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Coach Matt Haffner

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt

Matt began training and competing in 2011 . He earned his BJJ Black Belt in 2022. He loves learning and practicing with new Jiu-Jitsu students.

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Grapple First, Analyze Later: Unleashing the Warri

Grapple First, Analyze Later: Unleashing the Warrior Within

In the heat of a rolling session or a real self-defense situation, overthinking can be your worst enemy. Sometimes, the key to progress and staying safe lies in acting decisively, learning from the experience, and analyzing later.

Why “Act Now, Analyze Later” Works:

* Instinct takes over: When danger strikes, honed reflexes and training kick in, allowing you to react effectively without getting bogged down in overthinking.

* Develops trust in your training: By acting instinctively, you build confidence in your abilities and the techniques you’ve practiced.

* Creates learning opportunities: Every action, successful or not, provides valuable data to analyze later, fueling future improvement.

Remember: This doesn’t mean be reckless! ⚠️

* Train realistically: Practice controlled movement games and situational rolling to develop instincts and decision-making under pressure.

* Know your limits: Don’t attempt risky moves without proper training and understanding.

* Analyze and adapt: After the action, reflect on your choices, learn from them, and refine your approach for next time.

Challenge yourself:

* Practice games/skills that emphasize quick reaction and decision-making.

* In rolling, focus on responding instinctively to your opponent’s actions.

* After training, take time to reflect on your choices and what you learned.

Share your thoughts in the comments! Have you ever had a situation where acting fast made a difference?

#martialarts #instinct #action #decisionmaking # training #sparring #learnbydoing #nevergiveup #strongereveryday #martialartist #bjj #grappling #nogi #minneapolis #minnesota #brooklynpark #brooklyncenter #teamacademy

Sharpen Your Focus, Seize the Moment: Good Choices

Sharpen Your Focus, Seize the Moment: Good Choices & Habits Rule the Dojo

Ever feel like opportunities in training just pass you by? Turns out, the key might be intentionality. As James Clear says, “Good choices create opportunities. Good habits make the most of them.”

Creating Opportunities:

*Set clear goals: What do you want to achieve in your training? Specific goals guide your choices and focus your energy.

*Fuel your body: Healthy habits like sleep and nutrition give you the physical and mental stamina to take advantage of every training moment.

*Seek learning opportunities: Go to class (a lot), join a workshop, and seek guidance from experienced players. Open yourself to new knowledge and growth.

Making the Most:

*Practice with purpose: Every rep should have a meaning. Be present, focused, and constantly refine your skills.

*Embrace challenges: Don’t shy away from difficult activities or sparring sessions. These are the moments you truly grow and unlock your potential.

*Stay consistent: Small, regular practice beats erratic bursts. Show up consistently, even on “off” days, and witness the compounding power of good habits.

Remember: Every punch, every kick, every moment on the mat is a choice. Make them count, cultivate good habits, and watch your progress soar!

Challenge yourself this week:

*Identify one choice you can make to create a new opportunity in your training.

* Choose one “bad habit” to replace with a practice that maximizes your training time.

*Share your commitment to progress in the comments! Tag a training buddy for extra motivation.

#martialarts #motivation #goals #consistency #growthmindset #nevergiveup #strongereveryday #jamesclear #habits #martialarts #martialartist #muaythai #bjj #mma #muaythailife #bjjlifestyle #minnesota #minneapolis #brooklynpark #brooklyncenter #teamacademy

Bloom Where You’re Planted: Planting the Seeds o

Bloom Where You’re Planted: Planting the Seeds of Martial Might

Think strength is all about brute force? Think again! As the saying goes, “True strength is the flower of Wisdom, but its seed is action.” For martial artists, this quote holds deep meaning.

Seeds of Wisdom:

Knowledge is power: Studying movement problems, strategies, and your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses lays the foundation for effective action.

Understanding your body: Knowing your physical limitations and potential unlocks greater control and efficiency.

Learning from every fall: Analyze mistakes, adapt, and refine your approach. Each misstep becomes a stepping stone to mastery.

