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The Bay Area Martial Arts Podcast


Jan 23, 2018

In this episode of the Bay Area Martial Arts Podcast, Wade Pitts interviews Paul Nikhinson, Senior Counsel at Airbnb and avid trainer in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu who recently has earned his black belt in the sport. Today’s episode highlights how the lessons learned in Martial Arts training can truly translate into a person’s personal and professional life. Paul is a great example of this, and he illustrates the lessons he has learned from training in Jiu-Jitsu in a really practical way.

 

Tune in to hear all about Paul’s background in the Martial Arts, his role at Airbnb (and how he balances the two), the benefits Martial Arts can have for you professionally and personally, his favorite techniques and approaches to Jiu-Jitsu, and how he sees the sport progressing in the future. Paul and Wade also discuss the importance of leaving your comfort zone, as well as Paul’s recommendations to people in high-stress jobs — and how training in the Martial Arts can help address both of these challenges.

 

Key Takeaways:

[1:58] Paul’s background and how he got started in the Martial Arts.

[10:57] An experience at college with an experienced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu martial artist that changed his perspective.

[14:00] Bringing us up to speed: paul’s current career in the martial arts.

[14:54] Enjoying the journey and process of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

[16:17] The importance of training methodology: the key to what makes a Martial Art effective in combat.

[17:47] Paul’s favorite techniques and approaches to Jiu-Jitsu.

[20:19] How Paul sees Jiu-Jitsu as a sport progressing in the future.

[25:25] Paul’s role at Airbnb and what makes him excited about his work.

[29:21] How training in Jiu-Jitsu has helped Paul on a professional level.

[34:18] The importance of leaving your comfort zone to develop as a person.

[37:14] Paul’s present goal for the Martial Arts.

[37:47] Achieving that singular mind focus that is unique to Martial Arts and Paul’s recommendation to people in high-stress jobs.

[40:10] Paul’s final notes on Martial Arts.

[41:45] If Paul was organizing the UFC, who would he match up?

 

Paul’s Links:

Linkedin

 

Mentioned in this Episode:

Black Belt Magazine