Grappling with Fatherhood

Grappling with Fatherhood

By Blake Kasemeier and Uday MalhotraHealth & FitnessParentingKids & Family
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Grappling with Fatherhood episodes

  • Ep 32: Perception vs. Reality
    Episode 32 of Grappling with Fatherhood is all about the myths we pretend to believe—like black belts always know what they’re doing, or dads have unlimited patience (spoiler: neither is true). Blake and Uday pull apart the gap between the polished version of Jiu Jitsu and parenting that people imagine, and the actual day-to-day reality: getting smashed on the mats, bribing your kids with snacks, and realizing “dad strength” has less to do with muscle and more to do with carrying six bags of groceries in one trip. Expect plenty of laughs, some uncomfortable truths, and the reminder that the messy version is the one worth embracing.
    1 hr 17 min
  • Ep 31: Teaching Self-Defense and Dealing with Bullies
    Get Uday’s BJJ Fanatics Tutorial:
    https://bjjfanatics.com/products/elite-no-gi-fundamentals-by-uday-malhotra
    Use Blake's link to get 20% off of Better Help:
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    Get Fluid Tactical Electrolyte Drink Mix:
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    In this episode of Grappling with Fatherhood, we dive deep into the real meaning of self-defense — not just as a physical skill, but as a mindset we can pass on to our kids.
    We explore:
    How to teach our children the why behind self-defense — building confidence without aggression
    Strategies for navigating bullying — when to step in, when to listen, and how to empower kids to handle conflict
    What it means to model that restraint as a father and practitioner
    Personal stories from the mats and the playground that reflect the daily balancing act of being strong and safe
    Whether you're raising little white belts or just trying to raise kids who know their worth, this episode offers perspective, tools, and a few hard-earned lessons to carry with you — on and off the mats.
    1 hr 6 min
  • Ep 30: Leading by Example: Parenting & Jiu-Jitsu
    Get Uday’s BJJ Fanatics Tutorial: https://bjjfanatics.com/products/elite-no-gi-fundamentals-by-uday-malhotra
    Check out Blake’s Noticing Journal: https://stilclassics.com/products/stil-x-blake-of-today-the-noticing-journal?utm_source=social&utm_medium=blake&utm_campaign=stilxblake&utm_id=stilxblake&variant=41454031175778
    Get Fluid Tactical Electrolyte Drink Mix: https://store.livefluid.com/
    Actions speak louder than words—both on the mats and at home. In this episode of Grappling with Fatherhood, Uday Malhotra and Blake Kasemeier explore the power of setting an example in parenting and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. From demonstrating discipline and resilience to modeling respect and patience, they discuss how leading by example shapes future generations. Through personal stories and practical insights, they break down what it means to inspire growth in your kids, your training partners, and yourself. Tune in and lead the way.
    1 hr 9 min
  • Ep 29: Getting Started: The Journey into Jiu-Jitsu and Fatherhood
    Every black belt was once a white belt, and every experienced dad was once a first-time father. In this episode of Grappling with Fatherhood, hosts Blake Kasemeier and Uday Malhotra explore what it means to start from scratch—both on the jiu-jitsu mats and in the world of parenting.
    Blake and Uday share their personal stories of stepping into the unknown, from the nervous excitement of their first jiu-jitsu class to the overwhelming (and sometimes terrifying) reality of becoming a dad for the first time. They discuss the mix of emotions—fear, frustration, joy, and triumph—that come with learning something completely new and the patience required to grow in both arenas.
    Whether you're a new dad, a fresh white belt, or someone navigating the early stages of a new challenge, this episode is for you. Tune in for an honest and inspiring discussion that reminds you: no one starts as an expert, and every stumble is just part of the journey.
    Elite Fundamentals from Uday:
    https://bjjfanatics.com/products/elite-no-gi-fundamentals-by-uday-malhotra?srsltid=AfmBOoodyRMR1F0eMjuihtS9-mXReX5-pdDwuQFFJ2UD7VLY9mJ-dquq
    Fluid Tactical Electrolyte Drink Mix:
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    1 hr 13 min
  • Ep 28: The Joys of the Journey: Parenting & Jiu Jitsu
    Get Uday’s BJJ Fanatics Tutorial:
    https://bjjfanatics.com/products/elite-no-gi-fundamentals-by-uday-malhotra
    Get Fluid Tactical Electrolyte Drink Mix:
    https://store.livefluid.com/
    Join Uday Malhotra and Blake Kasemeier on this uplifting episode of "Grappling with Fatherhood" as they celebrate the joy found in both parenting and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Through heartfelt stories and reflections, they share how small victories—whether on the mats or in family life—bring lasting fulfillment. Uday and Blake discuss the unexpected moments of laughter, connection, and growth that make the challenges worthwhile. Tune in to rediscover the joy in both fatherhood and grappling, and be inspired to savor the journey, every step and roll along the way.
    1 hr 11 min
