Tayem Mercer interview

Summary

Tayem Mercer is a figure mostly known for his political work but over the last few weeks I've seen him training in SBG with Nahom Wedi, then after a conversation he told me he was doing train Alta so we decided to talk about it on camera. We delve into how and when he got…

Transcript (youtube_captions)

Okay, this is an absolute pleasure. This is a man I've wanted to talk to on on many different levels, but he stepped into the realm that I'm more comfortable with and more capable of talking about, Mr. Ta Mercer. H you've probably all know him. Uh you've probably seen him around. I really love his content. But what I've realized or what I noticed lately, he's he's competing. He's going to be competing in MMA soon. He's doing the training alter project. So, uh thank you very much for joining me. How are you? And and how did this come about? because I seen you in the home and when I saw it and I seen the footage I was like fair play to him. Um where did you first come across it and what made you want to to join it and thank you first of all? No, thanks for having me on, David. It's a pleasure. Um, big fan of your content as well and the work you do, you know, being a voice for the MMA scene. Um, huge respect for that firstly. Um, and you know how it came about for me, I was in SPG with Nome because we had meetings and discussions about me managing Nome and helping him with the next level of his career and next phase of what he's doing. And it just so happens that John was in the gym the same day as well. Um, so I got an opportunity to meet John, which look, it's it's a huge privilege, you know, John Kavanaaugh. Um, and then one of the guys there that I know at the front desk said, "Hey, why don't you try the train alter program?" And I didn't know what it was. And he said, "Yeah, he'll do it." Actually, he'll sign up for it. So, I kind of got walked into it that way. Um, and I couldn't say no. Well, it's not I couldn't say no. I didn't want to say no because I like trying new things. Um, and learning combat sports is just something that I've I've enjoyed. might have done a little bit of boxing. Um, and stepping into a a facility like SPG down in in Dublin here. Unbelievable, David. Um, and I remember seeing, you know, the the layout of the place and getting a tour and I was like, this is this is paradise for any athlete, right, for any competitor. Um, and so that that kind of inspired me. And then watching the guys train, the sparring they were doing kind of motivated me a little bit more. So I was eager and then after I done the first um train ala session I I I fell in love with it and and it's almost like it's it's addictive, right? So when people ask some of the guys and I was asking them why would you choose this? Why would you choose fighting just out of curiosity? Um I like to find out what makes people tick, why people do what they do. And it's sort of just that experience. The minute you step in, you're learning something new. You're growing as an individual. Um, and you're becoming competent because you're learning a rare skill that very few people actually know how to do, which is mixed martial arts. Um, so that's how I kind of stepped into that, David. And after the first session, I I fell in love with it. Um, and it's almost, do you know what it is? I think it's the feeling of you're working towards something new, you're making progress, but you're also with a good group of guys that are supporting you, motivating you, and pushing you on. And I think one of the hardest things about life for men, I always say from a psychological perspective is um being appreciated or getting praise, recognition, or motivation. It's harder for men to get compliments in the world. Women get it all the time. But when you're in a place where people are encouraging you and and they're pushing you to try something new and get out of your comfort zone, I think it's incredibly inspiring. And that's what I felt down at that, you know, and look, huge credit to John Kavanaaugh, Dave Roach, um the entire team down at the SPG for the train alter program and the system, the support that they've created. It's absolutely phenomenal and and it's life-changing for a lot of people. >> Yeah. Know, I like that you really got walked into it blind there as well, didn't you? [laughter] Obviously, no home someone we all know. H if you don't mind me asking how how did the link up with Nome coming because Nome is is I would I would like to call him a character like a great time for him. I've interviewed him a lot of times. How did that kind cuz not that it's a strange one. It was just I seen you with him and I was like how did these two people cross each other's paths because obviously he be MMA and you kind of do your own politics and all that stuff. Was or did you know person on a personal level beforehand? >> Um I knew him a little bit on a personal level beforehand. You know like if you're in Dublin and you're you're a fan of fight sports you you'd know the home for sure. Um, but you know, we had a meeting, he reached out to me and we had a meeting with him and him and a friend of his because we bumped into each other at another boxing event that he attended. Um, that's another story for another time what happened at that event for us to actually cross paths. But, um, we had we had meetings and had discussions and he sort of laid out a plan and a blueprint of where he's at, what he's looking to do with his career and he thought that I'm somebody that could help him move forward um, with his career. So, we had really cool discussions and look, I said, "Look, whatever way I can help out, I I'll do my best to help out." Just on a personal level, I think that Nome has got incredible talent. He's incredibly talented and huge opportunities ahead of himself. So, he's putting together a team and and I'd like to be I like working on exciting projects, David. I I work on a lot of different projects. I work with footballers on the psychological side of things for professional footballers. a lot of the young professional footballers moving abroad from Ireland. Um we're starting to do a bit of work with them on the just the mindset of winning, the mentality of a winner. And I think that's something I'm really good at getting into people. Um is developing that. So that's how that conversation came about. And then we sat down with a couple of meetings. I went down to the gym um and it was really cool. we meetings with John Kavana in terms of you know what they're looking to do the plans they have for him as well and how I can help out on that side and it all it all aligned you know I like working with good people I like working with somebody that has huge potential Nahome's got huge potential um and he also he's humble in the fact that he reaches out and looks for guidance and support and you know it naturally just came together for us to work together and for me to be able to help him and he's also helping me a lot on the on the fighting side of things as well. He's he's given me a lot of training and teaching me a lot of new things. He's incredibly incredibly skillful and for me it's um look it's it's an honor as much as it is for him as it is for me to be around people like himself, you know? >> I love that. I love the mutual respect and I love like the homie he is so skillful and he kind of he disappeared for a while. I'm like will this guy just get I just want to see this bro fight but like >> sometimes things happen and bringing you in place. No. Well, I'd say David, there's a hibernation period that it takes for somebody to reach greatness, right? And I think this is something that's misunderstood when people look at fighters and they're not as active or they may not be, you know, getting the fights that they want, etc. Um, there's a hibernation period that takes place in any man's life, right? So, when we're talking about MMA, it's a concept of life as a whole, David. There's periods where you're going to be on top and there's periods where, you know, certain things might just be closed off because you need to grow. You need to develop as a person. You need to do a lot of hard work in the background. Um, soularching to a little extent, but in the home's case, and I think people will see it in the coming months and everything that's lined up for him, it was preparation. It's hibernation. It's it's that phase where he's sharpening a lot of his own skills and mentally getting stronger. like he's in a very very strong mental place right now um with a lot of amazing things down the line for him. So it was just that period and he was putting together a team and sort of really being strategic about the next phase of his career. Um, and he's got a look, he's got an amazing team with John Cavan and the guys there, some of the best, they're the the best coaches in the country, hands down. And I think I'm just there to try compliment on the mental and the psychological side of things where we can really break through and people will see