In this episode, I sit down with Adam Adshead of Factory BJJ, an elite level coach, competitor and gym owner who has built one of the most respected BJJ environments in the UK. This conversation is about finding freedom inside elite level, performance. I've worked underneath Adam and his team for the years, and Factory BJJ not only delivers a world class environment, but there is also a deep culture of improvement and leaving your ego at the door which makes this gym so effective at delivering high level coaching to those who want to compete and just learn how to be better at BJJ. Adam breaks down what it really takes to progress in jiu-jitsu, lead a community, and keep your standards high whilst finding freedom to perform when it matters most. There is a fine margin for those who want to succeed. But what fascinated me about not only joining Factory but also exploring Adams's philosophy was his attitude to coaching, competing, and living on his terms. Here are some of the insights from the episode: - Building Factory BJJ from the ground up and why culture beats everything else. - How Adam built a personal operating system to explore and enjoy building his own ethos around his athleticism, profession and coaching philosophy. - Skill development without shortcuts and why the belt system is based around earning the right to progress. - Identity beyond the athlete and how Adam navigated the shift from competing to coaching. -Why finding a hobby is essential to regulating yourself and how Art has given Adam a new outlet to explore another side of his game. - Balance as a performance tool for presence and long term progression. - Recovery, longevity, and why elite outcomes come from being ruthless with the basics. - How to manage expectations without quitting BJJ and why so many struggle when they first start. - How to periodise your week so you can push hard when it matters and stay competitive at the top level for years. - Building a facility that supports performance whilst developing a culture of improvement and exploitation of your capacity. And more. Adams process is about building intelligence around you, your skill set, your energy and more so knowing yourself to not rely just on external feedback to make your next move. The best performers are not the ones who live at 100 percent. The best performers understand when to push, when to pull and know themselves on a deeper level than the average athlete or professional. To live, lead, and perform at the highest level, it takes years to learn, but more so it's about being active in knowing yourself, backing your capabilities, and being alongside like minded people who understand where you’re trying to go. There's so much value in Adams journey, and if you’re wired to improve, get a pen as there are some serious lessons to be learned. Links to Adam and the gym: Adam AdsheadFactory BJJ, Stockport, south of ManchesterWebsite: factorybjj.comInstagram: @factorybjjArt Instagram: @adam.adsard If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, like and share as the game is to grow this channel for those who truly value high performance.
