Second Plan A

The concept of the 'iceberg theory' was popularized by Ernest Hemingway through storytelling and is seen across platforms today. In skill development, it's the unseen 90% behind visible achievements that is most important. Join us as we discuss how understanding and focusing on this hidden work can lead to better results in various fields like martial arts, fitness, and personal growth...

This weekend was a blackbelt test like no other. Each one is different and unique, just like each candidate. The raw grit and emotion we experienced this weekend was truly memorable. We just had to discuss it more. Join us for the journey reminiscing on the weekend and sharing some of what we are so grateful to be a part of. We explore the transformative power of shared experiences, emotional toug...

We explore the concept of 'crashing in' versus 'crashing out' in fighting, life, and business. Listen in as we discuss the importance of taking calculated risks, building the right mindset for self-defense and personal growth, and how to support others in doing the same. Key concepts: self-defense, mindset, risk-taking, crash in, crash out, martial arts, personal development, coach...

On this episode Ryan and Amber explore the philosophy and process behind black belt testing in martial arts and where Fit to Fight® deviates. Join us as we look at stress management, decision making, individual progress, and continuous growth in self defense. "You're gonna die [metaphorically] several times in that test." "Using 'Pass' and 'Fail' is weird in self-defense." "It takes a unanimous vo...

This episode explores the importance of being present and grounded in the moment, both in life and training. After attending 2 weddings with 2 vastly different philosophies, Ryan and Amber came back with what stuck out the most: Be Where Your Feet Are. fittofight, krav maga, self defense, lineage, martial arts, expectations, self improvement, coaching, philosophy-----

What "simple, not easy" examples did we miss? Let us know in the comments! This episode explores the difference between simple and easy in the context of martial arts, self-defense, and life. It emphasizes the importance of repetition, discipline, and emotional toughness in mastering skills that are technically simple but not easy to execute under pressure.

This episode explores the nuanced differences between being out of balance and out of control, especially in high-pressure situations like fighting. Join us as we dive into narrative identity, the coach vs parent perspective, understanding the differences between the experiencing self and remembering self, and being able to see the situation vs disposition.

This episode explores the myth of 'failure is not an option,' emphasizing that failure is essential for growth. Amber and Ryan dissect motivational quotes, the importance of pushing limits, and how failure shapes success across various fields. failure, growth, motivation, success, resilience, self-improvement, mental models, sports, entrepreneurship

Most of the struggles we deal with in life—motivation, discipline, stress, social media pressure, ego, and personal growth—circle back to one core question:Who am I? In this episode, we explore the idea of identity: how it forms, how it gets challenged, and how it can change over time. From the habits we repeat to the environments we place ourselves in, identity isn’t something we simply discover—...

In this episode, Amber and Ryan Hoover explore the systemic pressures that shape our lives, particularly focusing on the historical context of work hours, generational perspectives on change, and the burdens of existence. They discuss the impact of stress on daily life, the role of coaching in personal development, and the illusion of control in a fast-paced society. The conversation culminates in...

We discuss the implications of social media in the Jiu-Jitsu community, emphasizing the need for genuine safety measures rather than performative actions. A key feature is the importance of agency in training environments, the role of coaches in setting boundaries, and the dynamics of identity and performance on the mats. The discussion reflects on the nature of humanity -especially within martial...

In this episode of  Second Plan A , we unpack the growing confusion between  identity and behavior —and why defining yourself by what you do, how you train, or which group you belong to quietly fractures connection. Drawing from the  Krav Maga  world, broader martial arts culture, and a personal lesson Ryan took from Darren Levine's funeral, we talk about how  tribalism , moral signaling, and...

Most people think they quit training because they got busy… lost motivation… or just didn’t want it badly enough. That explanation feels convenient — and it’s usually wrong. In this episode of Second Plan A, Amber and Ryan Hoover unpack why people actually walk away from training, even when they’re improving and doing “everything right.” At the center of it all is a simple but overlooked idea: if...

January doesn’t just bring new goals — it stress-tests shared spaces. In this episode, Amber and Ryan unpack the tensions between newcomers and veterans, the psychology of observational learning, and why experience creates obligation, not ownership, in any community. Key Takeaways January is a  stress test for shared spaces , not just a season of personal goals. Tension between newcomers and veter...

On this episode, we’re unpacking why we confuse friction with failure — in kids and in ourselves — and how that confusion leads to quitting when we should be getting durable. We draw from a Substack article by Ryan called “Quit Quitting for Your Kids.” Like most of his articles, you'll find an absurd number of concepts presented short and succinctly to get a full overview of the topic. We talk...

On this episode, we’re fanning the flames of a simple idea: you don’t need permission to act — not in a fire, not in a fight, and not at a holiday dinner table. In fact, sometimes your wellbeing depends on breaking a rule instead of following one. We discuss the importance of understanding when to break rules for self-protection, the implications of zero tolerance policies in schools, and the impa...

Amber and Ryan discuss the significance of intent in decision-making, particularly in the context of self-defense and martial arts. They explore how flexible thinking and adaptability are crucial when faced with unexpected challenges. The conversation delves into the importance of understanding goals and outcomes, the role of variables in real-world scenarios, and the balance between intent and ac...

If you get a flat tire, was it a nail or someone slashed your tires? If you failed a test, is it because you' weren't prepared or your teacher is out to get you? In these situations, it's a common principle to use Occam's Razor to choose between two options. That means, the answer is likely the one that requires the least number of assumptions. In this episode, we take a look at th...

On this episode, Amber and Ryan explore the dual nature of stress as both a potential strength and a significant weakness. They delve into the Yerkes-Dodson Law, discussing how optimal levels of stress can enhance performance while excessive stress can lead to breakdown. The conversation emphasizes the importance of individualized coaching strategies to manage stress effectively in training enviro...

On this episode, Amber and Ryan take a look at the importance of training from early recognition and how it is often overlooked in most training. We talk about why training from negative scenarios does matter but also where it goes wrong and how this applies to life off the mats. --- Check out the clips we referenced on instagram @secondplana https://www.instagram.com/secondplana

Amber and Ryan explore the profound relationship between actions and beliefs, discussing concepts such as the sunk cost fallacy, cognitive dissonance, and self-efficacy. They delve into how behaviors shape our beliefs and the implications of this dynamic in various contexts, including social media and personal development. The conversation also touches on the Stanford prison experiment as a case s...

What can a maritime disaster teach us about tracking our progress in martial arts? In this episode Amber and Ryan explore the concept of dead reckoning, drawing parallels between a historical naval disaster and the challenges faced in life and training. They discuss the importance of regular check-ins, the compounding effects of small deviations, and the impact of cognitive bias on decision-making...

The UFC brought the rise of BJJ, but what's brought about it's fall? This conversation explores the evolution and comparison of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Krav Maga, focusing on their origins, training methodologies, and the impact of the UFC on martial arts. We discuss the identity crisis faced by Jiu Jitsu in the modern era, the shift in training focus towards realism, and the importance of...

In this episode, Amber and Ryan discuss the themes and insights from Ryan's recent book, 'The Incomplete Guide to Modern Krav Maga™.' They explore the concept of incompleteness in self-defense training, the philosophical aspects of violence, and the importance of fitness and coaching in self-defense. The conversation also touches on the challenges of reality-based self-defense, inclusi...

They're packing up the essentials and their sentimental items, but what else is missing? On this episode, Ryan and Amber talk about the important conversations and skills that are needed for teens and young adults. They identify they important role that coaches and parents play for being a guide in this pivotal time. With more freedoms comes more responsibility and more consequences. Which mea...