Episode 944- Wyatt Meriwether
In today's episode Jeremy sits down in person and chats with Wyatt Meriwether after Free Training Day Midwest in Kansas.Wyatt Meriwether - Episode 944
SUMMARY
In this conversation, Jeremy sits down with Wyatt Meriwether and discusses various topics including martial arts, strongman training, ballet, and the importance of consistency in training. They talk about the balance between flexibility and strength, the dangers of certain exercises, and the need for dedication and perseverance in achieving goals. Wyatt also touches on the challenges of being a performer and the impact of personal experiences on one's career choices. He talks about his journey from joining the military to becoming a modern Army combatives instructor. He shares his experiences in basic training, his decision to join the Marine Corps, and his eventual transition to the Army. He also discusses his time at the Defense Language Institute. Wyatt highlights the challenges and rewards of the program and the respect he gained from his superiors. Alongside his professional journey, he discovered a passion for strength sports, particularly strongman competitions. His love for the process and the challenge of getting stronger drives him in his pursuit of becoming a top-tier strongman. He also has a background in kinesiology and is interested in the intersection of ballet and martial arts. The conversation explores the relationship between structured movement disciplines like ballet and martial arts. It emphasizes the importance of understanding how the body moves and the benefits of diverse movement training. Wyatt shares his experience in ballet, martial arts, and circus training, highlighting the similarities and transferable skills between these disciplines. He encourages martial artists to explore other movement practices to enhance their skills and overall well-roundedness.
TAKEAWAYS
* Consistency and dedication are key in achieving success in any discipline.
* There is a balance between flexibility and strength, and finding the right combination is important.
* Certain exercises in strongman training and martial arts can be inherently dangerous, but with proper training and safety precautions, the risks can be minimized.
* Personal experiences and childhood trauma can shape one's career choices and focus.
* Embracing hard work and difficult challenges is necessary for growth and improvement.
* He has overcome challenges related to alcohol and found solace and purpose in strength sports, particularly strongman competitions.
* Wyatt's educational background in dance, healthcare, and public health has informed his professional pursuits and shaped his perspective on health and wellness.
* Diverse movement training can enhance martial arts skills and improve overall performance.
* Understanding proprioception and how the body moves in space is crucial for martial artists.
* Non-combative movement practices like ballet, gymnastics, and acrobatics can provide valuable tools for martial artists.
* Being a well-rounded practitioner involves exploring different movement disciplines and continuously learning and evolving.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Consistency and Dedication
02:27 The Importance of Safety in Training
04:48 The Dangers of Strongman Training
07:16 The Balance Between Flexibility and Strength
11:35 Personal Experiences and Career Choices
19:07 Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Hard Work
23:18 Joining the Military and Embracing Difficulties
24:04 Choosing the Army
25:03 The Defense Language Institute and Career Choices
26:16 Choosing the Modern Army Combatives Program
29:05 Experiences in Basic Training and Military Intelligence
33:21 Becoming a Modern Army Combatives Instructor
38:22 Challenges and Rewards of the Modern Army Combatives Program
43:38 Exploring Fighting and Dealing with Alcohol
45:06 Transitioning from Military to Dance to Healthcare
46:45 Cross Training in Dance and Pursuing a PhD
49:28 Discovering Strength Sports and Strongman Competitions
52:13 The Process and Love for Getting Stronger
55:03 The Synergy Between Intelligence and Physical Activity
57:48 The Biomechanics of Strongman and Ballet
01:00:17 Goals and Aspirations in Strongman Competitions
01:02:49 Exploring the Intersection of Ballet and Martial Arts
01:03:17 Structured Movement and Its Relationship to Martial Arts
01:13:20 The Benefits of Non-Combative, Diverse Motion for Martial Arts
01:16:02 Understanding Proprioception and Its Impact on Martial Arts
01:19:40 The Role of Non-Combative Movement in Martial Arts Training
01:23:14 Becoming a Well-Rounded Practitioner: Embracing Diverse Movement DisciplinesShow Notes
Contact Wyatt Meriwether at:
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Show Transcript
Jeremy (00:01.668)
Nice. Awesome. What's your last name? Meriwether. Meriwether. Yeah. Thanks for being here. Thank you. You have one of the most fun shirts that's ever been on the show. And potentially too. art. Bad art. Bad art. Yeah.
Jeremy (00:01.678)
Nice. Marywood. Marywood. Yeah. Like is it Marywood or Lewis? Okay. Yeah. Lewis and Clark. Yeah. Yeah. Thanks for being here. Thank you. Thank you for inviting me. You have the most fun shirts that have ever been on the show. Right. And potentially too. The other one is bad art. Bad art. it's part of process. So if you make bad art, you make it hard. Yeah. Yeah. Who was
Jeremy (00:29.794)
Yeah, who was it? There's somebody out there with a clip that's going around social media that's made the rounds a few times. It's basically saying, when you start doing something, you're going to suck at it. And you keep doing it, and eventually you don't suck a lot. Like, you suck so little that you're kind of good. And that's the way that he phrases it, and I
Jeremy (00:32.385)
There's somebody out there with a clip that's going around sort of around a few times and it's basically saying when you start doing something you're going to suck at it and keep doing it and eventually you don't suck a lot like you suck so little that you're good and that's the way that he really
Jeremy (00:59.787)
Because I think that that so perfectly illustrates martial arts, strongman, and so many of these other things. Yeah, absolutely. Yeah, I love that consistency. That's something that I'm working on a bit for myself. you I'm also working on training. Yeah, in fact, mentioned it in previous workshop. I said there was a question
Jeremy (00:59.926)
Because I think that that so perfectly illustrates martial arts and so many of the... Yeah, absolutely. A lot about consistency. That's something that I harp on quite a bit. when I'm for myself, I'm also a personal trainer. when I'm training or coaching or whatever you want to call it. Yeah, in fact, I mentioned it yesterday at the workshop. I said there was a question about flexibility.
Right? And flexibility and strength. And there is some give and take there. And you know, if you're really trying to like push into that flexibility more, more, then say what your discipline needs, you're probably going lose some strength. And, but to do that, you have to be consistent. There's no, there's no, like I said, three or four times just, there's no secret sauce. It's, it's consistency. It's dedication. Yeah. Yeah. It's it's everything.
Jeremy (01:28.605)
and flexibility, and there is, and you know, you're really trying to push into that flexibility. Then say what your discipline really is, you're probably gonna lose your strength. And, but to do that, you have to be consistent. There's no, like I said, clear four -time discipline, no magic sauce, no secret sauce. It's consistency and dedication. Yeah, yeah, it's everything.
Yeah, right. I talked about it and I talked about it in my free training day session yesterday. What I, in my very nerdy way, I'm referring to is the universal progress. Safety, discomfort, frequency, duration. You have to have those four things to make any sort of progress. And people try to find the, somehow a lot of us, and especially in martial arts, we think that if we can abandon safety, lean heavier into discomfort.
Jeremy (01:58.254)
Yeah, right. I talked about it in your Treaty Day session yesterday. In my very nerdy, the universal progress equation. Safety, discomfort, frequency, duration, right? You have to have those four things to make any sort of progress. And people try to find, somehow, a lot of us, especially in martial arts, we think that we can abandon safety, lean back towards discomfort.
Jeremy (02:27.059)
and get rid of frequency. The math doesn't work on that. You need all of those things to make any kind of progress. People just stop showing up. And when you stop showing up, you stop making progress. it's not...
Jeremy (02:27.824)
frequency. Like the math doesn't work on that. You need all of those things to make any kind of progress and stop showing up. And when you stop showing up, you stop making progress. Like it's not... I feel that safety though. There's a lot of that amongst a lot of different disciplines. They just go, we're just gonna work even harder things that we shouldn't even work through.
Jeremy (02:50.021)
We're just gonna work even harder to make sure work for it. And work is what works. it happens apparently, it's probably out of power with me. Or anything with heavy heavy lifting, right? Inherently, it's such a dangerous... What we're doing today is simply, when you're lifting 200 -300 pounds over your head, you know, that's a danger. People die all the time,
Jeremy (02:56.752)
and work until it breaks, right? And it happens inherently in strongman or powerlifting or anything with heavy, heavy weight, right? Inherently, it is such a dangerous... What we're doing is dangerous. It simply is. When you're lifting 200, 300 pounds over your head, you know, that's dangerous. People die all the time. Not... Right. don't think... Strongman, in general, like all that 300 pounds fell on my head, I die.
Jeremy (03:18.931)
that. Not the server. Right. don't think I've heard of But yeah, a good example, World's Front is managed by Ryan Shaw. He's doing a keg overbomb. He throws and it's funny because we all say... So just take a smaller, not a full size keg, but a small, tiny keg or whatever you call it.
Jeremy (03:26.736)
But yeah, an example, strongest man in the world, it is, Brian Shaw, is doing a keg over bar. He throws, and it was funny, we could all say... Describe for... I know what that is, but... So a keg is a smaller, full -size keg, but it's a keg or whatever they're called. They're filled with little bit of sand, I think the weight or not actually, think the weight of the keg itself is enough, I think it's like 35 pounds.
Jeremy (03:48.65)
They're filled with a little bit of sand. think the weight or not actually. think the weight of the keg itself is about 55 pounds. And it's going back to an homage to Highland Games. So Highland Games, the weight is a steel weight about, probably that big, about maybe eight inches in diameter maybe, something like that. Maybe six inches, maybe smaller. But it's tall, a little bit taller. It has a ring in
Jeremy (03:56.344)
And it's going back to an homage to Highland Games. So Highland Games, the weight is steel weight, and it's about, probably about maybe eight inches diameter maybe, something like that. Maybe six inches, maybe smaller. But it's tall, a little bit taller. And you ring it, and you back to the bar, right? So you swing it through your legs, lift it, throw
Jeremy (04:18.41)
and you get you back to the bar, right? So you swing it through your legs, lift it, throw it behind you over the bar as high you can. Like a high jump bar, Yeah, like a, but much, much higher, like 15 feet in air. What modern strongman has done is taken that and we do stand backs with two hands or kegs with two hands. And this was a world's strongest man. Brian Shaw was probably 10 years ago, maybe.
Jeremy (04:25.776)
behind you, the bar is high as you can get. Like a high jump bar or a full vault bar. Right, yeah, a much, higher, 15 feet in the air. What modern strongman has done is taken down and we do sandbags with two hands or kegs with two hands. And this was a World's Strongest Man when Shaw was probably 10 years ago, maybe. Then breaking Shaw's off four times, World's Strongest Man.
Jeremy (04:48.074)
And Brian Shaw is a four -time World's Strongest Man. He's a monster. He huge... He has a huge... 6 '8", 6 '9", gigantic, very nice, like, fantastic person. met him once. He was nothing but gracious. Very, very cool people. But he took the keg, threw it over, and just kept going to get the next keg. And the keg came down, hit him right in the shoulder, and he just shrugged it
Jeremy (04:51.12)
He's a monster. has a cube of a human being. He is 6 '8", 6 '9", gigantic, very nice man. Fantastic person. met him once and he was nothing but gracious. Very cool to meet him. But he took the keg, threw it over and just kept going to the next keg and the keg came right in the shoulder and he just shrugged it
Jeremy (05:17.159)
Right? it's just absolutely just like, man, whatever. That's a different kind of rest. So, Junas Tsevik is, I think it was, if I'm wrong, it's right. But he did it, it was a stone loggia, out of stone. So, the big round stones that we lived on, right? He took, this was also very much from the stone. Couldn't quite get up over the lip and then fell
Jeremy (05:17.336)
right? it's actually like, whatever. That's a different kind of person. Zydrinis Savickis, I think it was Zydrinis, if I'm wrong. But he, it was a stone -moning ant in the stones. So the big round stones that we lived on platforms, right? He took, this was called the very strong man, took the stone, couldn't quite get it up over the lip and then fell backwards and was laying on his chest and then stopped. Right?
Jeremy (05:45.254)
Right? like, stuff like that. That's what I'm talking about. Like, it's inherently dangerous, like, if you just make one misstep. Luckily, I don't think I've ever really hurt myself, and maybe some lower back injury. But, yeah. We take the safety out, and then we just kind of push through it. But, the weak we know. I don't think there's anybody who's done strength sports that ever said you can't have frequency. Like, you have to have the frequency. You have to.
Jeremy (05:46.672)
stuff like that. That's what I'm about. It's inherently dangerous if you just make one mistake. Luckily, I've never really hurt myself or maybe some lower back injury. But yeah, it's take the safety out and then we just kind of push through it. the, you know, I think I don't think anybody from strength sports has ever said that you can't have frequency. Like you have to have the frequency. You have to keep going. You have to be even when
Jeremy (06:15.342)
Even when you're dead, you don't want to do it. It's one of those days, you're like, I'm not going to get the gym. You just have to make yourself do it. And there's some work we're doing, some interesting stuff coming back around frequency of movement. You know, what we're all exposed to on social media. The majority of those folks are on some of their reports. And people, lot of people that are not in this room...
Jeremy (06:16.666)
dead, like you don't want to do it. It's one of those days where you're just like, I'm not going to get in the gym. You just have to make yourself do it. And there's some, we're getting some interesting stuff coming back around frequency of training because what we're all exposed to on social media, the majority of those things are on some manner of performance enhancement. a lot of people are not in strength. Disciplines don't understand. They assume
Jeremy (06:42.34)
The distance don't understand they assume that you know, taking some kind of anabolic that that is what's of you stronger It's not it's the fact that it shortens your recovery so you can train more frequently so you can have more frequency and that's how you're getting stronger and but lately is it? Met skirt the guy who was really big on one, you know, like one crazy heavy set once a week he's
Jeremy (06:46.168)
you're taking some kind of anabolic that that is it's not it's not not as your recovery time so can train more frequently so you can have more frequency and that's getting stronger and lately what's his last name like Metzger the guy one one crazy set once a week his stuff because he was a I think he holds the record for having the best Olympia show
Jeremy (07:10.63)
because he was a, I think he holds the record for having the best Olympia show ever. His material's been getting a lot more attention lately. And so I find it interesting people are talking about, finally we're talking about frequency, we're not just talking about what movement are we talking about. And you know, this into this into this, but you know, some of these other pieces. It's interesting you say that about that. The one rep once moving forward. That's awesome.
