On this powerful episode of The GRYND we welcome Matt Hay (@heyitsmatthay)— U.S. Marine Corps Combat Engineer (2003-2007), Fallujah veteran, former blackjack dealer, powerlifter/strongman, and now a white belt competitor at AForce BJJ (@afmobjj) in his 40s.

Matt opens up about:

• Growing up and his intense combat tour in Fallujah, Iraq (2004-2005)

• Transitioning from the Marine Corps to civilian life, years of powerlifting and strongman, tactical training, and teaching military leadership

• The current grind of his second half of life — getting back into elite shape, becoming a competitive athlete again, and transforming his body and mind in his 40s

• How the whole family trains BJJ together, his rapid progress since October 2024, and what it’s like competing as a brand-new white belt

• The real motivation beh ...