Off the Mats Podcast #292 features a conversation with Naomi Ives of Ivey League MMA and Crazy 88 MMA, a longtime teammate whose jiu-jitsu journey reflects the realities many practitioners face but rarely articulate in full. We discuss how she began training, the gym environments that shaped her early identity on the mats, and how consistency, setbacks, and self-perception evolved. Rather than centering the discussion on highlights alone, this episode focuses on the quieter chapters that define longevity in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

A major part of the conversation addresses injury, how it first showed up, what it took away, and what it demanded in return. Naomi breaks down the physical and mental cost of being sidelined, the uncertainty that comes with rebuilding trust in your body, and the internal work required when progress slows or stops altogether. We discuss practical changes she made during her return, including how she adjusted training intensity, partner selection, positional choices, and recovery habits, as well as the conversations she learned to have with coaches and teammates.

We also explore how parenthood reshaped her relationship with training. That includes managing time and energy, redefining what a productive training week looks like, and navigating guilt on both sides of the equation, being on the mats and being away from them. Naomi reflects on what jiu-jitsu has taught her about patience and composure, and what parenting has clarified about priorities, boundaries, and sustainability in training.

The episode closes with a look at where her jiu-jitsu is now and what success looks like at this stage. This is a practical, honest conversation about resilience, identity beyond performance, and staying connected to jiu-jitsu through injury, life changes, and shifting goals.

In this episode of Off the Mats Podcast, I sit down again with Johan and Eliška to talk through Eliška’s second Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition and Johan’s role in coaching her through the process. We begin by catching up since their last appearance on the show, focusing on how Eliška’s training evolved, what motivated her to compete again, and how her mindset differed heading into her second tournament. From Johan’s perspective, we discuss how she has grown as an athlete and which areas of her game became priorities during preparation.

The conversation moves into a detailed look at the training camp leading up to competition day. Eliška explains the technical and conditioning adjustments she made, moments during training where things began to connect, and how her routine shifted compared to her first event. Johan breaks down how he structured her preparation, the balance between reinforcing existing strengths and addressing weaknesses, and how he used situational training to expose her to uncomfortable positions common in competition.

We also spend time on mental preparation, discussing nerves, confidence, and expectations for a second-time competitor. Eliška reflects on what she wanted to correct mentally from her first experience and what helped her stay composed this time. Johan shares how he approaches coaching mindset for newer competitors and the cues he emphasizes in the days leading up to a tournament.

We close by reflecting on the coach–athlete dynamic, post-match takeaways, and lessons learned from this experience. Both Johan and Eliška discuss what comes next, including areas of focus moving forward and thoughts on future competitions. The episode wraps with a short round of closing questions aimed at anyone preparing for their second Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament.

To follow Johan and learn what's next in his journey, you can find him at @johlor80 on Instagram.

And to follow Ellie's continue growth and adventures, head over to @prchalova.eliska on Instagram.

We want to give a shout out to @johnsfitmeals

Head over and use promo code Mahoney10 and you'll get 10% off.

Thank you, again, to everyone for listening to and supporting the podcast up to this point. Below, you'll find info on where to find the shows and social media. Tell a friend to tell a friend.

Listeners get 20% off their purchase at simpleleaf.com and bjjwholesale.com with the code "BJJWIKI".

In this episode of Off the Mats Podcast, I sit down with Jenn Holmberg, co-host of the Chokeholds and Chill Podcast, to talk about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as more than just a sport. Jenn shares how she first found jiu-jitsu, what her early training years were like, and the mentors and experiences that helped shape her approach to life on and off the mats. We also talk about how she balances training, podcasting, and everyday responsibilities, and what jiu-jitsu has come to represent in her life.

We spend time unpacking the origin of Chokeholds and Chill—why Jenn and her co-host Mallory felt there was space for a different kind of conversation within the BJJ community, how they choose topics and guests, and how podcasting has influenced Jenn’s connection to grappling culture. From there, the conversation shifts to the ways jiu-jitsu intersects with mental health, self-awareness, motivation, and personal growth, especially during seasons when life outside the gym feels heavy.

We wrap up by talking about why honest conversations about life and jiu-jitsu matter, and what meaningful success looks like beyond medals and belt promotions, before closing out with a rapid-fire round focused on training, music, food, and lessons learned along the way.

In this episode of Off the Mats Podcast, I sit down with returning guest and white belt, Robyn Henderson, to talk through her experience competing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for the first time. We look at when the idea of competing shifted from intimidating to achievable, how she prepared while balancing her training schedule with life, and what helped her manage nerves leading up to the event.

Robyn walks me through the full competition-day experience, from arriving at the venue and warming up to the moment the referee started the match to the adrenaline dump and emotions that followed. She shares what worked, what didn’t, what surprised her, and what she learned about her jiu-jitsu during and after the match.

We also discuss how competition exposed both strengths and gaps in her game, how the experience has changed the way she trains, and whether she plans to compete again. Robyn closes with practical advice for new competitors who may be hesitant to sign up for their first tournament.

Robyn's journey can be followed over on Instagram at @spoonfulofrobyn and also check out @robyns_kitchen also on Instagram.

And if you're in the Hamptons, visit @hamptonsjiujitsu

We want to give a shout out to @johnsfitmeals

Head over and use promo code Mahoney10, and you'll get 10% off.

Thank you, again, to everyone for listening to and supporting the podcast up to this point. Below, you'll find info on where to find the shows and social media. Tell a friend to tell a friend.

