In this episode of Keepers of the Mats, we sit down with Steve Austin — mentor, coach, and the head instructor at Sion Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Southampton, Pennsylvania. For us, Steve has been more than just a teacher. He’s someone who has helped shape the way we train, the way we teach, and the way we carry ourselves both on and off the mats.
His story is one of resilience, adaptability, and the powerful ways Jiu Jitsu can transform a life.
Steve’s path to Jiu Jitsu began in an unexpected way. Growing up with medical challenges and physical limitations, he often found himself a target for bullying. What started as a search for self-defense quickly became something much deeper — an outlet that taught him not only how to protect himself but also how to carry himself with confidence and humility.
Early training revealed one of Jiu Jitsu’s most unique lessons: the more you learn, the less you feel the need to fight. With each class, the focus shifted from confrontation to control, from aggression to understanding.
For Steve, Jiu Jitsu didn’t just stay on the mats. It influenced everything: diet, sleep, discipline, and even how he handled life’s unexpected challenges. He often describes Jiu Jitsu as “the ultimate problem-solving experience” — forcing you to think, adapt, and respond under pressure.
That mindset has carried him through competition, coaching, and life outside the academy. Whether preparing for high-level tournaments or guiding a new white belt through their first class, Steve approaches each moment with patience and purpose.
Although Steve’s introduction to Jiu Jitsu was rooted in self-defense, competition became part of his journey too. From local tournaments to major stages like ADCC trials and Fight to Win events, he tested himself against the best.
But more important than wins and losses was the mentality he carried into each match. For Steve, the goal wasn’t intimidation or ego — it was about stepping onto the mat with humility, learning, and enjoying the experience no matter the outcome.
Steve’s journey reminds us that Jiu Jitsu is about more than technique. It’s about adaptability, growth, and carrying lessons from the mats into every area of life. His story shows that even when circumstances aren’t ideal, there’s always a way forward — and often, the harder path brings the greatest growth.
For us at Tried & True, Steve represents the power of mentorship. His guidance has shaped not just our Jiu Jitsu, but our community as a whole.
This conversation with Steve is a reminder of why we started Keepers of the Mats in the first place: to honor the people who’ve influenced our journey, to share their wisdom, and to highlight how the mats connect us all.
Because at its core, Jiu Jitsu is about growth through challenge, resilience through struggle, and humility through practice. And mentors like Steve remind us that no matter how long you’ve been training, there’s always more to learn.
Click here to listen to the episode on our Spotify channel.
