Forever White Belt

In this episode, I have a great conversation with Ryan Aitken, an amazing Black Belt at 10th Planet Atlanta under friend of the show, Sean Applegate.

In this episode, we have an exceptional returning guest - 1st Degree Jay Pages Black Belt, Josh Janis.

Josh and Brown Belt Meghan Wagner are the driving force behind the White Lotus Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy in the heart of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. But his impact extends far beyond the mats of his academy. Through his ventures like MyOdisee and Gentle Art Lifestyle, Josh coaches professionals and individuals on interpersonal communication development, strategy, and personal growth, all while spreading the ethos of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

With over two decades of training, Josh is renowned for his painless, precise, and playful approach to the art. Today, we delve deep into various aspects of training and safety, exploring the nuances of language, the importance of breath, and the philosophy of the tap.

At White Lotus, they embrace an inclusive vision of Jiu Jitsu, emphasizing playfulness, painlessness, and precision. It's a haven for hobbyists and enthusiasts alike, where the pursuit of growth and camaraderie reign supreme.

Join us as we explore Josh's insights on leadership, creativity, and his endeavors to share the gentle art with the world. From his Patreon offerings to his nearly free seminar tours, Josh's dedication to spreading the joy of Jiu Jitsu knows no bounds.

Links:

ig @joshuaj_bjj

ig @whitelotusbjj

⁠https://www.patreon.com/GentleArtLifestyle⁠

⁠https://www.myodisee.com/⁠

⁠https://www.gentleartlifestyle.com/

In this episode, we have a very special guest, Seattle, WA Black Belt Sonia Sillan. Sonia is an incredible entrepreneur, a dedicated mother, and the owner of two Jiu Jitsu academies—Combat Arts Academy and Burien Brazilian Jiu Jitsu—as well as a fitness gym. Her journey to success was far from typical. In this episode, you'll hear the fascinating story of how Sonia, then a Blue Belt, was unexpectedly left in charge of an academy with almost no business experience. Despite the many ups and downs, she navigated the challenges and built a thriving business with low attrition rates. Whether you own an academy, dream of running one someday, or are simply curious about what it takes to operate a successful Jiu Jitsu academy, you won't want to miss this episode. Sonia was super gracious with her time, and I greatly appreciated her transparency in sharing her story. In our conversation, Sonia shares insights on believing in oneself, having confidence, and staying true to one’s vision. We dive into her sales process, website philosophy, and the value of focusing on the customer's goals. We also discuss crucial aspects of running a martial arts academy, including the importance of pricing, coach development, and training, creating standard operating procedures (SOPs), and ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all students. Sonia highlights the benefits of women's programs and the Girls in Gis organization, shares her personal journey of recovery and prevention and discusses the tools and applications she uses to manage her academies, including Zen Planner and Discord.

Links:

https://caaseattle.com/

https://www.instagram.com/delridgestrength/

https://www.instagram.com/burienbjj

https://www.instagram.com/combatartsacademy

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I couldn't be more thrilled about the episode we have in store for you today. This interview has been on my bucket list for a long time, and I'm very honored to bring you this conversation.

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of jiu-jitsu with none other than Jon Calestine, a black belt under the esteemed Daisuke Yamaji of the Renzo Gracie Fight Academy. But Jon's journey doesn't stop there; he's trained extensively with luminaries such as Eddie Cummings, John Danaher, Gordon Ryan, the rest of the DDS, and more, shaping him into the formidable grappler and coach he is today.

Jon is renowned as one of the premier 145-pound grapplers of his generation, having made waves in the submission-only professional grappling circuit with victories at events like the Eddie Bravo Invitational, Onnit Invitational, Sapateiro Invitational, and Finishers Sub-Only.In this episode, Jon shares invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of leg locks in jiu-jitsu, drawing from his vast experience and expertise. Moreover, he offers a rare glimpse into the early days of his training, rubbing shoulders with the previously mentioned legends Eddie Cummings and John Danaher.

Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just starting your jiu-jitsu journey, Jon's wealth of knowledge and effective teaching style make his content a must-watch. Join us as we unravel the intricacies of the sport with one of its most respected figures.

Links:

https://linktr.ee/joncalestine

https://www.joncalestine.com/

https://www.instagram.com/jon_calestine

https://www.patreon.com/JonCalestine

In this episode, we have a special guest: Katie Casimir from the famed King Kneebar duo, Bendy & Katie.

At the heart of our conversation lies the story of Bendy Casimir, a Paris native who found his way to the United States through the world of MMA, eventually becoming enamored with jiu jitsu and the intricacies of kneebars. His journey, intertwined with that of his wife Katie, a former kickboxer turned grappler, led to the creation of the renowned King Kneebar system.

What sets Bendy and Katie apart is their relentless pursuit of knowledge within jiu jitsu. Their King Kneebar course isn't just for experts; it's for anyone passionate about the sport and eager to embrace the journey of continuous learning. As they aptly put it, "There is no destination in jiu jitsu.".

Throughout our discussion, we'll uncover the essence of their teachings, the philosophy behind their approach, and the collaborative spirit that drives their passion. From their experiences training with legends like Robert Drysdale to the invaluable lessons learned from their own students, Bendy and Katie embody the spirit of lifelong students.

Join us as we explore the intricacies of the King Kneebar system, from the basics to the advanced techniques, and discover how this dynamic duo is shaping the landscape of jiu jitsu education. So whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just beginning your journey, prepare to be inspired, challenged, and ultimately, transformed by the wisdom of Bendy & Katie Casimir.

Links:

https://www.instagram.com/king_kneebar/

https://linktr.ee/king_kneebar

https://www.instagram.com/bendycasimir/

https://www.instagram.com/the_casimir_project/

In this episode, we have one of my favorite people, Michael Liera Jr., a second-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under André Galvão, renowned as one of the most talented competitors of his generation. From his early success winning multiple world titles at different belt levels to founding his academy, Lōgōs Jiu-Jitsu Academy, in Denver, Colorado.

In this episode, we delve into Michael's transition from being a single-focused competitor to assuming the role of academy owner and leader. We uncover his high fight IQ, his earnest respect for warmups, competition, tradition, and potential.

As we explore Michael's journey, listeners will gain valuable takeaways about the importance of mentorship, self-awareness, and adaptability. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just beginning your Jiu-Jitsu journey, this episode offers a wealth of wisdom and inspiration.

Tune in to discover more about Michael's journey, his approach to training and competition, and the unique culture at Lōgōs Jiu-Jitsu Academy.

Links:

IG:

@lierajr

@delaliera

@logosbjjdenver

YT:

https://www.youtube.com/@Delalierahttps://logosjiujitsu.com/

Today on the show, we have Jarrell Garcia Ed.D. At 33, Dr. Garcia is a 10th Planet Bethlehem, PA black belt under Zach Maslany and JM Holland. His journey extends beyond the mats, as he brings a wealth of knowledge and academic prowess to the conversation. Armed with a doctorate in Education, Dr. Garcia specializes in topics of athletic identity, leadership, and organization management.

Currently serving as a college professor and the Associate Director at the University of Rhode Island, Dr. Garcia's impact reaches far beyond the confines of academia. Originally hailing from the dynamic streets of Brooklyn, New York, he completed all his schooling in Pennsylvania before embarking on a transformative decade in California.

During his time in the Bay Area, Dr. Garcia spent 3.5 years training at 10th Planet Walnut Creek, a period that coincided with his professional tenure at UC Berkeley. This intersection of academic expertise and Jiu Jitsu mastery paints a fascinating picture of a man who seamlessly integrates the discipline of the mind with the body's physicality.

Join us as we delve into the unique journey of Dr. Jarrell Garcia, exploring the intricacies of balancing a thriving career, academic pursuits, and a profound passion for Jiu Jitsu. This episode promises to be filled with insights, inspiration, and wisdom from a decade of navigating the diverse landscapes of education, athleticism, and personal growth.