Action Makes Them Grow:

Practice, practice, practice: Repeating skills with variation over time ingrains knowledge into the body, allowing you to react instinctively.

Sparring and testing: Applying your wisdom in real-time situations reveals areas for improvement and builds mental & physical resilience.

Pushing your limits: Stepping outside your comfort zone cultivates adaptability and mental fortitude.

Remember: It’s not just about flashy moves; it’s about intelligent action, fueled by wisdom and nurtured by constant growth.

Challenge yourself:

Identify a weakness and seek knowledge to overcome it.

Practice skills with mindful focus, refining your understanding.

Step outside your comfort zone in training and push your limits.

Share your journey in the comments! How are you cultivating true martial strength?

#martialarts #wisdom #strength #growth #mindset #nevergiveup #strongereveryday #mma #minnesota #martialarts #martialartist #brooklynpark #brooklyncenter #minneapolis #teamacademy

Focus, Flow, Fight: Mastering Your Attention in Ma

Focus, Flow, Fight: Mastering Your Attention in Martial Arts

Forget fancy kicks and lightning-fast punches. The real secret weapon in martial arts? Controlling your attention.

It’s not just about avoiding distractions (though that helps!). It’s about channeling your focus to:

Identify your goals: What truly “moves the needle” in your training? Sharpening specific techniques? Building endurance? Each session demands a clear focus.

Flow with intention: Every punch, every block, becomes a deliberate practice. Notice the details, feel the connection, and learn from each movement.

Silence the inner critic: Doubts and anxieties can hijack your focus. Learn to acknowledge them, then refocus on the task at hand.

Controlling your attention is about mastery, not just of your body, but of your mind.

Challenge: During your next training session, dedicate 5 minutes to mindful focus. Feel your breath, be present in the moment, and notice where your attention wanders. Then, gently bring it back to the task at hand.

Remember, the greatest opponent you’ll ever face is often the one between your ears. Focus, flow, and fight!

#martialarts #mindfulness #focus #attentiontraining #innerwarrior #trainhardfightstrong #mindset #muaythai #thaiboxing #muaythaitraining #boxing #boxingtraining #martialartist #minnesota #minneapolis #brooklyncenter #brooklynpark #teamacademy

七転び八起き: When the Mat Becomes Your Teac

七転び八起き: When the Mat Becomes Your Teacher

The sting of a missed defense. The burn of exhaustion. Every martial artist knows the feeling of stumbling during training. But in the spirit of 七転び八起き (Nana korobi ya oki), we don’t stay down. We get up eight.
This Japanese proverb isn’t just about resilience; it’s about growth. Each fall, each mistake, is a lesson etched in muscle and memory. It’s the body whispering, “There’s a better way.” ✨

On the mat, we learn to embrace imperfection. We celebrate progress, not perfection. Every time we stand tall after a stumble, we build strength, not just physical, but mental and emotional too.

So next time you find yourself sprawled on the mat, remember:

* Failure is part of the process. It’s not a sign of weakness, but a stepping stone on the path to mastery.

* Focus on the lessons. What can you learn from this fall? How can you adapt and improve?

* Get up stronger. Each rise strengthens your resolve, your spirit, and your body.

Remember, champions aren’t built on smooth victories, but on rising after every fall. Keep training, keep pushing, and keep getting up eight!

#martialarts #nanakorobiyaoki #failforward #nevergiveup #stronger-everyday #teamacademy

P.S. Share your own Nana korobi ya oki moments in the comments! Let’s inspire each other!

Congratulations to all the new Muay Thai black and

Congratulations to all the new Muay Thai black and brown ranks! 🥊💥🥊 #muaythai #muaythailife #muaythailifestyle #muaythaifamily #martialarts #martialartist #martialartslife #martialartstraining #martialartists #blackbelt #progression #teamacademy

In the world of Muay Thai, fortify your skills wit

In the world of Muay Thai, fortify your skills with a margin of safety. If your training is tailored only for anticipated strikes/problems, it may crumble when faced with the unexpected. Cultivate strength beyond immediate needs, ensuring resilience for unforeseen situations in the ring or street #muaythai #selfdefense #kickboxing #muaythailife #muaythailifestyle #muaythaifitness #thaiboxing #thaiboxingtraining #thaiboxinglife #kickboxingtraining #fitfam #fyp #work #workout #effort #martialarts #martialartist #minnesota #minneapolis #brooklynpark #brooklyncenter #teamacademy

Just Start. Embark on your Jiu-Jitsu journey—wh

Just Start.

