Description
Lay Down or Throw Down – A World Champion Kickboxer’s Journey with Lessons in Perseverance, Business, and Success
By Curtis “The Battlecat” Schuster and S.G. Potter
What does it take to stand back up when life knocks you down?
In Lay Down or Throw Down, two-time ISKA World Champion kickboxer Curtis “The Battlecat” Schuster opens up about the battles that shaped him—inside the ring and far beyond it. From humble beginnings in suburban Seattle to the bright lights of Japan’s K-1 circuit, Schuster’s story isn’t just about fighting opponents—it’s about fighting fear, doubt, and the temptation to quit.
Through powerful storytelling and raw honesty, Schuster reveals how the discipline, humility, and courage forged in combat became the foundation for success in business, leadership, and life. Co-author S.G. Potter, bestselling author and business strategist, distills each chapter into “Lessons Learned”—practical takeaways that translate the mindset of a world champion into tools anyone can use to overcome adversity, lead with confidence, and achieve lasting success.
If you’ve ever faced challenges in your career, your relationships, or your own self-belief, this book will remind you that resilience—not perfection—is what defines a champion.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, athlete, or anyone striving to reach the next level, Lay Down or Throw Down will ignite the fighter within you and teach you how to turn pain into power, failure into fuel, and fear into focus.
Jon J – Boxer –
Curtis Schuster’s story hit me harder than any punch I’ve ever taken in the ring. It’s raw, real, and relentlessly honest. Every page reminds you that champions aren’t made in the spotlight, they’re forged in pain, doubt, and the decision to keep standing up. This isn’t just a book about fighting; it’s a book about living with purpose.
Janey Morales, CEO, AP Performance –
Lay Down or Throw Down should be required reading for every entrepreneur. Curtis’s mindset in the ring mirrors what it takes to win in business: discipline, humility, and courage when everything is on the line. The lessons S.G. Potter extracts throughout the book are pure gold for leaders who want to build teams that never quit.
Eric T –
I’m not an athlete or a business owner, but this book spoke straight to my soul. Curtis’s story helped me see that giving up is a choice, and so is standing up to fight back. After reading it, I made a decision to stop blaming others and start owning my life. It’s more than a book; it’s a wake-up call.
Dr. Ryan K, Leadership Strategist –
Curtis Schuster’s philosophy of ‘Lay Down or Throw Down’ is the perfect metaphor for leadership in today’s world. S.G. Potter weaves Curtis’s life lessons into practical, actionable insights that every executive should apply. This book will help you face fear, lead with grit, and inspire your people to give their all.
Sensei Kim, Martial Arts Instructor –
Curtis brings back the heart of what martial arts was meant to teach: honor, humility, and perseverance. His journey through injury, doubt, and triumph reminded me why I started teaching in the first place. I’ve already recommended this to my students. It’s a powerful guide to mastering not just your craft, but your mindset.