The BJJ Mental Coach Podcast with Gustavo Dantas

Today's guest is Ian McCall. He's a former world champion MMA fighter with over 20 professional fights who competed in the UFC and went to war with some of the best in the world.

But Ian's story goes far beyond the cage. After his fighting career, Ian was left with life-altering brain damage. The hits he took didn't just affect his body—they affected his mind, his identity, his purpose. Like so many retired athletes, he found himself lost.

Then he found psychedelics. Ayahuasca. 5-MeO-DMT. Ibogaine. These medicines helped him come back home to himself.

Today, Ian is the founder of Athletes Journey Home, a non-profit that helps athletes navigate retirement, brain injury, addiction, and identity loss using science-backed psychedelic therapy and trauma-informed care.

We talk about his MMA career and the toll it took on his brain, how psychedelics impacted his life, and the mission behind Athletes Journey Home.

Ian is raw, honest, and on a mission. This is one of the most important conversations I've ever had on this podcast.

Dan Uyemura is the CEO of PushPress, a gym management platform serving over 3,000 fitness businesses. But his journey to building a nearly $100 million company wasn't linear—it was shaped by rock bottom, addiction, job loss, and a slow climb back to authenticity.

In this episode, we talk about:

1. How Jiu-Jitsu helped his mindset as an entrepreneur
2. The mental game of building (and sustaining) a business
3. What AI means for gym owners and small business leaders and more.

Instagram: @pushpressbjj

Website: www.pushpress.com

🎙️ On this episode of The BJJ Mental Coach Podcast, I’m joined by Dan Lukehart, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and head coach at Brea Jiu-Jitsu in California.

Dan shares his journey in Jiu-Jitsu, his experience as a coach, and his approach to developing competitors. We also talk about training mindset, competition preparation, and what he looks for when working with high-level athletes, including Nolan Stewart.

This episode is a straightforward conversation focused on Jiu-Jitsu, coaching, and competition.

📺 Watch the full episode here on YouTube

🎧 Also available on Spotify and all major podcast platforms

Gustavo Dantas

www.thebjjmentalcoach.com

Resources:

www.breajiujitsu.com

www.ibjjfrankings.com

🎙️ Hywel Teague

Third-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Hywel Teague is a renowned commentator, analyst, and podcast host with over 20 years of global experience in jiu-jitsu and combat sports.

He was the founding editor of FloGrappling, joining at its creation in 2015 and leading the content team for seven years. From 2022 to 2025, he served as content strategist for the B-Team YouTube channel, collaborating closely with Craig Jones to redefine modern jiu-jitsu media.

His voice has been heard commentating at major events such as the ADCC World Championships, IBJJF World Championships, ADXC, AIGA, and many others.

Alongside Matt Benyon (Scramble and Polaris co-founder), Hywel co-hosts the Unknown Pressures Podcast, continuing to shape the storytelling and media landscape of jiu-jitsu worldwide.

Enjoy!

Gustavo Dantas

www.thebjjmentalcoach.com

www.jiujitsutribe.org

INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/gustavodantasbjj

PODCAST UNKNOWN PRESSURES https://youtube.com/@UnknownPressures?si=cVSCXlqZ5yqzSMyQ

SPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/show/61hk0ul9sltg2sKJyPNnjo?si=NFQhPJmZT-yP0uqGdErgow

Today I want to share two things with you:

1️⃣ My experience at the 2025 CBJJ/IBJJF Brazilian Nationals — always a powerful journey full of lessons on and off the mats.

2️⃣ And… a really cool announcement I’m excited to share with you!

Stick around until the end and let me know in the comments what resonated most with you. Let’s keep growing together!

Gustavo Dantas

​⁠ ​⁠ @JockoFuel 

20% off da sua primeira compra 💵

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#BrazilianNationals2025 #BJJMindset #APlusAthlete #MenteBlindada #OnAndOffTheMats #ibjjf #cbjj #gustavodantasbjj #jockowillink #jockofuel #thebjjmentalcoach

Andy shares his powerful journey—from being born in Japan to moving to the U.S. at 16 to chase his dream. Now at 25, he's living that dream: training, teaching, and competing at the highest level. A black belt under André Galvão, Andy has conquered major IBJJF titles and continues to inspire with his work ethic, mindset, and passion for jiu-jitsu. In this episode, we dive into his story, his challenges, and what it truly takes to rise and stay at the top. Listen now and get inspired by one of the sport’s rising stars.

