From Fighter to Coach: Billy Freedson's Combat Sports Journey

Send us a text The journey from fighter to coach often reveals the deepest insights about combat sports. Billy Freedson, standing at just 5"5", began his martial arts journey with what he calls "Napoleon syndrome" – a chip on his shoulder and a readiness to fight that eventually transformed into a sophisticated understanding of striking, grappling, and the intricate dance between them. Billy"s expertise spans multiple disciplines: Muay Thai, K-1 kickboxing, wrestling, judo, jiu-jitsu, and even Filipino knife fighting. This comprehensive background has made him a valued coach at Cleveland"s Upgraded Industries, where he"s helped shape numerous fighters including Tony "The Latin Assassin" – a wrestling specialist whose striking has evolved from "brutish" and forward-charging to technical and angle-focused under Billy"s guidance. What makes Billy"s perspective particularly valuable is his willingness to acknowledge the hard lessons of his own fighting career. From backyard brawls to a knockout loss against future UFC champion Cody Garbrandt, Billy understands the painful education that combat sports provide. After going 3-0 at 135 pounds, his fighting career ended with a difficult weight cut that drained his performance – experience that now informs his coaching approach. The podcast explores fascinating aspects of the fight game: how wrestlers can use striking to set up takedowns, why women fighters often underestimate their own power, what six weeks of training in Thailand taught Billy about authentic Muay Thai, and even a candid assessment of Jake Paul"s boxing skills ("high level amateur"). Throughout these topics runs a consistent thread – Billy"s dedication to building Cleveland"s combat sports community through collaborative training rather than gym rivalry Subscribe for exclusive content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1530455/support Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREE Reaper Apparel Reaper Apparel Co was built for those who refuse to die slowly! Reaper isn't just clothing! Tactical Brotherhood The Tactical Brotherhood is a movement to support America. Dubby Energy FROM GAMERS TO GYM JUNKIES TO ENTREPRENEURS, OUR PRODUCT IS FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO BE BETTER. Shankitgolf Our goal here at Shankitgolf is for everyone to have a great time on and off the golf course Sweet Hands Sports Elevate your game with Sweet Hands Sports! Our sports gloves are designed for champions, Buddy's Beard Care Buddy's Beard Care provides premium men's grooming products at an affordable price. Deemed Fit Be a part of our movement to instill confidence motivation and a willingness to keep pushing forward Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show Follow us on all social media X: @mikebonocomedy Instagram: @mikebonocomedy @tiktok: @mikebono_comedian Facebook: @mikebonocomedy