Today on the show I have Stephen "The Dream" Eakin. Stephen is a 10th Planet Black Belt under Richie "Boogyman" Martinez. In this episode Stephen walks us through his journey to black belt, leaving his small hometown in Georgia,  his MMA career from backyard fights to actual cage shows, how he joined the 10th Planet Freaks in San Diego only to go back to Georgia to start an academy just prior to a pandemic with his wife and babies.

Stephen wears his heart on his sleeve, my heart went to my throat when he shares the moment he was awarded his black belt, the emotion was palpable. Many of us have had similar experiences and we may have thought that it was unique to us alone, so it's a benefit to the community to have someone share so transparently. It makes me want to see Stephen win in whatever endeavor he attempts. It's a great episode for all to hear, of particular note if you're a bigger person or have thought about opening an academy this is a good one for you.

Just a reminder to please give us a 5 star review on Apple Music and Spotify and share this podcast with a friend it really helps us out. Please leave us feedback and suggestions on how we can improve the show, and Consider becoming a patron at https://anchor.fm/foreverwhitebelt/. Like us on Facebook and TikTok at Forever White Belt, and check us out on Instagram @foreverwhitebeltshow. Buy your Forever White Belt swag at teespring.com/forever-white-belt .

Get all your grappling gear and some amazing coffee at CoffeeKimuras.com use code CKFAMILY for 15% off your next order.

Improving your mobility and recovery will only benefit your BJJ and as such we highly recommend you go try YogaForBJJ.net use our code FWB to get 20% off of your subscription.

Finally, if you ever get to beautiful Northern California please come roll with us at North Bay Jiu Jitsu in the city of Novato, there are amazing instructors, and everyone there are great people. Mention the podcast and get 2 weeks free.

Show Links:

https://10thplanetperry.com/

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp5rgxkHWqqsMUSL9pFzkQw/featured

IG https://www.instagram.com/thedream10p/

Richie "Boogyman" Martinez https://www.instagram.com/boogeyman_tfs/?hl=en

10th Planet San Diego https://www.instagram.com/10thplanetsandiego/?hl=en