Fighting the Good Fight: Orthodoxy & BJJ w/ Jeff Messina

In this long-awaited episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & co-host John are joined by Jeff Messina: 4th degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Judo black belt, owner of the Revolution Dojo, paratrooper & infantryman, theology graduate, & newly-illumined Orthodox Christian.

Jeff shares his powerful journey from the mat to the Church, weaving together themes of discipline, humility, struggle, & faith. With decades of experience training & teaching, he offers insights on how martial arts can shape not only the body but also the soul... & how Orthodoxy calls men to a higher form of strength: ascetic, sacrificial, & Christ-centered.

Takeaways:

• Struggle shapes our character & faith.
• Discipline in training parallels spiritual discipline.
• Community support is vital in both martial arts & faith.
• Ego can hinder growth in both training & spirituality.
• The journey of faith is continuous & requires effort.
• Understanding lineage in faith & martial arts is crucial.
• Failure is a part of growth and learning.
• Humility is essential in both training & spiritual life.
• Accountability helps maintain focus & purpose.
• Living out one's faith is a daily practice.
• Why Orthodoxy is, in Jeff’s words, “the Jiu-Jitsu of Christianity.”

Soundbytes:

• “Formation is not just spiritual... it’s also physical.”

• “The world tells men to dominate or disappear. Orthodoxy calls us to sacrificial leadership.”

• “You can’t just go once a week: in the gym or in the Church. Faithfulness is daily.”

• “Orthodoxy is the Jiu-Jitsu of Christianity. If you want the truth, this is it.”

Chapters:

00:00 Opener

01:30 Introduction to the Journey of Faith & BJJ

04:36 Jeff Messina's Path to Orthodoxy

08:54 Apostolic Succession & Knowing Your Roots

11:51 Jeff Messina's Martial Arts Journey

17:14 Intersection of BJJ & Orthodoxy

22:41 Sola Scriptura & Tradition

27:04 The Professor & The Spiritual Father

29:24 On Failure, Repetition, & Humility

32:00 On Remaining Dispassionate While Fighting

35:28 Jeff's Advice to Christians Interested in Martial Arts

40:50 Tempering Convert Zeal

43:48 Living Orthodoxy: A Compelling Witness

46:07 The Selfishness & Pride of "Ritual Purity"

52:22 A Call to Orthodox Men & BJJ Practitioners Alike

54:19 Where Can You Find Jeff Messina

55:46 Closing Thoughts & Looking Ahead

58:57 Outro

Support the Show with a One-Time or Recurring donation: ⁠⁠⁠coff.ee/OrthodoxHealth⁠⁠⁠Work with Dr. Mike: ⁠https://www.OrthodoxHealth.com⁠Pre-Order Orthodoxy & The Medicine of the Future: ⁠https://www.orthodoxhealth.com/book⁠Intro & Outro Music: St. John of Chicago Orthodox Church Choir (Arkansas) - Please support their building fund by buying the whole album here:⁠⁠https://stjohnorthodoxchurch.bandcamp.com/album/come-ye-faithful-building-fundraiser⁠⁠