What’s true strength: beating up a tough opponent, or admitting the tears you shed when the fights are over?
On this episode of the ROI Online Podcast, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Eliot Marshall shares the many lessons he’s learned as a bullied kid turned UFC fighter turned business owner—and how these lessons apply to life outside of the ring as well.
Since he was a young kid, the only place Eliot felt like he fit in was the Martial Arts Academy. He struggled to make friends at school, and with his half-Black half-Jewish heritage, found himself the victim of bullies more than once. But fighting was a way to work through his pain and fear. It became his passion, and he grew stronger, he turned that passion into a career.
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During fights, the fear of death creates an adrenaline rush unlike anything else. Eliot felt alive, strong, and free. But, while fear was his greatest strength in the ring, it makes life outside the academy very difficult. He has struggled with constant anxiety and dark episodes of depression.
Fighting isn’t a life-long gig. Eventually, you get to a place where you need to start something new. For Eliot, that something new was his own Martial Arts Academy, the Easton Training Center in Colorado. He began teaching his skill to others.
As rewarding as teaching was, he still found himself in the depths of depression. He stayed up late, crying and wrestling with the pain inside of him. His students stayed with him during that period. Their late-night phone calls and weekly support kept him going.
Eliot believes what really makes a man isn’t how hard he can punch or how much he can take. It’s showing up, setting an example, and sharing the highs and the lows. It’s easy to pretend like everything is fine, but acknowledging when you’re hurting and when you’ve messed up is much more difficult. He practices this regularly with his kids.
Eliot shares his story in his book, The Gospel of Fire. He also hosts a podcast of the same name. His school has become one of Colorado's leading martial arts schools, with 7 locations across the Denver area.
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You can learn more about Eliot here:
https://eliotmarshall.com/
Listen to Eliot’s podcast: https://eliotmarshall.com/category/podcasts/
Read Eliot’s book: The Gospel of Fire: Strategies for Facing Your Fears, Confronting Your Demons, and Finding Your Purpose
Read the books referenced in this podcast:
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Get your copy Steve Brown’s book, The Golden Toilet. Also available on Audible for free when you sign up for a 30-Day Trial Membership!