Forever White Belt

In this episode, I'm joined by a true innovator in the Jiu Jitsu world—Nelson Puentes, the co-founder of Inverted Gear and a third-degree black belt who has spent years traveling the globe, training, teaching, and building community.

Nelson and his wife, Hillary, launched Inverted Gear in 2012 with a mission to create high-quality Jiu Jitsu gear that reflected both personality and performance. What started as a small brand with a sleepy panda logo has since become one of the most popular companies in the BJJ scene, known for its thoughtful design, ethical manufacturing, and strong connection to the Jiu Jitsu lifestyle.

But Nelson’s journey goes far beyond the GI. He’s also the head instructor at Inverted Gear Academy in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where he’s built a culture rooted in play, accessibility, and deep conceptual learning.

In this conversation, Nelson and I explore his early days in Jiu Jitsu, his philosophy on teaching, how traveling shaped his approach to training, his love of German food, and the challenges and lessons that came with creating businesses from the ground up.

Links:

https://www.invertedgearacademy.com/

https://www.invertedgear.com/

https://www.instagram.com/invertedgearnelson/

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#brazilianjiujitsu #jiujitsu #grappling #bjj #bjjglobetrotters

I’m incredibly honored to share a conversation with someone whose work has had a massive influence on my own jiu-jitsu journey, from the earliest stages right up to today—Rob Biernacki.

Rob is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and the head instructor at Island Top Team in Nanaimo, British Columbia. He’s also the mastermind behind BJJ Concepts, the groundbreaking instructional platform that redefined the way so many of us—me included—think about learning jiu-jitsu.

Rob’s approach is rooted in logic, structure, and conceptual clarity. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by technique after technique, his material gives you a framework to understand jiu-jitsu. His teachings on alignment, structure, and posture-based control completely changed how I see the art, and I know I’m not alone.

In this episode, Rob and I discuss his evolution as a coach, The Roadhouse Choke, and how to develop a game built on principles, not memorization. We get into his thoughts on the direction of the sport, the pitfalls of conventional training, and what keeps him excited to keep exploring and teaching.

Rob’s one of the few voices in the BJJ world that consistently advocates smarter, more efficient learning. I can't overstate how much his content has shaped how I train and communicate about Jiu-Jitsu to others.

Links:

https://www.instagram.com/islandtopteamhttps://islandtopteam.com/https://bjjconcepts.net/

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#brazilianjiujitsu #jiujitsu #grappling #bjj

Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Randy William, who is quickly becoming a powerful and refreshing voice in the Jiu-Jitsu community.Randy is a BJJ black belt, competitor, and passionate content creator known for his sharp technical insights, detailed instructionals, and thought-provoking breakdowns that reach thousands across Instagram, YouTube, and beyond. His ability to clearly articulate complex techniques while keeping things real, relatable, and approachable has made him a favorite among students and practitioners looking for smarter, more effective ways to evolve their games.What stands out about Randy isn’t just his skill on the mat—it's his dedication to sharing practical, no-fluff jiu-jitsu knowledge and creating accessible pathways for grapplers at all stages of their journey. In this conversation, we get into Randy’s personal evolution in jiu-jitsu, his teaching philosophy, what inspires his content creation, and how he approaches growth both as a practitioner and a coach. We also dive into the importance of training environments, how to handle setbacks, and his broader vision for the sport’s future.Links:https://www.instagram.com/black_belt_randy/https://www.instagram.com/gracie_gulf_coast_bjj/?hl=enhttp://graciegc.com/Salt Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. https://saltelectrolytes.com/?fwb Become a VIP member for only .99 a month, get ad free, uncensored, early episodes https://is.gd/GytgXMInstagram @foreverwhitebeltshow.Go buy your Forever White Belt swag at teespring.com/forever-white-belt.Linktree https://linktr.ee/foreverwhitebelt04:28Randy's Jiu Jitsu Journey06:36Teaching Philosophy and Experience09:28The Evolution of Teaching Methods11:45What Makes a Great Student14:41The Role of Strength and Conditioning16:58Life Lessons from Jiu Jitsu20:40Building a Unique Teaching Style26:21The Importance of Strength Training in Jiu-Jitsu28:45Injury Prevention and Tapping Out30:23Fundamentals of Jiu-Jitsu32:37Techniques and Personal Style34:42Training Philosophy and Principles36:21Aggression vs. Control in Jiu-Jitsu38:33Mastering the Armbar41:44Teaching Self-Defense and Armbar Techniques44:22Creating a Positive Training Culture49:03Criteria for Belting in Jiu-Jitsu50:39Teaching the Teachers51:10Pros and Cons of Different Academies53:34Online Offerings and Instructionals57:47Consistency and Simplicity in Learning01:00:28Aha Moments and Learning Experiences01:02:14Never Quitting: A Lifelong Commitment01:03:32Conceptualizing Difficulty in Jiu-Jitsu01:07:43The Importance of Fundamentals#brazilianjiujitsu #jiujitsu #grappling #bjj

In this episode, Nathan Haddad shares his extensive journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, starting from his early days as a child practitioner to becoming a black belt and esteemed instructor. He discusses his experiences in competition, the evolution of his techniques, and the importance of mindset in grappling. Nathan also delves into his teaching philosophy, the significance of belts in Jiu-Jitsu, and what makes a great student and instructor. He emphasizes the value of consistency in training and shares insights on his future plans and online offerings.

