Is your child new to sparring? This episode helps you turn those first shaky rounds into confident reps… with safety, patience, and a simple plan.

What you’ll learn

• Why “survival mode” is normal in early sparring
• The driving-lesson analogy that calms first-round nerves
• A quick gear and warm-up checklist parents can remember
• How to coach at home without being critical
• The one metric that matters most early on… consistency
• Josh’s first black belt tournament story and the light-bulb moment kids hit

Parent playbook

• Lead with patience. Praise effort and small wins.
• Ask, “What’s one thing you’ll try next round?”
• Let them figure it out in the ring. Be there, don’t rescue.
• Remind them to breathe. Then move. Then throw one clean combo.

Watch next
Start here: [For Parents: Kids & Sparring playlist link]

Connect with us
Instagram: Josh → https://www.instagram.com/josh.dumoulin/

Instagram: Nicole → https://www.instagram.com/nicole99kicks/

Subscribe: https://m.youtube.com/@offthematpodcast

About Off The Mat
We help parents and martial artists raise strong, confident kids through mindset, skills, and discipline. New episodes weekly… join us.

STAY CONNECTED WITH US
Website | www.championtkd.ca
Josh's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/josh.dumoulin/
Nicole's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/nicole99kicks/
Email | [email protected]

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If your kid is in sports or martial arts this is the episode you didn’t know you needed.

In this episode of Off the Mat, I'll share the 22 hard truths every parent needs to hear if they want to raise strong, focused, confident kids.

These aren’t soft tips. These are real, practical lessons pulled from decades of coaching, parenting, and leadership so you can support your athlete without getting in their way.

Whether your child is a white belt or an elite athlete, this list will challenge you to grow with them.

Topics include:

• Why “being late” actually hurts your child’s progress
• Why you shouldn’t pack their gear at 12 years old
• What to say (and NOT say) after a tough class or game
• Why comparing your kid to others is killing their confidence

Listen, reflect, and maybe squirm a little. Then hit subscribe—we’ve got more coming.

— Josh Dumoulin
Coach | Host of Off the Mat

🔗 Listen to Off the Mat on other platforms:
🎙 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/off-the-mat/id1672160372

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/17JWPk4LPRAyiXkyPWxHrD

📺 YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/@offthematpodcast

🟨 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5eb5541a-ddf9-48b8-870e-eaace60ff7c8

🔔 Subscribe for more weekly tips on raising strong kids, coaching, and life beyond the mats.
💬 Drop a comment: Which tip hit you hardest?

STAY CONNECTED WITH US
Website | www.championtkd.ca
Josh's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/josh.dumoulin/
Nicole's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/nicole99kicks/
Email | [email protected]

WANT A ICE BATH FOR HOME?
Website | www.nurecover.com
Use COUPON CODE | JOSH66116

Are you ready to step outside your comfort zone and start taking risks that actually matter? In this episode of Off the Mat, we dive deep into why taking risks is essential for personal growth, how to take those first scary steps, and actionable strategies to make bold moves in your life.

We share:

• Why playing it safe can hold you back from your full potential
• Real-life risks we’ve taken and the lessons learned
• Practical action steps to help you take your first bold moves today

Whether it’s in sports, martial arts, business, or everyday life, understanding how to take calculated risks can be a game-changer. Tune in and start challenging yourself to do things that scare you—but push you forward!

🔥 Join the conversation: Share in the comments one risk you’ve been thinking about taking.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell 🔔 so you never miss an episode where we help you grow stronger, braver, and smarter, off the mat and in life.

#TakingRisks #PersonalGrowth #MartialArtsMindset #Motivation #OffTheMatPodcast #GrowthMindset #LifeLessons #Courage #Confidence #PushYourLimits #ChampionMindset #StepOutsideComfortZone

STAY CONNECTED WITH US
Website | www.championtkd.ca
Josh's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/josh.dumoulin/
Nicole's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/nicole99kicks/
Email | [email protected]

WANT A ICE BATH FOR HOME?
Website | www.nurecover.com
Use COUPON CODE | JOSH66116

In this episode, we dive deep into Nicole’s incredible journey at the recent WNBF (World Natural Bodybuilding Federation) competition — where she walked away with 5 Golds, 1 Silver, and an unexpected Bronze, plus earned 3 Pro Cards and secured her spot at the upcoming WNBF World Championships in November.

We talk about:

• The prep process leading up to the show
• What it took physically and mentally to compete at that level
• How she navigated surprises on show day (including a division she didn’t even plan to compete in!)
• And how she’s now preparing for the biggest stage of her career — the WNBF Worlds.

Whether you're a coach, competitor, or just someone chasing greatness — Nicole’s story is a powerful look at discipline, mindset, and showing up when it matters most.

🎥 Subscribe and join us for more real stories, training breakdowns, and behind-the-scenes life as athletes, parents, and coaches.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for weekly uploads!

👇 Let us know in the comments: What part of Nicole’s journey inspired you most?