a different different level of fighters, I think, um, going forward, especially coming out of SPG, like there some of the most amazing fighters in the world in my opinion down there. So, it's just a matter of time and with the home that period of inactivity, you know, the crowd will always talk and they'll always have different things to say. David, you know that as much as anybody else. Um, but there's work that has to be done in the background and he's been working very hard in the background and that's the most important thing. >> Yeah. Yeah, cuz I was so what comes to light at the show is the work that's been done in darkness, you know, the sort of way. And and I think in if you look at any great sports star and their career, there has been a period where they've had to go away, reassess, >> soul search, find yourself, find your purpose and come back. You've actually got me sold. I'm going to hire you where I get some money about about the mental thing. But back to you, back to train. How far into the process are you now? So for people who don't know what it is that may be watching this and it might be the first time, can you explain a little bit about how long it takes and stuff like that and what stage are you at right now? >> Yeah, absolutely. So it's a 20week program. Um sorry, give me one second. I can drink a bit of water. >> No, you're okay. It's um so the train out the program, David, it's a 20 20 odd week program. Um so it takes you through a system. It's a system where you're going through the beginnings, the basics, all the way up to more technical, and then as you're progressing to the later weeks, you get into more of the striking and and combat side of things. But it's learning all elements of the of the training. And it's every sing, you know, 5 days a week, um 5 6:00 a.m. in the morning, we're at the gym. We've got coaches there that are working with ourselves and a core group there. We're seven weeks out now from Fight Week. Um, the show was in December, so I'm excited about that. And essentially, that's what it is. And you know, the crazy part about it, what what I found was it's you get to win. There's so many layers to it. You get to win the day before the day even begins. Right? A lot of people go to work, you got work 9:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m., whatever it may be. If you're up at 5:00 a.m. going to the gym, doing the hard things, which the hard thing is waking up that early in the morning, there's a certain feeling of victory that you get already before the day is done, that you've accomplish something. And the dopamine hits from that are absolutely ridiculous. So that's what I find the high value from it, right? And the time that they set cuz it's easy enough even for the coaches themselves to turn around and say, "Look, we'll get you in at 8:00 in the morning or whatever." And everybody gets a bit more sleep. But it's that the discipline and you're actually living the lifestyle of a fighter during the train alter program. You know what I mean? With the intense training um obviously whatever weights are decided you have to make weight cuts if needs be or you have to match that. So you're getting through the entire experience. Um deeply deeply nurturing and and growing, right? You get to conquer a lot of your own personal battles along the way. And it's challenging as well because during the process some of the other guys have injuries. I've had periods where I'm traveling a lot as well with the nature of my job. I've got so many different things going on in different countries, too. So, I've had to travel a little bit and you're missing out on a couple of weeks. But, you know, the extra sessions are there. The guys in the gym are super helpful. The likes of Shane Mullen, um Nome, the likes of Roger down in SPG where you can get extra sessions in, join in some of the other classes. So, the support is unbelievable. You've literally got 24-hour support with the coaches and everybody else there as well. So, that's essentially it. And then at the end of it, there's the big showcase where you get to fight somebody. You get to actually be in a proper mixed martial arts bout. And I think that's where people then, you know, you'll have to conquer a different type of fear, whether it's fight or flight. Um, and really at the end of that fight, I think you become a man. And I know that experience from just stepping into my first boxing bout, my second boxing bout. Um, I had a similar feeling. There's no better feeling than when you leave that environment knowing you've done probably one of the scariest things in the world, which is stand across from somebody else who's intentionally trying to hurt you, right? And and they're highly skilled as well. You know, they know how to fight. Um, so there's that element to it, David, but there's also another element where it gives you huge confidence because you're learning a skill set that very few people in the world know. And I think as a man going through this experience, myself and other fighting experiences, just the training element, I think every single man or man and child and including women too should have that experience um of being in a position where you can defend yourself. We do live in a real world and the process of that is for self-defense and then obviously combat is in competition but it gives you a huge level of competence confidence um more peace and I think just more composure. I I found myself a hell of a lot more calmer um as a consequence of the fight training and everything else which you think it would be the opposite. I've always thought people that train in mixed martial arts um would be head cases, right? But um it gives you a certain like it's a high level of discipline. And some of the guys in the gym, you'd walk by them and you think, "Ah, he's harmless." But then you watch them sparring and you're like, "My god, that is a that's a killing machine." You know, >> it's mad. It's like you said, there's people you walk past and you're like, they look like they would be. and then you see them fold someone up and you're just like you know what I'm never going to but one of the things that you mentioned that you've had boxing fights before obviously seen them previously as well seen that the build up and all to them what has been different about this or has there been anything different about this one uh obviously obviously the skill set's going to be different you find that more dangerous going in because it's not just with boxing boxing is a beautiful sport and it's a beautiful but you have so many other worries about leg kicks taken down like you know there's no elbows in but you know there there's different things like h what are the main differences and takeaways that you've kind of found so far and I know you're only in training you haven't competed in in the fight yet >> the main differences in the preparation so far for you >> look you can't you can't play MMA that's one of the things right so it's a higher level of seriousness um because if you're not prepared and you're not trained correctly you'll get seriously hurt so and I've understood that just from watching the guy sparring and doing my own first training where you're getting taken down and you feel absolutely vulnerable. It's the first time I felt that vulnerable in my life is getting taken down and somebody's telling me right get out of that position and I can't and you get choked out in the next couple of minutes. So there's a higher level of seriousness that goes into it. Um I think that's one piece and then you're competing with so many different weapons. So every day it's a school day. I'm learning things like every single day. No day has been the same. You know, certain things you'll drill yourself and it's repetitive, but you're learning how to defend. You're learning jiu-jitsu, you're learning wrestling, you're going into striking. Um, so it's it's the whole range and the whole arsenal. I I like it because it's uncomfortable. Um, and I'm somebody that likes pressure, right? My whole life I've just enjoyed pressure. I've enjoyed hardship because that's the only way I've grown. I I know that's the cost of growth is is uncomfort. It's it's all of those things. Um, and that's where you grow. So, I like it. And John has a quote which, you know, he said that's the the aim for fighters is to be comfortable in the uncomfortable situations. And if you can do that, then, you know, that works well. And and that's the same as life. So, I take a lot of the MMA lessons for life as well, personally, David. But, um, that's the huge difference. It's just boxing. It's hands, distance is there, right? You work on those things. But, with MMAs, you got to be good on your strike. You got to be good on your kicking. You got to be good at, you know, on the wrestling. So, it's the whole arsenal. And learning that is incredibly stimulating to the human mind because technically what you're doing is you're solving problems. Every scenario is a problem solving and