EP 21 | From Soccer Star to BJJ Black Belt – Gonz' Journey of Resilience & Purpose | Everything Counts

Jamie Small and co-host George Azzi welcome Gonz, founder of EQ Grappling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. Gonz shares his powerful story: immigrating from Chile as a toddler, rising as a Premier League/NSL-level soccer talent, having his dreams shattered by repeated knee injuries, the identity crisis and partying that followed, and how discovering BJJ in 2013 became his new purpose. He went all-in—moving back in with his mum and training up to four times a day—eventually earning his black belt and building a community gym focused on growth, resilience, and staying calm under pressure.The conversation dives deep into fatherhood (teaching his kids and stepkids resilience through grappling), ego versus respect, listening to your body, normalising tough conversations, and why tying your identity to one thing can be dangerous. George opens up about his recent ulcer self-diagnosis scare and family challenges, while Jamie gives an update on launching his “Those Ones” underwear brand. Raw, honest, and packed with mindset gold on discipline, overcoming adversity, and building strong men.Recorded and produced at The Grey Creative Caringbah.