Jeremy (07:15.8)
ever. Gotcha. His material is getting a lot more attention lately. And so I find that we're talking about, finally we're talking about frequency, we're not just talking about what movement are we in. Right. And this and this this. You know, some these other pieces. Right. It's interesting to say that the one rap wants moving forward. that's actually, it's not new as far as I know.
Jeremy (07:40.604)
not new as far as I know. My knowledge, maybe. One of the guys is the Maya guy. Can one of you fact check me on that? That would be awesome. One of them is Mr. Olympia, and one of them is in our space, and my brain refuses to make sure who is who, and I'm embarrassed. And I'm not sure. But Paul Anderson. Very good.
Jeremy (08:06.05)
And I'm sure, but Paul Anderson, very famous strongman. one of the very, I would say really one of first modern strongman. he was known for, for doing that, just doing, you know, very small reps, then long rest periods, super long rest periods. you know, we, from a training perspective, that's exactly what we do. Right. Like we say, if you want to build strength, you have this rep range, right. Three, six reps.
Jeremy (08:11.803)
I would say from very we're doing that. We're just doing very small reps and long reps. And from a training perspective, that's exactly what we do. We want to build strength. You have this rep range, three, six reps from one round there. And then you do it for, you do that, and then you have a longer
Jeremy (08:35.76)
somewhere around there and then you do that and you have a longer rest period of two, three minutes rather than every minute. Or temperature training where you're doing eight to 12 reps, doing EMOM every minute on the So little different. It takes generally three to four minutes for a gender -free replenish. You need that time. Yeah, yeah. So it's interesting. We can talk about it. So let's do this!
Jeremy (08:41.669)
two, three minutes rather than every minute on the minute. at first, free training for your game, know, eight to 12 reps. Yeah. Little different. Think it takes generally two to four minutes or results of the North final. Right. You need that time. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Interesting. We can talk about that. So let's do this. We're a few minutes in. We've got a couple people in and we can talk. You're fine? Mentor. Mentor.
Jeremy (09:05.338)
You know, we're a few minutes in, we've got to people in and make sure they... Did find? Menser? Yeah, Menser. One who is, once a week. Okay, my commenser is the Olympian guy. Menser, apologize, I apologize to you, is the guy who's actually helping Marsha Marsha. If he was on Marsha, I would have just kind of let it go.
Jeremy (09:11.917)
Yeah, that's it. Okay, Mike Metzger is the Olympia guy. Mike Metzger, apologize, my apologies, sir, is the guy who's actually in the martial arts space helping martial arts schools. If he was not in our space, would've just kind of let it roll, but don't want to be disrespectful. yesterday, on free training day, you did a session about ballet.
Jeremy (09:34.81)
Yesterday, you did a session about ballet. Before we go there, we need to talk about what are the things you talk about strongman. Obviously, ballet. What are the things that you do when you have a dog? Kind of very... got into ballet when I was really into gym.
Jeremy (09:39.778)
And before we go there or anything else, think we need to talk about what are the physical, we've talked about Strongman. Obviously you've done some ballet. What are the other movement things that you do or have done? Kind of varied. Let's go all the way back. Well, I got into ballet when I was pretty young. I really was.
loved it. The Olympics, was one of the most famous. Gravitators was really much in that. And there was no outlet when I was a child. And the only real outlet was in a small town as an adolescent. I grew up in a small town in United States. My dad was a nuclear engineer in the Middle East.
Jeremy (10:05.392)
I loved it every time I got a chance to watch the Olympics. It was one of those things I just gravitated to, really gymnastics. And there was no, there was no outlet for me when I was a child. And the only real outlet in a small town as an analyst, I grew up in a small town in Kansas after moving around the United States. And yeah, was a nuclear engineer in the
Jeremy (10:35.17)
So a lot of things are planned for the future. going up, going down. Finally found Burlington, Kansas, where I grew up from age, about second grade, moving forward. And small town, Town of like 2 ,000 people. Maybe less now. But there was no real outlay in gymnastics. There was, however, for dance. There was no local, you know, it small towns that usually have local dance students, right? So.
Jeremy (10:35.28)
So long nuclear plants were going down. Finally, I to Burlington, Kansas, where I grew up from age, second grade, forward. And small town, a town of like 3 ,000 people, maybe less than half. But there was no real -life logistics. There was, however, in 80s. was local, you know, small towns.
Jeremy (11:03.713)
I started really thinking about that as I was getting into my teenage years. to be in the art like thing. Also something I really liked to do. And my sister was 100 % into it. And she was quite good. And I just was doing stuff with her and I was like, I can do this. And I was like, all right, well great. I'll start taking classes. Start taking classes. Get another boyfriend. No.
Jeremy (11:04.848)
really keen about that. Getting into my teenage years, was like, I like dance. It's also something I really like to do. And my sister was 100 % into it. she was quite good. And I just was doing stuff with her. I was like, I can't do this. And I was like, all right, great. I taking classes. There was one other thing.
Jeremy (11:32.317)
There was one other man in our area that was doing it who actually was my first martial arts instructor. So he owned the dojo that was like a block away, right? And Alan was my first, you know, my first teacher of martial arts in Gojiri of karate. And it was one of these, I was going to dance, realized I could
Jeremy (11:35.278)
our area that was coming in, who actually was first -marshal arts instructor. So he owned the...
Jeremy (11:44.056)
Right. And Alan is my first, you know, my first teacher of martial arts, Gojiryo karate. And, well, I, it was one of these, I was going to dance, I I could use some more balance training that I could really get from martial arts. Plus martial arts was also something that I was interested in. was a crossover. was a really cool crossover I can see.
Jeremy (12:00.545)
some more balanced training that I could really properly get from the martial arts. Plus, the martial arts were also something that I was interested in. was like a crossover, a really cool crossover I can see. And he offered to teach me how to do it with them in 14, 15. And so I was dancing locally, taking classes at his school. And really that's in high school.
Jeremy (12:14.544)
offered to teach me how old were you at that time? think 14, 15. And so I was dancing locally, taking classes at, you know, at his school. And it really fit in my school as I was getting into music. I never liked team sports. I think it's a control issue for me. It's not that I don't like the team. I love, I love the idea.
Jeremy (12:29.811)
And as I was getting into high school, I don't like team sports. I've never liked team sports. I think it's a control issue for me. It's not that I don't like the team. I love the idea that when teams do come together, it's fantastic. It's a really great feeling. But I think for me, it's like, I can't control that that actually happened. So I really focused in on individual sports. So I was a jumper.
Jeremy (12:43.79)
you know, when teams do come together, it's fantastic. It's a really great feeling. But I think for me, it's like, can't control if that actually happens. So I really focus on individual sports. So I was a jumper, sprinter, in some distance. That's really where I can control. When I was in control, doing long jump high jump, that's where he felt the most free.
Jeremy (13:01.072)
I did some distance, but that's really where I can control it. When I was in control doing long jump or high jump, that's where I was most free. You stood out on the field. Right, right. And it was funny because I still hate running. I hated running back then. But there's such a long period of my life where I'm just a runner. In high school. Well, the longest distance I've ever done.
Jeremy (13:12.916)
of your own merits. Right, right. And it was, I still hate running. It's such a long career before I was a runner. It's a long way for someone who doesn't like running. My longest run ever is four miles.
Jeremy (13:28.859)
is basically half there.
Jeremy (13:42.512)
I did it once. You didn't see? Well, let's get to that. I can throw 50 pounds on my back and I'll do 12 miles. No, so I don't know if I just... It was kind of the brutality of it. Just having to go, this is going to make me better. Just do it. Just get it out of the way. And then at the end...
Jeremy (13:58.141)
I don't know if I just... It was kind of the brutality of it. Like just having to push myself through it and just go, this is going to make me better. Just do it. Just get it out of the way. And then at the end of the day, you know, it didn't kill you. You're fine. So I went into that, really got heavy into dance, actually to the detriment of track, track and field. I actually pulled out of the four by 100 team. Cause that was pretty quick.
Jeremy (14:12.91)
You know, it didn't kill you. You're fine. So that really means actually to the depth from track, I can feel actually pulled out of the four by one hundred team. cause that was pretty quick. Not, you know, state record level or anything like that, but, yeah, good enough to be, you know, yeah. So I, let of field mass.
Jeremy (14:28.701)
Not, you know, state record level or anything like that, Good enough to be able to... Yeah, good enough to be, you know... Yeah. So I actually pulled out of Track and Field my last year to focus in on dance. And what I was doing is I was trying to, myself and another friend of mine were doing a swing dance. Which culminated into an actual swing dance show with the band. cool. Yeah, it was actually pretty cool.
Jeremy (14:42.288)
focusing on dance and what I was doing was was trying to, myself and another friend of mine were doing swing dance, which culminated into an action swing dance show with the band. Yeah, it actually pretty cool. And I was doing theater, I really wanted to go there. I really saw myself, I'm gonna go in there and I was singing. So I was, you know, doing the vocal side of things, dancing, theater, tripping, that kind of thing. This is where I'm gonna go
Jeremy (14:56.795)
And I was doing theater and I really wanted to go that direction. Like I really saw myself, I'm gonna go to, and I was singing. So I was, you know, doing the vocal side of things, dancing, theater, triple threat, this is where I'm gonna go with my music. And that's where I went. And I had a couple of options for college. I really wanted to go to the East Coast. I wanted to go to North Carolina School the Arts. My parents were like, absolutely not, you're not going that far. That was kind of off.
Jeremy (15:11.568)
And that's where I went. And I got a couple of options for college. I really wanted to go to the North Carolina School the Arts. My parents were like, absolutely not. You're not going that far. That was just kind of off the table. French University in New York, Kansas had a ballet program. And Emporia State University, very close to home, 30 minutes from Wheaton, they offered me a place.
Jeremy (15:26.492)
table. French University in Wichita, Kansas had a ballet program and Emporia State University, is very close to 30 minutes from Burlington, they are being full scholarships. And it was not because they didn't have a dance program. They had no dance. had no, they had music, but it was, they didn't have a musical theater program. So like if they had had a musical theater program, I probably would have liked a, and by program I mean,
Jeremy (15:41.28)
and was not. They didn't have a dance program. They had no dance. had no music, they didn't have a musical theater. So like if they had had a musical theater, they probably wouldn't have been able do anything. And by program, at least as far as I remember, sorry if I get this wrong, I believe they didn't have a bachelor's in musical theater. So French University did. They had a bachelor's in musical theater and they had a bachelor's in ballet. And because that's where my roots were, ballet.
Jeremy (15:55.88)
at least as far as I remember, I'm sorry if I get this wrong, but I believe they didn't have a bachelor's of music theater. So French University did. They had a bachelor's in music theater and they had a bachelor's in ballet. And because that's where my roots were, ballet, I was like, okay, that's where I'm gonna go. What were you hoping to It's not like, you know, that fun. You were thinking through what people do with these things. What was the goal? My goal was to go to New York and to dance on Broadway.
Jeremy (16:11.396)
Okay, this is, that's where I'm gonna go. What were you hoping, it sounds like even at that time, you're thinking through what you might do with these things. What were, what was the goal? My goal was to go to New York and dance on Broadway. That was the goal. mean, it slowly changed into, I really want to dance on Broadway or do want to be a backup dancer or anything, Spears kind of thing. So, you my mind went in different places, but I was looking at, know, myself. I got to ask, actually.
Jeremy (16:24.924)
That was the goal. mean, it slowly changed into, I really want to be on Broadway or do want to be a backup dancer for Britney Spears kind of thing? So, you my mind went to couple different places, but I was looking at, you know, I'm kind got to ask a question. You were in a long list of movies. Were you a bar to name one? I was not. I mean, my height's the same, right? So, 5 '10", but when I graduated high school,
Jeremy (16:41.232)
on this show because anybody who's watching, were a large man. Were you a large man then? I was. I made my height. I was short. I graduated high school. I was about 128. Okay. So that's than I weighed. All in lean. was very lean. In fact, I got bullied in high school. And one of those was about the fact that I was so lean.
Jeremy (16:56.304)
So I was very long and lean. Yeah, I was very lean in fact, I got bullied in high school and one of those was about the fact that I was so bright out there was no muscle mass on me in life. and I know which didn't help the fact that I was in dance because at the time in the 90s Resistance exercise and dance didn't really go together And they did
Jeremy (17:11.216)
So and I know which helped the fact that I was in dance because at the time in the 90s resistance exercise didn't come together and they did obviously. But there was still believe in the 90s that if you worked out if you got stronger you were going lose. And you were going to get better. Right. Yeah. There is a talked about this before we started the podcast, there is a
Jeremy (17:25.646)
Obviously, but there was still believe in the 90s and you were right and like there is we were actually just talking about this before we start the podcast today there is a given take the flexibility and strength right but It was over inflated in my mind and you've got plenty of counters Right. nice. Yeah. Yeah. So yeah
Jeremy (17:40.556)
It extreme, right? But it was inflated in my mind. And you've got plenty of counter examples like Jujimufu, John Paul, who's been on this show. nice. Who was I talking to specifically about Jujimufu? I think it was actually... You guys don't know who Jujimufu is. Go check him out. Go back and check out the
Jeremy (17:54.659)
Who was I talking to? Specifically about Jujy Mufu. I think it was actually... If you guys don't know who Jujy Mufu is, go check him out. Go back and check out that episode. I don't remember what episode number that was, but he trained up to Green Mill or something. I caught him on another show and I reached out and like, need to come on because you're an amazing, ridiculous person. you have a martial arts background. So come on. He... I just didn't have a chance to
Jeremy (18:07.664)
I don't remember what episode number that was, but he trained up three members. I caught him on a road trip and I couldn't stop thinking, you need to come on because you're an amazing, ridiculous person. Absolutely. And you have a martial arts background. I just had the chance to go to World's Strongest Man, 2020 Spectator, in Portal Beach. that's where the... Yeah, that's where the show was. I met him when he was there, and it was really funny.
Jeremy (18:25.316)
that's for the shirt. Yeah, thanks for the shirt. But I met Gigi the Gulp and it was really funny because I was like, holy crap, I've got to get a picture. I didn't get any, like really any chance whatsoever to talk to him. But it was my director at Circus Scorpius, Kelsey, she actually, her and I were talking about the fact that, and I apologize.