Gustavo Dantas

🔹 Stay Connected:

📸 Follow on Instagram: @gustavodantasbjj www.instagram.com/gustavodantasbjj

🎥 Subscribe on YouTube: The BJJ Mental Coach https://www.youtube.com/@TheBJJMentalCoach

🌐 Visit the website: www.thebjjmentalcoach.com

🩺 The BJJ Mental Coach Supports:

✅ New Hope Regeneration (Stem Cell Therapy) – Learn More https://newhoperegeneration.com/Gustavo

✅ Jiu-Jitsu Tribe (Nonprofit Organization) – Support the Cause https://jiujitsutribe.org

🎥 Watch: The Diary of a Master | Season 2 EP 2 → https://youtu.be/BwXAidVQpEw?si=lo_mpI2blolqh33_

🎙️ Listen to the Podcasts:

🎧🇧🇷 Podcast Mente Blindada 24/7

https://open.spotify.com/show/7suWI0qUkpAl2Z3mv9WpqF?si=0ADnKBfFSwe4Ycx6nZHfxw

🎧🇺🇸 The BJJ Mental Coach Podcast

https://open.spotify.com/show/5UcNQna3heVvzgII1jYECa?si=z0pQQGEuTDy9yPe_Kfd0GQ

#bjjcompetition #ibjjf #thebjjmentalcoach #cbjj #thebjjmentalcoachpodcast

#BJJMentalCoach #JiuJitsuMindset #authenticity #jiujitsubrasil #jiujitsulifestyle #jiujitsulife #bjjlifestyle #bjjlife #BJJMindset #MenteBlindada #JiuJitsuCompeticao #JiuJitsuParaVida #BJJPerformance #MentalSkillsTraining #BJJGoals

🎙️ On episode 153 of The BJJ Mental Coach Podcast, you’ll hear from Fabin Rosa, owner of Fabin Rosa BJJ in Orlando, Florida. 🏆 A 2024 IBJJF Master World Champion, he recently claimed another major title by winning the 2025 IBJJF Pan Championship—right in his backyard of Orlando. 🌴🥇

In this episode, Fabin shares his journey, from his early days in the USA 🇺🇸 to the evolution of his competition mindset. As he matured, he reassessed his approach, leading to stronger performances while embracing the joy of competing. His matches showcase a beautiful display of Jiu-Jitsu, filled with technical excellence and highlight-worthy moments. 🔥🥋

🎯 He discusses his refined competition mindset—how shifting his perspective has allowed him to perform at his best while fully enjoying the process.

📺🎧 Catch the full episode now on The BJJ Mental Coach YouTube channel, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms! 🚀

🔹 Stay Connected:

📸 Follow on Instagram: @gustavodantasbjj www.instagram.com/gustavodantasbjj

🎥 Subscribe on YouTube: The BJJ Mental Coach https://www.youtube.com/@TheBJJMentalCoach

🌐 Visit the website: www.thebjjmentalcoach.com

🩺 The BJJ Mental Coach Supports:

✅ New Hope Regeneration (Stem Cell Therapy) – Learn More https://newhoperegeneration.com/Gustavo

✅ Jiu-Jitsu Tribe (Nonprofit Organization) – Support the Cause https://jiujitsutribe.org

🎥 Watch: The Diary of a Master | Season 2 EP 1 → https://youtu.be/L-XXyRIhBNI?si=bwgB7HcS_Fs7RZ_P

🎙️ Listen to the Podcasts:

🎧🇧🇷 Podcast Mente Blindada 24/7

https://open.spotify.com/show/7suWI0qUkpAl2Z3mv9WpqF?si=0ADnKBfFSwe4Ycx6nZHfxw

🎧🇺🇸 The BJJ Mental Coach Podcast

https://open.spotify.com/show/5UcNQna3heVvzgII1jYECa?si=z0pQQGEuTDy9yPe_Kfd0GQ

#bjjcompetition #ibjjf #thebjjmentalcoach #cbjj #thebjjmentalcoachpodcast

#BJJMentalCoach #JiuJitsuMindset #authenticity #jiujitsubrasil #jiujitsulifestyle #jiujitsulife #bjjlifestyle #bjjlife #BJJMindset #MenteBlindada #JiuJitsuCompeticao #JiuJitsuParaVida #BJJPerformance #MentalSkillsTraining #BJJGoals

In this audio, I share my experience at the 2025 IBJJF Pan Championship.

