Out of Guard is Hyperfly's new interview series. We sit athletes down for 50 rapid-fire questions about where they're from, how they got started, what they're chasing, and the stuff you don't see on the mats.
This episode features Mykoda Hummel, a 15-year-old no-gi grappler from San Diego who already has an IBJJF No-Gi Pans title and two ADCC Kids World Championship podiums. Here's everything he told us, from his daily training schedule to the 2000s pop playlist he warms up to.
Watch the full interview on YouTube
Getting Started and a Day in Training
Where did you grow up?
Here in San Diego.
How did you first end up on the mats?
I was 4 years old and my dad was doing MMA. He brought me around the gym and I started training from there.
What did you eat for breakfast today?
I didn't have breakfast. I just had a coffee, and I'm lowkey feeling it in my stomach right now.
Walk us through a normal training day.
Yesterday, for example, I did comp class from 11 to about 1:30, which is a hard training session. Then I go home, shower, eat, and refill. After that I go to Alliance to teach the kids, then go straight to wrestling. On a hard training day, that's probably 3 to 4 hours a day.
Gi or no-gi?
No-gi for sure. 100%.
What's your earliest core memory?
I remember being 3 or 4 years old and going into my grandma's room. She had these little rubber superhero figures, and I would rip them apart and destroy them. She would get really mad at me, but I definitely remember that.
Competition, Lessons, and His Game
What's the toughest roll you've ever had?
Actually last Saturday. I had two crazy scraps at practice back to back with Anthony. Shout out to him. We were scrapping for 6 minutes straight and I was exhausted at the end.
Who's your favorite training partner, and why?
I have a lot of them, but I'll say Xavier because he pushes me. We push each other all the time. We're always drilling and keeping each other on track toward our goals.
Which loss taught you the most?
There was one at ADCC Arizona where I tore all the ligaments in my arm. I really wanted to beat that kid because he had beaten me about a month before, and I was being too quick to get the sub. I was trying to rush everything. That match taught me to slow down, find my positions, and then get the sub.
What does your coach say to you most often?
PJ is always on me: "Clear the feet. Get the feet off of you."
What's the best advice anyone has given you on the mats?
Stay smart with my jiu-jitsu instead of rushing things. That's what has helped me the most.
What's the hardest part of this life that nobody sees?
Waking up every day and doing the same thing you did yesterday. It's not easy training super hard every day, then coming home and lifting, doing your cardio, and making sure you're doing everything right in camp to get ready for the tournament. Sticking to the diet too. It's not easy to do every day, but that's what you have to do if you want to be the best. Staying consistent is really the hardest part.
What's your favorite city you've traveled to for a competition?
I liked Austin a lot. We traveled, stayed in a nice Airbnb, and it was a great trip. I didn't get the result I wanted on that one, but it was probably my favorite city I've traveled to.
What are you working on in your game right now?
I've been working a lot on knee cuts and underhook passes. Straightening out my partner and getting that pinning position. Once they're pinned, I just cook them from there. They can't move, they get tired, and I get the pass.
Do you have a pre-competition ritual or superstition?
Not really. I eat pineapple every time before I compete. That's the only thing I do every single time.
What's your core memory from jiu-jitsu?
The first time I was invited to the Kids Championship. It was at T-Mobile Arena, and that was a really cool experience I'll remember forever.
When you're done competing, what do you want people to say about you?
I don't want to be boring on the mat. I want people to watch me and think, "Wow, that was super entertaining."
Which belt promotion meant the most to you?
Probably my blue belt. It's my most recent one. All my belt promotions were important, but I'd say my blue belt.
Classic or modern jiu-jitsu?
Modern. With a lot of the new stuff, you develop your skill and capacity in one area, and that's evolving more and more. For sure the new wave of jiu-jitsu coming up.
When do you trust instinct over technique?
A minute left and you're down by two points. That's when you have to send it. You can't rely on your technique to get you through. You have to release the dog and send it. Get those points. You can't lose the match.
What's the first thing you do after a competition?
Find a restaurant nearby that looks good and just grub. Straight eats.
Favorites and Fun Facts
If you could keep only one album, which would it be?
Oh yeah? by Steve Lacy.
Which food do you miss most during a camp?
Probably cookies. My mom bakes a lot of cookies, and when I'm getting ready for a tournament there's none of that.
What's playing in your headphones before you compete?
Anything, really. I actually like to listen to 2000s white girl music before I compete. To be honest, Taylor Swift and Katy Perry type stuff.
What's the best meal you've ever had, and where was it?
Probably my mom's homemade Alfredo. It's really good and it reminds me of home. Anytime she makes it, it's a really good meal.
If you didn't do jiu-jitsu, what would you be doing?
I'd probably just be a regular kid at school sitting at my desk, not having that much fun. I'm thankful I get to do what I love.
What's your favorite time of day to train?
Probably 10:30 in the morning. I feel like that's the perfect time.
Desert, forest, mountain or beach?
Beach for sure.
What's your favorite season?
Probably fall, because I can get dripped out.
Which smell takes you straight back to childhood?
When it just got done raining and you can smell it.
If you could relive one moment, which would it be?
Recently, my trip to New York. I was with my dad and my best friend, and it was a really fun trip.
What sound do you love?
When I just won a match and all my teammates are cheering for me. A bunch of people screaming. I like that sound.
What still scares you?
Getting trapped in the middle of the ocean with nothing I could do to get out of that situation.
Recovery, Perspective, and Gratitude
What advice would you give your white-belt self?
I was really young when I was a white belt, so I'd say just be aggressive. I think that's really important for little kids. Be aggressive and don't give up when you're doing your jiu-jitsu.
What is your body telling you now that you used to ignore?
Soreness. Before, I would ignore it. Now that I'm getting older and putting on more muscle, since I used to be really skinny, I get sore a lot more. When I'm sore, I get in the sauna or use the massage gun on the sore areas. That's important for training the next day.
What does a real rest day look like for you?
I'll probably sit in bed most of the day, get a lot of homework done, let my body relax, and maybe watch some TV.
What are you grateful for?
Everything in my life. My parents, my family, and the opportunities I have to train. Most people my age have to sit in school, but I get to do what I love and train jiu-jitsu alongside my best friends. I'm really thankful for that, and for everyone who supports me, including my sponsors, Hyperfly and True Trust Service. I'm grateful for everything.
Watch the Full Interview
Mykoda is 15, training 3 to 4 hours a day, and already competing on the biggest youth stages in grappling. With an IBJJF No-Gi Pans title behind him and an ADCC World Championship ahead of him as the goal, he's a name to keep an eye on.
Watch Out of Guard with Mykoda Hummel on YouTube, and subscribe so you don't miss the next episode.