Jeremy (18:37.825)
Holy crap, how can I get a picture? I didn't get any chance to talk to him. But it was my director, Circus Corpius, Kelsey, actually, Turner and I were talking about. And I apologize if you never really said this, I remember exactly whether or not you said this verbatim or paraphrasing, but said that there is something to give a thing between strength and flexibility that he
Jeremy (18:53.205)
you never really said this because I don't remember exactly whether or not G .G. Muthu said this verbatim or, you know, if I'm paraphrasing, but said that there is something, you know, the give and take between strength and flexibility that he would have to work through his flexibility in the real life. Some strength is lost. But if nothing else, there's a time component. Well, right. Yeah. You're going to get good at something that takes some time. You want to be really good. You want have diminishing rate of return on that time investment.
Jeremy (19:06.768)
Through his flexibility, his strength was lost. if nothing else, there's a time compulsion. Well, right. You're going to get good at something that takes some time. You want to be really good at diminishing your effort on that time investment. So to be really good at anybody who knows his body type can be both insanely flexible and insanely strong. And you're only so many hours in. Yeah, that's true. Yeah. And when we talk about consistency, you know, some of
Jeremy (19:22.175)
Anybody who knows his body type he is both insanely flexible and insanely strong. Yeah, and there are only so many hours Yeah, that's true You know, yeah, so So yeah, I go to plans on a partial scholarship scholarship for For my voice
Jeremy (19:36.752)
lost. So yeah, I decided to go to Pratt & and I was on the commercial scholarship for Ballet, was on the scholarship for Voice, I was at second ten with the Squakers. I was, I went, I did my thing, I didn't, you know, not to go too deep, right,
Jeremy (19:50.985)
the singing Quakers. I was, I went, I did my thing, I was very unfocused. I didn't really, and not to go too deep, right, but I didn't really understand the amount of trauma I had as a kid growing up in my household with my parents until getting into college and realizing just how unfocused I was and how I just did not know how to navigate.
Jeremy (20:06.53)
I didn't really understand the trauma I had as a kid growing up in my household with my parents until getting into college and realizing just how focused I was and how I just did not know how to navigate like an average person. So I didn't. Being so unfocused, my academics went down the drain, really was focused in ballet too.
Jeremy (20:21.392)
average person, So it didn't go well. I've been so unfocused. My academics went down the drain, really was unfocused in ballet too and singing. I was on stage a few times. There were some great roles that I absolutely adored. I was Snoopy and you're a good man Charlie Brown. Got to be on stage. I got to work
Jeremy (20:36.492)
and singing. I was on stage few times. There's great roles that I absolutely adored. I was Snoopy and you're a good friend, Charlie Brown. I got to work with some amazing choreographers, Dominic Wall, his own dance company. I believe he was with, I'm not even going guess, maybe Houston.
Jeremy (20:52.001)
some amazing choreographers, Dominic Walsh, he opened his own dance company, I believe he was with, I'm not even gonna guess, was with maybe Houston Ballet before that, amazing choreographer, amazing dancer, got to work with him, got to meet and work a little bit with Wendy Wheeler, New York City Ballet. She came in as a guest artist to dance the Nutcracker.
Jeremy (21:05.486)
before that. amazing choreographer, amazing dancer. Got to work with him. Got to meet and work a little bit with New York City Ballet. She came in as a dance artist to dance to Cracker. But she did do some of new choreography with him. I'm not sure if I was really part of any of that. know, getting to see her and just have her in essence of such a...
Jeremy (21:21.172)
But she did do some my new choreography with this. I'm not sure if I was really part of any of that, but getting to see her and just have her, the essence of such a professional ballet dancer that's at her caliber, right? That was amazing. So some really great things came out of it. 9 -11 happened. And coming from a household that was long history of military.
Jeremy (21:34.768)
professional ballet dancers that are calibered, right? That was amazing. So some really great things came up. 9 -11 happened. coming from a household that was a long history of military, I said, I think it's my time. Went to the recruiters and... that come from you? Was there outside of you? Direct outside
Jeremy (21:51.345)
I said, I think it's my time. Went to the recruiters and... Did that come from you? was there outside the control room? There were conversations. There were conversations. There were conversations of, Wyatt, you're too soft. There's no way you'll ever be able to do this. And I had encouraged him to No, he was never encouraged. Yeah, some reverse psychology.
Jeremy (22:04.424)
Were there conversations? There were conversations. There were conversations of, Wyatt, you're too soft. There's no way you be able to do this. It wasn't encouraging. It was never encouraging. Some reverse psychology happened. And I vividly remember that being said. I think the, I'm gonna still paraphrase it, but I'm gonna have to get it right, but I think it was something to the fact that they were gonna eat you alive. And I went, okay.
Jeremy (22:20.564)
And I vividly remember that being said. I think the, I'm gonna still paraphrase, I'm probably not gonna get it right, but I think it was something to the fact that they're gonna eat you alive. And I went, okay. And I doubled down. Because what I knew was you talked about things that you've done, and you even said something that I wish I'd committed to work on, about embracing hard feelings. Yeah.
Jeremy (22:34.562)
And I doubled it. Because what I'm hearing is you talked about the things that you've done and you even said something that I wish I'd committed to memory better about embracing heart. And that sounds like something that anybody who dances beyond the age of six has to enjoy doing different things. Anybody who has worked in theater knows that there's an intensity that happens.
Jeremy (22:48.651)
And that sounds like something that anybody who dances beyond the age of about six has to enjoy doing difficult things. Anybody who has worked in theater knows that there's an intensity that happens there that starts pretty darn quickly in rehearsal for a show. If you're singing beyond casually, there's an intensity. We're talking about martial arts and there are some martial arts that have a stereotype for being
Jeremy (23:04.784)
that starts pretty darn quickly in first half of show. If you're singing beyond casually, right? There's an intensity. We're talking about martial arts. And you know, there are some martial arts that have a stereotype for being maybe a little more casual than others. What you go to is not one of them, in my experience. And so I've been thinking about this, know, between age 12 and a little bit, that the last things I can expect for you to not be able to embrace
Jeremy (23:18.068)
maybe a little more casual than others, Go Do is not one of them in my experience. And so I would imagine that if I knew you at this roughly age 20, that one of the last things I would expect would be for you to not be able to embrace another difficult thing. Yeah, I think what people saw in me is that I do wear almost all my sleep and I am very under -sensitive to other people's emotions.
Jeremy (23:34.796)
another different thing. Yeah, I think what people saw in me is that I do wear my purses on my sleeve and I'm very sensitive to other people's emotions. I'm sensitive to my own. I think that just came through just far more than people were expecting at that time. And you have the one sibling? Younger sister. Yeah, she was younger. So she was younger. Not that I would have expected. Right, right.
Jeremy (23:47.635)
I think that just came through just far more than what we were expecting at that time. You have the one sibling? Younger sister. Younger sister. Younger sister. Yeah, she was younger. So she was younger. Not what I would have expected. Right, right. So yeah, she was younger. And by this time, so this is, I'm 20, she's 15, she's being recognized and my parents are actually taking her to Topeka, which is an hour away to dance.
Jeremy (24:04.08)
Yeah, she was younger. And by this time, so this is I'm 20, she's 15. She's being recognized and parents are actually taking her to Topeka, which is now and like professional. Yeah, so I. And that's what I think. And I'm going into.
Jeremy (24:16.511)
and like pre -professionally. But yeah, so I doubled down on it. And that's when I said, all right, I'm going in. And I'm going into, when I walked into the recruit, I was so arrogant. I walked into the recruit, I really wanted to be on the Navy. Like I wanted to be on a ship. I wanted to be able to see the world, right? And they were never there. They were never at the recruit. So Marines were always there, Army was
Jeremy (24:33.53)
I walked in the room. I want to be honest. It's a world right and they were never there. were never there. So Marines and I walked in my dad. My dad's past is past four years ago now. But sorry but he keeps and I remember him saying to me don't join.
Jeremy (24:46.698)
And I walked in the Marine Corps because my dad was a Marine. My dad's passed. He passed four years ago now. But he was a Marine. And I remembered him saying to me, don't join the Marine Corps. It was hell, right? That's what I remember. I'll get back to that. So he was a Marine. He was a Marine here in Vietnam, but he volunteered. So he wasn't
Jeremy (25:03.17)
It was hell, right? That's why I'll get back to that. So, he was don't know the percentage, but it's pretty low. Yeah. So I went to Corps and I was like, I'd really like to do this. They were like, absolutely not. We don't care. That's not what you join the Corps. You join the Marine Corps to be a Marine. I was
Jeremy (25:15.846)
He was a volunteer. Pretty low. Yeah. So I went to the Marine Corps and I was like, well, I'd really like to do this. They were like, absolutely not. We don't care. That's not what that's not why you You join the Marine Corps. I was like, you guys are fully yourself. So I walked out and I went to the Army and I was like, hey, all right, this is what I want. And they're like, we can make that happen. course, any military intelligence.
Jeremy (25:32.74)
you guys are full of yourselves. So I walked out and I went to the army and I was like, okay, all right, this is where I want. And they're like, we can make it, of course.
Jeremy (25:45.819)
So, and they will, you know, I was like, I want to talk to your clearance. want it, you know, military intelligence. That's what I want to do. Like, we'll make that. Like any recruiter will, right? My recruiter was absolutely decent. Don't get me wrong. I actually didn't get, you know, steered in a bad direction, but I ended up going up to maps, scored, you know, it was actually kind of funny when I took my ASPAP. You get like three or four hours to do it, right? And I walked in and I've always been an academic.
Jeremy (25:45.944)
So, and they will, I was like, I want to top -secure your experience, want to filter intelligence, that's what I want to do. Like, we'll make that, like any recruiter will, right? My recruiter was absolutely decent, don't get me wrong. I actually didn't steer in a bad direction, but I ended up wanting to have some score, you it was actually, you took my ASPAP. You get like three or right? And I walked in and I've always paid that to the
Jeremy (26:16.876)
I've enjoyed academia. I actually really love learning in an academic setting. I've always been that kid. I walk in the ASDAP, I sit down, 30 minutes later I'm done. I stand up, and it's electronic at this point, not paper. I go over, and I'm like, okay. They're like, do you need a break or something? No, no, no, I'm done. They're like, They're like, okay, let me check. They check that I made it through the questions.
Jeremy (26:16.884)
I've enjoyed academia, I actually really love learning in an academic setting. yeah, I was just always been that kid. I walk into the as bad as 30 minutes later, I'm done. stand up and it's electronic at this point on paper. And I go over, okay, no, like, do you need a break or something? They're not done.
Okay, let me I checked the image. asked all the questions and threw it in. Okay, go sit down. I scored high enough. They're like, okay, you want so went to a career counselor. All right, you need to be a limber because I scored so high. My PT physical training. Like, yeah, be limber, be infantry. Limber. I wouldn't imagine that would get you the military intelligence. Right. So that you're like, yeah, be a limber, be infantry.
Jeremy (26:45.185)
I go, okay, go sit down. I scored high enough, they're like, okay, yep, you can do whatever you want. So I went to a career counselor, career counselor, was like, all right, need be in a lemon broth. Did I score so high? I got my PT, my physical training. They're like, yeah, be in a lemon broth. Be infantry. Yeah, lemon broth. Right, so they're like, yeah, be in a lemon broth, be in infantry. like, no, that's not what I want. And I had to actually get up.
Jeremy (27:10.136)
No, that's not what I want. And I had actually get up, you know, sorry, this is not for you. Once. And then he was like, kind of do what you want to do. And he laid out three groups. You can be an underwater welder with the with the Army. You can be counter -intelligence or you can be at that time it was called X -ray. So it was signals intelligence analysts or
Jeremy (27:14.679)
Sorry, this is not for me then. Once. And then he was like, right, fine, we'll kind of do what you want to do. And he laid out three different jobs. You can be an underwater welder, scuba diver, with the Army. You can be counter intel. Or you can be, at that time it was called it, 98X -ray. So with signals intelligence panels for, for linguists, right? And with
Jeremy (27:40.3)
or a linguist and with a language. Like you'll get sent to DLA, Defense Language. Sorry, I'm gonna use acronyms during this and you're gonna have to stop me and say stop me. I will stop you. Defense Language Institute, Monterey, California. So, and I went, okay, well, and I kinda kicked myself in the face with that. Scoot -a -diver route. But I was like, yeah, that's interesting. And then I was like, come on, that's
Jeremy (27:44.352)
like you'll get sent to TLI. The defense is like, sorry, I'm gonna use acronyms during this and you're gonna have to stop me and say stop your defense. Defense language institute, not a monitoring health one. So, and I went, okay, well, and I kinda kicked myself, wish I would have done the scuba diver route, But I was like, nah, that's not for me. And then I was like counter -intelligence while I do. Like, well, you'd have to leave in three days. And I'm like.
Jeremy (28:09.904)
Like, well, you'd have to leave. And I'm like, what now? said, what about X -ray? you'd be for, I don't remember. think it was like almost three months. So this was like 2000, the end of 2001, right? This is like, this is probably like end of September or October. And, people who are not remember. Yeah. this was September.
Jeremy (28:13.387)
What now? I said, okay, what about the 98X rate? they're like, you'd be deferred for, I don't remember, think was like almost three months. So this is like the end of 2001, right? This is like, it's probably like the end of September, October, right? And, people who are young may not want to do it. Yeah, so this is. September, October, and September 2000. So 9 -11, September 11th,
Jeremy (28:39.12)
of 2001. remember. September 11th. I truly just worked my land. was like, all right, I'm going to do this. it was October, I think it was November or December when I signed the paperwork. And then I left January. I ended up deciding to have the next ring. So I got into training, graduated basic. At one point during basic training, I called my parents and I was like, you know, because pay phones back, cell phones.
Jeremy (28:43.183)
one, you know, I truly just was all in. like, all right, I'm gonna do this. And it was October, I think it was November or December when I finally did it. Right, and then I left January and decided to do 98XR. So, got sent to basic training, graduated basic, at one point during basic training.