Embark on your Jiu-Jitsu journey—whether it’s with deliberate progress, starting with basic techniques, or refining your skills privately. The crucial step is to initiate your path on the mats. Start slow if you have to. Start small if you have to. Just. Start.

#JiuJitsuBeginnings #JustStart #BJJ #JiuJitsu #Training #bjjlifestyle #bjjlife #jiujitsulifestyle #jiujitsu4life #martialartist #mn #minneapolis #brooklyncenter #brooklynpark #teamacademy

Congrats to Katie, Kelly and Amber! Their hard wo

Congrats to Katie, Kelly and Amber! Their hard work earned them medals at the IBJJF No-Gi World Championships!

Kaitie 🥇 Black Belt M3 CHAMP!
Kelly 🥈Black Belt M6
Amber 🥈Blue Belt M1 & 🥉Open Weight
#results #effort #challenges #obstacles #learning #mindset #competition #bjj #ibjjf #jiujitsu #worldchampionships #nogi #teamacademy

Invisible Progress, Lasting Gains: A Martial Arts

Invisible Progress, Lasting Gains: A Martial Arts Mindset

Just because improvements aren't visible doesn't mean they aren't happening. You're not going to see the number change each time you step on the scale. You're not going to feel like you’ve mastered a technique against a live opponent until you’ve practiced against resistance. 🥊💥🥋

Early wins come easy. Lasting wins require a lifestyle.

That's the beauty of martial arts. You won't see a dramatic change overnight, but the consistent practice and dedication will slowly, but surely, build strength, discipline, and confidence.

Every evasion, kick, and push-up strengthens your body. Every focused breath and mindful movement strengthens your mind. ‍🧠🧘

So keep showing up, keep pushing yourself, and trust that the invisible progress you're making is building a foundation for lasting change. ✨

#martialarts #motivation #mindset #lifestylechange #persistence #invisiblegrowth #lastinggains #muaythai #martialartist #thaiboxing #muaythailife #thaiboxingtraining #kickboxing #learn #team #minnesota #mma #brooklyncenter #brooklynpark #minneapolis #teamacademy

Congrats to all who leveled up today! #blackbelt #

Congrats to all who leveled up today! #blackbelt #brownbelt #purplebelt #bluebelt #bjj #teamacademy

🥊💪💥Craft your practice like a seasoned wa

🥊💪💥Craft your practice like a seasoned warrior. Follow Musashi’s timeless guidance: ‘Strategy is the craft of the warrior.’ Every choice is a brushstroke on the canvas of your journey. Be intentional, be strategic, and forge your path with purpose. 🌟 #WarriorWisdom #StrategicLiving #Focus #Determined #Boxing #MartialArts #Musashi #MiyamotoMushashi #WarriorWisdom #Training #Kickboxing #Mindset #Learning #Workout #Minneapolis #MN #BrooklynPark #BrooklynCenter #TeamAcademy

The path to martial arts mastery is paved with unw

The path to martial arts mastery is paved with unwavering dedication. Every kick, punch, takedown and submission you practice today is an investment in your future as a skilled martial artist. The sweat you pour onto the mats, the muscles you have that ache, and the mental energy you exert are all part of the journey. Challenges, obstacles, feedback and effort are all necessary parts of development.

Remember, Muay Thai, BJJ and MMA are not just about physical prowess; but also about mental discipline, self-control, and unwavering focus. These qualities are developed through consistent practice, which allows you to internalize the techniques and strategies you learn. With each rep, you gain a deeper understanding of the art and move closer to mastering it.

So, don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate results. Martial arts is a lifelong journey of learning and refinement. Embrace the challenge, embrace the dedication, and embrace the process. Your hard work today will pay off in the form of mastery tomorrow.

