We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful John and Thomas McGuin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with John and Thomas below.
Hi John and Thomas, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
John and Thomas McGuin faced a ton of adversity all throughout their jiu jitsu journey. Injury after injury, struggling to make ends meet, and the loss of their father. They had every excuse to give up and find an easier path, but they had a dream that they refused to give up. Keeping their eyes on the plan God had for them and supporting each other fiercely through every step the brothers were, and are still, a force to be reckoned with. Becoming resilient was never an option for them, but a requirement to make it to where they are today.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
John and Thomas McGuin are 1st Degree Gracie Jiu Jitsu Black Belts under Ryron and Rener Gracie, as well as Certified Gracie Jiu Jitsu Instructors. The identical twin brothers, own and run Gracie Jiu Jitsu South Bend. A Certified Gracie Jiu Jitsu school dedicated to sharing the art of jiu jitsu with EVERYONE.
John and Thomas have been training jiu jitsu for close to 20 years. During their years of training, they have been fortunate enough to get to train alongside some of the best in the game. Ryron Gracie, Rener Gracie, Brian Ortega, Lyoto Machida, Rhonda Rousey, Evandro Nunes, and many others.
In 2018 the brothers opened up their very own jiu jitsu academy, McGuin Jiu Jitsu, now known as Gracie Jiu Jitsu South Bend. From the moment they opened the doors to their academy their goal was, and is, to share jiu jitsu with as many people in the community as possible. Jiu jitsu is not meant only for big, strong, elite athletes and John and Thomas wanted to offer a place where anyone, regardless of size, shape, or gender, felt comfortable and empowered to train.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
When looking back on their journey the brothers are in agreement that the three qualities/skills that they possess that got them where they are today are being able to truly self-assess themselves, persistence, and a willingness to learn.
Advice they have for those early in their journey is to be open minded when it comes to learning and growing. There is always something new to learn and room to get better. Even as black belts the brothers are still looking for ways to improve in every aspect of their lives.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Ryron Gracie. From the very beginning of their journey he was there. Not only as a mentor, but as a friend.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://graciejiujitsusouthbend.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graciejiujitsusouthbend/
- Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/graciejiujitsusouthbend/
Image Credits
Hannah McGuin
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
