A lot of people carry beliefs they never chose—rules they absorbed from family, school, or culture without even realizing it. When those patterns go unchecked, they quietly shape how kids see the world and what they think is possible. Breaking that cycle means doing the hard work of noticing what’s really being passed on. It’s less about giving advice and more about becoming someone worth watching.

Garrett Gross is a former pro fighter from Southern Illinois who turned his life around after battling addiction. Now a father and advocate, he works with Operation 17 to fight online child exploitation. Today, Garrett shares how martial arts, faith, and strong community ties helped him rebuild. He stresses the need for men to lead with purpose, protect their families, and stay grounded in positive values. His story is one of grit, redemption, and responsibility. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond!

Quotes:

“Bad company corrupts good morals. He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” – Garrett Gross

“God grants us gifts, but it’s up to us to decide how to use them—whether for good or for harm.” – Garrett Gross

“Weak men are the downfall of everything. Weak leaders and weak men have been the downfall of our civilization.” – Garrett Gross

“We live in a strange world, especially for young men, where there’s a tendency to label everything—often in a negative light—while fostering a false bravado around things that don’t truly matter.” – Matt Beaudreau

Takeaways:

Audit your inner circle - who are the people influencing your daily choices and character?

Start teaching your children practical life skills now, not just sports or academic achievements.

Commit to personal growth by identifying one destructive habit and creating a plan to replace it with a positive behavior.

Practice open, honest self-reflection about your weaknesses without shame, viewing them as opportunities for transformation.

Develop a weekly accountability system with a mentor or trusted friend who will challenge you to become a better version of yourself.

Conclusion:

Martial arts and combat sports offer more than just physical training—they teach focus, patience, and the value of steady effort. When practiced with intention, they become a way to build character and strengthen the mind. The lessons learned on the mat often carry into daily life, shaping how we handle stress, conflict, and setbacks. At their best, these practices help individuals grow not just as athletes, but as people.

2.22 The Politics of Presence

Embracing All of Me

Defining the Politics of Presence

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