The Jujitsu Mindset: From Competition to Character Development with Professor Jeff Haddad In this episode of 'The Jujitsu Mindset,' host Pete Deley welcomes Professor Jeff Haddad, a seasoned competitor and experienced teacher in various martial arts. The conversation delves into Haddad's career, his alternate passions such as astrophysics, and the role of discipline in jiujitsu. They discuss the mental and physical challenges unique to jiujitsu, the importance of consistency in skill acquisition, and how competing accelerates personal growth. Haddad shares memorable stories of character development, both from his own life and from teaching students, emphasizing the powerful impact of martial arts on individuals' lives. Jeff Heddad also talks about his approach to mindset coaching, focusing on real-world application to athletic experiences.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:33 Meet Professor Jeff Haddad

01:35 Jeff's Journey: From Occupational Therapy to Jujitsu

02:34 The Problem-Solving Nature of Jujitsu 

03:39 Skill Acquisition in Jujitsu

10:02 The Role of Competition in Jujitsu

12:06 Character Development Through Sports

15:24 Memorable Moments in Competition

19:28 Impact of Jujitsu on Students

22:41 Mindset Coaching and Final Thoughts

How does Jiu Jitsu help build resilience when life throws its toughest challenges your way? Tune in as Justin Lesko shares his inspiring journey through adversity and transformation.

Many people struggle with setbacks—physical, mental, or emotional—and seek a path to regain confidence, resilience, and balance. This episode explores how Jiu Jitsu can serve as a powerful tool for overcoming life's obstacles, shaping both mental and physical strength.

• Discover how Jiu Jitsu fosters perseverance and resilience, helping you face challenges both on and off the mats.
• Gain insights into how Jiu Jitsu can build confidence and humility, leading to personal and professional growth.
• Learn about the mental health benefits of Jiu Jitsu, from stress relief to cultivating a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

Hit play now to hear Justin Lesko’s incredible story and uncover how Jiu Jitsu can transform your mindset and approach to life!

00:00 Introduction and Host Update

01:05 Guest Introduction: Professor Justin Lesko

02:51 Justin's Journey: From Music to Jiu Jitsu

05:29 The Highs and Lows of MMA and Jiu Jitsu

17:10 The Value of Competition in Jiu Jitsu

25:50 Personal Growth Through Jiu Jitsu

26:52 Justin's Most Memorable Fights

33:15 Impact of Jiu Jitsu on Others

37:54 Where to Follow Justin Lesko

39:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Jiu Jitsu Mindset: Resilience, Loss, and Advocacy with Marcus Kowal

In this episode of The Jiu Jitsu Mindset hosted by Pete Deeley, Marcus Kowal shares his extraordinary journey from martial arts to becoming an advocate against drunk driving following the tragic loss of his son, Liam. Kowal discusses his life from growing up in Sweden, his passion for fighting, his move to Mexico to hone his skills, and his transition to mixed martial arts (MMA). Kowal also touches on his time in the military and his foray into entrepreneurship while emphasizing the importance of martial arts in shaping resilience and mental toughness. He reveals how the loss of his son motivated him to start the Liam's Life Foundation, focusing on changing drunk driving laws in the United States. Kowal also provides details about an upcoming jiu-jitsu tournament aimed at raising awareness and funds for this cause.

00:00 Introduction and Missing Co-Host

01:01 Introducing Professor Marcus Call

01:24 Marcus's Martial Arts Journey

04:21 The Influence of Family and Education

04:58 Military Experience and Injury

09:40 Transition to Professional Fighting

12:43 Discovering Jiu Jitsu

17:51 MMA Career and Reflections

21:19 Golden Globe Boxer and Kickboxing Journey

22:48 Starting the First Kickboxing Club

25:30 Tragic Loss and Mental Health

28:57 Fighting Drunk Driving and Activism

34:53 Organ Donation and Legislative Challenges

37:10 Upcoming Jiu-Jitsu Tournament and Call to Action

What do Jiu Jitsu and creative writing have in common? Join Pete Deeley and Professor Alex Darwin as they explore the surprising connections between discipline, creativity, and martial arts. 

