Meet Justin Wetzell | MMA&Self-Defense Instructor/Health Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Justin Wetzell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Justin, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started training to become a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Fighter in 2010, I made my amateur debut in 2011 and my professional debut in 2016. After suffering my first loss as a professional in my 2nd fight I decided that I needed to surround myself with a professional team and made the move to Colorado. I moved to the Denver Metro in January 2017 and began my training with some of the best fighters in the world.
Fast forward 4 years later in 2021 I decided it was time to give back, I had been training with very high level people in the sport and thought to my self “I should be teaching this to other people”
Self defense from bullies and aggressive people is what originally got me into this sport in the first place, so its something I’m incredibly passionate about. As a high-school student, myself and a group of friends got jumped by a a very large group of people, it was a terrifying experience not only the threat of physical harm, but the fact that I had no combat or martial arts experience and truly felt completely helpless to protect myself or my friends I was with! The very next day I sought out to find a gym to train at and learn self defense and the rest is history! Here I am almost 15 years later training people the same skills I sought out!

I love seeing people’s progression in skill develop, but even more, I love the confidence that grows with learning martial arts. To me it’s the most pure form of skill, mastering ones self physically and mentally!
Along the way, I learned that being healthy and being nutrionally conscious would help me become a better fighter and athlete, it became an obsession, learning how the body works and how to feed it for optimal performance. Now I coach people not just for physical improvement in Kickboxing/MMA but also with health, nutrition and weight loss!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business is called Equilibrium – Combat Fitness. Equilibrium by definition means, ‘A state in which opposing forces or influences are balanced’

Whether it be learning how to fight, or learning how to be a healthier individual, balance is everything and that’s what I strive to provide. I offer a wealth of experience on the realm of Combat Sports & Health Nutrition, something I have constantly be learning now for almost 15 years!

Originally when I started Equilibrium I ran training sessions only out of my garage where I lived. While I still do run sessions where I live, I now do consultations over the internet and phone to provide health coaching services!

The biggest challenge was mental, the fear of starting my own business and not working for someone else anymore. Working for yourself can be unstable at times and the only person that you can truly look to for results, is yourself! With that being said, I’m glad I made the leap of faith because helping others is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done, even as a active competitor/professional athlete.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
While I am a professional Fighter, I consider myself an amateur chef (no culinary school experience) anytime I have friends or family to visit I always prepare a special meal when they come. That being said, coming from a small corn town in Illinois, when I discovered Brazilian Steakhouses in the city I fell in love! Fogo De Chao & Texas de Brazil are among my favorites! Also, the food festivals Denver has (RARE, Chicken Fight, Top Taco), are top notch!

The trails and parks this state has to offer are no exception, when I have time away from teaching and my own training I like to explore the Colorado Parks and trails! So far, I’ve only climbed one 14K mountain, but I am looking to add on to that list. When I have people come to visit me that haven’t been here before, I make sure to take them to Rocky Mountain National Park, the exploration is incredible and the views breathtaking!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My coaches in Illinois from back in 2010 really helped pave the way for me to become who I am today as a fighter and a person. Joe O Laughlin & Nick Meier with the Combat Zone.
Fast forward later to where I am now my coaches Justin Houghton & UFC Fighter Cory Sandhagen have helped me elevate my game to an even greater level, I can’t overstate how much these individuals have helped me become the Fighter, athlete and person that I am today.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equilibrium_fitnesss?igsh=cXR5NG1yMTByaXp0