There is a reason that 13-year old Claire Tietgen is able to book guests like UFC champions Demetrious Johnson and Ronda Rousey for her anti-bullying talkshow – Bullied But Not Broken. When faced with the difficulty of being bullied in her life Claire displayed her champion’s heart by turning it into a positive.
After years of being verbally and physically abused Claire was depressed and had suicidal thoughts. She did not give in and instead turned her life around. She found MMA, started training and competing in jiujitsu tournaments. Claire was not only just competing in tournaments, but also winning them. As of this writing she is currently undefeated, with many wins coming over boys.
In the MMA community she found acceptance, something she had struggled with at school amongst her peers. It started with her coach Austin Ford, who more than teaching her techniques taught her that there are people out there who care about her. It is something she repeats often when speaking about Austin, repeating how much he cares about her.
That is something you hear a fighter like Demetrious Johnson echo when he speaks about the close relationship he has with his coach Matt Hume. A coach who cares about you as a fighter and a person is one who is always trying to help you get better.
Not only did Claire find the MMA community but they also found her. She has been embraced by the UFC and Dana White. To illustrate some of Claire’s specialness, she can make Dana cute. There is really no other way to describe the smile on his face as he’s watching Claire talk to Ronda on his phone.
Besides just turning her own life around Claire is also helping others through her organization – Bullied But Not Broken. Through that organization Claire has interviewed Ronda Rousey and most recently UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson.
Claire and Demetrious discuss being bullied, some things you can do if you are being bullied and how he got his nickname.
You can checkout the full interview below:
To learn more about the very special and amazing Claire Tietgen, her organization Bullied But Not Broken or how to get more involved then you checkout the following link:
If you want to learn more about Claire’s story then you checkout: welcometothetietgens.com
You can follow Claire and her journey on Twitter @clairetiegen or @bbnotbroken
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