Strength & Conditioning for Grappling with Owen Livesey

In this episode of the Uncharted Performance Podcast, Marc is joined by Owen Livesey, a former elite judo competitor, grappling coach, and mentor. Owen shares his journey from the judo mats of his youth to becoming a Commonwealth Games champion and transitioning into the world of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and grappling. His story is one of dedication, resilience, and the pursuit of mastery.

The conversation opens with Owen’s early years in judo, where he spent over a decade training and competing at the highest levels. With six British titles, ten World Cup medals, and a Commonwealth Games title under his belt, Owen reflects on the intense training camps, grueling competitions, and the near-miss of his Olympic dream. These experiences shaped his relentless mindset and taught him that failure is an essential part of growth.

Listeners gain valuable insights into Owen’s philosophy on training, which emphasizes building a strong foundation through consistent effort and embracing discomfort. He shares how cross-training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and grappling has reignited his competitive spirit, and why he believes skills honed under pressure are the key to success.

The discussion also touches on balancing intensity with longevity in training. Owen stresses the importance of playing the long game, tailoring training to individual goals, and developing mental resilience to thrive in high-pressure situations. His candid anecdotes about learning from losses, adapting techniques, and mentoring the next generation of grapplers provide actionable takeaways for athletes at any level.

This episode is a compelling exploration of what it takes to achieve mastery, both on and off the mats. Whether you’re a grappler, a coach, or simply striving for excellence, Owen’s insights will inspire you to embrace the process and aim higher.