it's playing chess, right? We're playing chess in distance. We're playing chess and striking, blocking, countering, you know, faints, faking shots to get them to react, all of those things. So, you're critically thinking and I and I love that. I think that's the most powerful thing. And a lot of the guys are incredibly intelligent. I know there's a bit of a stigma and I hear some of the guys say it themselves that they think they they have CTE and and their brains don't work properly, but they're incredibly intelligent because it takes a very, you know, unique type of mind to be able to solve the problems in a mixed martial arts belt. So, I've Yeah. I have a higher level of respect for martial arts now than I've ever done before. And I think it's a much better sport than boxing. And this is coming from somebody who's been a huge boxing fan all his life, David. And I thought MMA was barbaric. But when you understand it and what these men are doing and and what we go what they go into, it's admirable. The most courageous people um on this planet in terms of what they do. It's absolutely phenomenal. >> Yeah. I I like the way you describe it. It's like playing It's like a high violence chess game basically. if you if you get something wrong, you're you're getting punched straight back in the face. But you brought up something there that I tried to portray and get across that how nice the people are, how intelligent there's so many people who have college degrees. Do you think like you were thinking MMA was barbaric? When you went in and you seen this other side, were you surprised with how nice, how welcoming, and how everything was? Cuz there's a pre, like I said, preconceived notion is barbaric. >> It it is a it is a violent sport, but there is a lot of stops. Like if you get hit two or three times on the ground, it's over. the submission hold whereas boxing is constant to the brain. >> Yeah. >> Were you surprised when you went in with how nice they were they they were and how welcoming because I think it's one of the best communities I've ever been a part of personally. >> Big big time. You know what I I definitely was David. I was taken back. I had the expectation and I was expecting I'm going to walk in here and some of these people are just head cases is the best word I can use, right? Um just a lot of aggression and a lot of you know testosterone and things like that. But there's a high level of respect, a high level of discipline um from all of the guys in the gym, right? And and I'm there over a month, over a month at a bit. I joined the program a little bit late, but I'm over a month and a bit in the gym. Every single person you speak to are absolutely respectful, gentle. Even when they spar, the sparring is intense, but afterwards, the the respect is is phenomenal. So, and it is, you know, it's a brotherhood. That's the best way I can describe it. It's a brotherhood. It's a It's a place where men acknowledge other men, encourage other men, push each other to reach higher levels. That's essentially what's happening down at that at SBG is that and there's a high level of accountability. Some lads may come in and they have a bad day. Some lads may have a great day, but the discussions and the feedback and the moral support from everybody in the gym is absolutely phenomenal. Um, so I I can understand where your statement is. This is one of the best communities you've been involved with. Absolutely. I've been involved with the footballing community. That's an amazing community as well. Um, but the MMA community that I've come across so far, it's it's phenomenal. And once you step in that ring, the level of respect everybody has for you as a consequence of doing that. Um, no matter at what level is is always given. So, they're they're an amazing bunch of guys in there and incredibly respectful. I think it's a place look men need places where we can go collectively, right? We we have an issue of mental health across this country. there's a big crisis. My opinion, I think get more men that are struggling mentally into the gyms. Get them into a fight gym. Get them into an MMA gym that they can feel a part of a community. They can grow, they can learn, and it's not just about people that are like exceptional. The train alter program is exactly that. From those that, you know, you've no experience at all to gaining experience. I have no experience at all in mixed martial arts, but I'm stepping in and I feel confident now more and more every single day that I can actually do this. I can actually, you know, go in and have a competition with somebody because of the support, because of the resources, because of the infrastructure that John Cavana has put in place. And that's what I mean. It's life-changing because we all have our own problems. And some of the guys are coming in there, you know, we don't know what they're dealing with. But I can tell you one thing, David, that, you know, after we finish wrestling each other, striking each other, um, and we're all sweaty, the the the the joy, the happiness, you can't fake that, right? The sense of accomplishment from everybody, you cannot fake that. And then lads are going in and having great days and we're catching up and seeing how everybody's weeks are, and it's absolutely phenomenal. It's life-changing. I highly encourage more people to get involved. and anybody who just whether you're whether you want to be a fighter or not or you just want to grow and you want to experience something new then I'd highly recommend that train alter program. If you're going through a hard time in life and things are not on your side or you feel weak, you feel out of shape, you don't feel confident as an individual, as a man, get down to a train altera program. Sign up for it. You know, it'll change your life. If life is kicking your ass and things are going really really bad for you in a in a major way, get down there. This will prepare you not only inside the ring, but outside for the harder things in life. You'll be uncomfortable. you'll be comfortable in the uncomfortable situations that life is going to throw at you. >> Yeah. Know, and that's true. And I like what you said about the mental health as well. I think there's some gyms, I know there's one up north that does on a Friday, [clears throat] they do a free class for men to come in and and that that's another subject me and you will talk about on another day because I I'm sitting here going, we could we could have hour I could just listen to you for hours and talk to you and ask you questions. >> Appreciate it. >> One of the things obviously what I you're you come across as a very organized and disciplined person. >> Yeah. this before you got into this, but is there any positives? Cuz a lot of people who said they done it said like it bled over into their personal life that they got more structured, more organized, they knew like, okay, this what is what benefits or is there have you seen any positives that have kind of seeped through into your into your personal day-to-day life because of train? >> Yeah, absolutely. Um, I've seen more of a structure, more of a discipline in myself, right? Look, I'm a very disciplined individual in certain ways, but there's also nobody's perfect. Um, and sometimes we can get stuck in poor routines. I have so many things that go on. So sometimes it's a little bit of a a difficult process for me myself as well. But as a consequence of doing the train out the program, I found my structure getting better cuz I'm up early in the morning. I win my morning a hell of a lot earlier than I would before. And I'm quite an ambitious individual. But this has motivated me a hell of a lot more in my own personal endeavors, in my own career as well. just the fact that I'm getting up that early in the morning, you know, I have a different level of motivation. I have a different level of conviction in a lot of the things I'm doing as a consequence to that. And I've noticed that change in myself um during the process. So, there's an element of that. It gives you structure because in one area, you're waking up early in the morning. You know, your nutrition has to be right now. The training has to be correct and getting your extra training sessions in are important as well. So, that level of structure tends to follow in other things as well. consciously or subconsciously, you start to structure everything else in the right way as well. Um, and that's sort of what's happening for me. There's a cool quote I like and it says, "How you do anything is how you do everything, right? And if you have a certain level of discipline in one thing in your life, it can seep into other areas. If you have a a high level of inisipline in other areas, it seeps into other areas of your life as well. So the virus spreads either way. You just pick which side of it you want. Do you want the discipline virus to spread or do you want the indiscipline?" And I think train ala has taught me that it gives you the discipline one. Um because you're up