and precision—the same mindset a champion carries into the arena.
But beyond the pursuit of wealth and success, the most important part of my decade would be how I lived each day. I would treat my body with the respect it deserves—fueling it with proper nutrition, keeping it strong through exercise, and pushing it to carry me with energy and resilience. I would wake each morning with gratitude, knowing that time is not promised, and I would end each night with peace, knowing I gave the day my all.
Happiness, too, would be non-negotiable. Not the fleeting happiness that comes from possessions, but the deeper joy of being present, of appreciating the blessings that surround me, and of giving value to the people I encounter.
In the end, the decade would not just be about surviving—it would be about thriving, building, and leaving a legacy that proves I lived with intention. Ten years may not be a lifetime, but lived with passion, discipline, and gratitude, it can be more meaningful than a century wasted.

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