IG https://www.instagram.com/garciagriponlife/

We are joined by the esteemed Michael Demko, Head Instructor of the renowned "Wrecking Crew BJJ" family martial arts school. As a Black Belt under living legends Rigan Machado and Erik Paulson, Mike Demko brings a wealth of experience to the mat. His coaching prowess has propelled fighters to amateur and professional championships, with many achieving success in major promotions such as Bellator. Notably, Mike leads one of the best kids teams in the country, consistently dominating local tournaments and making impressive showings at NAGA World's.

Our paths first crossed at the 2023 BJJ Globetrotters Arizona camp, where Mike's session on "Getting Better at Getting Better. Learning and skill acquisition for Jiu Jitsu" left an indelible mark. Today's episode is not just special; it's a master class on Deliberate Training. Mike Demko shares a wealth of critical information beneficial for both coaches and students. So, grab a notebook and take notes, as we'll provide a download link in the show notes for an outline and mind map PDF related to today's discussion. While other shows might charge for this kind of valuable information, we are thrilled to offer it to you for free. Enjoy and feel free to re-watch or re-listen as needed.

Links:

https://wreckingcrewbjj.com/

IG https://www.instagram.com/wreckingcrewbjj

YT https://www.youtube.com/@wreckingcrewbjj4271

Deliberate Practice PDF share

In this episode, we are joined by an OG in the martial arts community - Jay Jack, co-owner of "The Academy" in Portland, Maine.

Remember to like, share, and subscribe, and go check out our FWB merchandise, we've got coffee mugs, hats, sweatshirts, and more.

Jay's martial arts journey began at the age of 5 with Karate, leading him through a rich tapestry of disciplines, including Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do, and Judo. He spent five years studying Shaolin Chin-Na under the renowned Yang Jwing Ming, and his dedication to Jiu-Jitsu and Vale Tudo has been unwavering since finding the legendary, Amal Easton in 1998.

As a decorated fighter with victories in organizations like Ring of Fire and Gladiator Challenge, Jay is not just an accomplished athlete but also an exceptional instructor. Having produced numerous decorated athletes, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our conversation.

We'll delve into the unique On-Ramp Program at The Academy, designed to make that first step into Jiu-Jitsu less intimidating. Jay will share insights into his teaching philosophy, the fusion of diverse martial arts disciplines, and the challenges and rewards of online learning through his platform, FunctionalBJJ.

Links:

The GoFundMe for Jay's Recovery

⁠https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-to-help-jay-jack-and-mandy-buckner⁠

Functional BJJ

⁠https://functionalbjj.vhx.tv/⁠

The Academy Maine

⁠https://www.theacademymaine.com/⁠

A news report on the head-on collision Jay was a victim of.

⁠https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/new-hampshire-man-dies-in-falmouth-spur-crash-maine/97-d53cff0a-6a1c-41c0-b311-23dc509ad6ad⁠

In this episode, we have Isak Ivanovic. Isak, a Purple Belt under the guidance of Lachlan Giles, has honed his skills through extensive training with luminaries such as John Danaher and Heath Pedigo. Beyond his technical prowess on the mat, Isak exudes a rare intelligence and wisdom that surpasses his years. It's evident that he is destined to become one of the great coaches in the future.

The buzz about Isak's impact on the Australian jiu jitsu scene is undeniable, and he is poised to make a significant mark on the international stage.

Isak's competitive journey has taken him around the globe, earning medals at prestigious events like the World Championships and the Pan Ams. Notably, he has clinched victories at the Pan Pacific and Australian National Championships multiple times, including a triumph at the ADCC Australia Open in the Pro division.

What sets Isak apart is his success in competition and his unique training philosophy, drawing inspiration from the methods of John Danaher, Mikey Musumeci, and Jon Thomas. Emphasizing efficiency, Isak prioritizes the study and drilling of only the most effective techniques, ensuring that every moment spent on the mats contributes to his continuous growth.

Links:

⁠https://many.bio/isakivanovicjj⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/isakivanovicjj/⁠