Welcome to The Professional's Handbook, a new Jiu-Jitsu audio course on becoming a Jiu-Jitsu professional! Whether you're an aspiring top athlete or coach, this is your playbook. In this 3-part audio series we're joined by Jake O'Driscoll, black belt head coach at Essence BJJ in Perth, Australia, and Jiu-Jitsu coach for 2024 two-division ADCC world champion Adele Fornarino.

Part 1: From Hobby to Pro
In this first episode, Jake O'Driscoll discusses the Jiu-Jitsu journey from hobby to profession. Jake highlights Adele Fornarino's impressive 2024 ADCC performance, which both he and Adele attribute in large part to her professionalism. Jake outlines practical steps for transitioning from a hobbyist to a professional, including setting small goals, establishing accountability, and maintaining a positive mental approach. Jake also touches on financial realities for aspiring professionals, suggesting creative job solutions and the significance of building sponsor relationships through genuine performance. Finally, Jake stresses the importance of open communication between coaches and athletes, encouraging athletes to take charge of their careers and seek guidance that aligns with their goals.

Part 2: What Good Looks Like
In the second episode of The Professional's Handbook, Jake O'Driscoll explores what good looks like for Jiu-Jitsu professionals. Jake delves into optimal training practices for athletes, emphasizing the importance of a supportive training environment focused on skill development rather than merely intense workouts. He highlights the need for athletes to be selective about their training partners to prevent injuries and underscores the significance of shared goals within a team. Jake discusses effective management of training intensity and the need for commitment from athletes, advocating for proactive communication in coach-athlete relationships.

Part 3: Social Media and Brand
In the third episode of The Professional's Handbook, Jake O’Driscoll from Essence BJJ dives deep into the complex role of social media in a modern athlete’s career. Jake discusses how building a public persona is now a non-negotiable part of professional Jiu-Jitsu, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, intentionality, and understanding your goals. Jake shares personal experiences guiding athletes like Adele Fornarino through the nuances of branding and public engagement, and cautions against creating personas that are unsustainable or misaligned with one’s true self.

Part 4: Professional Habits
In the fourth episode of The Professional's Handbook, Jake O’Driscoll dives deep into the daily habits and professional mindset required for success in Jiu-Jitsu. Drawing from his dual perspective as both a high-level competitor and coach, Jake emphasizes the importance of preparation, consistency, accountability, and time management—not just on the mat, but in every aspect of life. The conversation covers the compounding effect of small daily actions, how to structure an athlete’s day for maximum efficiency, and the role of the coach as a guide rather than a savior. Jake also shares his thoughts on building sustainable careers in Jiu-Jitsu beyond competition and offers insights into mentorship, delegation, and the value of surrounding yourself with people who will challenge you to improve.

Part 5: Crises and Setbacks
In the fifth and final episode of The Professional’s Handbook, Steve Kwan and Jake O’Driscoll explore how Jiu-Jitsu professionals can navigate adversity, setbacks, and personal crises while maintaining composure and commitment. They emphasize the importance of emotional regulation, compartmentalization, and separating identity from outcomes, especially in the face of injuries, losses, or mental health struggles. Jake shares candid insights on setting boundaries as a coach, resisting the pressures of social media, and fostering a resilient team culture grounded in mutual accountability. The conversation underscores that professionalism in Jiu-Jitsu extends beyond technical skill. It’s about mindset, responsibility, and sustainable growth through adversity.