Links:

https://corelouisville.com/

https://coreprobjj.com/catalog

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Instagram @foreverwhitebeltshow.

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00:00

Introduction to Nathan Haddad's Journey

04:32

Core Combat Sports and Family Legacy

05:26

The Impact of PGF on Nathan's Career

07:54

Adapting Strategies in Competition

09:55

Self-Critique and Growth in Jiu-Jitsu

11:36

Competing in Different Environments

12:59

Mindset in High-Stakes Matches

14:11

Balancing Coaching and Competing

15:24

The Art of Teaching Jiu-Jitsu

18:25

Teaching Jiu-Jitsu: Challenges and Growth

20:42

What Makes a Great Student?

22:56

The Evolving Meaning of Belts in Jiu-Jitsu

25:32

Aha Moments in Jiu-Jitsu

26:46

The Importance of Consistency in Training

28:17

Core Pro BJJ: Building a Jiu-Jitsu Library

30:47

Future Goals and Aspirations

31:24

The Debate on Training Approaches

32:26

Qualities of a Great Instructor

33:32

Fond Childhood Memories

33:38

Where to Find Nathan Haddad

In this episode, we are joined by Alex West, a rising figure in the Jiu-Jitsu community, a dedicated instructor, and a fierce competitor.

Alex is a BJJ brown belt and one of the most active and successful competitors in his local scene. He trains and teaches at Precision Jiu-Jitsu in New Hampshire with Shawn Melanson, where he helps shape the next generation of grapplers in a no-gi-focused environment.

In this episode, we dive into Alex’s journey into Jiu-Jitsu, how he balances the demands of training, competing, coaching, and fatherhood, and his insights into the evolution of no-gi grappling. We also discuss his experience working with BJJ Fanatics, his new instructional on leg locks, and his approach to training and developing a competition mindset.

Alex has a fresh and unique perspective on Jiu-Jitsu, and this conversation is packed with valuable insights for competitors, coaches, and hobbyists alike.

Links:

https://linktr.ee/alexwestbjj

https://www.instagram.com/alexwestbjj/

https://precisionjiujitsunh.com/

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I am tremendously honored to sit down with one of the most fascinating figures in the grappling world—Reilly Bodycomb. Reilly is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, a Pan-American Sambo Champion, and an expert in dynamic submission grappling. He teaches at Bay Jiu-Jitsu in San Francisco, where he continues to refine his unique blend of Sambo, Jiu-Jitsu, and wrestling-based strategies.

I first discovered Reilly through his incredible 2015 match against the legendary Eddie Cummings, a bout that showcased his aggressive and technical approach to leg locks and positional dominance. Since then, I’ve been a huge admirer of his work, and getting to speak with him today is truly a privilege.

In this episode, we dive into Reilly’s martial arts journey, his thoughts on integrating Sambo and Jiu-Jitsu, and his approach to teaching and training. We also discuss his experiences in competition, the evolution of grappling, and how he continues to innovate in a constantly changing sport.

Reilly is not only a competitor but a true thinker of the game, and his insights are invaluable for anyone looking to improve their understanding of leg locks, positional control, and effective strategies for modern grappling.

Links:

https://www.rdojo.com/

https://www.instagram.com/rdojo/

https://bayjiujitsu.com/

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Instagram @foreverwhitebeltshow.