early in the morning, you're turning up for the sessions early in the morning with a group of other guys. Um it's also inspiring and knowing that other people are working hard cuz there's days that I wake up and I'm like I don't want to go. It's too early, right? But I'm like I know there's probably three or four of the guys that are there and I'm going to look like a wimp if I don't turn up. What What's my excuse? Oh, I I was tired of the alarm didn't wake me up. So there's a level of accountability as well. And that's an important thing because even when I'm not around the guys in the gym, that level of accountability is still following me in other areas. It feels like there's still somebody there on your side pushing you to get things done as much as you can. So, yeah. >> Yeah. No, 100%. And you said obviously uh you you you you came in a couple of weeks late compared to others and you're doing the extra classes. Are they because you missed a couple of weeks or are they going to continue those extra classes once you've kind of caught up, let's say? Because obviously if you're a couple of weeks behind those extra classes might get you a bit more up to speed with where they are now. Or are you going to continue? Do do you enjoy it that much that those extra classes are that they're not necessary but they're wanted you want to partake in them? >> No, I just I genuinely just enjoy them. You know, the coaches recommend it for anybody that misses sessions to get in some extra session. Um the gym has PT sessions on throughout the entire day. um any of the guys, any of the fighters, the pro fighters in the gym are doing PT as well. So that's more of your own choice. Nobody's going to hold your hand. That's another element of it. There's no handholding here. Um it's encouragement. It's support, but you have to access the resources yourself. But on my side, David, it's just pure motivation. Like the the love the love I had for football is the same love I'm I'm finding in MMA right now. The same feeling I get from playing football. and I've played it for over almost two decades, right? Um, and I've loved the game, but the same feeling I get stepping into the MMA gym and doing training. So, I'm doing the extra sessions because I just love it that much. I'm training mo most days I'm doing two day, two sessions or three sessions in a day if I can. Um, it's that enjoyable. It really is because I'm learning something new. I don't know what it is. There's a strange thing about growth and progress that that's the fundamental thing that can keep, you know, hard times away or negative emotions away is when you're doing progressive things. And the fact that I'm seeing myself progress, my striking is getting better, you know, my takedowns are getting a little bit better, my kicking and is getting better. All of those things, it's encouraged me to do it more and more. And I just I don't do anything half. That's the other side of me. Um, I don't do anything a half hours. And it's also inspiring because you're in a gym with people that a lot of the pro guys are training two, three times a day. So when you're around those guys, you're like, "Wow, if they they're doing it, gez, let me, you know, push myself as well." And so it sort of becomes like a an unconscious competition to keep up with the rest. Um, an undisussed competition to keep up with the rest. Um, so yeah, but I honestly I just I I love it. It's amazing. It's it's an art. It's exactly that. It's martial arts. This this most fundamental thing about it. It is an absolute art and it's a skill set that you're learning deeply artistic skill set that is incredibly dangerous but it's deeply artistic. I know. Yeah. Know it is. And that's a it's different when cuz when you watch it or people that are more casual watching, they don't see when you're involved and around these people and see what they go through on a daily basis. You can see and then it's just like when you see a combination you're just like you can for me I'm like that's like poetry in motion. >> Absolutely. >> One thing I did want to ask you as well one of the the feedback I got from people who done it is there's usually a group chat and everyone becomes quite close. Have you found that bond between the people that you're doing it with currently at the minute? >> There is. Yeah. Yeah. There's a group chat there as well and some of the guys like I'm getting to find out you know some of the guys we talk what are they up to for the weekend where you living and stuff like that. So you get to build, you know, personal relationships with the guys as well. Um, which is good. It's it's amazing. Look, when you're training with people, you're working together as part of a team, it's it's natural that the bond is built and the environment is created in a way that, you know, those bonds are maintained and it's really a supportive group. So yeah, the the answer to that would be yes, absolutely, David. Um, good group of lads there and some local lads. Some lads live further apart, but you know, we're getting to know each other. Um, after punching the face off each other, we uh we sit down and have a chat. >> No, 100%. I'm going to let you go in a second, but I'm going to ask you one last question before you go. >> We've got time, don't worry. >> No, no, no. How how coming closer to the fight, how how are you feeling about stepping into the cage? Because obviously at the start I say it's kind of a nerve kind of thing. >> It'd be like oh am I going to get in there? But how are you feeling now seeen as you've seen yourself progress in terms of the skill sets. How how are you feeling about it now? >> No I feel good. I feel good. I feel confident. Um I'm excited about it. It's a new experience. But you know I I'm a winner. That's just naturally in me, right? I'm a competitive athlete and I'm a winner. So competitive challenge is what excites me. Um nothing else. the the pressure situations excite me and I know I've done the training. As long as I've trained correctly, the work has been done in the background, then the performance of the night becomes more mental than anything and I just need to control the mental side of things. So, my mindset going into it and looking at at the fight, it's just positive. I only see victory. Um, and that's it. I don't think of anything else really, David. I don't there's no fear, there's no worry, there's no concern. Um, I'm stepping into uncharted territory just as equally as the other person is. So, it's about who controls the emotions, who stays calm under pressure and sticks to the game plan. And I'm confident. Fighting is fighting. Look, I've I've lived a life that has required me to develop that spirit of fighting and and not a spirit of fear. So, there's no concerns. I'm confident. I'm happy. I'm training with the best coaches, with the best people. Um, and I'm learning. I'm a student and that day is just it's another educational day for me. It's about learning in that situation, in that environment. The feelings obviously of the moment, you know, will always be a little bit different. The nerves will probably kick in before um certain thoughts come into the mind, but I can silence my mind very quickly and and get it back on track to focus on what needs to be done. So again, it's it's an objective in front of me and I just we get the job done. That's just what I do, I guess. No, 100%. And like that for and if anyone is watching this and they they do want to partake in it. You don't actually have to fight. I believe that's the rule as well. You don't have to fight if that's something that you're not willing to do. But for you is to for a lot of people it's the cherry on the cake at the end whether you win or lose because to get in there 99% of the world won't, you know. >> Yeah, absolutely. Well, look, you and I highly encourage people to to take the fight, you know, really to take the fight. Um, but there's an element as well once you start doing the training, you will naturally fall in love with it that you'll say, "Yeah, I actually want to go and experience what it is to be in the cage, you know what I mean?" And look, you've got you've got protection for the legs, etc. So, you know, there's no elbows are not are not allowed as far as I'm aware. So, you'll be okay. Um, but I think once you do it, the confidence that you'll develop and if you're thinking now you're afraid of fighting, you'll be in a position where you're a new version of yourself that is confident enough to say, "Yeah, I'll step into that ring no problem at all." You've conquered so many layers of fear that the average individual does not conquer. You're no longer an individual that operates in your life from a position of uh flight, but you're in a position of fight to confront situations. And a perfect example I can say is if we're sitting in a room and somebody drops a glass of breaks, you wouldn't be the first person to react and flinch. You know, that's the level of self-control and composure you're going to develop as a consequence