#martialarts #dedication #mastery #practice #training #discipline #mindfulness #focus #selfimprovement #lifestyle #fypシ #fitfam #muaythai #thaiboxing #learning #growth #mindset #bjj #mma #mn #minnesota #brooklyncenter #minneapolis #brooklynpark #teamacademy

Unlock your potential with Muay Thai!🥋 Here are

Unlock your potential with Muay Thai!🥋 Here are the top 3 reasons to embark on this transformative journey:

1. **Physical Fitness:** Elevate your fitness game, build strength, flexibility, and stamina.

2. **Self-Defense Skills:** Gain confidence and the ability to protect yourself in any situation.

3. **Mental Toughness:** Sharpen your focus, discipline, and resilience – keys to success both on and off the mats.

Ready to embrace the warrior within? 💪 #MartialArts #TrainingJourney #MuayThai #ThaiBoxing #Boxing #WorkOut #Fitness #SelfDefense #Confidence #mentaltraining #Minnesota #Minneapolis #BrooklynPark #BrooklynCenter #TeamAcademy

Discovering the essence of martial arts philosoph

Discovering the essence of martial arts philosophy: Life is a journey with countless doors, some open, others locked. Embrace the truth that some methods/approaches may fail, but the beauty lies in finding alternatives. When you are faced with a locked door, don't dwell on it—pivot, adapt, and explore new avenues. The martial spirit thrives in the art of flexibility, ensuring there's always another way to reach your destination. 🥋✨ #MartialArtsMindset #Adaptability #JourneyOfDiscovery #BJJ #MuayThai #Training #Growth #MN #TeamAcademy

🥋🔍 Mastering striking arts isn't just about

🥋🔍 Mastering striking arts isn't just about perfecting techniques; it's about channeling effort where it truly matters. In Thai Boxing, as in life, eliminating unnecessary moves or distractions is the ultimate path to optimizing your skill. Focus on what truly counts for mastery. 💪⚡ #MartialArts #Optimization #Efficiency #kickboxing #kickboxingtips #kickboxingtraining #muaythailife #muaythai #muaythaifighter #muythaitraining #thaiboxing #brooklyncenter #brooklynpark #minneapolis #mn #minnesota #teamacademy

🥋 In the world of martial arts, actions define

🥋 In the world of martial arts, actions define our true priorities. Remember, ‘Opera non verba - deeds not words.’ It’s not about what we say, but what we do that truly reflects our dedication and commitment. Let your actions speak volumes in your martial arts journey! 💪 #OperaNonVerba #DeedsNotWords #Priorities #MartialArts #MuayThai #Kicboxing #Workout #Training #MartialArtist #Practice #Learning #Team #MN #Minneapolis #TeamAcademy

Congrats new Blue Belts! 🟦🟦🟦⬛️🟦 #n

Congrats new Blue Belts! 🟦🟦🟦⬛️🟦 #nogi #bjj #grappling #jiujitsu #teamacademy #mn

🥋💪 Good choices create opportunities. Good h

🥋💪 Good choices create opportunities. Good habits make the most of them. On the journey to earning a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu each training session, each technique refined, and each discipline cultivated lays the foundation for success on the mats. Embrace the grind, build those habits, and watch the opportunities unfold in your BJJ journey! 🤙🥋 #BJJ #BlackBeltJourney #GoodChoicesGoodHabit #Training #bjjlifestyle #bjjlife #bjjfamily #bjjtraining #jiujitsu #jiujitsulife #jiujitsulifestyle #jiujitsuparatodos #jiujitsu4life #jiujitsuforeveryone #mn #minneapolis #brooklynpark #brooklyncenter #teamacademy

Progress in martial arts isn't always evident at f

Progress in martial arts isn't always evident at first glance. You won't witness immediate changes in every training session. Just like you won't master a new technique every time you practice. Quick victories may come early, but true mastery demands a dedicated way of life. #progress #work #learning #martialarts #martialartslife #muaythai #thaiboxing #martialartist #muaythailife #muaythaitraining #kickboxing #fit #fitness #work #workout #strong #minneapolis #minnesota #brooklynpark #brooklyncenter #mn #teamacademy

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