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In this episode, I have the absolute pleasure of speaking with Josh Vogel—a third-degree Jiu-Jitsu black belt, co-founder of The Jiu Jitsu Company in Old City, Philadelphia, and creator of the 90-Day Project-Based Jiu-Jitsu program. Josh has over two decades of experience on the mats, and his systematic, project-based approach to learning Jiu-Jitsu has helped countless practitioners make real, measurable progress. His program isn’t just about technique—it offers a comprehensive experience that includes access to their own custom Jiu-Jitsu app, making it an incredibly valuable resource for students looking to level up their game.In this episode, we dive deep into Josh's personal journey, including how he overcame being socially awkward as a youth and developed the communication and leadership skills necessary to become a successful gym owner and instructor. We also explore the unique challenge black belts face when it comes to promotion beyond the black belt and how that impacts personal and professional growth.Additionally, we discuss the pros and cons of a gym’s decision to affiliate or remain independent and how that process has evolved over the years. Josh brings thoughtful insight into what it truly means to run a successful academy in today’s Jiu-Jitsu landscape.Links:https://www.jiujitsuphilly.com/https://www.instagram.com/joshrvogel/https://www.jiujitsumerch.com/BJJ Fanatics https://i.refs.cc/CRqiQ2XXSalt Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. https://saltelectrolytes.com/?fwb Become a VIP member for only .99 a month and get ad-free, uncensored, early episodes podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/foreverwhitebelt/subscribe.Instagram @foreverwhitebeltshow.Go buy your Forever White Belt swag at teespring.com/forever-white-belt.Linktree https://linktr.ee/foreverwhitebelt

evolving asIn this episode, I have the incredible honor of sitting down with Clark Gracie, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and world-renowned competitor, instructor, and academy owner. Clark is the son of 9th-degree red belt Carley Gracie and the grandson of Carlos Gracie, the co-founder of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Thus, he is a living extension of one of the most influential martial arts families in history.

Clark is the owner and head instructor ofClark Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in San Diego, California, where he continues to evolve as both a competitor and coach. While many people associate him with his legendary Omoplata game, in this conversation, Clark reveals there’s much more to his style and strategy than meets the eye.

Clark shares his insights on training consistently, and how his perspective on Jiu-Jitsu has evolved over the years.

Clark discusses the challenges and rewards of running a successful gym, what makes a great student and instructor, and his thoughtful approach to promoting students through the ranks.

Clark also reflects on why he hesitated to share content online for years. This was an incredible conversation with someone who embodies Jiu-Jitsu both on and off the mat. Clark Gracie is a true ambassador for the art, and I’m excited for you to hear his wisdom and experience.

Links:

https://www.instagram.com/clarkgracie/

https://clarkgracie.com/

https://www.clarkgracieconnected.com/

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Instagram@foreverwhitebeltshow.

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Today, we have the honor of speaking with Raoul Audhoe, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under friend of the show, Priit Mihkelson, and a grappling coach with over 20 years of martial arts experience. Based in Amsterdam, Raoul’s martial arts journey began with Capoeira at the age of 15 and has since evolved to include a wide array of disciplines such as kickboxing, Sambo, Shooto, and of course, BJJ.

Raoul is not only a seasoned international competitor, having fought in tournaments across Europe and North America, but he’s also a dedicated coach and founder of TRIBE Grappling, his academy in Amsterdam. Known for his conceptual approach to teaching, Raoul emphasizes posture and overarching principles rather than relying on specific techniques, a method inspired by his mentor, Priit Mihkelson.

In addition to his academy, Raoul is the creator of Whoop Ass Camps, immersive martial arts retreats that bring together enthusiasts from around the globe.

In this episode, we dive into Raoul’s transition from MMA to grappling, his experiences competing internationally, his thoughts on conceptual Jiu-Jitsu, and how he’s building a thriving community of grapplers through his academies and camps.

Links:

https://www.instagram.com/srananjitsu/

https://www.instagram.com/tribegrappling/

https://www.instagram.com/whoopasscamps/

https://whoopasscamps.com/

https://www.tribegrappling.com/

https://www.grapplinginstructionals.com/

https://learn.jiujitsuxfactor.com/

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Instagram @foreverwhitebeltshow

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Join us for an incredibly meaningful conversation with Tryfon Stathopoulos, a second-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the owner and head instructor of North Bay Jiu Jitsu in Novato, California—my home academy and a place that has been truly life-changing for me.

Tryfon has been among the most influential people in my Jiu-Jitsu journey and personal development. His leadership, guidance, and the incredible environment he’s created at North Bay Jiu Jitsu have shaped me both on and off the mat. This academy and its dedicated staff mean the world to me, providing not just a place to train but a community that has helped me grow in ways I could never have imagined.

In this interview, Tryfon shares his journey from starting martial arts training in 2000 to becoming a full-time instructor and competitor. He discusses the challenges and rewards of running a successful academy, his passion for teaching, and his commitment to spreading the healthy and rewarding Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle within his community.

We also dive into his impressive competitive achievements, including medals at the IBJJF World Championships and Pan American Championships, and explore his philosophy on training, competition, and personal growth through martial arts.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the most impactful instructors in the North Bay area and someone who has profoundly influenced my journey.

Links:

⁠https://www.northbayjiujitsu.com/⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/northbayjiujitsu/

Filming by Serani Agency https://www.seraniagency.com/

Editing by Monks Media Works https://www.monksmedia.works/

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Instagram @foreverwhitebeltshow

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