Meet Jacob Brinnand

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jacob Brinnand. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jacob , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Determination should be an inner resolve or conviction that you cultivate within yourself. Let this conviction grow until it naturally overflows into the world. Individuality is forged through trials and tribulations. Challenges and hard work build character; don’t shy away from difficulties, as they hold valuable lessons. These lessons are the gems of wisdom we must actively seek.

Whether you are alone or surrounded by successful people, it is crucial to remain content, serene, and maintain an unwavering mindset. Your unique identity is valuable, so nurture your inner strength and sense of self-worth. Don’t doubt your knowledge, understanding, or what you have to offer. In a world full of social media and imitation, it’s essential to stand out and be true to yourself. You are important and possess something special, just as every student and person does. Discover and embrace that uniqueness.

Learn to spend time with yourself, avoiding the constant pull of social media and other distractions. Practice sitting in peace, rather than always seeking external stimulation or running away from yourself. Discover your heart and cultivate the ability to sit with love and calmness within your body and nervous system.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Jacob A. Brinnand, an accomplished author and martial artist, is dedicated to sharing his extensive knowledge through both his writing and teaching. His book, The Golden Thread: Universal Principles Unraveled Across Warrior Arts, explores the core principles of martial arts, revealing timeless wisdom applicable to all practitioners. As the head instructor at a highly successful gym in Texas, Jacob mentors 200 students, guiding them to achieve remarkable success in martial arts. Under his leadership, his students have won numerous state championships in Fighting, Forms, Weapons, and Continuous Sparring. Jacob’s own expertise and dedication are reflected in the multiple state championships he has personally secured in various martial arts disciplines. His commitment to excellence continues to inspire and shape the next generation of martial artists.

In his free time, when he is not writing or teaching, Jacob runs a successful YouTube channel with over 11,000 followers under his brand, Iron Wire Martial Arts. He is also active on social media platforms, where he catalogs his mentor’s teachings and emphasizes important martial arts lessons.

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?

Resilience comes into play when you realize that people will judge you. They carry a version of you in their minds, dictating what you should be, how your success should look, and how you should act. This perception is not truly you, and you don’t have to conform to negative comments or thoughts from others. Believe that you are unique and special. Understand that you can do anything, be anything, and possess the ability to grow and change. You are not stuck, pathetic, or weak; you hold the strength of the entire universe within you and have the potential to change the world with who you are. Have the inner resilience to stand firm with your knowledge, maintaining unwavering resolve and conviction.

Confidence comes in many forms. It encompasses a mindset, emotion, and intention of action. I always encourage those who are building something significant to keep it within until it’s ready for exposure and sharing with the world. Let the energy build and grow until it becomes a force to be reckoned with. A confident mindset means deciding to follow through with your positive dreams. The emotional aspect of confidence reminds us that not everything is visible; you need to feel and harness that inner force that propels you toward victory and light. Intention translates to action. You’ve envisioned the goal, felt it deeply, and now it culminates into a crescendo of unstoppable action. This type of dedication is formidable in the ring, at work, and in any determined pursuit of success. Others may find it challenging to match such unyielding dedication, especially if it endures for years.

Experience is essential. One needs to have a thorough understanding of what they are doing. I am not suggesting perfection, as there is always room for growth. However, one’s knowledge and information about a particular subject must be valuable, comprehensive, and substantial enough to build upon. We are naturally inclined to grow and learn. Before you assume the role of master or mentor, ensure that your knowledge and experience base justifies such a position.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

One year ago, I made a commitment to write a book, one that would cater to both laypeople and professionals in the combative arts. My goal was to compile all my writings and thoughts from a decades-long journey into a cohesive and comprehensible work for everyone to enjoy. This was no small feat for me, as I had never been great at writing or structuring sentences, nor had I ever written more than 10-15 pages at a time. However, I was determined to complete this lifelong project. I wanted to help my students, inspire the next generation, and contribute positively to the world of martial arts. As a middle-aged man, I had to relearn everything about writing and reeducate my mind to make this dream a reality.

Today, I am proud to announce that my book, The Golden Thread: Universal Principles Unraveled Across Warrior Arts, is now available on Amazon and is being sold internationally. This is one of the proudest moments of my life. For over 20 years, I aspired to be a writer and to publish a meaningful work, and now it has become a reality. Achieving this has been one of my greatest victories, as it came with numerous challenges. It took an entire year from start to finish to write this book. I had to learn about the best platforms for organization, outline chapters, and transform my ideas into something that would make sense to others, even those not in the same field. This was a monumental victory for me, and I encourage you to pick up a copy today.

Throughout the writing process, there were many times when I wanted to give up or felt like I wasn’t making any sense. I would leave and come back to it over and over. But commitment and dedication kept me coming back, and I hope in some small way this inspires you, the reader, to go back to your project. Don’t look at it like it’s stupid, and finish what you started.

Here’s a quick excerpt from my introduction:

In The Golden Thread, we delve deeply into the universal truths present in all combat systems, stripping away the complexities to reveal the core principles and language that form the bedrock of martial arts. This book is not just a manual of techniques but a profound exploration of the essence of combat, aiming to illuminate the path of the martial artist with clarity and insight.

The Golden Thread offers reflective moments for contemplation and meditation, encouraging practitioners to look beyond the physical aspects of training and embrace the philosophical and spiritual dimensions. It emphasizes the moral and ethical codes essential to martial artists, reminding readers that true mastery goes hand in hand with integrity, respect, and responsibility.

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