About This Episode

In this episode, I reflect on the power of building a Jiu-Jitsu network long before a crisis hits. I share my personal journey from feeling isolated during a gym departure as a blue belt to having a strong, supportive community when I faced a similar situation as a black belt. I talk about the value of cross-training, attending open mats, and building an authentic reputation that opens doors in ways you might not even realize.

Chapters

1. 0:00 – Intro: The "Ick" Factor of Networking
2. 1:22 – Authenticity Over Sales: My Approach to Building Connections
3. 2:48 – Escaping the "Home Gym" Bubble
4. 4:15 – The Benefits of Cross-Training and Open Mats
5. 6:08 – Why Your Home Gym Might Not Always Be the Best Fit
6. 7:45 – Preparing for the "Crisis": When Gyms Close or Leadership Changes
7. 9:32 – A Tale of Two Departures: Blue Belt vs. Black Belt
8. 12:15 – The Surprise Lifeline from 5 Peaks Jiu-Jitsu
9. 14:40 – Your Reputation Travels Faster Than You Do
10. 16:20 – Networking as a Professional Asset
11. 17:55 – Final Thoughts & Community Resources

Takeaways

1. Cross-Pollinate: Don't limit yourself to one gym's perspective; visiting other academies exposes you to different teaching styles, cultures, and techniques that will sharpen your adaptability.
2. Reputation is Currency: Your interpersonal skills and how you treat your training partners matter more than any medal; a solid reputation creates a safety net for whenever your training situation inevitably changes.
3. Build the Lifeline Early: Networking isn't about self-promotion—it's about having authentic relationships and a community to turn to before you find yourself in a "training crisis."

Are You You New To The Podcast? Start Here!

Stay ConnectedDFM Coaching

For remote coaching, seminars, mindset tools, and more:

Join the FREE Skool DFM Coaching Community.

🌐 www.DFMCoachingBjj.com

📸 Instagram @DFMCoaching.Bjj

▶️ YouTube @DFM2099

DFM Coaching | Bjj Blog

Long-form storytelling, deep strategy, and the philosophy behind the fight:

🌐 DFM Coaching Substack Blog

BJJ Mental Models Support

I'm proud to be an official affiliate of BJJ Mental Models—a deep resource library of conceptual Jiu-Jitsu that has helped thousands of grapplers simplify their learning.

Use my link to explore their premium offerings and support the show:

👉 Join BJJ Mental Models+

(Code: FIGUEROAMARTINEZ)

Support the Mission

If you found this episode valuable, please share it with a teammate, repost it to your story, or leave a quick review where ever you listen.

That’s how we grow and keep the signal strong.

Stay tapped in.

Thank you,

David Figueroa-Martinez

Founder, DFM Coaching Bjj

Coach | Writer | Grappler

DFM Coaching Bjj is dedicated to helping you overcome mental hurdles and achieve your full potential in BJJ. Whether through in-person instruction, seminars, private lessons, remote coaching, or video analysis, I provide personalized support tailored to your needs. Keep pushing forward, and let’s grow together!

Mentioned in this episode:

DFM Coaching Bjj Skool community