You know, pay phones back then, no cell phones. mean, cell phones existed sort of. Pay phone. think that the mouthpiece opened down on the one that I got right after basic training with those. Yeah. So I, you know, I call my parents. Yeah, it's like,
Jeremy (29:09.134)
mean, cell phones existed, sort of. But iPhone, you know, you just didn't fold it. I think the mouthpiece folded down on the that I got. So, you know, I called the nurse. They're like, are you doing okay? I'm like, yeah, it's, yeah.
It was. After you get cast in first few weeks, like hell, they're just like screaming at you. Yeah, just talk, you're fine. Just stand there. Which I stayed under the radar the entire time until Weapons Qualification. And I was great, just noticing that I'm here, and then I recruited me. It was either 38 or 39 out of 40 on my Weapons Qual, which gives you an
Jeremy (29:33.178)
It was. After you get past the first few weeks of hell, screaming at you, like, yes, it's done. Don't talk. fine. Just stay under the radar. Which I stayed under the radar the entire time until
And I was like, this is great. No one's noticing I'm here. And then I scored a 38 or 31.
which gives you expert and very few people at that time, that very few had game -changing background with me and one other guy. Did you have experience? Yeah, growing up, my dad, being on a farm, we grew up on a farm. Shooting was kind of a normal thing. And my dad was actually far superior shot. He was insanely good. So he was always very much teaching me the fun of the house.
Jeremy (30:03.204)
and very few people on the basic three. At that time, very few people even got that. was me and one other guy. Did you have experience with it? Yeah, so my dad being on a farm, we grew up on a farm. Shooting was kind of a normal thing. And my dad was actually a far superior shot. Like he was insanely good. So he was always very much like teaching me the fundamentals of rifle marketing. So I walked
Jeremy (30:31.817)
So I walked in, you know, understanding how to speed the trigger, don't pull it back, like, you know, all the breathing and all of these things you learn during my post -match training. And it was me and one other guy in my company, think, yeah, it was in my company. He was X1. And he got 40 out of 40, I got 39 out 40, I really don't remember who's one or the other. And I walk off the range and my drill's friends
Jeremy (30:33.146)
you know, understating, trigger, back, know, all the reading, all of these things we were entering during Red Marxmanship. And it was me and one of my company, think, yeah, it was in my company. He was smart. And he had a really dull memory. It was one or the other. And I would change and control certain things. Merger with
Jeremy (31:01.522)
Merriwether! Who the is that? And I'm like, Rainier, Joe Sardines,
Jeremy (31:03.098)
Who the is that? I'm like, right here.
Jeremy (31:10.48)
You've been here the whole time? I guess. graduated with honors. Had a basic training with my record marksmanship. Went to DLI, did Russian. Didn't do so hot, but still, you know, got by enough. That was not my choice. My choice would have been Arabic. I did that score high enough. Correct, right? So, well, honestly.
Jeremy (31:14.149)
I guess.
Jeremy (31:18.724)
and a basic.
to deal with. Didn't do some hot stuff. That was not my choice. choice. not. Arabic logical at that time. But know, kind of proficiency test for languages. So you have in this test.
Jeremy (31:39.748)
like Dari trying to do it in morning. But yeah, I didn't score high enough on the proficiency test for language. So you have to school play, and this test was awful. They put you in a room with, back when, tape cassettes, right? They put a cassette in, and you have these questions, they're multiple choice questions. And it was called the Defense Language Aptitude Battery.
Jeremy (31:52.761)
They put you in a this is back when we tape cassettes, They put a cassette in and you have these questions, multiple choice questions, and it was called the Defense Language Afternoon Battery. And you listen to this made up language and it's, had hints of, I remember hints of Spanish, some like German, I think they were like hints of English. They just, they add a few ones together.
Jeremy (32:09.38)
listen to this made up language. And it had hints of, I remember hints of like Spanish, like German. I think they were like hints of Russian. They just, they add a few languages together and they just make up this made up language. And then you have to figure out what you're trying to say. And I scored high enough that I could get all those category languages like Russian, Superoration, like that, but I didn't
Jeremy (32:20.624)
and they just make up this made up language, you know, and then you have to figure out what they're doing to say. And I could get all those categories, Russian, preparation, and things like that, but I didn't score high enough for Chinese and Arabic. So a lot of my co -workers, they were learning Arabic for Chinese. Actually, in fact, I don't think I know anybody who was learning Chinese and actually graduated, because it's so difficult.
Jeremy (32:36.624)
So a lot of my cohort, they were learning Arabic and Chinese. Actually, in fact, I don't think I know anybody who was learning Chinese actually graduated because it's so difficult. But if you don't fully graduate, you're offered, okay, well, let's take the test first. Yeah, so single panel. They don't even take the test and work the test each time, but it's really just pattern -based.
Jeremy (32:50.362)
But if you don't graduate, you're offered, okay, well, let's test for intelligence, or signals analytics. So signals analytics, they don't even take the test, the test is gone. But it's really just pattern finding in the matrices, right? they basically show you, you have to find the pattern of it. And I was incredibly high on that, and they moved me into analyst role. And so
Jeremy (33:06.211)
in a matrices, right? They basically show you matrices, you have to find a pattern there. And I scored incredibly high on that. They moved me into analyst role. And so I went to Texas then for analyst school and that's another fun story. My bunk mate got orders directly to Iraq to be deployed.
Jeremy (33:20.612)
Went to Texas, then for analyst school. And that's another story. My bunkmate got orders directly to be deployed. I got orders from My background is Maria. How does that make sense? Yeah. So I said, I'm ready to go. Like I'm ready to deploy. I'll do
Jeremy (33:35.821)
I got orders from Korea. My background is Russian, his background is Korean. How does that make sense? Yeah, so I said, I'm ready to go. Like, I'm ready to deploy. I'll do it. And we went to our drill sergeant and said, hey, let's switch orders. fine. I'll go get ready to deploy. He can go to Korea. So where do you want to go? And shut us down. No, nothing happened. Okay, well, I spent a year in Korea.
Jeremy (33:50.87)
And we went to our drill sergeant and said, we'll just switch, just switch orders. It's fine. I'll go deploy and go to Korea. You want to get it and shut us down. Okay. Got my duty of choice at this point. I got married.
Jeremy (34:06.199)
got my duty of choice at this point. I got married and she was also in the military, in the army. And we I wanted to be as close as possible. So she got Savannah Georgia.
Jeremy (34:13.616)
and she was also a military in the army and decided I wanted to be as close as possible to him. She got Savannah Jordan to her airfield and that's where I went. And spent the last three years there and while I was there, back to Marching Birds, this is where I'd started out. So I was kind of, you know, awed trying to get in there. The only reason I wanted to go 200
Jeremy (34:25.634)
and spent my last three years there. And while I was there, back to martial arts, this is where I started out. So I was kind of the odd child getting there. The only reason I got orders to 100 was because I got Station of Choice because I was in Korea and
Jeremy (34:42.148)
was because we got station choice because I was in Korea.
Jeremy (34:50.7)
my wife was already there. So I walked in to my first
Jeremy (34:50.852)
my wife is already there. So I walked in to my first sergeant major.
Jeremy (35:00.086)
Basically going you screw up anyway, you're out. I'll make sure that you go to the third ID third entry division right next door And that's where you're gonna spend your time because the fact that you're Because of your circumstances is BS I went So when I first got there they were on mission to Afghanistan it was taking a while for my clearance to go
Jeremy (35:00.172)
Basically, you screw up and you're out. Make sure that you're in 3rd Infantry Division right next door. And that's where you're to be. Because the fact that you're here, just because of your circumstances, is BS. I went, great, okay, keep my nose clean. So, I first got there, and were on our way to Afghanistan. It was taking a while for my clearance to go through.
completed through for the states after being in Korea they so I was not on mission so instead the unit and was seen and cleaning all the weapons and working in the administrative area got to know my sergeant well
Jeremy (35:29.57)
through for states and for being in Korea. So I was not on a mission to Afghanistan. So instead, I became the unit armor.
Jeremy (35:47.517)
That's no, my first started really well.
built up a good relationship, finally got to go on this ship.
Jeremy (35:52.602)
built up a good relationship, finally got to go to Shetland, went on missions to South America, and then I got stopped lost, which means the Army says, sorry, you're not going to get out of here, and you wanted to, your contract said, because your contract actually says eight years, regardless of the fact that duty for themselves, so I was stopped lost three years for Iraq. But during that time, when we were on a mission, I got sent, my friend started getting in between, he said, you have a history with the Army, right?
Jeremy (36:00.871)
I sorry, you're not gonna get out when you wanted to, your contract said, because your contract actually says eight years, regardless of what your activity time says, so I would stop us for a year, But during that time, when we were non -obmission, I got sent, my first interview came up to me, said, you have a history of martial arts, right? And when I was in French diversity, also took a martial arts and when I was in Korean, too. And, which, was rough.
Jeremy (36:21.646)
I was a French person also taught Taekwondo. And when I was in Korea, I Taekwondo. And that was rough. was very melody. The South Koreans do not mess around. No, no. was this rural Taekwondo. Yeah, yeah. So, had to bring from... They're called Katusas, Korean Aramae. Something, something, something. Anyway, the Katusas have the same section and we were learning from them. Yeah, it was cool. Anyway.
Jeremy (36:30.161)
It was very militant. The South Koreans do not mess with them.
that the Catoosas have their own section. were learning from them. Anyway, so, yeah, he's like, have some the R -SARS background. So I don't get it, how would you like to the modern army combatants instructor? Because at this time, the army was taking a lot of accusations from the Marine Corps and the MAP program, Because the army was going, okay, this is you deal with the Bayonets, how you deal
Jeremy (36:51.98)
So, yeah, he's like, have some martial arts background. was like, yeah, sure. How would you like the modern army to modern army? At this time, the army was taking a lot of use from the Marine Corps and the Mac Mac program, right? Because the army was just, okay, this is how you deal with the bayonet, this is how you deal with the knife. There was no integration.
Jeremy (37:16.017)
There was no integration, juxtaposition of any martial arts, like real martial arts, how you deal with what's really gonna happen to you. And so the answer to that was the modern Army combatives program. And they were like, at this time it was pretty new. Instructors were pretty far in between. And it was an elite thing to be able to get sent, just like going to airborne school or going to air assault school. You get sent.
Jeremy (37:19.508)
of any martial art, like real martial arts, to how you deal with what's really gonna happen to you if you don't have a weapon, right? And so the answer to that was modern army combat is a program. And they were like, this time it was pretty new. Instructors were pretty far away from And it was an elite thing to be able to get sent. It's like going to air force school, you went to air assault school. You get sent to Did it have that?
Jeremy (37:46.013)
to work with.
Jeremy (37:48.203)
level of those.
Jeremy (37:51.825)
Did people look up? At that time. Now, as far as I understand, it's far more like the instructors are, it's more like being a combat lifesaver, which everybody in combat lifesavers kind of think. I think it's flowed out and everybody has the opportunity to it. But back then it was, they were talking about, like airborne aerosol cup on pit, Combat, combatants instructors were gonna have a belt line that you got to
Jeremy (37:51.972)
Did people look up? At that time, now as far more like the instructors are, it's more like being a combat leaser, which everybody in the combat life center is going to think. They think it's it's flowed out and everybody has the opportunity to do it. But back then, they were talking about airborne aerosol, combat, that you got to wear with your uniform. So,
Jeremy (38:20.751)
So I went to level one, which was real wake up call. I had never really been in a fight fight. Everything was always in a controlled environment. After that, unfortunately, had been in few bar fights. But at that time, I had never really had that situation where I was like, on, I might get really hurt.
Jeremy (38:21.998)
went to level one, which was a real wake up call. I had been, I never really had a fight fight, right? Everything was in a controlled environment. After that, unfortunately, had interviewed for bar fights. at that time, I had never really had that situation where I was like, come on, I might get really hurt. And silence.
whole different breed from martial arts. Yeah, exactly. We're talking about the difference between recreational martial arts and what quick madness it is. So I got sent level one and it was one the hardest things I have ever done in my life. As someone who had done quite a few hard things...
Jeremy (38:52.639)
Yeah, exactly. We're talking about the difference between recreational martial arts and what combats a little friend. So I got sent for level one and it was one of the hardest
And as someone who, to them, have done quite a few hard things, I think there's a recurring theme here. was such a great feeling at end of that. It was only, it's a week. It's 40 hours of training. But you get in there, game one, they talk to you for a little bit, and then it's game on, and you're rolling. So more Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, right? So you're rolling on the floor for eight hours. To the point where, when we got them to lunch,
Jeremy (39:20.016)
It was a week it's 40 hours But you get in there Talk to you for a little bit and it's game on and you're rolling more Brazilian soup, right? So you're going on the for eight hours to the point where we got Second day I could not
Jeremy (39:43.49)
Like the second day was when it hit. Like I went to lunch and I was like, okay, I gotta eat something. I could not stomach food. I had to buy those little pouches, those little carb pouches, and I had to eat that and then drink water and eat that and just try and stomach that down. By like day or three or four, I don't know if you've ever smelled the smell of like when no one's, they're no longer burning fat but you're burning muscle, the ketone smell. That's what the smell was. And you know, everybody's just like.
Jeremy (39:51.032)
I had to buy those car pouches and I drink water and eat them. I try to stomach that down. By like day or three, I don't know if you've ever smelled it, but when they're no longer burning the fat, you're burning the muscle, you can't smell, that's what the smell is. And you know, everybody's just like burning everything off. And at the end of it, I open up the bay door. Okay.
Jeremy (40:13.367)
burning everything off. And at the end of it, I open up the bay door. I go, to pass, you have to get to dominant body position standing, right? Which is like, whether or not you get a seatbelt or a double underhooks, and you have to hold that for 10 seconds. You are not allowed to strike. The person you're up against is allowed to hit you as hard as they want. And these are the level three guys that most of them probably
Jeremy (40:21.232)
pass, you have to get to come up from like dominant body position standing, right, which is like whether or not you like a seat belt or a double underhooks and you have to hold that for 10 seconds. You are not allowed to, the person you're up against is allowed to hit you as hard as they want. And these are the level three guys that most of them will probably have a drink with, right? Or some kind of common arms. they're, so they've got plenty of experience.
