Warum ein spannendes Leben kein Zufall ist | Christian Eckerlin – Spirit Stories 1

What kind of living conditions can be achieved when ambition is a faithful companion? For two days we accompany Christian Eckerlin and learn why an exciting life is not a stroke of luck. He is the center of attention of the German MMA scene, table dance operator and successful YouTuber, impressing hundreds of thousands of people. But what people have contributed to his success? What ideas have helped you achieve notable feats in life? What motivates you in life? And above all: What can be learned from his life story? This is episode 1 of Spirit Stories. 50 kilometers from Frankfurt, family life benefits from the harmonious intimacy of the rural region.

The property is the result of the joint effort of the family over several years. An ideal retreat that not only allows you to recharge after everyday struggles, but also represents a paradise for growing young children. But the early morning hours are characterized by small teething problems for the Eckerlin family. You can't be good at everything. Sit down, fasten your seatbelt, drive. Honey, could you do that? Your brother will give you a little bit of egg, a little bit yes. I think the egg is delicious. Okay, where's your Maxi egg? It's definitely good to have children. Although it happened a little earlier than planned.

I became a father at 28 years old. It took a while for my wife to sit up. She wanted, well, to live a little first let's say, but now she also regrets that we didn't do it two or three years earlier, but well, it doesn't matter. Now they are both here and we are very happy about it. Egg? Do you want egg or do you mean carrot? There is mold here. No. It's nice to wake up with the family and, of course, sit at the breakfast table. Look at them both. Looking at their faces is the most beautiful thing.

My wife might think differently about that. But for the short time I'm here, it's much nicer to be with them. We had the same goal in mind. Regarding starting a family, she said that she would like to start a family early. He was also the one who started talking about marriage. I was very happy about that, it's not something you hear often anymore, especially now. How men seem to hesitate a little when it comes to getting married. That's why I'm very happy. Yes, it was good, since we have the same opinion. It's very difficult these days.

When I see all my teammates, left and right, it's crazy. I can say that I am grateful to God for giving me such a family. My wife is amazing, she takes care of everything, and the kids of course. She is a great mother, I don't think there is a better mother, I have never seen one, that's for sure. But also everything that surrounds me, everything that happens, especially for example when I'm on a diet, my whims and everything that entails, you really have to take your hat off. And like I said, she takes care of my finances, she does everything else that needs to be done.

I don't have to worry about anything and yes, you just have to say thank you. We will build a tower and get a worm. Treating children well is an important investment for the future. Children have a legitimate expectation that they will be treated well. Dominique is an exemplary mother, but how do you find a woman like that? That's a great story too. My now father-in-law told me that he had a car that he needed to take to Ibiza. I told him, yes, I will do it, no problem. I arrived in Ibiza. There was an elevator that barely fit two suitcases.

I wanted to go to the fourth floor and suddenly things got stuck. It got stuck and it felt like 40, 50 degrees in the elevator. I think I was there for half an hour until it started working again. He was soaked in sweat down to his underwear and she opens the door and he looks like this. I was already training then, I was already quite muscular, you know, and that's how we first met. The first time I saw him was when he got stuck in an elevator, on vacation. Of course, I was immediately blinded by his upper body, you could say that.

Getting to know each other in general was fun. The first few months we met secretly at all the rest stops. We know that everyone else stops here on the highway. I'm from the outskirts of Frankfurt and he's from Frankfurt and we always met in the afternoons at different rest stops and we chatted for a long time and it was a nice time. We were very young, we were in our early 20s. Yes, it was very cool. Why does it look like that there? She had just been born, this is the first photo of you two. After breakfast, the family usually gathers on the couch to watch the kids be kids.

Look here. What are you doing? Owl! Sometimes it is better not to push children in a certain direction, but to let them move forward. Of course, you should help, maybe give some good advice, but in the end it all depends on their own heads, on the decisions they make. That's what I experienced and lived. Thank God everything turned out well, everything could have been different, like many things in sport, without major injuries or anything like that, that of course is also important, but speaking of the children: of course, I try to help them in every way. situations where I can, and will for the rest of my life.