of doing the train altera program. And that itself is priceless because some people pay therapists thousands to get that out of them. and you can get this through a train altera program and you just you're a new version of yourself much more confident much more competent um and an incredibly powerful version of yourself. So one of one of the areas obviously you were talking about working with the home and and working with the footballers is is the mentality. How did you get into that and what do you obviously like you have clients and stuff like that but what what what kind of brought you that direction and and how do you find it and what does it do for you on a personal and professional level? >> Yeah. Um when I was young you know I come from Africa I come from Congo a country that's very much impoverished. Um and when I moved to Ireland growing up we had some difficulties growing up when my mom and dad separated at 18. So, um, I had to find a way to make something of myself. And so, I started studying the lives of really successful people to find out what's the difference, right? What makes them tick? Like, how come they're at the highest level of success and how can I get to there as well? So, there was a natural curiosity in me and then it just led me to, you know, really studying successful people and reading a lot of books. And um I actually met a millionaire one day, David, um at a conference, a friend of mine invited me when I was younger and I just noticed he was really, you know, he had a lot of money because he was wearing an AP. I'm I'm big into watches and the AP was wearing at the time probably cost like 30 40 grand. Um at that time I never even seen a,000 quid in my life. [laughter] Um so I asked them because everybody was so fixated at getting pictures with them and stuff like that for the socials, but I was only curious about one thing. how do I get in your position? You know, I want to learn what you what you know. And I asked him, I said, "What like what how can I get into your position and what do you do?" And he said, "I read books." He said, "That's the difference. I read books." And he gave me a book recommendation and Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. And I started reading that book and it was just a collective of the world's most successful people in the world, all the way from President Lincoln, all of them. And one thing that came, you know, to me to understand was it's the mental. how they think is the difference. There's no difference between me and them. When I stood in the presence of millionaires, when I meet some of the most successful people now, I sat with people that have ran for presidents and countries. I've met some of the incredible people, you know, multi-millionaires. I've worked under managers that have sold companies for hundreds of millions. There's no difference between you and any other individual. It's just the mentality. They think differently and their operating system up here is a hell of a lot more different than the average individual. And that's just it. But you can also train your mind and learn to become to that level. So that's where my curiosity be came from and it spanned out over a over a decade of studying the mind you know and not only studying it but putting it into practice. A lot of the things I read I put into practice a lot of different principles you know I've practiced um meditation quietening the mind sitting there just with your own thoughts which is something a lot of people run away from um and sitting there and having important conversations with yourself asking the tough questions like what am I doing that really screws up my life or how could I be doing better in life you know most people want to ask it to somebody else but if you ask yourself you can also find the answer that way um so over that period I learned a lot of different things And I just embedded different systems. Like when I wake up in the morning, my morning routine is not the same as everybody else. You know, I wake up in the morning and I put on a motivational video. I hear some of the most really powerful things that can be said about any individual to another individual first thing in my morning for the first half an hour. Um I don't touch the phone. We don't respond to messages. You know, I listen to those things. And I done that religiously for four or five years when I was in my early 20s. So that's where my mentality came from. and you know to understand that in order for me to obtain success I need to have a mind that is equipped for that otherwise you won't get it. So that's where the mental side of things came in for me and then just as a consequence of giving people advice at an early stage of their you know in life and I think leadership is just something that was naturally in me. um just as a consequence of that and seeing people get results you know um just changing the way they think changing their internal language about themselves firstly um and how they actually view success is not this far away dream but that's something attainable and I'm working towards that with a high level of confidence with a high level of emotional energy towards it um it easily becomes obtainable and that's how you turn the impossible to possible so that's how it began for me Um but David, it was that it was the curiosity and then look, it was a hunger to make something of myself. Um I wasn't in the best situations. My life wasn't going on track. Mother and father separated. My mom was left with a lot of debt um from the relationship. And we went through really, really dark times. So there was no other option, right? And there's a quote sometimes for people, I think, until the pain of staying the same outweighs the pain of change, then you'll change. Most people are comfortable with how they are and the pain of change frightens them more than anything else. So they never change whereas in my situation is I had to change. So and then I realized by going into the uncomfort there's maximum amount of growth and I'd done that for the biggest parts of my early you know early um adolescence. I was really disciplined and and really putting myself in complex situations where you know it requires courage. requires you to be uncomfortable and make sacrifices and work on my mind. I just I I work really really, you know, a lot of my mentality, a lot of my mind and that's the differentiator that that's what separates the the average from the exceptional. It's the mentality. It's the mindset, you know, it's it's your system of operating mentally um as much as physically. And and that's the biggest biggest thing that I've noticed between those that obtain a high level of success and those that don't is the mentality. One knows it's obtainable because they've built their mentality and their system to prove to them that that's possible. The other is just not mentally trained and it's just a dreamer in my opinion. >> Yeah, it it's like that cuz I I see it with myself sometimes. I know what's wrong with me, but I'm not putting the systems in place or know things that will help me be more successful. And then I put that down to laziness for one, lack of discipline, lack of not searching for knowledge because like you said, one of the biggest things is is knowledge and education is going to it will take you like you know yourself. We we won't go too far into it but the government will will throw at you. If you know what you're talking about, you can come back at them. They don't really care, but at least you at least you kind of know. But what what kind of wanted you to bring over to sports and why so much sports was it just because of your love for sports that you wanted to to to work with people within that realm? Yeah, I seen what was possible for me through sports, right, through football. Um, I was unfortunate to get certain, you know, not unfortunate. I consider myself very fortunate that I've had certain injuries that stopped me from pushing on to higher levels. And I say fortunate because it was a mental situation I had to overcome. So, I'm quite fortunate that those situations happened to me and I had to build that resiliency. But you know the the sports world when anybody gets involved in sports they want to reach the highest level right and it's an amazing dream and it's the person that you become. So I've seen that in myself but then when I look at other people I recognize the same talent and potential but they just lack the resources in the system. So it began something is when I'm giving people advice and giving them guidance on their own journeys in sports and then it actually works for them and they start to reach the higher levels. you know, with a young lad who signed for Norwich, Luke. Um, he's with Norwich at the moment. When he signed over, he was struggling a little bit on the just adjusting and a friend of mine who was his agent reached out to me and he said, "Look, can you have, you know, do a couple of sessions with him on the mindset side of things and we've done that