"Crash Test" Tommy Dowdall is a black belt out of Canada. He is a mental health crisis counselor with over 30 years of experience. He has also fostered over 50 children.

Episode Links:

• Crash Test Tommy's Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@crashtesttommy-ge4bn
• Jerk Chicken Sauce: https://friendlybutchershop.com/products/jerk-in-a-jar
• Tommy's Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIAD4nKIRfM
• Beltchecker: https://www.beltchecker.com/profile.php?id=42858

Additional Notes:

* Teaching at BJJ Globetrotters Heidelberg 2025

Outline:

00:00 Journey to Black Belt

04:24 Patterns of Learning in Jiu-Jitsu

10:23 Mental Health and Jiu-Jitsu: An Intersection

21:42 Crisis Counseling: Daily Challenges and Insights

26:09 Pattern Matches and Not Rolling Hard

29:30 Mat Culture and Safe Spaces

35:35 Fostering Children: A Compassionate Life

40:33 Culinary Adventures: The Jerk Chicken Sauce Story

45:05 Balancing Life: Jiu-Jitsu, Counseling, and More

49:09 Understand Your Dog

53:00 Walkout Music

54:22 Outro

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