with Jake Polansky (@jacob_polansky)
Introduction
In the world of combat sports, specifically competitive fighting, athletes often face diverse challenges and pursue multiple disciplines to enhance their fighting skills. Jake Polansky, a first-degree black belt in Taekwondo, has transitioned into professional jiu jitsu, where he competes with a passion and dedication that sets him apart. During his apparence on the Casual Nonsense podcast, Jake shares with me, his experiences, training routines, and aspirations. He offers a deep understanding of the competitive mindset and the demands of his chosen discipline.
From Taekwondo to Jiu Jitsu
Jake’s journey began with Taekwondo, where he honed his skills and achieved a first-degree black belt. However, his focus shifted towards jiu jitsu, where he now competes professionally. With over ten years of experience in jiu jitsu and six years in wrestling, Jake’s dedication to grappling shines through. He acknowledges that his striking skills may be weaker compared to his peers, but his grappling expertise, which earned him a purple belt in jiu jitsu, is his undeniable strength.
Training Routine and Work-Life Balance
The commitment to his craft is evident in his training routine. Daily workout sessions are complemented by strength and flexibility training, ensuring that he is well-rounded and adaptable in the ring. In addition to his personal training, Jake works as a fitness and kickboxing instructor. He puts members through high-intensity interval training and teaches them striking techniques. Although he considers his main focus to be jiu jitsu, he acknowledges that this is currently a side hustle from a financial perspective.
Fueling the Fire
To prepare himself mentally and physically before fights, Jake admits to indulging in energy drinks like Bang, Reign, and Celsius. While he enjoys the adrenaline rush they provide, he understands the potential risks associated with excessive consumption. He even expresses his openness to being sponsored by an energy drink company, as their partnership could align with his pre-fight rituals.
The Competitive Edge
Jake Polansky thrives on the competitive nature of fighting and aims to compete at least once a month. If he misses a month, he strives to make up for it by fighting twice in the following month. He emphasizes that maintaining a competitive edge requires a sharp mindset, patience, and technique rather than relying on anger or aggression. His goal is to stay mentally focused, perform well, and build a positive reputation within the fighting community.
Sportsmanship and Rivalries
In the realm of jiu jitsu and wrestling, Jake highlights the mutual respect and sportsmanship that often develops between opponents. While he acknowledges instances where wrestling matches have made him aggressive or upset, he believes that maintaining a level-headed approach is crucial. Jake’s preference is to build camaraderie and friendship with opponents, emphasizing that fighting angry rarely leads to positive outcomes.
Compensation and Promotions
This episode of Casual Nonsense also sheds light on the payment structure within the competitive fighting industry. Promotions such as Triumph Fight Academy and Carolina Combat League, often offer fighters a percentage of ticket sales. Additionally, cash prize brackets provide an opportunity for fighters to earn money based on their performance in tournaments. Jake has an appreciation for promotions that treat fighters well and adequately compensate them for their efforts.
Conclusion
Jake Polansky’s journey from Taekwondo to professional jiu jitsu exemplifies the dedication, skill, and mental resilience required to succeed in combat sports. His transition from striking to grappling showcases his adaptability and commitment to honing his craft. Through insightful discussions on the Casual Nonsense podcast, Jake’s passion for the sport and his desire to continually improve come alive. As he continues his competitive journey, he seeks to inspire others and to further expand his involvement in coaching and training, particularly within the jiu jitsu community.
Be sure to follow him out on social media, and if you have the opportunity to attend one of his matches, you won’t be disappointed
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