In Episode 300 of the Off the Mats Podcast, I sit down with my original Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach, Danny Ives, for a conversation about evolution, longevity, and what the black belt really represents. This isn’t just a milestone episode, it’s a reflection on mat time, consistency, and how jiu-jitsu changes the longer you stay in it.

We break down the differences between old school and new school jiu-jitsu, less information versus the instructional era, fundamentals versus specialization, gym reputation versus online branding, and how competition has evolved from smaller local tournaments to global stages like ADCC. We talk about whether the average blue belt today is more technical, whether fundamentals are being lost, and what each era gets right and wrong.

We also deconstruct the myth of the black belt. Do black belts really win every round? Do they stop learning? What changes technically and mentally after reaching that rank? Danny answers direct questions in our “Ask A Black Belt” segment, covering ego, longevity, training after 40, recovery habits, and what white, blue, and purple belts misunderstand most.

This episode is for grapplers at every level who want perspective, not hype. If you’re chasing improvement, questioning your path, or wondering what long-term jiu-jitsu really looks like, this conversation is for you.

Old school gave us roots. New school gives us branches. The belt is symbolic, but the mat doesn’t care what color you’re wearing.