Jeremy (40:43.599)
right or some kind of combat arms and there so they've got as hard as they want and we can't hit them we just have to gain dominant body position and a of mine who was there he actually got knocked down they thought he got knocked out I got pinned pretty pretty good right in the center of my forehead
Jeremy (40:50.8)
program and they're big rugged dudes who like mixing it up and they get to hit you as far as they can. you can't hit them, you just have to gain dominant body position. And a of mine who was there, actually got knocked down. They thought he got knocked down. I got pinned pretty good right in the center of my forehead. And they actually said, hey, if you run out, you're done. But we understand.
Jeremy (41:13.128)
And they actually said, you know, if you run out, you're done. But we understand if it's too much for you, can run out that door. That's why they open the bay door. And yeah, we all, we all did it. think, I think we did actually lose a couple of people during my door that just went out and can't do this. And yeah, when we got through it, the guy who last one, you have to do it. It's not just once you have to do three times. You have to do it and it's one after another. Right. So you're in a
Jeremy (41:20.152)
if it's too much for you, can run out that door. That's why they open the way for it. yeah, we all did it. I think we did actually lose a couple people during my course. They were just like, I can't do this. And yeah, we got through it. The last thing you have to do is not just once, you have to this three times. But you have to do it and it's one after another. So you're in a line, you up in like, okay, let's go. And there's other things you have to improve that you can do, you know, on the
Jeremy (41:41.897)
wind up like, okay, let's go. And there's other things you have to prove that you can do, you know, on the ground. But that's that was the most memorable. And do it the last one. That's where he hits me right, right on the cloud of my head. My head goes back. And I re engage. And it was funny. And then and then you came up and you just like shook it off. And it like, I have never seen
Jeremy (41:48.97)
That's that was the most and I do it. That's where it gets me right on the crown of my head. I head goes back and I re -engage and it was funny. It was up to me afterwards. Like I thought I killed you. And then you came up, shook it off and I was like, I've never seen anybody do that before. was like, well, you know, when you have to, when you have to do something. Right. So,
Jeremy (42:13.589)
when you have to do something. So yeah, that really getting put to that situation, that seemed like how the instructors were just mixing it up. When we weren't doing anything, they were like, all right, no gloves, and they were doing full context work. And reducing that safety just for the, even the machismo of it, So I graduated level one.
Jeremy (42:18.448)
that getting, getting put in that situation and seeing like how the instructors were just mixing it up, you know, when we weren't doing anything. were like, all right, gloves. They were doing full -on mixing right. And producing that safety just for them. Even the machines. So I graduated level one for level two. And by, I was going be in second for level
Jeremy (42:42.153)
They sent me back for level two, and by the time I was gonna get sent for level three, that's when stop loss deployment happened. So I came away with level two, which was awesome. I was able to ref. You get the ability to referee modern Army combatants. You know, competitions. however you wanna do it. I ran one with my battalion.
Jeremy (42:48.752)
but that's when stop loss and deployment happened. So I came away with, was awesome, I was able to ref, the ability to referee on an army commandos.
Jeremy (43:05.173)
Competition. I ran one.
to gain the respect. I mean, was the hardest of the hard. And yeah, was things that came away that level. Right. I'm sure it's not. this is this was for
Jeremy (43:12.243)
Gained the respect of my sergeant major finally after going through all this. My sergeant major was, I mean he was the hardest of the hard of rangers. And yeah, was one of those things I came away with. That level of difficulty, right? And I'm sure it's changed quite a bit now. But we actually got sent two ford betting for this. This was not, wait, this instructor guy is gonna do
Yeah, this was you go to Fort Benning you go TDT why? temporary do Simon and Yeah, it was it was a ride and Came out. I had some thoughts of maybe I'll I'll fight recreationally like competitively Got into one too many bar fights in those situations just because I have a smart mouth and I was also let you know I Did have a problem with alcohol for a
Jeremy (43:41.292)
TTY temporary assignment. And yeah, it was a rock. And I came out, got some thoughts of maybe I'll fight recreation, like, competitively. I don't want to be in those situations because I have a sore mouth. I was also, let you know, I did have a problem with alcohol for a long time. It stepped
Jeremy (44:08.45)
It's from some of the trauma that I had. No, it's surprising, even the ones that you were asking about. Intense. People who casually win things rarely have problems with themselves. It's the intense folks, the all -in. Yeah, we talked about that.
Jeremy (44:10.532)
some of the trauma that I had. Not surprising given the arc of things that you talked about. Intense. People who casually embrace things rarely have problems with substances. It's the intense folk, the all in. Yeah, we talked about that. It's funny. All in. Talk about that. But kind of the military.
Jeremy (44:35.793)
Really wanted to finish my green really wanted to go that way. I wanted how long it been since you stepped out Six years. Yeah, that's six years. I 27. Yeah, so 27 Great shape as a fantastic shape. So basic training I put on about 23 pounds muscle So and I kept that up. I got a little fluffy You know being Intel were sitting down the desk Got a little fluffy
Jeremy (44:35.952)
Really wanted to do mini green dance. Really wanted to do dance. How long did it take you to down to definitely? Six years? Yeah, about six years. I was 27. So 27, great shape. I was in fantastic shape. I got a little fluffy, know, intel or sit down at a desk kind of thing. Got a little fluffy. I think I went up like one.
Jeremy (45:06.647)
I dropped down to about 168. Coming out of the military, in great shape. could see my abs, fantastic. I was ready to Doing handstand pushups like nobody's business. And that's why I wanted to finish my degree in dance. Potentially like, maybe I could dance or maybe I could go to med school. Like, what am I gonna do? My first thought was, I'm gonna do all of my stuff in med school. Because I really, I was a combat lifesaver.
Jeremy (45:06.648)
I dropped out in 68. Coming out of the military, was in great shape. could see my abs. Fantastic. I was ready to go. Doing handstand push ups, I these business. And that's why I wanted to do degree in And she was like, maybe I could dance. Maybe I could head school like I can do. My first thought was I'm gonna do all of my stuff from head school. And, because I really, combat life's a different
I really liked healthcare, but it was also
Jeremy (45:36.693)
I really liked healthcare, but it was also
Jeremy (45:46.056)
It wasn't realistic. My viewpoint of what goes on in healthcare was not realistic to me. So I was discussing at this point too, was forced, there was a lot going on. My drinking got pretty bad. But through it all, again, through all this crazy unfocusedness, I was really able to focus on getting my degree, getting it done.
Jeremy (45:46.218)
It wasn't realistic. Like my view of what goes on in healthcare was not realistic view. so I was discussing at this point too, I was also getting divorced. There was a lot going on. My drinking got pretty bad. But through it all, again, through all this crazy unfocuses, I was really focused on getting it done. you know,
Jeremy (46:15.248)
You know, got hurt a couple times, like you said, just from stupid situations. I've actually never been into fractured my orbital, my nose. Got told by an ENT, like, you get hit like that again. It's pretty bad. I kind of stepped away from martial arts for a while and really focused in on dance. And then got the opportunity to do this really cool cross train with, it was 940 Dance Company at the
Jeremy (46:16.272)
I was like, this is a stupid situation. I should have never been into a fractured my orbital. Yeah. Got told by an idiot like that again. It's pretty bad. So I kind stepped away from martial arts for a while and really focused on dance and then got the opportunity to do this really cool cross train with 940 dates company at the time.
Jeremy (46:45.135)
Florence, a professional company, and then I was working with one of the adjuncts who does medieval dance. So like all the dance from the Middle Ages. going back way to the precursors of square dance. And I ended up doing this professional show with 940 out in Clinton Lake in Lawrence, Kansas. And I like, this is gonna be great. I'm gonna audition for 940.
Jeremy (46:46.128)
professional company and then I was working with with the adjuncts who does medieval dance hmm so like all the dances yeah right so going back way to precursors to like this great dance right and I ended up doing this show with 940 out in Clinton, Naked, Lawrence, Kansas and was like this is gonna be great audition for 940
Jeremy (47:15.404)
And that didn't quite work out how I wanted it. It did get kind of the offer to pay, can come in as a guest artist, you know, most of the time. But it just didn't work. And, okay, well, I guess.
Jeremy (47:15.552)
And that didn't work out. wanted to the offer to, hey, you can come in as a guest artist, you know, once in a while. But it just wasn't on the cards. okay, well, I'm to do something else. I got to figure it out. I'm not going to be a retail manager. I didn't want to move up into just management and do retail the rest of my life. That's not, that just wasn't me. Had you been doing that? That's what I've been doing. Yeah, I've been doing that.
Jeremy (47:30.765)
I got to figure it out. I'm not going to be a retail manager. I didn't want to move up into just management and do retail the rest of my life. This just wasn't me. Have you been doing retail? That's what I've been doing. My parents really wanted me be an attorney. They wanted me to be a lawyer. And I was working also as a law clerk basically at a local legal office. And that was also late. I don't want do that either.
Jeremy (47:45.761)
My parents wanted me to be an attorney, wanted me be a lawyer, I was working as a law clerk basically at a local legal office. And that was also something I couldn't do that either. Like this is not what I wanted to do. And nothing against lawyers being in the management, that's great. I just, I didn't really want to do it. So, well, I
Jeremy (47:59.565)
Like this is just not what I wanted to do. And nothing against either, like lawyers, know, being in management, you know, that's great. I just, I didn't really want to do it. So I was like, well, what can I do with this? Like, can go, you know, the business route, maybe do finance, do something like that. Maybe healthcare, but in administration. So I went, got my MBA and
Jeremy (48:14.65)
I can go, you know, business route, maybe do finance, something like that, maybe healthcare, but administration. So I went to the VA, my Master's Human Resources in both degrees, and then focused on the hospital administration. Did an internship where I basically didn't get paid for the VA, and then got into a position there. And I've been with now with
Jeremy (48:29.152)
Master's of Human Resources in both degrees and then focused on the hospital administration. Did an internship where I basically get paid for the VA and got into a position there. And I've been with that one for the VA since. And during that time I realized I got back into management, right? That's where that kind of went. I didn't really understand what that was gonna entail. You know, because I was thinking,
Jeremy (48:44.68)
And during the time I realized I not in a position to manage that. That's when I kind went and understood what that was going to entail. Because I was thinking risk
Jeremy (48:59.166)
risk management, things like that, that's not where it's just going. So I went, absolutely not, I've got to do something else. And I decided to get my PhD. And I've always wanted my PhD. that was like, you know, no, well actually, yeah. So that, when I was, when I was at KU, when I finished my dance degree, I was kind of set on if I could afford it, I could just go out California and do it, to get my PhD.
Jeremy (49:02.364)
So I went and I decided And I've always I was California to it to get PhD and then know
Jeremy (49:28.839)
and then go into a professorship and go that way. Didn't work out. I was at that point used to a certain level of income. was also at that point taking care of my parents. I just wasn't on the cards. And I've always been that science -minded person, even in the military. Military intelligence means signal intelligence analyst. What I like to do is analysis geospatial, what I learned, what I did on was
Jeremy (49:32.004)
go that way. Didn't work out. I'm I was at that point used to a certain level of income. was at that point taking care of my parents. It just wasn't on the cards. and I've always been a good person right even in the military. Military intelligence means what I like to do is analysis. Spatial is what I learned quite a bit on was fantastic. I have that in mind.
Jeremy (49:58.506)
Like, I have that mind, and I hadn't been using it for a while. And I'd also always been arguing to myself, are the arts really what I wanted to? Like, am I really giving back to the world by being an artist? And that's I my brain, like, absolutely not. I needed to be a So I was able to get into a program, non -funded PhD in public health and epidemiology, and realized that's
Jeremy (50:01.992)
I had to forward a lot. And I've always been arguing to myself, are the arts really what I want? Am I really giving back to my main interest? And that side of my brain was like, absolutely not. Maybe a scientist. So I was able to get into a program, a -funded PhD in Kelvin technology. And I that's truly what I can do. As far as science is concerned, that's what I want to do.
Jeremy (50:28.784)
as far as science is concerned, that's what I wanted to And that's where am now. So I finished my PhD at epidemiology and I now work in population. Okay. Yeah. that's my... Now that you're involved in, you ended up being a thing. Right? Like all these different things that you explore. And, you know, I could reverse engineer your personality, right? Right? Like coming in from the end, but I didn't see that
Jeremy (50:31.628)
And that's right. So I finished my PhD in technology.
in a traditional way. Okay. that's Never imagine you had to end up there. Yeah. Like all these twists and turns you took. And, you know, I could reverse your personality, right? Like coming in and putting but I didn't see that coming. Yeah. It's not first time that I talk about what I do and people are like, where did that come from? From dance, you know.
Jeremy (50:58.632)
Yeah, not the first time.
did that comp problem with the team. That was such a big part of that. And the military. I had the options. I was actually given the good options to actually learn Indonesian, to stay in, and be attached to SF up in Washington state. And I decided not to. I wanted to stay in and continue on. But yeah, so that's my day
Jeremy (51:08.206)
that was such a huge part of my life for so long. And the military, right? I could have stayed in. I had the option to stay in. I was actually given some pretty good options to actually learn anything and stay in and then be attached to the SF up in the Washington State. And I decided not to. I decided that wasn't, you know, I didn't want to continue on. But yeah, so that's my day job. But during all this
Jeremy (51:36.275)
But during all this time, like I said, had a pretty severe problem with alcohol. And I got to the point where I was just done working out. So in the Army, I was running all the time. That's where the rushes came from. They got ahold of me, the fact, you're in track. You need to be on the run. So didn't matter what I wanted to do.
Jeremy (51:38.32)
Right? Like I said, I'm very pretty.
Jeremy (51:45.102)
And I was, got to the point where I just was not working. Right? So in the army, I was running all the time. That's where the, you know, they got ahold of me, the fact, you're in track, you need a So it didn't matter what I wanted to do. They were like, you're on the run too. It doesn't matter if they, know, one the slowest guys, so long distance, you're going to be on run team. So I was on the run team for DLI, everything. was, I was
Jeremy (52:02.162)
Doesn't matter who they are. One of lowest guys when it comes to the longest. You're gonna be on the run team. So I was on the run team. For DLI Korea.
And after it all, I was done. I made my mind.
