On this episode of the podcast we are joined by Michael Pixley. Michael is a Jiu-Jitsu purple belt training out of Pedigo Submission Fighting, he is the NAIA 2017 National Champion and Wrestler of The Year, 2019 NCAA Division 2 National Champion, 2x World and Pan Am Champion at Blue Belt, and the 2024 ADCC West Coast Trials winner in the <99 kg division. Michael shares some of his most intense weight-cut stories, starting out in Judo and then transitioning to wrestling, his toughest wrestling match and the turning point in his wrestling career, how he beat the number one ranked high school wrestler in the country, his switch to Jiu-Jitsu and his first class at Pedigo Submission Fighting, the most challenging part of transitioning from wrestling to BJJ, the major difference between wrestling and BJJ practices, his thoughts on drilling, the driving force for his rapid improvement in BJJ, favorite BJJ ruleset, dealing with competition nerves, what helped him get over the hump to win ADCC Trials, how his wrestling style has kept him injury-free, his thoughts on the Craig Jones Invitational, what Michael does to relax, his favorite place to travel, his advice to younger grapplers, and what it's like learning from Heath Pedigo, and the culture at Pedigo Submission Fighting. Thanks to the podcast sponsors: Charlotte's Web CBD. Head over to https://bit.ly/chewjitsu30 and use the promo code Chewjitsu30 to get 30% off of your total purchase. Epic Roll BJJ. Check out https://www.epicrollbjj.com and use the promo code Chewjitsu20 to get 20% off of your total purchase. Check out podcast exclusives including conversations with guests, Q&A sessions, and tons more at https://patreon.com/thechewjitsupodcast