Broker fights mental health stigma with jiu jitsu roll-a-thon

An Adelaide-based mortgage dealer will constantly compete in a 12-hour jiu jitsu roll-a-thon to boost funds for The Subsequent Step Australia, a psychological well being organisation, and R U OK?.

The fundraising occasion comes after the game helped save his life after struggling together with his personal psychological well being points.

Dealer goals to provide again to group

At 6am on October 12, Dave Picca (pictured above) will wrestle and grapple the primary of over 120 opponents in a steady jiu jitsu roll-a-thon within the hope to boost $12,000.

“We don’t save ourselves. We save one another. All golf equipment and associates are most welcome and I’m hoping to see some brokers and BDMs come down too,” Picca mentioned.

Having been a mortgage dealer for 10 years, Picca was working as a sub-business underneath his colleague earlier than launching his personal brokerage, Alexander Monetary Group.

“Alexander is my center identify and my grandfather’s identify. He was a fairly nice household man with good morals, so I assumed I’d identify it after him,” he mentioned.

Picca mentioned he needs individuals to recognise the enterprise as a “vessel to provide again to group” after initially battling the challenges of the business.

“I like what I do, however after a when you lose the enjoyment of getting issues accredited. Don’t get me flawed, I like the sensation of serving to a consumer by way of a scenario, however I realised I wanted one thing extra,” he mentioned.

“My objective is to get up each morning and discover methods to assist my purchasers and to provide again to these round me.”

How jiu jitsu helped Picca’s psychological well being struggles

Like different brokers earlier than him, Picca’s psychological well being struggles led him to difficult moments in his life.

“I used to be in a darkish, darkish spot again within the day. I used to be affected by large psychological well being points… Suicide. Despair. All of that stuff. That’s when I discovered jiu jitsu and it helped me flip my life round.”

For these which are unfamiliar, Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is a martial artwork and fight sport that focuses on grappling and floor preventing. It emphasises the talent of controlling an opponent by way of strategies that pressure them to submit.

“It’s a mixture of wrestling and submissions. The objective is to strangle or rip your opponent’s limbs off,” mentioned Picca.

Reminiscing in regards to the first occasions stepping onto the mat, Picca mentioned it was a “humbling expertise”.

“It fully reduces your ego, and it teaches you issues about your self in a method that’s arduous to explain,” he mentioned.

“Wanting again, I can see the way it’s helped me with challenges in enterprise and puzzle issues out in my day-to-day life. General, it’s simply helped me be a extra assured, stronger individual.”

Roll-a-thon: Impressed by the Jiu-jitsu jedi

Picca’s mission for a 12-hour roll-a-thon was initially impressed by his jiu jitsu mentor Damian “Obi-Wan” Todd.

Again in 2019, Picca mentioned the ex-British Royal Marines commando practiced jiu jitsu for twenty-four hours continuous in a world report feat at an Adelaide martial arts college.

“Obi’s the one who acquired me into the game. He was affected by PTSD and melancholy due to his experiences, and he wished to let individuals know that they don’t seem to be alone whereas elevating cash for RUOK Day,” Picca mentioned.

“I acquired the concept [from] him. I need to encourage others like I used to be impressed to battle by way of their psychological well being issues and allow them to know that they don’t should battle alone.”

Relaxation assured; Picca is aware of what he’s entering into.

“I’ll be hooked as much as a drip throughout my three 15-minute breaks as a result of the physique can not totally rehydrate in that point.”

However his focus is not going to falter or flinch.

“There’s going to be heaps of darkish moments throughout these 12-hours. I do know I’ll need to surrender in some unspecified time in the future, however I now recognise find out how to clear my thoughts and give attention to my targets,” Picca mentioned.

“Folks have to recognise that there’s gentle on the finish of the tunnel. Don’t give attention to the darkness at the moment round you; give attention to the sunshine and you’ll make your method.”

Requires business help

With the roll-a-thon held throughout Psychological Well being Month, Picca has particular charities in thoughts.

R U OK? helps to encourage individuals to begin conversations about psychological well being whereas The Subsequent Step Australia presents monetary help to males with monetary obstacles, offers group coaching to help in suicide prevention, and provides post-suicide help to grieving households.

In addition they increase group consciousness, run workshops, and host a males’s help group for sharing struggles and in search of steerage.

“When you’re within the business and need to present your help, even When you’ve by no means accomplished jiu-jitsu earlier than, please nonetheless come down for a roll,” Picca mentioned.

To get assist right this moment, name a Past Blue counsellor on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.