Jeremy (52:14.056)
And after it all, I was in my mind, was like, I'm gonna take some time off and not be, not do anything athletic and just relax. And that takes a toll on the body. You're not doing any. It was a couple of years of that, that I was like, okay, this is like, I need to get in the weight room. So I went in the weight room and just started lifting. this was, you know,
Jeremy (52:20.624)
it just takes some time off and not be, not do anything athletic. Just relax. And that takes a toll on the body when you're not doing anything. It was a couple years of that. Then I was like, okay, this is bad. I need to get back in the weight room. So I went back in the weight room and just started lifting. And this was, you know, I'd been lifting beforehand at this point. was like, I'm kidding. This is gonna be it. And this
Jeremy (52:42.544)
been lifting beforehand doing, know, this, but it was like hitting it. Like this is, this is going to be it. And this is how I'm going to keep in shape. And that was probably 2009, like a couple of years, 2010, yeah.
Jeremy (52:54.644)
That was nine, like a couple years. 2010, I think I graduated,
So it's 2010.
Jeremy (53:02.768)
So was 2010, 2011, 2012, somewhere. Really got heavy, you know, into the weight room. And then, like 2019, 2018, I was like, I wanna go ahead. Because I had always been watching Strongman. The most strongest man back in the day, he made this for Magnuson way back in the day, right? I always watched it, I was like, I'm flipping through the channels on Saturday. How exactly? you see that and there's nothing else like
Jeremy (53:06.054)
really got heavy in the weight room. And then like 2019, 2018, I was like, I wanna go heavy. Because I had always been watching Strongman. He's the world's strongest man back in the day, like watching Magnus for Magnus way back in day, right? I always watched him, I like, I'm flip into channels and how he's doing. Right. Right.
Jeremy (53:30.6)
Right and it's it's transfixing right can't watch these things heavier than you Yeah, just like right
Jeremy (53:34.253)
watch these people thinking of things he really is. Right. just talking around like they mean nothing. And at the time, like I'm a dancer, right? I'm about, you know, these long, wide limbs. you know, it's not about his strength, but I'm watching him. That's amazing. That's, it can't possibly ever be. But I adore it. And I put it on a pedestal. Absolutely.
Jeremy (53:48.218)
these long, light limbs and it's not about the brute strength. When I'm watching it going, that's amazing, that's impossible to ever be me. But I adored it. I was like, absolutely, this this is strength, right? It's amazing. I'm person, right? I'm more of the agile.
Jeremy (54:03.449)
This is strength. Strength is amazing. But I'm just, not that person. I'm more of the agile, you know, balanced, you know, I have great quickness. You're not brute force, you're too smart. That too, right? Well, in the 90s, that was the...
Jeremy (54:11.162)
You I have great quickness. You're not too smart. That's here, right? Well, in the nineties, that was huge.
Jeremy (54:23.628)
what's the term?
Jeremy (54:27.659)
Jim Bro.
Jeremy (54:27.866)
Jimbrough, but back in the
wasn't it? It was muscle head. Yeah, muscle head. That's close. yeah. And I'm not saying that in. I don't know. But that was a public perception that you only would become big, strong, do that sort of if you couldn't. Right. Use your. That's right. Insane about and and going back to like the Marine Corps. People because they want to be Marine Corps. want to be you
Jeremy (54:34.03)
was muscle head. Yeah, muscle head. So yeah, that's muscle head. muscles. Yeah, don't mean after you've done it. no, absolutely. But that was the raw, you only would be saying, be muscly, strong, and do that sort of stuff. If you couldn't... Right, use your muscles. That's right. And what's so insane about that, and going back to like the morning before, people get in like, they want to be in like, the raw, know, hard core.
It's all about the physical, the smartest people I
Jeremy (55:04.0)
The smartest people I ever met in the military were not in the Army, not in the Air Force. And the Air Force gets this, we're the smartest? Absolutely not. The smartest people I ever met were in the Marine Corps. Really? Yeah. And at that point, and that was also too, it was this is totally between being really intelligent and focused in physical activity. There is something there. We're starting to understand that. There's got to be something there, right? There is absolutely a tie
Jeremy (55:09.217)
the Air
Jeremy (55:14.753)
Yeah. And at that point, that was also too, like where I was like, there's this tie between the really intelligent focus and physical activity. I was like, there is something there. We're starting to understand there's got to be something there, right? There is absolutely a tie in there. I'm looking back retrospectively, all of those student athletes in high school, like, you know, I was a student athlete, but I was kind of student athlete. Like, like I'm talking about football, basketball, wrestling, and that
Jeremy (55:31.364)
looking back in retrospect, like all of those, those student athletes in high school. Like, you know, I was a student athlete, student athlete, like I'm talking about the ones that were in football, basketball, wrestling, and then were, you know, honor society, right? I was also honor society and not, you know, I was not, I didn't do everything. I was a swimmer, lifeguard, you know, I'd love track and field, but it was, know, it was kind of a landscape.
Jeremy (55:44.631)
you know, the honor society, right? I was also on our society, but again, not, you know, I was not, I didn't do everything. I was a swimmer. I was a lifeguard. You know, I'd love track and field, but it was kind of like, so yeah, that, that's why I was like, there is, there's absolutely, like, well, okay, I'm gonna start living heavy. This was, you know, now I'm now well into adultery.
Jeremy (56:00.72)
because I just hate the team sports so much. So at that point, there's absolutely something to this. It was like, well, okay, I'm gonna start lifting heavy. This was, know, I'm now, I'm now well into adult, I'm in my 30s. I'm like, I'm gonna start lifting heavy. Looking back on it, I think I might be able to scratch the surface, right? Of all that strength sports that I was watching as a kid going, and into adult.
Jeremy (56:15.361)
I'm looking back on, you know, I think I might be able to scratch the surface, right, of all that strength sports that was watching as a kid going, and into adulthood. I remember being in San Francisco, flipping around, like being in an hotel, looking around TV, and I was 20, 23, 24, or 22, 22, 23, somewhere,
Jeremy (56:28.688)
I remember being in San Francisco, like being in a hotel, flipping around TV and I was 20, 23, 24 or 22, 22, 23, 21, 22, somewhere in there when I was a DL on it. And you're, know, in San Francisco on leave or whatever. And I'm like, world's strongest man. Amazing. know, but yeah, maybe, maybe I could do it. I could try. And I absolutely fell in love with the process.
Jeremy (56:40.184)
And we were, you know, in San Francisco on leave or whatever. And I'm like, World Strongest Man, amazing, you know. But now I'm in my 30s. Yeah, maybe. Maybe I can do it. Yeah, we'll try. And I absolutely felt a process. I found out that I can lift heavy, heavy weights. That all the athletic stuff that I had been doing since I was a kid.
Jeremy (56:58.576)
I found out that I can lift heavy, heavy weight. That all the athletic stuff that I had been doing since I was a kid kind of just set me up for this perfect storm of I haven't gotten severely injured. I was very lucky.
Jeremy (57:08.768)
kind of just set me up for this perfect storm of I haven't gotten injured, severely injured, like I was very
But all of this biomechanics is what I'm about to do. Kind of just set it up. And I was like, woo. And there's now, there's there's like lots of talk about like pulling to a deadlift. And how ballet, being at that extreme turnout, that hip turnout, that you're almost at infinite level of torque. you're only focusing on the adhesion, you know, you're lifting.
Jeremy (57:18.522)
But all of this, the biomechanics of what I'm about to do, I just set it up. And I was like, ooh. And there's now, now, thought that pulling sumo lift, and how about, hey, that straight turnout, that hip turnout, you're almost at infinite level of torque. know? folks in the internet, you might not know, your lifts.
Jeremy (57:48.126)
conventional.
Jeremy (57:48.25)
Conventional dead arms are outside your legs, right? you'd stand up and you pick up like that sumo deadlift like sumo right like your hands are inside, right? so There's now talking about the ability of leverage and torque be able to pull that up off the ground when you're at the ability So I played around with this kind of true. It's just a
Jeremy (57:58.249)
So there's now talk about that, like, you're almost at an inch of ability of leverage toward being able to pull that up off the ground when you're at the ability, at that ability with your hips. So, which I played around with super. It's kind of true. It's a big step thrown around, like, wow, that was actually a little heavier conventional, but in strong, powerlifting. But I've never done a powerlifting game. Never trained as a
Jeremy (58:18.308)
conventional but powerlifting they were trained as a powerlifter but I've been training strongman now so I'm a strong man that's a short program of you doing yourself you've got to find a computer plan I'm doing this for a length of time actually really helping yourself and into the Matt Walsh or Barbara
Jeremy (58:28.54)
But I've been training strong man now. So got a strong man. I started training myself realize that's a short You got a coach for a length of time or actually helping yourself and fell into meeting Matt Walsh, from Broward Mobile Center in Florida and became friends of who's been training since I've been competing getting better and better
Jeremy (58:48.176)
Florida and we keep friends and he's he's been training with since and I've been competing getting better you know there's there's no thoughts that you didn't like I'm gonna win strongest man or anything that's not my point. They're not in there. They're still competing and doing well. Yeah. Yeah, there's
Jeremy (58:57.95)
You know, I'm over 40 now, so there's no thoughts in my head like, I'm gonna lose track of the year or anything. That's not my goal. no, they're not. They're in their 30s. They're absolutely in their 30s. Yeah, there's Brian Shaw, he and I are probably the closest in age, or maybe a couple months apart. just retired. But there's absolutely, like,
Jeremy (59:18.422)
Brian Shaw, the closest in age, maybe a couple months apart, he just retired. Who's the commentator? Lawrence? There was somebody, maybe he isn't even now, but was competing for a long time, even into the late 40s. American?
Jeremy (59:28.03)
Who's the commentator? Big name? Lawrence Shelley. No? There was somebody he... maybe he isn't even now, he's becoming more onto... he even into I believe it's... American?
Jeremy (59:48.462)
Strongman community. That's right. Yeah, exactly. So I have my own. There's there's things I've qualified in the house for USS Nationals. plan on doing I'm going to go next year. Plan on it. So I plan on going the nationals next year in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Jeremy (59:48.474)
wow. Strongman community is killer. Let's enter into So, I have my own rules. There's things I want to do. I've qualified a now a couple times for USF National. I haven't actually gone yet. I'm going to go next year. I plan on it. So I plan on going to
Jeremy (01:00:17.667)
The big like pie in the sky goal is to get a spot to be invited to amateur office. That would be it. Like that's that would be amazing. And I'm now I'm saying that out loud in front of audience. So, all right, well, there's but yeah, I mean, why not make that pie in the sky goal? So, but I've been thinking about that for years. So I've been competing three years now, three, four years.
Jeremy (01:00:18.092)
The big pie in the sky goal is to get a spot and be invited to be in the drums. That would be amazing for me. now I'm saying that out loud in the audience. Alright, well there it is. But, yeah, why not make that pie in the sky goal? But I've been that for now years. So I've been competing for three years now. I'm doing okay.
Jeremy (01:00:46.291)
I'm doing okay. Like, you know, I'm I'm not winning a bunch of battles or anything. I'm fair to middle and strong, right? I'm not, definitely not top top tier, but I'm doing okay, right? And I'm getting stronger. And that's, I just love the process. The process is what I love. I love that it's so hard. And I love the fact that to get better, it's, you're putting on a two and a half pound plate, right? And you're like, I might hit that, right? I might not.
Jeremy (01:00:47.544)
I'm I'm not winning much at this or anything. I'm, I'm very, I'm strong, right? I'm not, definitely not top tier, but I'm doing okay. Right. And I'm getting stronger and that's, I just love the process. The process. I love that it's so hard. And I love the fact that to get better, it's, you're putting on two and a half pound plate, right? And you're like, I might hit that, right? I might not. And you know,
Jeremy (01:01:16.468)
And that's what I love about it. I love that it's so difficult.
Jeremy (01:01:17.348)
That's what I love that it's so difficult. It's marathon, it's not a sprint. There's so much energy with that mindset. For similar reasons, I ended up in CrossFit for decade. my mindset is so similar to Martial Arts. And we've got to make sure we talk about how all this stuff relates to your martial arts background. But what I found fascinating was how similar...
Jeremy (01:01:24.414)
There's so much synergy with that mindset. For similar reasons, I ended up in CrossFit during that game. And the mindset is so similar to Martial Arts, and it was... We've got to make sure we talk about how all this stuff relates to your Martial Arts background. But what I found fascinating was how similar the training process was, but the big difference in CrossFit versus Martial
Jeremy (01:01:47.138)
training process was but the big difference in CrossFit versus Air Force for me which kicked off so many things within Whistlekick now CrossFit didn't have the trappings of well we started this way it was whatever makes sense what's the research and I suspect you found things to work in Strongman
Jeremy (01:01:53.193)
me which kicked off so many things that we see within Whistlekick out. CrossFit didn't have the trappings of what we've always done it this way. was whatever makes the most sense. What's the research telling us? What is it? And I suspect you found something similar in Strugman. Yeah.
Jeremy (01:02:18.477)
Yeah, don't know what That's okay. So you're continuing a strongman. It's making sense. It's working. But here we were yesterday, you know, when you were invited to present something at pre -training day, it wasn't, here's how you get stronger. No. It wasn't, here's how you fight. It was, here's what ballet can teach us as martial arts. Right. Why did you go there? So...
Jeremy (01:02:18.596)
Yeah, I don't know where to go. That's okay. You're continuing a strongman. It's making sense. It's working. But here, yesterday, you were invited to a free training day. wasn't to make it stronger. It wasn't, here's how you fight. It was, here's what ballet can do to artist. Why did you go there?
