In this documentary series (Matlife Chronicles PSF) we will be traveling around the country covering the top gyms from coast to coast. Our goal is to provide our fans with an in-depth look at the biggest gyms in the country. We showcase training from the best professional fighters in the world. PSF – The Daisy Fresh Laundromat.
We visit Pedigo Submission Fighting based out of Mount Vernon, Illinois. This gym is home to head coach Heath Pedigo. Andrew Wiltse, Bird Wiltse, Jorge Valladares, Jacob Couch, Jakob Brooks, Tad Cravens, Jordan Butler, Michael Pixley, Marshall Roberts, Rondo Moss, and many more.
Firstly, Pedigo covers his life story in jiu-jitsu from the beginning until his team won the Pans Championship in 2021.
The story begins by explaining how his father, brother, and himself watched the first UFC back in 1993.
Heath and his brother immediately fell in love with MMA. Secondly, he explains that they were already active in boxing from a young age, so the transition was seamless.
Heath received a sponsorship at the early age of 12 years old from the famous “Tapout” gear. He would continue his childhood learning martial arts, traveling to different gyms. He would eventually find a home with Rodrigo Vaghi in St. Louis which was only about a 2-hour drive from his hometown.
Now, the gym is frequently visited by jiu jitsu lovers from all across the globe. Pedigo explains that it is not unordinary for the gym to receive up to 15 visitors a week from different states.
Be sure to watch the rest of the Matlife Chronicles documentaries on our Youtube channel including PSF.
Equipment
This episode of the documentary was shot with a Panasonic Lumix G7 (14-140 mm G-Vario lense). We plan on including drone footage for our next documentary, so be sure to check out reviews of the best drones on the market.