and now he's flying, you know, he's doing absolutely remarkable, but it's life-changing for him because he's going to reach amazing things. He's going to do fantastic things and it's going to change his family dynamic and the entire thing." And that's the most important thing. So when you see things like that and those results, it gives you more motivation um to continue to help people. And I'm just I'm I'm an admirer of of athletes, of people achieving success. I I admire that. It's it's it's motivating to me. It's inspiring to me. So when I see other people do the same thing or I can be a tool to help them, that's the most important thing, right? Because I've had the experience and I've gone through it. So I know the vehicle that they're lacking. And if I can equip people for that, then I'm solving a problem. And I think, you know, having an entrepreneurial heart or spirit, it just means you're a problem solver. And and that's essentially it. So, as a problem solver, that's just what I do. >> And one question cuz you're like obviously you're inside the MMA realm now at the minute and and and you've always been part of the sports realm. Do you think that the mental side is overlooked? Not in a whole because I it's it is getting better but I think whether even MMA is physical. Yeah. But like you have to be right here and here it has to be unlocked. Do do you think people overlook that sometimes and just concentrate more on the physical? >> Yeah. I think so. Yeah. I I think so. Look what's the best way I I can actually um conceptualize this for you. There's this thing, you know, there's a certain level of knowing people have and there there's just another level that they just don't. Um, unfortunately, you know, a lot of people can watch a motivational video and things like that and they take very little from it. Um, and I think it's important for people when we talk about the mentality and and you know, the mindset side of things to have really empowering conversations, which is something a lot of people lack, not just in MMA, but across the world. In the MMA space, the lads are mentally tough inside the cage, but they also need to be mentally tough outside the cage. Just in my personal opinion, right? And [snorts] and the ones that really reach the higher levels are more mentally in tune and they do the mental exercise like that. That's one of the things when we talk with Nom I I say to him, you know, and he's got a strong personality, a strong mentality. Um but but there's still certain areas to improve. And I say to him, the same way you're training in there is the same way you have to train outside for the mental side of things. Because when you do get in there, the game is more mental than anything. And if you have a higher level of mental control outside the cage, then inside the cage it'll be no problem and you'll perform at even higher levels. You can tap into your flow state a lot quicker, a lot sooner, a lot often, and a lot more frequent when you're in there. So, it is definitely I don't know if it's overlooked. I spent a little bit of time around the the the fight game right now. Um there's definitely room for more mental resources to be put in, right? And when I say mental resources, I'm talking more so the psychology and the mindset of a winner for people to understand how should my mind be in order for me to obtain the impossible goal that I want to do, in order for me to become a world champion. Um, and really obtain that because I personally think in order for you to become a world champion, you have to be a world champion before you even get to that world championship fight. It's it's a crazy thing to say and I don't know if people understand that, but that's what it is. You have to have the mentality of that champion long before you became the champion. And most people wait for the trophies or the accolades or the belt to then recognize themselves as such things. Whereas some of the ones that really changed the game, the likes of Connor, etc., they were already champions long before they got to the belts. And you have to tap into that type of mindset, but it requires training. It's one thing saying it because look, we all have cliche quotes we say, David, right? Everybody knows, yeah, I have to sacrifice and I have to believe I'm going to go to the top. Do you actually believe it? Right? do you actually attract those things? Um because it's easy to say the right thing. Anybody does. But if you don't have a system of practice, then you're not equipped for it. And it's the same thing. I can talk to you now and I can say I know how to check I know how to check a calf kick. I know how to check a certain kick. Somebody watching the fight can say that. But then if they haven't trained for it, the day they get hit, they might do the right movement, but the pain of that kick will absolutely take them out because the practice isn't there. And it's the same with the mental side of things. You have to be mentally prepared for where you're going. And if you're not, then when you get there, you'll crumble or you'll never get there at all. Um, and I think that's a big differentiator. But I think that there's room. I think there's room. And hopefully, you know, um, we see more people working on themselves on the mental side of their game as well as the the physical element because that's what takes that's what it takes to be to be great in my opinion. >> Yeah. You see a lot more I actually see a lot more. Lewis Barn is someone who springs to mind. Brian Moore who was a professional fighter who fought in SPG as well. He he done it at the end of his career and there's so much there's so much stakes. There was years ago people everybody's trained to be a certain skill level now. You know the sort of way where some people would rise above others where now it's so tight those little advantage. But >> I want to ask you is on a personal level and not just a fresh level when you see people unlock their potential because of work you've done with them. How does that make you feel? Um it is one of the highest form of satisfaction you can possibly imagine. Um that's just how I look at it. All right. Um it's an exceptional payoff. Um that it's just I I don't know. It's endless. It's it's an endless victory for me. And in that moment is the same as when I win a match or I win a fight. You feel like you've lived a thousand years in that moment. Um, and that's the way it is for me when I see people unlock their potential and reach the reach higher levels. It's it's just that feeling, you know, but there's an element, I think, just to backtrack a little bit. You know, there's a lot of sports psychologists and things like this, David, right? There's a lot of them that study it. Studying something and having experience are two different things. The difference between me is I have experience, I have substance. I've never run away from the hard times of life. And I've done that voluntarily, right? I'm 33. I'm a hell of a lot more older than I actually am in my age in terms of what I know in my mind. But that's a consequence of paying the price and really embracing a lot of the difficult things because then you get substance, right? If you go through hardship, you get substance. And a lot of these guys, some of the mental things people go through, you have to have had similar experiences or gone through certain things to be able to connect with people in a level that mentally now we're in a position where we're fixing it together. And what I'm saying to you resonates because you understand it. And we've a lot of people that are educated and they psychology degrees, sports psychologists, etc., therapists, but they can't break through to the human soul. And that's a different that's a different aspect that's in every single person. I just I'm and I look, it's there's two elements of it. It it's God-gifted in in me, I think. And it's not to brag that there's no arrogance in that at all. It's just what I know. And that's why I've been given it as the purpose so that I can help other people understand how to unlock that personal power in themselves. Um, but you to be able to really get people to make those mental leaps, you have to be able to tap into them at a deeper level than just a psychological, you know, it's an it's an emotional it's a spiritual level that you need to tap into. And you have to have gone through hardship yourself in order to be able to connect with people at that level. And so we have a lot of educated psychologists but inexperienced in real life scenarios. And then that's the hard part why maybe and I think probably there's gyms that have invested in psychologists and things like that in the past but Ireland has struggled to reproduce high quality um performing stars as of late in my opinion. Right. But the pool of talent is unbelievable. We have some of the most talented athletes across every single area and I just think we need people to dig a little bit deeper. >> Yeah. No, 100%. Like like there is a huge huge huge