Reflecting on anxiety or stress, we often focus on its immediate repercussions: how it influences our decisions, physically taxes us, or tests our mental resilience. However, the full spectrum of anxiety's influence is likely underestimated until one takes deliberate steps to develop skills to manage it.

My journey toward better anxiety management started with Sam Antonen, as I sought an advantage to enhance my competitive edge. Despite being a strong contender, I had never clinched the top spot at any major IBJJF championships at the Black Belt level.

My partnership with Sam was transformative, leading me to strategies that went beyond merely surviving anxiety. Instead, I learned to redirect it, turning a probable liability into my powerhouse. This profound shift wasn't just a milestone; it marked my golden year, where I won gold at the Euros, Pans, and World Championships.

This transformation transcended the competitive realm and significantly benefited my personal life.

While gearing up for the World Championships, I faced a personal crisis so severe it threatened not just my chance at the title but my emotional and financial well-being.

Sam became my navigator through this storm — guiding me through the turmoil while ensuring I remained a formidable force for the World Championships.

Both my championship prep and the personal crisis demanded intense concentration and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.

Utilizing the techniques imparted by Sam, I successfully steered through both challenges — fortified by the tools he equipped me with.