Jeremy (01:02:48.281)
During all this time of going into the strength sports, I stronger. I also got my training certificate. I learned quite a bit actually. I did theology and anatomy sociology in college. I did still learn a little bit about human kinetic movement. And I'm always interested. That's something that's an interest of mine. always been reading, I'm researching, I'm looking at what's new. And then taking
Jeremy (01:02:49.444)
During all this time of going into strength sports and becoming stronger, I also got my personal training cert. I learned quite a bit actually. I did kinesiology and anatomy and physiology in college. I did still learn about human kinetic movement. I'm always interested. That's something that's in the interest of mine. always been reading, researching, looking at what to do. Then taking a look at what
Jeremy (01:03:17.538)
you know, what I've done in the past and what ballet teaches you. It's very structured. a lot of martial arts are, right? Very structured, your movements are structured. is how you do it. A good example being the discussion of how do you do side kick, right? So do you chamber your side kick in front of your body or chamber your side kick with your knee down, right? That's very structured. Same thing with ballet and modern, right? And modern, for the dancers out there, what I mean is when modern was created as
Jeremy (01:03:19.62)
ballet to you. It's very structured. A of structure. Very structured. This is how you do it. A good example of the discussion of how do you do a sidekick, right? So do you chamber your sidekick in front of your body or you do your sidekick with your knee down, right? That's very structured. Same thing with ballet. Right? And modern, for the answers out there, what I mean is that when modern was created as a breaking of ballet,
Jeremy (01:03:47.211)
breaking of ballet, there's still structure, like there has been structure from those modern dancers that created their own. Like Jose Lomon and Martha Graham, there is still that structure, but the structure's different, right? And then in ballet itself, there's, I mentioned this yesterday, know, Chiquetti, Balanchine, French, Russian, know, each school of ballet is very different. learning the structure, there's so many similarities.
Jeremy (01:03:48.922)
there's still structure. There has been structure from those modern dancers that created their own. Like Jose Lomon and Martha Graham, know, there is structure. The structure is different. And then ballet, I mentioned this yesterday, know, Chiquetti, Balanchine, French, Russian, each school of ballet. So learning this structure, there's so many similarities between martial arts or any
Jeremy (01:04:16.053)
between martial arts and ballet or any movement, right? It's just movement. So how do you move effectively, right? And just taking it from, and even with lifting, right? So there's certain things that we talk about as a personal trainer when like general population, talking to someone who's never touched anything, right? It's like, I just want to get better. Okay, let's start from scratch. Like this is how you do a squat, right? And there's certain things that we look
Jeremy (01:04:19.1)
It's just movement. So how do you move effectively? And just taking it from up and even lifting. So there's certain things we talk about as a personal trainer, when we're general population, talking to someone who's never touched anything. It's like, just want to get better. Okay, let's start from scratch. Just have you do a squat. And there's certain things that we do more in a squat that we do in what you do. We don't want to do a huge mass.
Jeremy (01:04:45.981)
squat that we don't want you to do. We don't want to see a huge amount of those knee valgots for your knees going in. Right. We don't want to see that. Right. We don't want to see over like this huge over pronation of the feet. We don't want to see a lot of supination. We want to see, you know, the leg in line, the knee in line with the feet. Right. But slightly out. Right. Well, that, that, that hip, you know, that hip abduction, abduction, flexion, you know, it's all how the body moves. The body moves with a natural pronation. Right. So taking that, I went, all
Jeremy (01:04:48.598)
of knee valgus, knees going in, right? We don't want to see that, right? We don't want to see over like this huge overproduction of the knee. We don't want to see a lot of supination. We want to see, you know, the legs in line, the knees in line with the feet, right? But it's like, well that hip, you know, that hip abduction, abduction, inflection, you know, it's all the body moves. The body moves in a natural formation, right? So I take that, I went, all right, well this is the stuff that we teach in ballet.
Jeremy (01:05:15.498)
Well, this is the stuff that we teach in ballet because you can jump higher. We don't teach plies in ballet for plies. We teach plies, the bending of the knees. We teach plies so that we move fully through the foot and get as back the maximum amount of range of motion as possible in that bent position to be able to jump effectively into the air. That's the purpose of a plie, right? That's why it was developed.
Jeremy (01:05:18.874)
Because can jump We don't do fleas in ballet We teach clear We move through the range of In that bench to be able to effectively Well
Jeremy (01:05:44.982)
Well, how can we take that then and use it for martial arts? How can we get more power? I did this at KU with the dive team. They asked me to come in and look at their divers and it took me about 10 seconds to look at, well, why don't you just think, be mindful of where your knee is over your foot and where you're rolling through and get more height for your dive. And it worked, right? So same thing I was doing with gymnastics at the time too. I was dabbling with teaching
Jeremy (01:05:47.695)
How can we get more power? did this to the dive team. They asked me to come in and look at their divers and it took me about 10 seconds to look at them. well, why don't you just think, be mindful of your knees over your foot and where you're rolling through and get more height for your dive. That worked, right? So I think was gymnastics at the time too. was dabbling with teaching as you do, know, as I do.
Jeremy (01:06:14.556)
as you do, as I do I should say. I didn't really have a background in but they taught me. taught me. I got some certifications there, but they taught me. But it was more from macro -battling. I knew how to roll and how fall. That's how to do a cartwheel on a beam.
Jeremy (01:06:17.424)
Literally as I got going. I taught gymnastics with no background in gymnastics. I didn't really have a background in gymnastics, but they taught me. They taught me. No, got the high school. Yeah, no, I did. I got some sort of education there. They taught me. Take the boys over there and teach them things. But, you know, I knew how to roll it. That's not how to do
being. That's not what I was teaching. In fact, I don't know if there would be falling on that. you know. you know, that's the principles, those movement principles that that's really what that structure is built for. It's just about vocabulary. We talk about a good one in, so I'm going through professional coaching certification right now at work. And it's through the
Jeremy (01:06:44.633)
That's not what I was teaching. don't know if there's any of that. you know. you know that's the principle, the movement principle, that that's really what that structure is built for and it's just about vocabulary. We talk about like a good one and so I'm going through a professional coaching certification right now and it's through the International Coaching Federation.
Jeremy (01:07:13.002)
to become a associate coach. And we're talking about psychometric exams, right? So finding your strengths and weaknesses, know, what, who you are from a psychometric, you know, testing perspective. And you know, the history of psychometric exams, they're not a silly grade, it's not great. But there is something to be said about them, and that is it gives you a vocabulary
Jeremy (01:07:15.359)
And we were just recently talking about psychometric. Right? So finding your strengths, your reasons, you know, what, who you are as a person from a psychometric, you know, testing perspective. And if you know the history of psychometric exams, not, they're not a silly grade. Myers -Briggs being one of those, you know, it's not great, but there is something to be said about them. And that is that it gives you a vocabulary that you may not have had beforehand.
Jeremy (01:07:42.94)
not of hand beforehand. And I made that point, you know, if I'm talking to a Kushi and they just don't have the vocabulary of who they are as a leader, you know, their role, this is going to be a great tool, right? Just like anything else that's written based, it can give you another vocabulary. So that's what I was trying to get at yesterday, is say, look, this is why we have
Jeremy (01:07:46.257)
And I made that point, I said, you know, if I'm talking to a coachee and they just don't have the vocabulary of who they are as a leader, you know, in their role, this is gonna be a great, great tool, right? Just like anything else that's movement -based, it can give you another vocabulary. So that's what I was trying to do yesterday, is say, this is why we have the structure of ballet, there's reason for it, just like there's a reason for we have structure.
Jeremy (01:08:11.514)
there's a reason for it. Just like there's a reason for it. We have structure in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, and karate and taekwondo. The structures are there for a reason. And we're all trying in same place, just in different ways. But there are some rules, there's a modicum of similarity in movements. When everybody throws a roundhouse kick, a round kick,
Jeremy (01:08:14.908)
for example, Shih Tzu and Judo and karate and taekwondo, the structures are set there for a reason and we're all trying to get to the same place just in different ways. But there are some rules, there's a modicum of similarity in movements. When everybody throws a roundhouse kick or round kick, you have hip flexion and you have hip abduction.
Jeremy (01:08:41.582)
You have hip flexion and you have hip abduction. You absolutely have those two things for sure. Well then, how do we improve those? How do we improve the strength and how do we improve the power through those things? Ballet can't be used to focus on the isolation of those body parts to then understand a little bit better, broaden your vocabulary, by going, okay, this is how the body is meant to move. And it's different for everyone.
Jeremy (01:08:45.071)
You absolutely have those two things for sure. Well, then how do we improve those? How do we improve the strength and how do we improve the power through those things? Ballet can be used to focus on the isolation of those body movements to then understand a little bit better, broaden your vocabulary of going, okay, this is how the body is meant to move. This is how the, and it's different for everyone. Okay. No body is the same. Like we're not going to say this is the average
Jeremy (01:09:10.902)
A no body is the same. We're not going to say this is the average person. That works because all know that human bodies are different. But there is a volcanic similarity that we can use between, you know, this is how we belly and then transfer that to our sports or transfer that to anything, transfer that to strength sports. So that's where I, that mindfulness thing, I use that and that's what I was teaching yesterday. And I also use that. Now my role is.
Jeremy (01:09:15.279)
how it works because we all know that human bodies are different. But there is a biomechanic similarity that we can use between, you know, this is how we move in ballet and then transfer that to martial arts. We'll transfer that to anything. We'll transfer that to strikesport. So that's where I keep that mindfulness. I use that. That's what I was teaching yesterday. But I also use that within, now my role as a professional circus strongman with Circus Scorpius. So yeah, that's like the biggest thing. I have to mention it.
Jeremy (01:09:39.278)
as a professional circus strongman, a circus scorpius. So yeah, that's the biggest thing. I have to mention it because it's the biggest thing. It's very recent. very recent. I started teaching as circus dumbbells, so the big dumbbells, which is a love -hate relationship. My coach, one of the last things that we were working up, was going to a comp where was Bellis, who was well outside my range of weight. was like, if I
Jeremy (01:09:45.092)
that it's the biggest thing. feel like it's very recent. Yeah, very recent. I started teaching at Circus Dumbbell, so the big dumbbell, which is a love -hate relationship. My coach, one of the last things that we were working up, I was going to a comp where was a bell that was well outside my range of weight. was like, if I get one rep, I'll be ecstatic. Not real heavy, but heavy in the amateur. So in the amateur, was
Jeremy (01:10:07.024)
the way I'm always being static. How heavy are we talking? Not so heavy, but heavy in the hammock. So as an amateur, I'm 60 pounds. So one hand over here. So literally the most I've ever put over my head with two hands coming off a rack. Okay. So everyone's perspective, right? I go, that's not very heavy. Well, in the strongman world, especially in professional strongman world, that's not.
Jeremy (01:10:15.503)
So one hand over again, right? So, the both of them were flipped over not heavy. Two hands coming off a wrap. Okay, you right, yeah, sure. know, everyone's perspective, right? You know, I go, that's not pretty heavy. Well, in the strong manual, especially in the professional strong manual, that's nothing, right? They're almost lifting.
Jeremy (01:10:37.008)
They're almost lifting, they're lifting well over 300 pounds with one hand and then a certain step up. But in the amateur world, 160 is just outside, right? least I thought. I'm more at like 140, right? Comfortably as a one rep or maybe two rep max. So it was working with me on my technique. I fell in love with really how technical that lift is. And I was like, this would be really fun. Really from a circus
Jeremy (01:10:41.775)
But in the amateur world, 160 is just outside, right? At least I thought. I'm more like 140, right? Comfortably.
Jeremy (01:10:53.433)
So he was working with me on my technique. And I of fell in love with really how technical that lift is. And I like, this would be really fun. Really from a circus perspective, right? Teaching kids, teaching adults that have never touched the kind of stuff. Because the circus dumbbell exists because of the circus. Right? So we have this big giant bell because circus strong men before us were like, this would be amazing if this big piece of freaking iron was lifted overhead.
Jeremy (01:11:06.512)
teaching kids, teaching adults that have never touched this kind of stuff. Because this was circus, because of the circus. So we have this big giant bell, because Circus Strong went before us, and like, this would be amazing if a big piece of freaking iron was lifted overhead. people were like, amazing, that's fantastic, we love it. So I taught a circus dumbbell class for Great Plains Circus Center here in York. So actually, think it is in the next month. And they were like, well.
Jeremy (01:11:22.748)
amazing. That's fantastic. We love it. So I taught a circus dumbbell class for Great Plains Circus Center. Actually, I think it is Lenexa. And they were like, well, you I had some discussion about being part of Circus Scorpius, a professional company, and invited to audition, and that's where I am. So yeah, first show is actually done in kind of small show, like second Saturday's here in...
Jeremy (01:11:35.936)
I had some discussion about being part of Circus Scorpius, which is a professional company and invited to audition and that's where I am. yeah, the show is actually done in kind of small shows except Saturdays here in Kansas City at our location at Great Plains Circus Center, but the first big show is gonna be at Glowwild at the Kansas City Zoo. So I'm super excited. I play a
Jeremy (01:11:52.117)
Kansas City at our location at Great Lakes Search Center, but the first big show is going to be at Glowwild at the Kansas City Zoo. So I'm super excited. I play a pirate. So yeah, it's going to be, it's going to be a ride. I'm looking for weird stuff like whiskey barrels, big ship's mast, is really giant gold. But yeah, I don't know where I was going with that. But I wanted to mention
Jeremy (01:12:04.15)
It sounds great. I'm bummed I'm going home. Yeah. Check that out. It's going to be in Europe. I'm lifting some weird stuff like whiskey barrels, big ships mast, which is really just a giant pole. But yeah, I don't know where else. That's okay. I wanted to mention because it's the newest thing. feel like I'm getting a second chance. like I never really, like I didn't, I didn't go out. wasn't part of a ballet company for, you know, three or four, years or
Jeremy (01:12:21.899)
the newest thing. I feel like I'm getting a second chance. like I never really, like I didn't go out, I wasn't part of a ballet company for you know three or four, ten years, whatever. That's really where I wanted to go. But I just, it wasn't in the cards. Some would say I'm just, wasn't good enough. And fair enough, I probably wasn't. Right? really what it was, I wasn't focused enough. I wasn't playing the time in. But this is like, I've been playing the time in for strength for a few years
Jeremy (01:12:33.166)
That's really where I want to go. Right. But I just wasn't in the cards. Some would say I just wasn't good enough. Right. And fair enough. I probably wasn't right. Probably I'm really where I wasn't focused enough. didn't, I wasn't playing the time in, but this is I've been playing time in for strength for free a few years now. And now this is it. And I'm loving it. And no, it's not the first job, right. It's going to be my, my second job, my hobby job.