#WNBF #BodybuildingJourney #NaturalBodybuilding #WNBFWorlds #FitnessMotivation #AthleteLife #ChampionMindset #OffTheMatPodcast #BodybuildingPrep #WNBFPro

STAY CONNECTED WITH US
Website | www.championtkd.ca
Josh's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/josh.dumoulin/
Nicole's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/nicole99kicks/
Email | [email protected]

WANT A ICE BATH FOR HOME?
Website | www.nurecover.com
Use COUPON CODE | JOSH66116

In this episode, we dive into the 5 must-know truths about how your brain works—and how understanding these lessons can transform your training in Taekwon-Do, sports, and life. Whether you're a young martial artist, a parent, or a coach, these insights can unlock confidence, discipline, and resilience.

From how your brain lies to you, to why discomfort is the path to growth, this workshop breaks down complex psychology into powerful, relatable lessons for kids aged 9–12 (and adults will get a ton out of it too).

🧠 Topics covered include:

• Mental strength for young athletes
• Growth mindset in martial arts
• Emotional regulation and performance
• Taekwon-Do and life lessons
• Why avoiding fear makes it stronger
• Training your brain like a black belt
• The role of identity, discipline, and habits

Whether you're new to martial arts or deep in your journey, this episode will help you push through mental walls and develop the mindset of a true Champion.

🔥 Perfect for coaches, parents, and youth athletes.

👇 COMMENT BELOW: Which of the 5 truths hit home for you the most?

📲 Follow us for more on mindset, martial arts, and personal growth.

#TaekwonDo #MartialArts #Mindset #YouthAthlete #SportsPsychology #GrowthMindset #MentalTraining #KidsPodcast #ChampionMindset #Discipline #AI #MindsetMatters

STAY CONNECTED WITH US
Website | www.championtkd.ca
Josh's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/josh.dumoulin/
Nicole's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/nicole99kicks/
Email | [email protected]

WANT A ICE BATH FOR HOME?
Website | www.nurecover.com
Use COUPON CODE | JOSH66116

In this episode, we dive into one of the most underrated superpowers out there—consistency. This conversation was inspired by the life skill we’ve been teaching at Champion Taekwon-Do, and it turned into a deeper talk about how staying consistent in the little things is what leads to big-time mastery.

We break down how consistency shapes character, how it helps kids (and adults) build confidence, and why showing up—especially on the days you don’t feel like it—is where the real growth happens.

Whether you're a parent, athlete, or just someone trying to level up in life, this one will hit home.

Give it a listen, and then ask yourself: what’s one thing you can commit to doing every day—no matter what?

STAY CONNECTED WITH US
Website | www.championtkd.ca
Josh's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/josh.dumoulin/
Nicole's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/nicole99kicks/
Email | [email protected]

WANT A ICE BATH FOR HOME?
Website | www.nurecover.com
Use COUPON CODE | JOSH66116

The World Championships have finished and now it's time to recap.  In this episode Nicole talks all about her experience as the TEAM Manager for Team Canada, the athletes, and the tournament overall. 

How you can take the things she saw and apply them to your training.  

STAY CONNECTED WITH US
Website | www.championtkd.ca
Josh's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/josh.dumoulin/
Nicole's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/nicole99kicks/
Email | [email protected]

WANT A ICE BATH FOR HOME?
Website | www.nurecover.com
Use COUPON CODE | JOSH66116

Maybe you trained martial arts... Then, for whatever reason, you stopped going.  

It could have been life situation, you moved, affordability. Maybe you made a  permanent decision on temporary feelings. It got hard, difficult, and you got uncomfortable.  You didn't think you could keep going.  You made the decision to stop.  

Maybe you heard from your child that it was TOO HARD.  You let them stop.  

But you know how good martial arts was for them.  You know how putting yourself through challenging tasks, constant adversity, and difficult situations was good for your personal growth.  You know how it made you or your child stronger for it.  

In this episode we talk about why its not to late to get back on the Mat and get training again.   

Have you stopped training or know someone who has? please share this episode with anyone you think needs to hear this message.  

STAY CONNECTED WITH US
Website | www.championtkd.ca
Josh's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/josh.dumoulin/
Nicole's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/nicole99kicks/
Email | [email protected]

WANT A ICE BATH FOR HOME?
Website | www.nurecover.com
Use COUPON CODE | JOSH66116

Feel like you or your child has a hard time staying motivated?
Feel like you fall off the tracks easily?

We see students come and go.  So what makes some stay longer than others? How do some have the motivation to train more than others?
Some people have an easier time being and staying motivated than others. Or is there some other factors?
When we see students quit or fall off the wagon there are a few things we have noticed that are fairly consistent among them.

In this episode we are going to talk all about how you can take a few easy steps to stay motivated and go from Average to Exceptional.

STAY CONNECTED WITH US
Website | www.championtkd.ca
Josh's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/josh.dumoulin/
Nicole's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/nicole99kicks/
Email | [email protected]

WANT A ICE BATH FOR HOME?
Website | www.nurecover.com
Use COUPON CODE | JOSH66116

We see students come... and go. And for the ones that stay, we get to see their potential.  We get to see their accomplishments, their strength, and the good they can do.  

There may be "activities" or sports my kids will try and maybe NOT continue with.  But Martial Arts is one that they will not be quitting on.  

STAY CONNECTED WITH US
Website | www.championtkd.ca
Josh's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/josh.dumoulin/
Nicole's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/nicole99kicks/
Email | [email protected]

WANT A ICE BATH FOR HOME?
Website | www.nurecover.com
Use COUPON CODE | JOSH66116