The content for this blog post is from a YouTube video with Professor Rob Handley and Grand Master Flavio Behring. They shared past life experiences, philosophies for learning, and gems of knowledge we can acquire if we open our eyes.
From Garage Mats to a Thriving Academy
Every jiu-jitsu journey starts somewhere—and for many, it starts small.
For Professor Rob Handley, that beginning looked like a modest garage setup. No fancy facility, no big team—just a commitment to learning, teaching, and showing up.
“When times are hard and resources are limited, you go with what you can get and move forward.”
That mindset is something many of us at Absolute MMA can relate to. Whether you’re stepping into your first Salt Lake City BJJ class or years into your training, the journey is rarely perfect—but it’s always worth it.
Fast forward 20+ years, and Professor Rob’s academy is thriving. But what’s most interesting isn’t just the growth—it’s who is showing up.
The Shift in Jiu-Jitsu: From Fighters to Everyday People
One of the biggest changes Professor Rob has seen over the years is the type of student walking through the doors.
Before:
- Aspiring fighters
- Competition-focused athletes
Now:
- Parents
- Professionals
- Everyday people looking for fitness, confidence, and self-defense
“I have probably 90% of my academy now as regular people—just wanting to train, be challenged, and improve their lives.”
This shift mirrors what we see across modern academies—including here in Utah.
People aren’t just chasing medals anymore—they’re chasing:
- Confidence
- Health
- Community
- Personal growth
And honestly? That’s where jiu-jitsu shines the most.
Why Self-Defense Matters More Than Ever
Post-pandemic, one trend stands out: people want practical skills.
Self-defense is no longer a “nice to have”—it’s a major reason people start training.
“There’s strength in having a confident mind and a strong heart—and people want that in their lives.”
At its core, jiu-jitsu builds:
- Awareness
- Control under pressure
- Real-world confidence
And that confidence carries far beyond the mats—into work, family life, and everyday situations.
A Lesson From Competition: “You’re Fighting Two People”
One of the most powerful stories shared in the conversation came from Professor Rob’s early days in competition. In the 1990s, Professor Rob made his way to Brazil to compete with the Behring team at a tournament.
After losing a match due to scoring issues, Grand Master Flavio Behring told him:
“I bet you never thought you’d have to fight two people at the same time.”
That moment stuck—and it changed everything.
The lesson?
- Life isn’t always fair
- You won’t always get the call
- You can’t rely on others to validate your performance
In jiu-jitsu—and in life—you need to:
- Take ownership
- Control what you can
- Finish the job when it matters
“Don’t fight just to score—fight to win.”
That mindset is something every student, beginner or advanced, can benefit from.
Should Beginners Roll on Day One?
This is one of the most common questions in any academy:
Should new students start sparring right away?
Professor Rob’s answer: It depends on the student.
He structures his classes to give options:
Fundamentals Classes
- Technique-focused
- Lower intensity
- Ideal for beginners building confidence
Mixed-Level Classes
- Technique + live sparring
- Open to all levels
- Students choose when to jump in
“I never wanted to cap someone’s experience… If they want to do more, I’ll support them.”
This approach aligns with what we aim for at Absolute MMA:
- Meet students where they are
- Encourage growth—not force it
- Build confidence safely
Self-Control: The Skill That Matters Most
When asked about self-control, Professor Rob gave a simple but powerful definition:
“The ability to apply pressure—and control it—physically and emotionally.”
In jiu-jitsu, that means:
- Knowing when to push
- Knowing when to ease off
- Protecting your training partners
Without self-control, people get hurt.
With it, you build:
- Trust
- Longevity
- Better training partners
And just like everything else in jiu-jitsu—this carries into life.
A Surprising Lesson… From Fishing
One of the most memorable moments shared wasn’t on the mats—it was on a river.
While fly fishing, Grand Master Flavio reached to grab a fish with a firm closed grip. The guide corrected him:
- Don’t grab and squeeze
- Support gently from underneath
Because of this change in technique, Grand Master Flavio was able to hold the fish in his hand, keeping it calm until he released it back into the water.
That small adjustment led to a powerful realization:
“Jiu-jitsu is like this… Sometimes the grip you think you need isn’t the right one.”
The lesson?
- We can always learn new skills
- Be willing to apply different techniques based on the scenario
- Gentleness can be more effective than strength
It’s a reminder we all need—especially when rolling gets intense.
Jiu-Jitsu Is Bigger Than the Mat
One theme came up again and again:
Jiu-jitsu isn’t just something you do—it’s something you live.
“You don’t just learn how to fight in the dojo. You learn how to fight in life.”
That means:
- Handling stress
- Staying calm under pressure
- Choosing better responses
Even something as simple as mindset shared by Grand Master Flavio in the conversation can take you far:
- “It’s raining” becomes
- “This is good—it helps us grow”
That perspective shift? That’s jiu-jitsu.
What Makes a Great Instructor?
To wrap things up, Professor Rob shared what truly matters in coaching:
“You have to care… about people, their success, and their lives.”
Not:
But:
- Genuine care
- Investment in others
- A desire to help people grow
That’s what builds strong academies—and strong communities.
Final Thoughts: Why This Matters for You
Whether you’re:
- Just starting your first class
- Getting back into training
- Or deep into your journey
These lessons apply.
Jiu-jitsu isn’t just about:
- Techniques
- Belts
- Competitions
It’s about:
- Becoming more confident
- Learning control
- Building a better version of yourself
And if you’re training here in Salt Lake City, you’re part of that same journey.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
If you’ve been thinking about trying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Muay Thai, there’s no better time. Check out our class schedule to figure out which days/times work best for you! You’ll be able to try a beginner-friendly session.
It’ll be a great way to experience what training can do for your confidence and lifestyle
You don’t need to be in shape. You don’t need experience. You just need to show up.