Average Joe Jiu-Jitsu Podcast; Episode 21: Steve Austin

Steve Austin is a 2nd Degree Black Belt who is a Philadelphia native and is the owner and operator of Sion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Bucks County Pennsylvania. We discussed Steve’s powerful story of how he was born with Legg Perthes (a degenerative disease affecting the hip) which required multiple surgeries into his teen years to address and made him the target of mental and physical bullies. A long interest in martial arts paired with a need for self-defense, Steve found Tae Kwon Do. Then Kempo. And finally Brazilian Jiujitsu. Through jiujitsu, Steve was able at last to find peace and a healthy outlet for the stress in his life. Steve received his brown and black belt from Alison Juca Brites. Over the years studying wresting and judo along with BJJ, Steve now trains with some of the biggest names in the industry; Henry Akins, Ryron and Rener Gracie, and Kroyler Gracie to name a few. He has competed in local tournaments such as Grapplers Quest, Naga, and The Goodfight, along with pro level events such as IBJJ, Metamoris Challenger and is currently a FIGHT TO WIN competitor. Throughout the years, Steve has built up a list of high-profile clients such as Maynard James Kennan, (lead singer of TOOL, A Perfect Circle, and Pusifer) Gil Sharone, (drummer for Marlyn Mason) and Hugh Fitzgerald, head BJJ instructor at 87Eleven Action Design which is responsible for the training and fight choreography of movies such as the John Wick series, and Atomic Blonde. Steve was able to branch out in 2014 and start his own gym called Sion BJJ in Southampton, PA. Sion has since turned into a brand for apparel and retreats around the world. Steve often teaches at other BJJ camps such as BJJ Globetrotters and hosts Sion’s own jiujitsu retreats. Being a certified in GST (Gracie Survial Tactics) Steve works with local police in the Bucks County area. Sion also is a proud affiliate of Balance Studios in Fishtown.