We recently connected with Michael Torres and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Michael , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Finding my purpose wasn’t something that occurred overnight. I joined the military straight out of high school, a decision I had made after the 9/11 attack. As a New York native, I felt a strong sense of pride and duty to serve my country. Growing up without a present father and lacking positive male role models, navigating life as a young male without guidance was challenging, especially in a society with such high expectations.
During my service, I discovered Jiu Jitsu, which gave me a profound sense of purpose and discipline. In Jiu Jitsu, you encounter people from all walks of life, all united by a common goal: to improve the quality of their lives. I was fortunate to have some exceptional professors who taught me not only how to be a strong martial artist but also how to be a good human being off the mat. Through Jiu Jitsu, I gained mental resilience, discipline, and emotional regulation—skills I never learned as a child.
These mentors inspired me to help others who seek positive change and are willing to commit to the Jiu Jitsu lifestyle. Jiu Jitsu is demanding; it requires honest, hard work, and there are no shortcuts to improvement on the mat. Having practiced Jiu Jitsu for 14 years, I am still very much a forever student of this art, continually learning and growing. However, there is one thing I am certain of: my purpose is to change lives through Jiu Jitsu, just as my own life has been transformed.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
At Torres Jiu jitsu our passion is to give our students a place to train where they can improve their quality of life and also find a community of individuals who are driven and goal oriented. We have just relocated into our 4th location in 6 years. We have seen a lot of growth and look forward to growing our team even more and changing lives for the better! We want every person who walks into our space, to leave feeling like the best version of themselves.
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 have been the most impactful on my journey are adaptability as a leader, communication and interpersonal skills, and business acumen.
Adaptability as a Leader: It’s crucial to understand when you need to pivot or change direction. The ability to adapt ensures the business can respond effectively to new challenges and opportunities.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills: These are particularly important when it comes to conflict resolution. Building strong, honest relationships and maintaining open lines of communication that foster a positive and cohesive community.
Business Acumen in Customer Service: Providing excellent customer service is key. It’s important to build strong, honest relationships and always maintain your integrity.
If you are early in your journey as a business owner, the most important thing is to be honest about what you offer. Don’t lie, cheat, or feel the need to trick people into using your service. Offer a good product, keep good people around you, and don’t compromise your morals. Remove negativity and people who don’t support the vision. Integrity will get you places that dishonesty never will.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
My wife has been such a big part of helping me overcome challenges with the business. As a former high school teacher, she has great multitasking abilities that complement my own skills. She has taught me interpersonal communication skills and always seems to have an answer or know how to fix whatever current challenge I am facing. While she works behind the scenes, her contributions are what keep our business operating day in and day out.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.torresjiujitsu.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torresbrazilianjiujitsu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorresBrazilianJiuJitsu
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
