Episode 22

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Published on:

6th Oct 2021

#22 - Matt Marcinek - "Never Give Up"

Today’s guest is Matt Marcinek.

Matt Marcinek, a native of Scranton, PA is a Certified Mental Performance Coach, a motivational speaker, and a brown belt in both Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo. Matt is the owner of the No Limits Grappling Academy located in Blakely, PA. 

Matt is a graduate of Marywood University with a BA in English and earned a Masters degree in Education from the University of Missouri.

And that I not even half of Matt’s incredible story…

At 9 months old, Matt Marcinek was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. At that time a neurologist recommended to Matt’s parents that they “place him in a facility where he would receive round the clock care and they should never look back.”

Lucky for Matt and his students today, his parents said “No”. And gave Matt the opportunity to fight through almost insurmountable odds to create his remarkable life.  

Matt discusses the amazing gift his parents gave him throughout his life, a gift which is so rare today -  His parents allowed him to fail.

​Matt’s shares his story of how he has conquered seemingly insurmountable adversity and created his life – from becoming an Eagle Scout, to talking his way on to the HS wrestling team to opening up his own BJJ Academy. 

Talking to Matt it’s not hard to understand when he tells you that he does not even look at himself as disabled.

Like Matt says in our discussion: “That there is no playbook to operate as a disabled person, so do your best with what you've been given and then go from there.”

And this gem “If you want to do something, figure out a way to do it and just get it done.”

So…

Thank you for listening. 

If you like what you hear, please HIT the SUBSCRIBE BUTTON. 

We have a bunch of cool interviews, like this one, to come.

Enjoy my conversation on with Matt Marcinek, Mental Performance Coach, Motivational Speaker, Brown belt in BJJ and Judo, owner of the No Limits Grappling Academy and someone who flat out defies the odds

And remember, “Life is built, not born…”

Mentioned In this Episode: 

Website: www. MattMarcinek.com

Matt’s BJJ Academy: No Limits Grappling Academy (Blakely, PA)

Book: It’s Takes What it Takes (by Trevor Moawad)

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About the Podcast

Built Not Born
Everyday People, Remarkable Lives
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Each week we bring a REMARKABLE story of an ordinary person that overcame the odds, fought through adversity and impacted the lives of countless people in their community.

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About your host

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Joe Ciccarone

Dad of three. Husband to one.
Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Recovering Blogger.
Host of the Built Not Born Podcast.
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