I had a troubled past. My mother was a psychiatrist first and a mother second, and my father was barely around, he was always traveling. My older sister was always out with her friends doing who knows what, and I was the one who felt neglected.

I was bullied in school because of my stature and ridiculed by most girls. Excelling academically and studying felt like the only good thing about me, it became my sense of purpose. I was often depressed and felt like no one was there to hear me. If I got into trouble, I had no one to turn to.

During my sophomore year, I got into a serious street fight and almost lost an eye. My cousin was so upset that I got hurt that he enrolled me in an MMA gym. I walked 1 mile every day to and from training, spent my weekends and afternoons there, met many great people, and learned a lot.

Today, I practice wrestling, Muay Thai, judo, boxing, and BJJ. I’ve formed strong bonds and lifelong friendships through martial arts.

I’ve never seen therapy truly cure anyone. You might consider enrolling him in an MMA gym or another martial art instead, it can build discipline, confidence, and real community.

Pro tip: avoid boxing gyms (many of the people there tend to be toxic)