Remember, after every competition, you should re-evaluate four key aspects: technical, strategic, physical, and mental. I’ll discuss three important reflections from my experience, and I hope this information can help you in some way.

📺 Watch the full video now on YouTube: The BJJ Mental Coach

🔹 Stay Connected:

📸 Follow on Instagram: @gustavodantasbjj www.instagram.com/gustavodantasbjj

🎥 Subscribe on YouTube: The BJJ Mental Coach https://www.youtube.com/@TheBJJMentalCoach

🌐 Visit the website: www.thebjjmentalcoach.com

🩺 The BJJ Mental Coach Supports:

✅ New Hope Regeneration (Stem Cell Therapy) – Learn More https://newhoperegeneration.com/Gustavo

✅ Jiu-Jitsu Tribe (Nonprofit Organization) – Support the Cause https://jiujitsutribe.org

🎥 Watch: The Diary of a Master | Season 2 EP 1 → https://youtu.be/L-XXyRIhBNI?si=bwgB7HcS_Fs7RZ_P

🎙️ Listen to the Podcasts:

🎧🇧🇷 Podcast Mente Blindada 24/7

https://open.spotify.com/show/7suWI0qUkpAl2Z3mv9WpqF?si=0ADnKBfFSwe4Ycx6nZHfxw

🎧🇺🇸 The BJJ Mental Coach Podcast

https://open.spotify.com/show/5UcNQna3heVvzgII1jYECa?si=z0pQQGEuTDy9yPe_Kfd0GQ

#bjjcompetition #ibjjf #thebjjmentalcoach #cbjj #thebjjmentalcoachpodcast

#BJJMentalCoach #JiuJitsuMindset #authenticity #jiujitsubrasil #jiujitsulifestyle #jiujitsulife #bjjlifestyle #bjjlife #BJJMindset #MenteBlindada #JiuJitsuCompeticao #JiuJitsuParaVida #BJJPerformance #MentalSkillsTraining #BJJGoals

Welcome to Episode 152 of The BJJ Mental Coach Podcast!

Today’s guest is Matthew Karakoulakis—a lawyer, accredited mediator, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with nearly 20 years of experience in both law and martial arts. Named Australia’s Most Influential Lawyer, Matthew applies his expertise in negotiation, leadership, and strategy both in business and on the mats. He is also the host of Rolling Through Negotiations, where he brings together leaders, martial artists, and professionals to explore mindset, wellness, and negotiation tactics.

In this episode, we discuss the intersections of Jiu-Jitsu, negotiation, and personal development, uncovering valuable lessons that apply both on and off the mats.

Enjoy the conversation!

🔹 Follow me on Instagram: @gustavodantasbjj

🔹 Subscribe on YouTube: The BJJ Mental Coach

🔹 Visit the website: www.thebjjmentalcoach.com

📌 Resources & Guest Links:

🎙️ Rolling Through Negotiations Podcast: Listen on Spotify

📺 YouTube Channel: @rollingthroughnegotiations

📸 Instagram: @amk_law

📢 More Info About Matthew, His Podcast, and Services: Visit Here

🩺 The BJJ Mental Coach supports:

✅ New Hope Regeneration (Stem Cell Therapy): Learn More

✅ Jiu-Jitsu Tribe (Nonprofit Organization): Support the Cause

🎥 The Diary of a Master | Season 2 EP 1: Watch on YouTube

#BJJMentalCoach #JiuJitsuMindset #BrazilianJiuJitsu #BJJPodcast #RollingThroughNegotiations #PersonalDevelopment #JiuJitsuLifestyle #BJJTraining #MindsetMatters #LeadershipThroughJiuJitsu #BJJPhilosophy #JiuJitsuForLife #MentalToughness #BlackBeltMindset #ElitePerformance #GrapplingLife #CombatSportsMindset #ChampionMindset #BJJCommunity #JiuJitsuWisdom

I recorded a quick video for YouTube and audio for the podcast, summarizing my experience at the 2025 IBJJF European Championship in Lisbon, Portugal. 🇵🇹

This was the first of the four major IBJJF events I plan to compete in this year. In the video, I share three key lessonsfrom the competition that you can keep in mind for your next event.

📺 Watch now on my YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@thebjjmentalcoach

Gustavo Dantas