  • Episode 27 - Overcoming Failure: Finding Self-Worth on the Mat and at Home
    In this episode of Grappling with Fatherhood, hosts Blake Kasemeier and Uday Malhotra tackle one of the most universal struggles for parents and jiu-jitsu practitioners alike: the feeling of failure and the constant battle to feel "enough." Whether it’s a tough day on the jiu-jitsu mats or moments of self-doubt in parenting, Blake and Uday share their own experiences of falling short, feeling overwhelmed, and learning to embrace imperfection.
    Join the conversation as the hosts dive into the emotional challenges of striving for excellence in both fatherhood and BJJ. They explore how external pressures, comparison, and self-criticism can lead to feelings of inadequacy.
    Whether you're a dad trying to juggle the demands of family life or a jiu-jitsu enthusiast grappling with performance plateaus, this episode provides a space to reflect, reset, and move forward with confidence. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion that reminds you that perfection isn’t the goal—growth is.
    Subscribe to Grappling with Fatherhood for weekly episodes where parenting and jiu-jitsu intersect, offering wisdom, humor, and real talk for dads on and off the mat.
    Get Elite No Gi Fundamentals:
    https://bjjfanatics.com/products/elite-no-gi-fundamentals-by-uday-malhotra?srsltid=AfmBOoqqK949BdyECkdS1fhW0C0ceeia-qNMNcKBooo6je-5ldBPG3DW
    1 hr 31 min
  • Ep 26: The Power of Pausing: Taking Breaks in Parenting & Jiu-Jitsu
    Get Uday’s BJJ Fanatics Tutorial:
    https://bjjfanatics.com/products/elite-no-gi-fundamentals-by-uday-malhotra
    Get Fluid Tactical Electrolyte Drink Mix: https://store.livefluid.com/
    On this episode of "Grappling with Fatherhood," hosts Uday Malhotra and Blake Kasemeier explore the often-overlooked value of taking breaks in both parenting and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (taking breaks in parenting?!). They discuss the importance of rest and recovery, not just for physical health, but for mental clarity and emotional well-being. Through personal stories and practical advice, Uday and Blake show how stepping back can lead to growth—whether it's taking a breather from the mats or finding moments of pause in the chaos of parenthood. Tune in for tips on striking the balance between action and rest.
    1 hr 6 min
  • Ep 25: Myths
    Get Uday’s BJJ Fanatics Tutorial: https://bjjfanatics.com/products/elite-no-gi-fundamentals-by-uday-malhotra
    Get Fluid Tactical Electrolyte Drink Mix: https://store.livefluid.com/
    Join hosts Uday Malhotra and Blake Kasemeier on "Grappling with Fatherhood" as they unravel common myths in both parenting and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In this episode, they debunk misconceptions and provide clarity on widely held beliefs. From parenting myths about discipline and having a social life to Jiu-Jitsu fallacies about training, excuses, and if size really does matter. Uday and Blake separate fact from fiction. Tune in for a candid discussion filled with personal stories and expert insights that will empower you to navigate both fatherhood and grappling with greater confidence and understanding.
    1 hr 5 min
  • EP 24: Listener Q&A Part 2 - Teaching, Death & Specialists
    Get Uday’s BJJ Fanatics Tutorial:
    https://bjjfanatics.com/products/elite-no-gi-fundamentals-by-uday-malhotra
    Get Fluid Tactical Electrolyte Drink Mix: https://store.livefluid.com/
    Join hosts Uday Malhotra and Blake Kasemeier for a special AMA episode of "Grappling with Fatherhood." This week, they tackle listener questions on three profound topics: who should be teaching, helping your kids cope with death, and the role of specialists in BJJ. Discover the qualities of effective instructors, strategies for discussing and managing grief, and the benefits and pitfalls of specialization in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. With personal stories and practical insights, Uday and Blake provide wisdom and connection, making this a must-listen episode for grapplers and parents alike.
    1 hr 34 min
  • Ep 23: Listener Q&A: Time Management, Anxiety, and BBJJ/life Balance
    Get Uday’s BJJ Fanatics Tutorial: https://bjjfanatics.com/products/elite-no-gi-fundamentals-by-uday-malhotra
    Get Fluid Tactical Electrolyte Drink Mix: https://store.livefluid.com/
    This week, Blake and Uday address a wide range of topics, from managing time effectively to dealing with anxiety, and fitting jiu-jitsu training into a busy parenting schedule.
    Listeners will gain valuable tips on:
    - Effective time management for busy parents
    - Techniques for managing anxiety and stress
    - Balancing jiu-jitsu training with family responsibilities
    - Finding motivation and maintaining consistency in both parenting and martial arts
    Whether you're struggling to find time for yourself, feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, or seeking ways to integrate your passion for jiu-jitsu into your parenting journey, this episode offers supportive and relatable advice. Blake and Uday provide a warm and engaging space for listeners to connect and feel understood.
    1 hr 19 min

About Grappling with Fatherhood

From the publisher's feed

Lessons learned in fatherhood and jiu jitsu and where they sometimes overlap.