“I Got My A** Beat”: Michael Jackson’s Son Opens Up to Mike Tyson About His Failed Attempts at Boxing and MMA Before Finding Success in Jiu-Jitsu Under Legendary Gracie Family

Combat sports are undeniably among the most physically demanding and mentally challenging pursuits one can undertake. The appeal of facing an opponent in a physically demanding situation is innate in many humans. In addition, the desire for glory is also something that has been an intrinsic part of human nature.

However, not everyone who steps into this unforgiving world finds success immediately. Prince, the son of Michael Jackson, is among those who come to realize that combat sports is not a piece of cake, demanding a distinctive fusion of physical strength and mental resilience.

Prince Jackson details his journey into combat sports to Mike Tyson

In his candid conversation with Mike Tyson on the Hotboxin podcast, Prince shared his foray into this demanding domain. During his youth, he fondly recalled how his grandmother had urged him and his siblings to enroll in karate classes. However, as Prince yearned for a more aggressive outlet, he transitioned into mixed martial arts (MMA). This would not turn out to be a great idea as the prodigal son would end up getting a harsh reality check.

“When I was younger, after my dad died, my grandma wanted us to do karate. So we did that for a little while. Then I kind of just wanted something more aggressive, so I went into mixed martial arts. I got my a*s beat for like two days straight” he said

Humbling experiences are not uncommon in MMA, with the unforgiving nature of the sport often breaking people’s spirit. Despite this, Prince’s desire to explore the realm of boxing further pushed him to his limits. He revealed that he trained with none other than Michael Blanks, brother of the famed fitness guru Billy Blanks. However, boxing’s rigorous training regimen proved too taxing for Prince’s cardio.

” I was like, ‘Okay, I can’t do this.’ So, we went to school with Billy Blanks’ niece and nephew, which was a lot of extra, and then we went boxing with his brother, Michael Blanks. I threw up every time after that, I just didn’t have the cardio for it, man.” he said

It was during this pivotal moment that Prince discovered solace in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), a martial art known for its focus on grappling and submissions. Moreover, he revealed that he trained under the people who helped forge the sport into the global phenomenon it is today.

Prince Jackson’s journey under the guiding hand of the Gracies

Prince revealed to Tyson that he had the privilege of training under the Gracie family, who are revered as the forefathers of BJJ. Specifically, he studied under Hiron and Henner Gracie, grandsons of the legendary Helio Gracie. Gracie’s teachings provided Prince with a new path. This new path also allowed him to practice a martial art that truly resonated with his spirit. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu provided Prince with the ground to nurture his true potential in the realm of combat sports.

“Then I ended up getting into Jiu-Jitsu under the Gracies, so you respect. I studied under Hiron and Henner Gracie, who are the grandsons of Helio Gracie” said Prince.

Combat sports remain a challenging arena where individuals often seek to test their limits. In addition, Jackson’s journey is a reminder that in this world, the path to self-discovery might be filled with setbacks. However, it can also lead to profound personal growth and fulfillment in other avenues previously unexplored.

READ MORE: “Sometimes the Pride Would Come Up and He’d Be Like…”: Michael Jackson’s Son Leaves Mike Tyson in Laughter With “Humble” Revelation

What did you think about Prince training in MMA and boxing before transitioning into BJJ? Let us know in the comments.

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