pool of talent out there in any form of combat sports at the minute. You see in the Mai and stuff like that, but like I said, there hasn't been a a consistent one. We've had people coming from the UFC there recently. Joe, some didn't go their way, some it still is going away, some are still there. But um you one of the things that kind of you were saying that I'm kind of interested in maybe press a little bit more on is you're saying obviously cuz they don't have it like is is it kind of like the saying like theory is all good in theory but they don't have the practice. Is that what you're kind of getting across they don't have the personal experience of getting that kick and until you feel it you don't know? >> Yeah absolutely 100%. Um, I agree. Like there's an element for me where I had to learn about mixed martial arts as well because I'm working with a martial arts athlete, right? I'm I'm managing him. So unless I step into his world, I won't really know and I'm going to be speaking in ignorance. I have other experience in other fields, but this is a whole new ball game. So I'm spending a lot of time in the gym. I'm spending a lot of time talking to some of the other fighters because I want to understand, you know, what they feel going into fight week, what their motivations are, you know, and and listening to their own internal conversations and their belief system so I can get an understanding. And I think that's always a better thing. You have to spend time with w with with with the people and have that experience in order for you to be able to give solid advice, concrete advice, you know. >> Yeah. I I think at this rate train should have you on on the psychology side after this. This is one of the questions is I'm going to ask you as as well is are you after this is obviously you're not looking past the actual fight. Are you looking to to keep up training? Is that something you're going to keep doing? Are you going to look at competing or do you just want to get this out of the way first and kind of see because I know you're a busy busy man with a lot of you wear a lot of hats, you do a lot of things. Is it something you're looking to continue? >> Oh, I definitely will continue. Yeah, because training, discipline is a lifestyle. You know, fitness, it has to be your lifestyle. Training has to be your lifestyle. Um, and there's so much that I have to learn. You know, if I start taking jiu-jitsu lessons, I'm going to need to build up some belts, etc. Um, and that's another road of personal accomplishments for me. So, I'll definitely keep going with it. Um, you know, I think any man, you you don't the thing about aging as well as we get older, right? you you you don't get weaker because you're getting older. You get weaker because you're getting older and you're not training. You're not active anymore. So, for me, it's that element. As as I keep getting older, I can keep getting stronger and stronger. I can get keep getting weaker. So, I'm definitely going to keep training. That's just my lifestyle. Um that'll never change. I wear multiple hats, but because I can I can we have time. If you've got 24 hours, you can do whatever you want. Life will always give you more energy. Your body will always give you more energy. That's why I'm capable of wearing multiple hats. Um, and I can push myself to points of exhaustion. And you know, one of the things I'll say, David Dave, I think it'll tap into back into the motivation thing. I get a lot of people that I I would speak to, they say, "Geez, you're doing too much. You're going to burn out, etc." Do you know most people don't even reach their points of burnout at all, right? Because of those being too cautious. And I think you can't live life cautious. You can't live life with your handbrake up. It has to go down. And it it it's that element where we want to unlock human potential. Even for fighters, it's the same thing, right? You've got fighters that would just do two, three three sessions in a day and they call it a day. And there's other fighters that are doing four or five hours in a day, 6 hours in a day and they're pushing themselves beyond boundary because you have to reach your point of burnout and then you can push it even further the next time. Most people never reach that and that's what stops potential. People are just operating at a level that people say is just, yeah, that's what the average individual does. If you want to be average, then do what the average does. But if you want to be exceptional, the exceptional do way more, a hell of a lot more, right? And you can look at across other sports and it reveals that to you and you understand the mentality that it takes. Push your body beyond limitations. The body will adapt. It will grow and it will match a new level of standard. Push it beyond that standard again. It will match. It will grow. Yes, you'll have injuries. you'll have all of these things, then you'll recover and you go again, right? You keep pushing the boundary forward and there's endless possibilities that the human body has and the human mind has and we limit it. And that's what I want to break out of people. And that's when I speak with athletes or I work with them. It's breaking that belief system, that false belief system that was given to them by people that have never reached extraordinary heights. And this is the key thing. You know, I always say this, unless I'm willing to swap my life with somebody, um, then I have to be very cautious about the advice that they give me. You know, that that's one element. And unless they've done what I've done or they're doing something exceptional, then you have to be careful. But we're in an environment where there's a lot of people that have a lot to, you know, offer in terms of advice and it sounds good and it's loving, it's cuddling and and all of those things, right? But, um, poison is poison, David. It doesn't matter who was giving it to you. It could be your partner giving it to you. It could be your grandmother giving it to you. If they pour poison in your cup, it's poison. And some advice is poison. And it keeps people limited. And I think for me, it's like athletes need to make a decision, especially MMA fighters. They need to make a decision. Do I just want to be the best in my country or do I want to be the best in the world? Do I want to be the best in the gym or do I want to be the best in the country? Do I want to be average or do I want to be exceptional? And if you have want to be exceptional, then you have to put in exceptional hours. If everybody's doing two or three hours, do four or five. Simple. If everybody's not working on their mental side of things, you work on the mental side of things. If everybody's in discipline, you be disciplined in and out the ring. And that's what I it pushes people to next level. And hopefully I can I I can encourage more people. Um I I can help build the system, right? And I think the system is an important thing. I I have a system that we use in terms of a lot of the athletes I work on. It's a development system. Um because systems are much better. Systems always work. If you if the systems aren't there, it's just guesswork and it's kind of hit and miss. But if you put a really good system in place, people grow naturally and it's powerful powerful powerful um what can be done. Yeah. And I like everything you said there about the systems because you can know what to do, but if you don't have the systems in place, it won't work. And if the systems are in place, all you have to do is show up and just give 100% for those systems. And with the burnout you were talking about, it comes back to like that com the comfort zone being so that's someone's limitations for their comfort basically and push past that is uncomfortable. So they they just want to okay we're just going to sit here rather than push through it. And is that something you would see a lot of with with or in your experience with athletes at the minute that they think there's a certain limit but they can't push any further or is that more of a kind of a civilian sort of thing like people like myself that don't train? >> No, it's both, David. It's both in a lot of athletes, right? And we deal with football. I've got a a good friend of mine. We're working on a partnership at the moment um for a new business altogether. And one of the key things and they've been coaching, developing and training footballers for past number of years, right? And some some footballers that are playing for League of Clubs etc. here. Um it's just it's an element where the belief systems aren't there. You know, guys just don't have that extra level of belief in them and they've just never heard a really good quality conversation. somebody looking them dead in the eyes and really giving them a new identity that they should embody of themselves being exceptional and being great and then pushing them to work towards that. Um that's the other side. So it doesn't come down to look as much as it is individual I think it's