On Saturdays, the training schedule includes sparring. After spending the morning with his family, Christian has to pack his bags and leave for Frankfurt. The children stay close to him and enjoy a few last moments with his father, since he won't be back until late at night. I am always willing to train. Of course there are moments that are difficult, where maybe I need to motivate myself a little more, but basically, I have been a professional athlete all my life, I know what that entails, and that's why... it's not. It's always nice, but most of the time it's nice.

Serious athletics presupposes that self-motivation is no longer needed to complete training sessions. For almost two decades, Christian has carried out impressive training with strict discipline. From professional footballer to boxer, from boxer to MMA fighter. This dedication to the sport is deeply rooted today and allows him to achieve various types of feats. For a long time, the pursuit of strength or reputation has not been the focus. After so many years, he considers it his responsibility to significantly increase awareness of the sport in Germany. But what prompted you to explore his abilities? It all started after the first two or three fights with friends.

They said, "Wow, this is crazy, why don't you go to the boxing club?" Just around the corner, close to us. That's what I did a little later and then I learned the hard way, right? There were many. from the Russians, with whom I later also went to discos. Everything continued and there may have been some sparring units in the club. All these experiences, which I have taken with me, that is who I am now as a final result. I'm not done with everything yet, but that's definitely a big part of where I am now. I'll tell you how I think about it: this path has made it difficult for me in terms of martial arts.

Niels Schlägel is a key figure in Christian's life. and in German MMA. Almost 15 years ago he laid the foundations of the MMA

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and opened a major and successful MMA gym in Germany. A highly competent manager who knows business well and can discuss important topics in great depth. They have been friends for almost 20 years. Few people know Christian as well as Niels. Having been friends for so long, it's easy for him to tell a fascinating account of Christian's beginnings. I think it's exciting. I find it fascinating how such a young person, whom I knew from a very young age, has maintained this enthusiasm for sport in general, not only for martial arts, but for sport and athletics in general, during all this time, through many difficulties and through many injuries.

And this is something that, unfortunately, is not seen very often. I myself have worked in martial arts for over 20 years and have seen many people come and go, some of whom did it for years, but doing it for so long at this level and with this attitude, continuing to do it with the same mentality. , it is always admirable. During the time he started martial arts, it wasn't about fame, it wasn't about money, it could only have been about the love for the sport itself. And very quickly he became fascinated with it. Although he started in boxing, when he came into contact with MMA, he immediately got into it.

And he has maintained this love. It is what motivates him, especially because he knows what this sport has given him. And that is something that he wants to take to the outside world, especially now with the responsibility he has, of being able to positively influence other people, of getting them to dedicate their lives to sport, whether as a professional or amateur athlete or simply as a hobby, that It doesn't matter at all, but the fascination of knowing your mind and your body, even in extreme situations. I just recovered from a cold or illness. Today is the first training session since Wednesday of last week.

But it's always the same. Without MMA? Well, I think I would have gone through life in an even wilder way, I think even more aggressively. That's how it was. In reality they were nothing more than fights from Thursday to Saturday, fights, one after another. If I hadn't had MMA, I would have continued like this my entire life. Maybe I had no goal, in business yes, but not in sport. Football would have been history. Of course, thanks to MMA I also have the discipline of martial arts and of course for other people in a completely different way, that is also something that makes me think: Why should I get involved in street fights?

I have a goal and I get paid well for it. And that, well, it would have been very antisocial without it. It is impossible for someone who has dedicated a large part of his life to sports not to gain valuable knowledge about himself as a person. Those who continue to focus on the sport will always be rewarded. Abundantly. Of course, he gained a lot from it. I traveled all over the world, trained everywhere, met a lot of people. And what changed my personality, at that moment, is linked to the other issue, that I became calmer, that I no longer got into fights as much.

I learned things like that and, of course, camaraderie, that is evident. I have been with them for more than 15 years, my manager Niels or Daniel. It would be too much to list them all here, but that's why I started, Niels and Daniel. Of course, this has given me a lot, a lot. Not only from a financial point of view, but also in terms of my personality, my attitude towards life, everything has changed accordingly, in a positive way. Hehe, there it is, your dumpling. You simply can't always get the best performance in training. Due to the cold, you were able to watch it with me today.

