Member of the Month: Max Haywood
Welcome to our newest member of the month interview! When selecting a member of the month for Academic Grappling, we look for effort, empathy, personal improvement, and someone who inspires others through their authentic interactions. We are thrilled to have Max Haywood this month! As member of the month, Max was allowed to wear the much-coveted AG Belt, sign the back of it, and have a polaroid printed and hung on the wall of the gym. Learn more about our friend Max and his BJJ journey below:
How long have you been training BJJ?
Since March of ‘23. More precisely 11 months, 4 days, 12 minutes, 34.. 35.. 36 seconds
Why did you join Academic Grappling?
Just so happened to be the closest gym to my apartment. Thanks, Universe
What’s your favorite part of being a member of Academic Grappling?
Truly amazing training partners, all of em, everytime!!
What is currently your favorite technique in Jiu-Jitsu?
Single leg x-guard sweeps have been super fascinating. That position is where I feel most awkward, so learning in the awkward can hopefully make it less awkward. Awkward!
How do you define success?
Like Yin and Yang, success doesn’t exist without failure. I define success as the moment you realize you just not-failed at something you’ve totally failed at before.
Who inspires you, in Jiu-Jitsu or any other aspect of your life?
I always enjoyed watching David Taylor wrestle. From Penn State to the Olympics, he’s a dawg. We both share long legs, so I saw myself in him a bit.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY. That is your vehicle to kick some booty. Might as well give yourself a good stretch before AND after practice.
Do you have any fun/funny stories from your time training BJJ?
Anytime I roll with Jordan, it's 5 minutes of straight scrambling back and forth and I just think it's so much fun. Exhausting, but fun (:
What is your current occupation? How did you get into it? Do you enjoy it?
I'm currently between jobs, but I've been interviewing for some client success positions. Got a good feeling!
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
I taught myself how to whistle super loud with my fingers. Pretty proud to achieve such a wicked skill.
What’s the last book you read?
The last book I’ve read all the way through is “Be Here Now” by Ram Dass.
What’s something you love to do outside of work or training?
I really enjoy game night with friends and camping/backpacking
If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Probably a solid Beef Manhattan. Great combination of beef and bread, with some yummy mashed potatoes.
What’s one thing about you that you feel really sums up who you are as a person?
I will always keep the bit going. Even if it gets out of hand, always stick with the bit
Anything else you feel we should know about you?
My love language is physical touch. So I feel super comfy and secure by a hug, a pat on the shoulder, or even a fist bump!