infrastructure um and coaching the level of coaching is an important piece that athletes are getting and the coaches need to be able to inspire the athlete to reach above and beyond the stars. Um, and I don't think, you know, it's there, but not to the degree that it needs to be. In my opinion, David, not to the degree that it needs to be. Um, so a lot of people don't know what's possible, and they've never pushed themselves beyond limitation to know what's actually possible. And when they do in in a certain area really push and they realize, hang on a minute, the needle keeps moving. Then you come to a conclusion that there is no limitation whatsoever. Right? When people deal with hard times, it's how they overcome those hard periods that really shows them, hang on a minute, there's really no limitations. And the perfect example I can give to you, when I got my second surgery, I think I was 24 at the time, um I was sitting in Sandry Sports Clinic and the physio and the doctor came in after I woke up from surgery and they said to me, "Right, you're never going to be able to play at a professional level. Um there's very little cartilage left in your knee. So, if you're going to a professional club and they do a a scan on you or they do the the health test and stuff like that, fitness test, you're not going to pass. And I started crying, right? And then I started crying and he said, "You won't be able to compete like at high intensity again, so you might as well just give it up." And I started crying. And then my brother walked in the room. My brother asked me, "What are you crying for?" I said, "Look, they said it's finished. Like, I can't play football anymore. This is done." And he looked at me, "Is that what you're crying for?" And I said, he said, "Stop crying. we're going to the gym tomorrow. Come on, let's go. And the doctor looked at him in hesitation. Um, sorry, but like there's a lot of damage in his in his knee. And he asked him, "Is his leg fixed?" He said, "Yes." Well, then the rest is not your problem. You don't deal with the mental stuff. We do, right? And we left. I went to the gym. After that, I ended up playing so many competitive games at a high level. Incredibly high level. Even till this day, I'm I'm still competing. I'm kicking. I'm doing all the things that I need to do. And this is, you know, almost a decade later. Um I've competed a lot and I've played at a very very high level um at loss of senior levels and even played against League of Ireland clubs. So it's that and because of what my brother made me do to not accept the limitations set by anybody else but to push the body beyond the physical and it was painful but he made me push beyond the pain and once you push beyond the pain there is endless endless amount of potential endless amount of energy endless amount of confidence and endless possibility. So, I don't know impossible. I just know if I want something, I can get it done. Because I've had the experience of overcoming hardship. And a lot of people don't have people that will spur them on in those moments. We have people that tell us it's okay to stop now because you've gone through this. It's okay to, you know, accept the loss or whatever. No, no, no, no, no, no. Never settle is a key quote. Never ever settle for limitations because there are none but the ones that you set yourself. >> I I love that. I love the fact that your brother just said, "No, we're going gym. That's it. You go up, done it." And then like you said, you've been able to go on whereas that could have been the end of that story there for for football and everything for you and think of the things that you would have missed out on if you didn't just for that little bit of pain or a little bit of whatever at the time. >> Look at the benefits on the other side, what you were able to do, continue competing and stuff like that. Look, I've really enjoyed this conversation. I'm going to ask you one more question about train art. So, it was basically someone who's ever on the fence about it. What would you say to them to try and tip them in in the in favor of doing it for because of the benefits that you felt and other people have felt? >> Yeah. I I would say to anybody on the fence about train is for once in your life, right? Once in your life, give yourself the opportunity to become the best version of yourself you ever could have possibly been. Give yourself the opportunity to overcome all of your fears. um all of your worries and become a stronger, healthier, fitter, confident, mentally confident version of yourself. That's what the train altera program does. It's not just about fighting. It's a new discipline. It's a new lifestyle. And the reward is that you're growing as an individual at a rate that you have never probably grown on before. You're overcoming fear at a rate that the average individual does not overcome unless you know something exceptionally tragic happens to them that they've no choice. But this is an opportunity for endless growth and becoming a new version of yourself. One that you'll be incredibly proud of. Um and you'll enjoy the process entirely. There's a great community there. You're working with the best coaches in the country. It is one of the best programs across Europe right now for anybody that doesn't even have experience in fighting can get in and learn amazing skills that gives you composure and strength and then if you want to compete you go and compete right the goal is not necessarily so you can become professional MMA fighter if you want to that also leads you to that but it's an opportunity for you to learn the most fundamental things and and I think for a man and be in a position where you no longer fight but you fight and you you confront the hard things um that life may throw at you. So, it's it's more than just a training program. I think it's lifestyle development, character development, and it's life-changing stuff. >> Yeah, it is. I I've heard so many stories because there was a time where I would have done primarily train when it was on and it just it got a bit too much trying to do that because you know the whole MMA scene now there's about 10 shows. There's three shows in two weeks and then the IMAF World is next month and I'm just like lads I have no money for fuel. I've no money for I'm not driving nowhere anymore. >> Yeah. >> Um is there anything you want to say before you go? I want to thank you so much for your time. I really really appreciate you're very >> uh knowledgeable. >> I really like your character as well. Like I said, I hopefully we can get to speak on on many different levels as well, whether it be on in a in a personal setting or on another interview setting. There's so many topics I'd love to discuss with you in the future. But for now, I'm going to I'm going to follow your journey and enjoy your journey with you. >> So, if there's anything you want to say before you go, the floor is yours. >> Yeah, just um a couple of things. Look, you know, huge shout out to SBG, John Calvin is one of the best coaches in this country. Dave Roach, exceptional, not only in this country, I think across Europe. Um and you know, the whole MMA world, all of the other promotions because I know they all would would be a supporter of yourself as well, David. Um, SPG Ireland is going to produce some of the most phenomenal athletes in the world. Um, they really are. They're they're building them right now. And I think the future, you know, every promotion should be looking at SPG and reaching out to them and and looking at the the caliber that they have there. But also for the fight scene and everybody else that's involved in mixed martial arts, I take my hat off to all of you. you know, having done this experience to train Ala, I really understand the sacrifice that you guys make, the hardship that you guys endure and the courage that it takes, right, to be able to do what you guys do. So, you're all incredibly incredibly exceptional. I think the the strongest men this nation um among the strongest men of this nation and the strongest people in the world. Um, and my only thing is for you guys to, you know, work more on the mental side of things as well and really believe in yourselves, pursue the highest, you know, that you guys can think of, um, in terms of your careers and put in the hard graft, even harder than you are putting in right now. But honestly, I have nothing but respect and admiration for any fighter that steps into that cage. Um, it's absolutely absolutely phenomenal. And dream big, you know, aim big, aim for the stars, and reach everything that that God has destined for you. Not only do you do mentality, you're a motivational speaker as well. You you you have so many tools in your arsenal. Thank you so much. I'm really looking forward to this coming out, people getting to see it and seeing different sides of it as well. Um, so yeah, enjoy the rest of your night and I will see you soon. >> You're a legend, David. Thank you so much. God bless. >> Thank you. That means a lot.