Full Interview Video Here

Professional athlete, entrepreneur, and commentator Kendall Reusing shares invaluable insights on building a multifaceted career in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. From competing at the highest levels to developing successful business ventures, Reusing's journey offers a masterclass in creating a sustainable career in martial arts. Here are the key takeaways from her conversation:

The Power of Authenticity in Brand Building

Throughout the interview, Reusing emphasizes the importance of authentic self-expression in building a personal brand. Rather than trying to craft a carefully curated image, she advocates for treating social media as a journal, sharing genuine experiences and insights. "I literally just treated social media as a journal... I would just write like here is what I did today and here's how I'm feeling," she explains. This approach has helped her build a loyal following that genuinely connects with her content.

The Multi-Faceted Approach to Success

Reusing's career exemplifies the importance of diversification in the modern martial arts landscape. She notes that success in Jiu-Jitsu isn't just about winning competitions – it requires building multiple revenue streams and opportunities. Her portfolio includes:

• Professional competition
• Academy ownership
• Online coaching programs
• Commentary work with Flow Grappling
• Podcast hosting
• Instructional content creation

Under-Promise and Over-Deliver

One of the most actionable pieces of advice Reusing shares is the principle of under-promising and over-delivering. She attributes much of her success to consistently doing more than what's expected:

• Showing up early for commentary assignments
• Creating extra promotional content for events
• Going above and beyond in every opportunity
• Being willing to work for free initially to prove her value

The Path to Commentary Success

Reusing's journey into commentary offers valuable lessons in career development. She shares how she:

1. Leveraged her teaching experience to develop strong communication skills

2. Actively sought opportunities, even unpaid ones

3. Prepared extensively for each event

4. Made herself consistently available and reliable

5. Prioritized building long-term relationships over short-term gains

Building Sustainable Business Practices

When it comes to business development, Reusing emphasizes the importance of solving real problems. Her online coaching program, Jiu-Jitsu Accelerator, was born from her own experiences and challenges as a developing athlete. She advises entrepreneurs to:

• Focus on solving problems they've personally experienced
• Follow their natural energy and interests
• Maintain authenticity in their offerings
• Be willing to evolve and adapt over time

The Value of Persistence

A recurring theme throughout the interview is the importance of persistence and handling rejection. Reusing notes, "You're going to hear nos... one is a more painful form of rejection, but they're both rejections." She encourages athletes and entrepreneurs to:

• Consistently ask for opportunities
• Be willing to hear "no" repeatedly
• Prove their value through actions
• Build credentials gradually over time

Practical Tips for Aspiring Professionals

For those looking to build their own career in Jiu-Jitsu, Reusing offers several practical suggestions:

1. Write down your core values and what energizes you

2. Focus on creating content around topics you're genuinely passionate about

3. Be willing to invest in opportunities before they pay off

4. Maintain professionalism and reliability in all interactions

5. Build relationships within the industry

6. Stay consistent with your efforts, even when results aren't immediate

Kendall Reusing's insights reveal that building a successful career in Jiu-Jitsu requires more than just technical skill – it demands business acumen, authentic personal branding, and a willingness to diversify one's skill set. By focusing on providing value, maintaining authenticity, and consistently over-delivering, practitioners can create sustainable careers in the martial arts industry. Her journey serves as a blueprint for those looking to transform their passion for Jiu-Jitsu into a fulfilling and profitable career.