Daisy Fresh: An American Jiu-Jitsu Story

Daisy Fresh S3E4 Recap: The End Of An Era & New Beginnings

Daisy Fresh S3E4 Recap: The End Of An Era & New Beginnings

In the fourth episode of season 3, we meet decorated wrestler Michael Pixley, and PSF is threatened by a city cease and desist notice.

Jun 21, 2023 by Liam Stein
DF (S3,EP4)

With continued success on and off the mats, the Pedigo Submission Fighting crew at Daisy Fresh has begun to outgrow the laundromat in which the team was born. The Wiltse brothers, Andrew and Bird, have now purchased a house, upgrading their living situation and providing them with a space to further their journey in content creation and production of instructional videos. As they celebrate the journey thus far, Andrew shares an anecdote about an unexpected trap of his newfound revenue: paying taxes for the first time. Later, he opens up about his mental health struggles during his time off the mats due to compounding injuries.

As the team expands, newcomers join PSF from all walks of life. The gym takes in athletes from all over the world; some members still reside on the gym mats, while many more have taken to living in sheds or cars in the already overflowing parking lot. Among the new faces, Michael Pixley stands out. A brilliant wrestler with a hardened demeanor, Pixley was one of the country's top high school wrestlers before a college career that culminated in winning an NCAA DII championship at McKendree University. He's quickly humbled as he transitions from wrestling to BJJ, finding camaraderie and support from Heath and the rest of the PSF team.

Winning gold at No-Gi Worlds as a blue belt, Pixley's journey takes an exciting turn as he earns the opportunity to compete alongside Jacob Couch on an upcoming Tezos WNO card. After controlling the action in his bout against former No-Gi Worlds opponent Cameron Couch, Pixley feels a weight lifted off his shoulders. With the competition behind him, Pixley shows appreciation to Heath and his fellows' genuine care and support at PSF, having found a family in his team.

Couch's match at WNO is a demonstration of confidnece, a victory over David Garmo by inside heel hook from a false reap. This victory propels Couch into the top-10 rankings, further solidifying his status as one of the world's best after impressive performances at the Who's Number One Championship, ADCC East Coast trials, and previous Tezos WNOs.

Back in Mt. Vernon, the PSF team faces an unexpected challenge. Foreshadowed by the legendary Daisy Fresh sign falling off the laundromat. With the overflow of athletes living at the gym, the city of Mt. Vernon sent a cease-and-desist order. As the team grapples with this obstacle, Heath maintains unwavering determination and optimism, confident the team will find a way through.

In the face of adversity and change, the PSF team and its members continue to demonstrate the life-changing impact of jiu-jitsu and the power of a supportive community. Pixley's experience with PSF exemplifies this transformative journey: "It's a privilege for me to be out there with Heath. Having someone that actually cares about me, as my coach, rather than somebody that I'm just there to make them look better. He would do anything for me, and I truly believe that. PSF to the death."