In this episode of Keepers of the Mats, we sit down with one of the earliest members of our Tried & True Jiu Jitsu community, Keith Rishel. His story isn’t just about martial arts — it’s about finding a home on the mats, rediscovering purpose, and experiencing a transformation that reaches far beyond the physical.
Keith’s journey into martial arts started years ago with wrestling and traditional Japanese Jiu Jitsu. But like many of us, life pulled him away for a while. When the right opportunity came along, he found himself stepping back onto the mats — and that return changed everything.
When we first connected, Keith was looking for more than just exercise. He was searching for a place where he belonged, and a way to channel his athletic background into something meaningful again. From the very first roll, he knew he’d found it.
At one point, Keith weighed over 340 pounds. Through Jiu Jitsu, consistent training, and a disciplined approach to health, he shed nearly 100 pounds. That transformation wasn’t just physical — it reshaped how he saw himself and how he approached challenges.
Keith often says that if you can make it through the grind of Jiu Jitsu, the outside world doesn’t have much that can break you. That perspective has carried him into a stronger, healthier, and more confident version of himself.
More than the weight loss or the skills learned, what stood out most to Keith was the community. At Tried & True Jiu Jitsu, he found an environment where people were welcoming, encouraging, and invested in each other’s success. Unlike other gyms where new faces sometimes get lost in the shuffle, here Keith felt like he was truly part of something.
That sense of belonging is what keeps him coming back. The mats became a place not just for training, but for connection, growth, and friendship.
Keith’s journey reminds us that Jiu Jitsu is about more than submissions and sweeps. It’s about resilience. It’s about reclaiming health and confidence. And it’s about discovering a community that lifts you up when you need it most.
For anyone thinking about starting, Keith’s story is proof that it’s never too late to get back on the mats, to rebuild, and to transform your life one class at a time.
This conversation with Keith is a celebration of persistence and belonging. It shows how Jiu Jitsu meets people where they are — whether you’re starting fresh, coming back after a break, or just looking for a new challenge.
Because at its core, Keepers of the Mats is about people like Keith — everyday individuals who prove that with courage, discipline, and community, we can create the lives we’ve always wanted.
Click here to listen on our Spotify channel.
