Full Circle on the Mats

Last week, I had the pleasure of assisting my coach, David Webb, during a grappling session at McGowan Muay Thai. On the surface, it was a standard training day. But for me, it meant a lot more—it was a full circle moment.

Almost seven years ago, I met Dan McGowan, founder of McGowan Muay Thai, under very different circumstances. Dan came to me as a patient, recovering from a horrific hand injury he’d sustained while fighting in Thailand. I remember those rehab sessions well—not just because of the injury, but because Dan would talk with such energy and determination about his dream: one day, he’d have his own gym, teaching others the art he loved.

Around that same time, I had just started exploring a new martial art myself—Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I turned up to my very first 6am class, not quite knowing what to expect. Dave Webb was running the session. I sized him up, thinking to myself, “I’ve been doing martial arts most of my life… how hard can this be?”

Well, Dave submitted me in about 25 seconds. And then again. And again—seven times, to be exact. That morning changed everything. I was completely hooked.

Fast forward to now: Dan runs a thriving gym. and I now teach classes at Dave's academy, the Toukon Academy  And last week, we all came together for a joint grappling session at Dan’s place—two completely separate threads of my life woven back together.

It felt surreal. In the best way.

I could write endlessly about how martial arts builds long-lasting, meaningful relationships. How it humbles you, challenges you, and brings people together in ways few other things can. But if you’re one of my patients, you’ve probably already heard me talk about this—more than once.

So instead, I’ll finish with this:

If you’ve been thinking about picking up a new skill, getting back into fitness, or finding something that connects you to others in a real way—go visit either Dan’s or Dave’s gym (both, if possible). Step on the mat. Lean into it. Do what you can, when you can.

It might just be the best decision you ever make.