Affiliation, Gym / Organization you represent MMA and BJJ out of American Top Team in Coconut Creek Florida

Personal story, I’m originally from Helsinki, Finland and currently live in Florida, USA.  I train MMA and BJJ out of American Top Team (ATT) in Coconut Creek, and I feel truly blessed to be able to train at one of the best MMA camps in the world. My training schedule is very busy all year round, especially when I’m preparing to compete and my body and mind go through a lot. The work I’ve done with Tina and Sheila has been tremendously helpful in keeping my mind and body aligned. I have felt much more balanced, energized and healthy, but the biggest improvement has definitely been the shift in my mindset! It is such a privilege to be able to work with them, thank you guys!

Achievements / medals/ awards –Achievements / medals/ awards: Bronze at IBJJF World Championships 2015 (Blue Belt)

Additional information,  I am a type-1 diabetic since I was 11-years old.

Wisdom / I wish I knew / hints and tips, I wish I knew the dangers and long term consequences of over training sooner, and would have respected my body and its necessary to recover. In a matter of fact I still sometimes struggle with this, but I know my body way better now than before and truly value my bodies wisdom to tell me when I have done too much and need to rest. It is a fine line to train hard at a high level, but still not over do it. My advice is to learn to listen and then respect your body. Learn to allow yourself to rest! You do not become the best athlete by obsessing how many training sessions you can fit in one week or feel guilty if you need a skip a training session. When it is time, train hard but train smart. This means plan your training schedule well, and fit in adequate amount of rest for the body and mind. Oh and don’t forget flexibility, because life happens!