Part 2/16:
Rashad Evans’s journey from a traditional fighter to a spiritual and wellness advocate reveals profound insights about self-awareness, health, and the evolution of martial arts. Early in his career, Evans relied on blunt strength, traditional equipment, and relentless training. He reminisces about the early days of MMA, training in gyms like Jackson Wink, where the focus was on pushing physical limits and meticulous preparation. Today, he reflects on how equipment—like specialized gloves and protective gear—has advanced, citing collaborations with companies like Onyx and Trevor Wittman to develop better, safer gear tailored for MMA’s unique demands. These innovations signify a broader cultural shift towards emphasizing fighter safety and longevity, moving away from past practices that sometimes prioritized toughness over wellness.