In Ep. 54 of The Grapple of Your Eye, host Brett Summers sits down with Brett Hawthorn — a two-time World Catch Wrestling Lightweight Champion, British wrestling standout, and former boxer — to unpack the real story behind becoming (and staying) a world-class grappler.
From being thrown into competitions as a kid in Bradford, to getting humbled on the international circuit, to earning a US college wrestling scholarship and experiencing the intensity of American wrestling culture, Brett shares the lessons, setbacks, and mindset shifts that shaped his journey.
You’ll also hear how boxing sharpened his mentality, why catch wrestling fits his style, and what he’s building now with Bradford Wrestling Academy — plus his goals for 2026 in grappling.
🔥 In this episode, expect:
- The reality of climbing from UK nationals to international tournaments
- What US college wrestling training is really like
- Wrestling vs boxing: physical demands and mental pressure
- Catch wrestling, pins/turns, and the “forgotten” ground game
- Coaching philosophy + how Bradford Wrestling Academy is being built
If you’re into wrestling, catch wrestling, freestyle, Greco-Roman, Sambo, grappling culture, combat sports mindset, or you’re a parent/coach looking to understand the pathway — this one’s for you.
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#Wrestling #CatchWrestling #Grappling #FreestyleWrestling #GrecoRoman #Sambo #CombatSports #MartialArts #WrestlingTraining #BritishWrestling #BJJ #BradfordWrestlingAcademy #Podcast
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