Jeremy (01:12:51.691)
And now this is it, this is my second chance and I'm loving it. And no, it's not gonna become my first job, right? It's gonna be my second job, my hobby job. But I love it and I'm all in as I possibly can be, right? With having a family, having a career also in healthcare. But yeah, it's a ride and I'm hoping it lasts for a good long while. Being 43.
Jeremy (01:13:03.536)
But I love it. All in as it possibly can be, right? With having a family and having a career also in healthcare. But yeah, it's a ride and I'm hoping it for a long while. Being 43, that's gonna be I want to ask, because there's a theme here, I'd like you to share.
Jeremy (01:13:20.437)
Who knows how long that's gonna be. Yeah, right.
Jeremy (01:13:32.576)
with the martial artists watching and listening, that I believe diverse movement is beneficial. Yes. The versatility of movement. You know, we talk about it often in show that diverse martial artists, just generally speaking, a better martial artist, because you more options. Right. That you can have a more situational career. But there's been big movement in your life around non -combat, diverse motion. Right.
Jeremy (01:13:50.226)
or options that you can handle more situations. But there's been a big theme in your life around non -combative, diverse motion. Can you just speak a bit to how that has, I assume, a positive impact on martial arts? Yeah, and I'll say it another way. Why should martial artists care about non -combative
Jeremy (01:14:01.328)
Can you just speak a bit to how that has, I assume, a positive impact on martial arts? Yeah. And I'll say it in another way. Why should martial artists care about the dog?
Jeremy (01:14:22.76)
I think it's within what we're talking about. We can talk about clouds. That's been done. when we look at when we mix the more cars together, you get them. Yes. That's not to the audience. What may be new and it's really not new. This isn't a ground break. It's not special sauce either because we've had we've we've had
Jeremy (01:14:22.894)
I think it's with anything when we talk about cross -training, right? We can talk about cross -training in martial arts. That's been done. The UFC proved it, you know, that when we look at, when we mix the martial arts together, you get a more well -rounded martial artist, right? Yes. I mean, that's nothing new to the audience, What may be new, and it's really not new. This isn't groundbreaking. It's not special sauce either, right? Because we've
We've had power lifters, we've had bodybuilders taking ballet. We've had martial artists taking ballet. It's not necessarily the fact that it's not combative in my mind. In my mind, it's again, simply a different way of looking at how we move. The fact that it's not
Jeremy (01:14:52.499)
bodybuilders taking that one. We've had martial arts taking that one. It's not necessarily the fact that it's non -cubative in my mind. In my mind, it's again, simply a different way of looking at how we move. The fact that it's non -cubative,
the only thing i would say about that that to cross -training to something that's non -combative when you're all in martial arts, someone who's truly all
Jeremy (01:15:17.966)
The only thing I would say about that, to cross train in discipline is non -combative when you're all in it. If someone is truly all in
Jeremy (01:15:28.452)
you're from a
Jeremy (01:15:28.578)
you're from
Jeremy (01:15:33.64)
From a CNS perspective, so your central nervous system, from a CNS perspective, just like strength, power lifting, you get burned. If you're lifting heavy all the time, you get burned. can't handle it anymore. Your body can't handle it. Your body... And if you're in constant combat, you're combatants or recreational martial arts, if you're in that fight phase all the time, your CNS can get
Jeremy (01:15:33.744)
From a CNS perspective, so your central nervous system. From a CNS perspective, just like strength, power lifting, you get burned. If you're lifting an enemy all the time, you get burned. And you just can't handle it anymore. Your body can't it. Your nervous system just can't save you. And if you're in constant combat, you're combat as a recreational martial arts, if you're in that fight phase all the time, your CNS can get fried.
Jeremy (01:16:02.588)
So to take a step back, maybe not back, I'm not gonna say back, that's not the right word, sideways, right? And instead of going this is the fight response but in the non -combative response of the movement, how do we move in a non -combative way? I think that alleviates the CNS. And I think that's really what this done for me, is having both, like I can go in, and right now I could probably go into
Jeremy (01:16:02.702)
So to take a step back, maybe not back, I'm not gonna say back. That's not the right word. Sideways, right? And instead of going, this is the fight response, but in the non -combative response of the movement, how do we move in a non -combative way? I think that alleviates the CNS. And I think that's what it's done for me, is having both. Like, I can go in, and right now I could probably get into a...
Jeremy (01:16:31.877)
I'm just interested to jam, know, roll. I'm out of shape that way, right? I'm absolutely out of BJJ shape, you know, I'll roll, right? And it'll be hard, it'll be great. I'll come away from
Jeremy (01:16:31.962)
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym, know, roll. I'm in shape that way, right? I'm absolutely out of shape. You know, I'll roll, right? And it'll be hard, it'll be great. I'll come away.
Jeremy (01:16:45.626)
right? Let's go back to something else. Like I wouldn't dream of going, let's get in the gym, roll for an hour, and let's go lift heavy for an hour. Right? Those two things. You can do resistance.
Jeremy (01:16:45.742)
right? Let's go back to something else. Like I wouldn't, I wouldn't dream of going, let's get in the gym, heavy for an hour. Those two things, you can do resistance exercise along with martial arts. I highly recommend it, right? But I wouldn't lift heavy and do a heavy level of roll at the same time. They're going to be similarly taxing. Correct. Even if they are not similar. Correct.
Jeremy (01:17:03.024)
highly recommended, right? But I wouldn't lift heavy and do a heavy level of rolling. Correct. Correct. But if we take a non -combative approach to something that's a bit more just about feeling your body moving in space, right? Nobody, not nobody, but a lot of people miss that, right? Miss the opportunity to go, how do I walk? I had, I had
Jeremy (01:17:15.066)
But if we take a non -combative approach to something that's a bit more just about feeling your body moving in space, right? Nobody, not nobody, but a lot of people miss that, right? Miss the opportunity to go, how do I walk? I had an amazing choreographer. She was with the long line of artists from Josey Limon. She came into KU to teach.
Jeremy (01:17:32.806)
amazing career. She was with the long line of artists from close age. She came to the KU to take some stuff and she said to me, I want to see how you walk. And she just had me walk around. I use it all the time now. Yeah, because I get to see how people walk in a pedestrian manner. Do people in ballet walk or do they just naturally walk? Or are they moving to the
Jeremy (01:17:43.66)
And she said to me, I want to see how you walk. She just had me walk around. saw you doing that in your session. I use it all the time now. Yeah. I get to see how people walk. Do people ballet walk? Are they mostly on their toes? Are they, you know, are they, is that how they're just naturally walking or are they moving through the whole foot? Right. And it tells you a lot about how some, are they truly overproning or are truly, you know, there's a lot of overpronation gets thrown around a lot. I don't like
Jeremy (01:18:03.342)
And it tells you a lot about how someone feels like they are truly over pronating. There's a lot of over pronation.
Jeremy (01:18:13.102)
body naturally pronates. you know, you can see where everyone is. And it's not just about that from analysis perspective, right? Seeing that pattern, like meeting a person and being able to see like maybe where there's some some deficits or where their strengths are. It's more about them. It's more about giving them power to stay. I've never walked around a room. It's not about walking around a room. I've never explored the perception of my body in space.
Jeremy (01:18:13.186)
of national tronics but you know you can see like where everyone is and it's not just about that from an analysis perspective right seeing that pattern like reading a person see like maybe where there's some deficits or where their strengths are it's more about them it's more about giving them power to say I've never walked around the room just thought about walking around the room right and I know I've never explored the proprioception of my body to make
I also brought that up during the workshop. Understanding your proprioceptively, like, you know, I closed
Jeremy (01:18:42.564)
I also brought that up during my workshop. Understanding your proprioceptively, like I close my eyes and I touch my nose and my finger, not everyone can do that really well. But just understanding where your body is in space and how it reacts to a floor, how it reacts to a hard floor versus an soft floor, where you're feeling your muscles. There's something to be said about that. And there's something to be said about that in martial arts, especially in martial arts
Jeremy (01:18:52.217)
finger. Not everyone can do that really well, right? But just understanding where your body is in space, how it reacts, how it reacts to a floor, how it to hard floors, soft floors, where are you feeling your muscles. There's something to be said about that. There's something to be said about that in martial arts. Especially in martial arts, that transition heavily up to floor, like ground to stand up fighting. Like ground to stand up fighting, I believe, really needs to that. You need to have a higher level of perception and understanding.
Jeremy (01:19:10.946)
transition heavily up to mount to stand up fighting like grab the stand up fight and really needs to have that you need to have a higher level of proprioception and you're staying with body as the space i don't think anybody's gonna argue that right but how do you do that well you can use non -combative sense work to to get to that space LA modern any kind of dance gymnastics acrobatics these are all things that you
Jeremy (01:19:23.353)
I don't think anybody's gonna argue that, right? But how do you do that? Well, you can use non -combative work to get to that space. Ballet, modern, any kind of dance, gymnastics, acrobatics, these are all things you can use. More tools in your tool belt. So my main goal is be able use that space.
Jeremy (01:19:40.48)
use more more tools in your tool belt so my hope for the audience out there is that you if you're a student don't be afraid to do some martial arts because it is going to make your martial arts better especially the more you are training martial arts the more benefit I think you're going to find from dabbling in some other things because you're probably singularly focused and if you
Jeremy (01:19:49.571)
If you're a student, don't be afraid to do some non -martial arts. It's going to make martial arts better. Especially the more you are trained in arts, the more better you are at dabbling in some other fields. Because you're probably singularly focused. You are all in. You're probably a little tried. It's become cliche in a lot of martial arts circles. need to train 3, 4, 5 days a week.
Jeremy (01:20:09.58)
all in, you're probably a little dried. It's become cliche in a lot of marketing circles that you train three, four, five days a week and everything's always broken and it hurts. That's not how it's supposed to evolve. If you're broken and it hurts, stop. If you're an instructor and if you're an instructor works for kids, you see the value of all the time of primal movement and doing things like that. Make the adults do it too because they need it
Jeremy (01:20:18.314)
and everything's always broken and hurts. That's not how it's supposed to go, If you're broken and it hurts, stop. If you're an instructor, and if you're an instructor who works with kids, you see the value all the time of primal movement and doing other things like that. Make the adults do it, because they need it even more. How can people find you?
Jeremy (01:20:41.697)
How can people find you? So I have a pretty cool social media presence. I have a website too. my website is www .mettlen .com. Same as Michael Mel on Instagram.
Jeremy (01:20:50.419)
I have a website My heavy metal METLB .com Same as that my heavy metal on Instagram Yeah, I throw up cool videos every once in a while I'm an ex
Jeremy (01:21:10.128)
Facebook. Yeah, seen cool videos. I'm an ex -photographer, too, so do some photography. We do everything. I don't do everything. Like I said, I'm not a We were talking about that yesterday. You very quickly added on, yeah, that's right. I was going to in my pen. So you didn't enlist in the army, at least back then, there was an option of, hey,
Jeremy (01:21:19.752)
You do everything. I don't do everything. Like I said, I'm not a pilot. We were talking about the US in that. But you don't do something all alone. yeah, that's right. Yeah, thought about throwing in my pipe. So, an enlisted in the Army, at least back then, there was an option of a cage.
Jeremy (01:21:40.378)
throwing your packet to become a helicopter pilot, it was always an option. And I thought of it, started completing my packet in sidebook two. Yeah, so you can't say, you have interest in being a pilot, right? Like, I'm not interested in everything. I like being a well -rounded person. Everyone forgets the full quote. Everyone says Jack of all trades, master of none. That's not the full quote. Jack of all trades, master of none, but better than.
Jeremy (01:21:42.601)
it always worked. And I thought about it, started completing my package. Yeah, so you can't say you didn't have interest in being a guy. I like being a well -rounded person. like, you know, think everyone forgets the full quote.
That's not the full quote. you know, Jack Mottrave's master is done. But better yet, it could be.
Jeremy (01:22:10.08)
to be a master of one. So the full quote is better in my opinion because you know being that that jack -of -all -trades, right? That's how I see myself. I try to be educated, knowledgeable, you know, but definitely don't have anything. that's something else, you know, once you get even a little bit into whatever you're all in on, you realize that you know nothing during other people, you know, like
Jeremy (01:22:12.522)
So the full quote is better in my opinion, because being the best at the Vulture, that's how I see myself. I try to be educated, knowledgeable, but definitely don't know everything. And that's something else, once you get even a little bit into whatever you're falling on, you realize you know nothing to paragon people. I am a baby when
Jeremy (01:22:40.174)
I am a baby when it comes to Strongman. I have, there's so much more I have yet to learn, right? And, you know, not just that, you know, probably even like in my, my career as an evidence of population health specialist, there's stuff I'm learning all the time. And there's, you know, it's Yeah, know, it's, it's true. So, you know, we're, learning and navigating our own, you know, and that, so I, yeah, it's, there's, there's a matter
Jeremy (01:22:42.834)
I have, there's so much more I have to do. And, you know, not just that, even my career as a population health specialist, there's stuff I'm doing all the time. there's, know, there's science changes. Yeah, know, science changes too. know, we're learning, navigating our own language. So, yeah, there's a matter of, expect you have to
Jeremy (01:23:11.116)
I you have
Jeremy (01:23:14.015)
And I go through my day, sometimes it's hard. I some pretty heavy imposter syndrome sometimes, especially in the strongman world. Like I said, for everyone to do it alright, but should I be here? Should I be doing it? There's people that are stronger than me. There's plenty of people stronger than me. Why aren't they doing it? Can they balance on a skateboard while lifting 100 pounds or something? Maybe not. Maybe there's only a few of
Jeremy (01:23:14.198)
and I go through my day and sometimes it's hard. I have some pretty heavy apoptler syndrome sometimes, especially in the strongman world. you know, I if you're a middle -aged dude, right, like, should I be here? Should I be doing this? There's people that are stronger than me. There's plenty of people stronger than me. Why aren't they doing
can they balance on a skateboard while lifting the 100 pound circus dumbbell? Maybe not. There's only a few people who think we do that. Thank you! Weird though, I'm talking about myself for an enormous amount of Yeah, yeah. It's weird when I'm on somebody else's show. Right? I'm like, I have to talk a lot more than I normally do. Yeah, I'll you all the things
Jeremy (01:23:44.382)
Thank you, isn't it fun? Weird though. Yeah, Yeah.