When learning Jiu-Jitsu, as with any skill, it's crucial that we start from the beginning. That's what we call the foundation: the fundamental concepts, principals, and techniques which lay the groundwork for whatever skill we are developing.

When building a skyscraper, you ALWAYS start with the foundation. And the taller the skyscraper, the deeper the foundation must be. The same is true for your Jiu-Jitsu.

This is why we built BJJ Foundation, an online Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Fundamentals Curriculum available to the public. In this episode we talk about the process of building and releasing BJJ Foundation, and why a fundamentals-first approach is the best way to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

In this episode, we're joined by Coach Mat Stratta, the Head Kids' Coach at Indiana Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy. Mat is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with a Bachelor's in Elementary Education, and he shares the approach that's helped him build successful kids classes over the past two decades.

We talk about classroom management, keeping kids engaged, building discipline and confidence, and creating an environment where kids can learn and enjoy training. Mat shares the methods, habits, and mindset that have shaped his approach to teaching over the years.

If you teach Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or any martial arts for that matter, this episode is for you!

Welcome to the very first episode of The Fight Hub Podcast! We introduce ourselves, talk about how we got into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and share the story behind The Fight Hub, Indiana Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy (IBJJA), and BJJ Foundation.

We also talk about what you can expect from future episodes. This podcast is all about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: learning, teaching, coaching, competing, improving as a martial artist, and the day-to-day reality of running a successful martial arts academy.

James also tells the story he is asked about more than any other: the night he was shot in the face at a traffic light 26 years ago.