I was a little exhausted, I did a little less than usual. But you have to listen to your body. That is the most important thing, health. You shouldn't take it the wrong way when things aren't going so well, but rather take advantage of what you've done. And the most important thing, as I said, is health and that must be at the forefront. Success

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rarely write themselves. Friends who suggest interesting ideas, trust you, or inspire you are often co-responsible for achieving important goals. Someone who has played a prominent role in Christian's life is his old friend and German MMA icon, Daniel Weichel.

He has recently become a father again and enjoys an isolated life in the mountainous region of southern Hesse. A friendship that began 15 years ago in the then unknown German MMA movement and that continues to this day, after both entered large international stages. What's always been the same with Christian and what's so great is his basic manners, his honesty, his openness, his loyalty as a friend. This is something that has been a common thread, which I absolutely appreciate as a friend. Just like it was with martial arts when I started. Many people come and go and it is the same in everyone's life.

Friends come and go or whatever and this constant has just stayed with him, the loyalty, the friendship has remained important. Discipline and willpower are definitely crucial, because without these two qualities it would be quite difficult to stay on top of things for a long time and be successful. Because in a fighter's career, I know from my own experience, there are always ups and downs. It doesn't even have to be directly related to competitions. Some days are good, other days are bad in training, in competitions and in short, to go further and continue, that's just discipline and willpower whether you have it or not.

In almost every fight Christian has fought, Daniel was by his side. Photographs and videos from the past show the beginnings of both athletes. This is around my 21st or 22nd birthday. As you can see, it's been a few years since then. The photograph was most likely taken after Christian's first fight. Everyone is happy, he won. And that photo was in Romania. Christian just did weight training. We did some work in the hotel hallway. Here, he is readjusting between rounds. It can be seen that the conditions were definitely different from today. Today we have crazy warm-up rooms, everything you need, with mats on the floor.

Back then, we went out into the hallway and waited for it to be warm enough to sweat and trained with pads. The image of the victory right after KSW, really cool, joy, pure emotion. Huge stage, great event, victory,really crazy. Back in Frankfurt, at a friend's steakhouse. Loyal companionship is very important to Christian. Over the years he has formed a solid and loyal circle of confidants, with whom he spends time almost daily. Steak 200g, medium without butter? Most of the people around him have been with him for more than 10 years. Being able to maintain relationships for such a long period of time speaks to a mature understanding of human nature and respectful interaction.

If there is no cream today, I swear, I will be shocked. I want to have the same, but with a lot of love. It would be a miracle if you didn't want the same thing. After enjoying a Kaiserschmarrn, we go to work at the Bahnhofsviertel. Why didn't you get another color? Then you could have played taxi. What a victim! Shut up now. Upon arriving at the station, as always, we found ourselves in the middle of an explosive situation. Move, man, hey! Get in your car, man. Get in your car. Idiot! See. Yeah, come in, idiot. Do you want me to go there?

Pisser, start driving, idiot. You are a bastard! Frankfurt's train station and red light district are known throughout Germany. A place that has been regular news for several decades. Once known as a bustling neighborhood with many up-and-coming restaurants, bars, and clubs, the media today focuses on reporting on the numerous violent and drug-related crimes. Visitor intentions vary. Sex in the Laufhaus, a fun evening with table dancing or, often unintentionally, a one-way ticket to the world of drugs. Christian has been professionally involved there since his youth and is familiar with the dynamics. A difficult area, which refines the character.

Good morning to you. - How are you? - Long time no see. Good night. Come in, take a seat. The red light made me rich in terms of experiences. I'm not that old. I have been at this stage for almost 15 years, not in what I do now, but I worked the door here at the station. That has enriched me as a human being and as a person. The, let's say, financial, the financial part, of course it goes with her, that's for sure, but now she should be a rich person or something like that. I am quite normal, I am happy, I can offer my children and my wife a good life, I have food and drink, of course I can afford a little more than perhaps other people.

So so so. Come on, come on, dance. You have a good body to dance. No, no, not today. Good afternoon how are you? Good afternoon. What a boss, right? Nobody does that, welcoming everyone here, right? I think Christian has a big advantage in that he also started from relatively very low, he didn't come from a rich family, he just fought his way up. And when you've fought your way up from the bottom, you somehow appreciate it differently. He does it especially well because, of course, he pays attention to who he leaves in what position. So that people naturally convey this correctly in the right positions.