Many practitioners of Jiu Jitsu—and those curious about the sport—seek both physical growth and a deeper sense of purpose. This episode delves into how Jiu Jitsu can inspire personal and professional transformation, especially for those discovering it later in life or balancing it with creative pursuits. 

• Learn how the discipline of Jiu Jitsu can enhance your focus and perseverance in other areas of life, including creative endeavors. 
• Gain insights into the mental and physical benefits of Jiu Jitsu, from improving resilience to fostering a sense of achievement and well-being. 
• Discover how Jiu Jitsu gyms create vibrant communities that support self-improvement and personal connections at any stage of life. 

Discover how Jiu Jitsu can unlock your potential and creativity—hit play now to hear Professor Alex Darwin’s inspiring journey and insights!

In this episode of Jiu Jitsu Mindset, host Pete Deeley interviews Professor Alex Darwin, delving into the transformative power of Jiu Jitsu in Alex's life. With Professor Lucas away, Pete goes solo to uncover Alex's journey from a self-proclaimed dorky kid to an accomplished Jiu Jitsu professor, entrepreneur, and author. Alex discusses his book series 'The Combat Codes,' the discipline required for both Jiu Jitsu and writing, and the unique challenges and benefits of competition. Highlighting stories of students finding a 'third place' in Jiu Jitsu, the episode explores themes of personal growth, community, and the continuous pursuit of mastery.

00:00 Welcome to the Jiu Jitsu Mindset

00:47 Introducing Professor Alex Darwin

01:26 The Impact of Jiu Jitsu on Life and Career

03:26 The Artistic and Athletic Journey

09:12 The Unique Nature of Jiu Jitsu

13:33 The Role of Competition in Jiu Jitsu

18:13 Memorable Moments and Personal Stories

21:15 The Social and Mental Benefits of Jiu Jitsu

26:04 Where to Find More About Professor Alex Darwin

27:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

How can alignment in Jiu Jitsu transform not just your skills, but your entire approach to life? Dive into this compelling conversation as Pete Deeley and Professor Rob Biernacki unpack the philosophy behind Jiu Jitsu mastery.

For many practitioners, memorizing moves can feel overwhelming, and the physical demands of Jiu Jitsu can seem daunting, especially for those without a natural athletic background. This episode offers a fresh perspective on mastering Jiu Jitsu through alignment principles and a mindset shift, paving a more accessible path to growth for all practitioners.

• Discover how the principles of posture, base, and structure can help you build a strong foundation, making Jiu Jitsu techniques more effective and sustainable.
• Learn how competition and stress inoculation can strengthen resilience, providing practical tools to handle challenges on and off the mats.
• Be inspired by transformation stories of students who overcame physical limitations through a cerebral approach, proving that Jiu Jitsu is accessible to everyone willing to embrace its principles.

Tap into Professor Rob’s transformative insights and start building a resilient, aligned Jiu Jitsu practice today—hit play and begin your journey!

The Jiu Jitsu Mindset: Exploring Martial Arts, Philosophy, and Personal Growth with Professor Rob Biernacki

In this episode of 'The Jiu Jitsu Mindset,' host Pete Deeley welcomes Professor Rob Biernacki for an in-depth conversation about their martial arts journeys. They discuss the philosophy behind jiu jitsu, the importance of alignment in grappling, and how martial arts training impacts both mind and body. Rob shares personal stories of competition, the significance of skill acquisition, and the value of teaching jiu jitsu concepts. They also explore how jiu jitsu can instill confidence and resilience, particularly in students who begin their training with physical or emotional challenges. This episode highlights the transformative power of jiu jitsu and its broader philosophical implications.