Listeners get 20% off their purchase at simpleleaf.com and bjjwholesale.com with the code "BJJWIKI."

In this episode of Off the Mats Podcast, I sit down with Mallory Ingalls, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and co-host of the Chokeholds and Chill podcast. We talk about her background as a lifelong athlete, her history in softball, being a Buffalo Bills fan, and how her competitive mindset shaped the way she approaches training and coaching in BJJ. Mallory shares what first brought her to the mats, how she balances training with work, podcasting, and everyday responsibilities, and the lessons she carries from the gym into her life outside of it.

We also get into the origins of Chokeholds and Chill, the intention behind the show, and why representation, honesty, and real conversations matter in the BJJ community. Mallory offers her perspective on belonging, connection, and the changes she’s seen in the culture of the sport, along with moments where she felt disconnected and what helped her return with clarity. We move into mindset, identity, and the challenges that come with burnout, self-doubt, and growth, both on the mats and behind the mic.

Mallory talks through how training has shaped her confidence, how she handles difficult seasons, and what she would tell new grapplers, especially women, who may feel unsure of where they fit. We also spend time exploring creativity, collaboration, and what podcasting has taught her about herself and the greater BJJ community.

The Rapid Fire segment closes things out with a look at her personal preferences and quirks before we wrap up with her reflections on the journey so far and where listeners can find her online.

In this episode, I sit down with BJJ Brown Belt Kyle Rocke from Crazy 88 MMA to talk through how he found Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and what shaped his early development on the mats. Kyle shares what originally drew him toward martial arts, how his time in the Marines influenced his mindset, and how he moved from Krav Maga into BJJ. We look back at his first year training at Ivey League MMA, including those late 11 p.m. classes, the early learning curve, and the challenge of balancing training with everyday life.

Kyle reflects on the people who guided him, coaches like Danny Ives and the upper belts who played key roles in his progression. He also revisits the early moments that confirmed he was on the right path, including how his background in rock climbing helped him adapt to training in the gi.

We continue by examining his growth from white to blue belt and the lessons that carried him into purple and now brown belt. Kyle talks about managing plateaus, injuries, and periods of self-doubt, as well as what has kept him consistent through the grind. He shares how teaching and mentoring others changed his perspective, and how competition shaped his development and his thoughts on competing again.

Outside of BJJ, we talk about how training has impacted his life at work, at home, and in how he stays grounded. Kyle opens up about the habits, hobbies, and routines that help him stay balanced and what advice he gives beginners who struggle to maintain consistency. We wrap up with a quick rapid-fire round.

In this episode of Off the Mats Podcast, I sit down with Mendi Carlson and Kari Summers to talk about the Unbreakable Jiu-Jitsu Women’s Camp coming in February of 2026 and the work they’re doing to strengthen community and support women on the mats.

We discuss how the idea for the camp developed, what it takes to build a space where women can train without pressure, and how the weekend format will bring together training, connection, and shared experience.

Mendi and Kari explain how their paths in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu shaped their approach to leadership and why creating a women’s-only environment has become an important part of their mission. We explore their views on competition, mindset, and the technical areas they believe make the biggest difference for women as they progress in the sport.

We also talk through the challenges of organizing safe and constructive open mats, maintaining a safe culture during training, and planning for the future event. Whether you’re new to jiu-jitsu, a competitor, or someone interested in building stronger training communities, this conversation offers insight into the purpose behind Unbreakable and how it continues to evolve.

In this episode of Off the Mats Podcast, Coach Brandon “Thor” Davis returns to reflect on training at Ivey League MMA, his current work at Crazy 88, and how his approach to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai has evolved. We talk about the role of specialists in modern MMA and how coaching and teaching influence personal growth on and off the mats.

The conversation shifts briefly to football and NFL officiating, and how decision-making and rule enforcement relate to combat sports. Thor and I discuss what makes someone a reliable teammate, why proper drilling matters, and which techniques we prefer, or try to avoid during training. We also look at the challenges that shape long-term progress before closing the episode with a round of rapid-fire questions.

In this episode of Off the Mats Podcast, Carly DuCharme shares how beginning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at 35, during recovery from surgery, shifted from rehabilitation to a commitment to personal growth and competition. Carly, a purple belt and Masters competitor, explains why she chose to compete only three months after starting and why waiting to “feel ready” often slows progress. She discusses the emotional and practical lessons learned through early competition, how stepping into a match exposes technical gaps more efficiently than regular training, and the difference between fearing a loss and fearing being seen attempting something challenging. Carly also reflects on mindset, confidence, and maintaining perspective during wins and losses. The conversation expands into competition across belt levels, the value of Masters divisions, and how she encourages other women to compete even when brackets are small. Listeners will hear honest insights on fear, preparation, accountability, and how competition can strengthen training partners and team culture.

Follow Carly on Instagram: @bad_btch_jitsu

Annabelle Christie’s journey through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu began like many others—with curiosity and uncertainty—but her progression from white belt to IBJJF Pan Champion reveals the discipline behind early success. In this conversation, Annabelle reflects on her first classes, the challenges of balancing school with training, and the moments that shaped her competitive mindset. She discusses how training at Crazy 88 influenced her development, what she learned from competing across divisions, and how she approaches the mental side of preparing for major tournaments.

Annabelle also shares her thoughts on adapting to purple-belt competition, refining her technique, and the lessons she’s learned from testing herself against larger opponents. The episode closes with insight into her future goals in BJJ, her life away from the mats, and the values that continue to guide her as both an athlete and a person.