Henry Akins: How a Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Sees What Others Miss

In this powerful episode of EQ U, co-hosts Robin Williams and Corrine Clement of ChoiceCenter Leadership University sit down with Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and globally renowned instructor Henry Akins, the fastest person to ever receive a black belt from the legendary Rickson Gracie. But beyond the mat, Henry is a graduate of ChoiceCenter’s LV144 EQ Leadership Legacy training and a master of emotional intelligence.

We explore how the subtle principles of “hidden jiu-jitsu”—like flow, stillness, presence, and adaptability—mirror the inner work of EQ. Henry opens up about his journey through grief, the mental discipline behind mastery, and how learning to breathe under pressure has shaped both his life and leadership.

Additionally, Henry provides a captivating overview of the history of the UFC, shedding light on its evolution and the pivotal role Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu played in shaping mixed martial arts. His firsthand experiences and stories offer listeners a unique perspective on the martial arts community and its enduring impact.​

From Henry Akins, you’ll learn:

• Why black belts train their mindset as much as their body
• How to stay calm when the pressure is on
• What jiu-jitsu teaches about resilience, emotional regulation, and growth
• The moment Henry nearly walked away from jiu-jitsu—and what brought him back
• The incredible parallels between martial arts and emotional intelligence

Whether you're a martial artist, a leader, or someone seeking to draw life lessons from the discipline of Jiu-Jitsu, this episode promises to enlighten and inspire you – inside and out.​