How Dark Seasons Build Greatness | Mental Toughness, Identity & Growth in Jiu Jitsu ft. Sula-Mae

In this episode of Get A Grip, Kendall sits down with elite jiu-jitsu athlete Sula-Mae Loewenthal for a conversation about identity, mental toughness, self-trust, and how life’s hardest seasons often shape who we become. This episode explores the moments that build true resilience… from periods of darkness that eventually led to the most growth, to heartbreak, life transitions, and learning how to keep moving forward when everything familiar changes. This conversation is for anyone building something meaningful — whether on the mats, in business, or in life — and learning how to trust themselves through uncertain seasons. Sometimes the most transformative chapters come from the messiest data, the hardest transitions, and the willingness to keep showing up before the outcome makes sense. ⭐️ Support the Show If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review. It helps more people find the show and keeps these conversations going. 🎧 Connect with Kendall Instagram: @kendallreusing YouTube: @kendallreusingbjj TikTok: @kendallreusing Website: kendallreusing.com 🎙️ Connect with Sula-Mae Instagram: @sula_mae_loewenthal Timestamps 00:00 Using your uniqueness in career, goals, and life 01:30 Dark seasons that led to the most growth 02:40 Sula’s origin story + going full time in jiu-jitsu 03:59 Heartbreak after leaving her academy, team, and old life 05:50 How to keep winning during major life transitions 07:40 Intentionally creating chaos to grow 11:00 Why becoming your own best coach changes everything 16:10 How to help people support AND push you 19:08 The power of collecting messy data as a beginner 22:00 Building autonomy and mental toughness in jiu-jitsu 23:03 Sweet Sweat ad – recovery, consistency, and showing up 24:44 Showing up authentically online 26:00 Creating impact beyond medals and shaping how life feels