Joel Heinen Looking For A Calculated Performance And A Finish At Fight 2 Win 103

A regular competitor on the IBJJF circuit, Joel Heinen (Gracie Barra) will be stepping onto the stage at Fight 2 Win 103 when he takes on Joseph Siju of Rilion Gracie Academy.

We caught up with Joel to get his thoughts on tonight’s matchup.

Hey Joel, looking forward to seeing you on the card tonight. Why did you decide to compete?

It makes me feel more alive and it helps me improve quicker than just training. I love to challenge myself to see what I’m capable of. Growing up I found every reason not to put myself out there and I was paralyzed with fear of failure. I Had a fixed mindset instead of a growth mindset and thought I was just good or bad at things without understanding the science of learning. I realized though as a white belt that if I wanted to change and evolve I needed to do things that scared me. I was sick of working all week only to drink beer and watch football all weekend. Felt like a hamster on a wheel. So i started signing up for competitions. Fight to Win at Legends Sports Complex in The Woodlands in 2012 was my first competition and I was hooked ever since.  Strangely enough my first F2W Pro, 5 years later, was at the same exact facility

I’ve now realized that in order to grow I must continuously challenge myself. Competition keeps me living a healthy lifestyle and training disciplined year-round. I also want to set a positive example for my sons and inspire them to try different things and take on challenges.

How has jiu jitsu impacted the rest of your life?

Jiu Jitsu has enhanced my life in many ways. I’ve met many wonderful people who inspire me and helped shape who I am today. It’s taught me numerous life lessons about persistence, preparation, reflection and patience. I feel it’s enabled me to be a more attentive and patient husband & father. Im more confident and a better problem solver in work and life. Being fit is a nice ancillary benefit.  It forces me out of my shell a bit and helps me find mental clarity.  It’s extremely comforting knowing what feeds my soul. To know I’ll have it for the rest of my life and to share with my boys gives me inner peace, regardless of other uncertain life variable. Thanks to my wife Ashley for supporting me and understanding.

I’ve even had the opportunity to travel internationally with my teammate, friend and UFC fighter Alex Morono, to support him as the Grappling coach in his corner for his UFC fights. Those have been some of the most neat experiences that Jiu Jitsu is responsible for. It’s really cool to be there to assist Alex however I can since he’s been a guiding figure for me since my first day in 2012.

What do you do when you’re not in the gym?

Hang out with my awesome wife and three sons. When not with the family I enjoy reading. I love studying  and watching Jiu Jitsu and MMA. I spent 50% of my time the last ten years in a 50-hour/week Corporate position but am now in a transition seeking new opportunities.  Having the extra time with the family and to train has been a blessing.

How will it feel to be back on the F2W stage?

I’ve competed twice for F2W before and had a blast. Two of the most fun nights of my life!  I love competing in front of my family, friends, and team. It’s an honor to share the event with all the great athletes in the Houston BJJ community.

How would you describe your style of BJJ?

Calculated. I’m not a huge risk taker and prefer to work carefully to get to the spots where I can finish the match. I love to play all kinds of guard and attack from different angles. Although I am actively working on opening my game up and will use this match as a chance to show that.

How are you preparing for this?

I’m training hard already for Houston Open and Pan Ams so F2W came to town at the perfect time. I’ll work to implement my game but be ready to go with the flow if need be.

Any predictions for the outcome?

Win via submission. Once I feel out my opponent, I’ll determine my best routes and work hard for the finish.

Any parting words?

For anyone that reads this I’m just a regular guy who takes a serious approach to learning and consistent training. I was told as a blue belt(after getting bounced from the Houston Open in the first round for the third straight year) that I could achieve anything if I was willing to work for it. I didn’t believe that at the time but it’s true. I practice a slight edge mentality and try to make good decisions, no matter how minor they are, as they add up to major progress over long stretches of time. Sometimes you just have to keep plugging along and build up some positive momentum to begin believing in yourself.

Thanks to Brian Wilson, he’s my Airrosti provider and has kept me active throughout years of bumps and bruises. Thanks to Dr. Yezak and Dr. Lee at Houston Spine and Rehab for all your support over the years as I’ve had a lifetime of injuries in just a few years.  I’m happy to be under the care of not only the best, but also genuinely good people.

Also thanks to Reach Stretch Studios for supporting me with care.

Much love to my GB family at The Woodlands and Westchase. Thanks Professor Ulpiano for showing the way and for Professor Morono and Professor Inacio for leading by example.

Thanks Seth, Missy, Mike, all of Team No Sleep for all you do. I’m honored to have the privilege to compete on F2W Pro and will give my best to put on an entertaining display of my Jiu Jitsu. Professor Morono, Professor Carlos and Professor Inacio for leading by example *

 

By | 2019-03-01T15:13:56+00:00 March 1st, 2019|Blog, Interviews|0 Comments

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