If Christian realizes that there is someone somewhere oppressing other people, he will not tolerate it. But, of course, he is not easy to convince. He draws a clear line. And besides, Christian is just plain funny. I have to admit. Of course, this creates an incredibly pleasant work environment. Yes. The music is missing. Let them play the music, hey DJ. Yes, the other thing I have to mention is, of course, the circle of friends I have. It's not just a mere friendship, I mean, most of them are also my employees and work for me, but of course I've been with them half my life.

It's like he's in his place. And that is not the case for many companies. I can trust them 100%. I know that when I say or order something, it will be regulated in the business sense just as I imagine it. People know me and that is something that not everyone has and it is difficult to find. But of course I'm also proud of that and that's also part of my success in life. It wasn't just me, but many aspects have come into play. The family, and especially my stepfather, helped me, and and and. Of course, the circle of friends who pushed me at that time.

Sunday is family day. I could just plop down there. A stark contrast to the day before. Yes, in any case, the most beautiful day for me is being at home all day with the children. Training is always hard, business is always hard and here is just the day, Sunday, it's like being on vacation. Where I can just relax, unwind and play with the kids etc, which is priceless, right? Yes, Maxi asked for a quadricycle ride. We'll go outside in the freezing cold. Go quad biking. The role of a father is to lead, encourage, discover, encourage and affirm.

He allows children to have a variety of experiences, provides guidance and promotes courage and strength. For the father himself, it is a way to experience his own inner child and to experience authentic emotions. If you always have to show a solid professional position, you will enjoy a reasonable dose of fun with your children, without having to accept expectations and demands from other people in the professional environment. Now we will have a barbecue and then we will eat when the weather is good. Not outside, it's too cold. But I am a renowned barbecue master. What you can see here, look.

They're done, look. I open it only once. You just can't learn something like this. We are having dinner with the family now. Like every Sunday. And then we'll take the horses outside, or a horse. The other two. We have some invalids here. I think that's why we only took one horse today. Here Maxi, could you pour the oil on top? Yes, you will receive some too. Potatoes too. And now mom will give you some meat. Do you like it? Can mom have some of yours too? That's my horse. Yes, give me one. Actually? Not good. You need to take another one.

Mom, I want to clean the hooves. - Yes. - Okay, let it go, honey. Maxi, sit properly. Am. No, keep your back straight. Straight back. How are you? Make us laugh, please! Correctly! One, two and that's it. Damn, how heavy. Maxi, will you come please? What is that way of life like? You should never give up. You always have to stubbornly pursue your goals, be disciplined and then everyone will be able to do it. I come from nothing, really from zero. I played football, of course, and won a little money, but then there was nothing. I had to start from scratch again.

Like I said, anyone who believes in his goals or dreams can do this. That's how I've been doing it my whole life. And so far, thank God, everything has turned out just as I dreamed. The other is, of course, the circle of friends. I've been with most of them since day one. This has been a huge help for me, the team

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and everything that comes with it. Like I said, I could never have done it alone. So thank you very much and my respect to the people who have been by my side for years. Therefore, I can only recommend or advise everyone to choose their circle of friends well.

With them you will fall or stay still. In conclusion, I can say that sport has offered me everything, but my personal ambition, of course, has driven things more than anything else. Christian, of course, enjoys and savors beautiful things. But what is much more important to me is that he is a person who does not forget his surroundings, who thinks about others, who wants to share his love for life with others. And what many, many don't know, but what I think, is a general discussion that we are having here, to what extent one should make public if they are helping or supporting other people.

I totally believe that we should talk about these things, especially in your position, because you have already helped so many people in different situations. Whether it is people or children, in particular, who are suffering from serious illnesses, or if you are simply out of the house and there is someone who needs help, then Christian will always be someone who reaches out, who supports, who helps, who does not make fun of, but who tries Make the most of your power in those moments, as well as provide support. I am very pleased with how he has developed further in this regard and of course also in his attitude towards his own family, that is where things come into effect, and he knows exactly how wonderful it is to be able to give back. . .