00:00 Introduction and Announcements

00:51 Interview with Professor Rob Biernacki

01:22 Alternative Career Paths

02:42 Philosophical Foundations of Martial Arts

17:48 The Importance of Alignment in Jiu Jitsu

28:31 Jiu-Jitsu as a Sport and Game

29:17 The Importance of Competition

31:10 Personal Experiences in Competition

36:27 Memorable Matches and Lessons Learned

48:11 Transformative Power of Jiu-Jitsu

53:41 Teaching and Student Success Stories

54:33 Resources and Visiting Program

57:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Have you ever wondered how a world-class Jiu Jitsu champion's mindset could transform your life on and off the mat?

Discover how cultivating a champion's mentality can help you overcome daily challenges and achieve your goals, both in Jiu Jitsu and beyond.

• In this episode, you'll learn:

  - How to develop mental resilience and adaptability

  - The profound connections between Jiu Jitsu, nature, and personal growth

  - Practical strategies for maintaining honesty and consistency in your practiceListen now to gain invaluable insights from Professor Xande Ribeiro that could revolutionize your approach to Jiu Jitsu and life!

The Jiu Jitsu Mindset: Insights with Professor Xande Ribeiro

The conversation with Professor Ribeiro delves into the importance of mindset in life and Jiu Jitsu, his hypothetical career path had he not pursued Jiu Jitsu, and the profound connections between humans, nature, and the sport. Professor Ribeiro shares personal stories and transformative impacts Jiu Jitsu has had on individuals, emphasizes the importance of honesty and consistency in teaching, and reflects on memorable competitions. The episode also explores the philosophical depth of Jiu Jitsu, its discipline, and the profound impact it can have on peoples' lives.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:51 Guest Introduction: Professor Xande Ribeiro

01:51 Imagining Life Without Jiu Jitsu

04:50 Connection and Community in Jiu Jitsu

08:50 Teaching Philosophy and Techniques

25:34 The Role of Competition in Jiu Jitsu

27:39 The Essence of Competition

28:36 Facing Emotional Barriers

30:21 Discipline and Mindset

31:41 The Role of Competition in Personal Growth

32:46 Teaching and Leadership in Jiu Jitsu

34:38 The Importance of Honesty and Structure

36:34 Memorable Competitions and Achievements

40:29 Transformative Stories of Jiu Jitsu

42:59 The Philosophy of Jiu Jitsu

45:53 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Curious how Jiu Jitsu principles can enhance your life beyond the mat? Join Pete Deeley and Professor Steve Kwan as they unpack the art of skill-building and personal growth in Jiu Jitsu.

Many people seek ways to learn skills faster and improve themselves through community and feedback. This episode explores how the lessons from Jiu Jitsu, like immediate feedback and community support, can accelerate skill acquisition and lead to meaningful personal growth.

• Discover how instant feedback in Jiu Jitsu can sharpen your learning process and help you improve faster in all areas of life.
• Learn how to leverage the support and structure of a community to push personal growth and maintain motivation.
• Gain insights into applying Jiu Jitsu principles, such as adaptability and resilience, to everyday challenges and personal development goals.

Dive into this episode to unlock powerful techniques for mastering skills and strengthening your mindset—hit play and start your journey today!

In this episode of The Jiu Jitsu Mindset, host Pete Deeley sits down with Professor Steve Kwan to discuss the intersection of jiu jitsu and general skill acquisition. They delve into Steve's journey, including the development of the BJJ Mental Models platform, and explore the personal and social impacts of jiu jitsu. Steve shares insights on the importance of receiving immediate feedback in jiu jitsu, the value of community, and how principles from the mat can be applied to various life aspects. They also cover the evolution of jiu jitsu skill levels over time and the role of competition in the sport. Essential listening for anyone interested in the deeper connections between jiu jitsu and personal growth.

00:00 Introduction and Host Update

00:32 Guest Introduction: Professor Steve Kwan

00:51 Journey into Jiu Jitsu

03:28 Skill Acquisition in Jiu Jitsu

05:02 Mental Models and Decision Making

12:28 The Social Side of Jiu Jitsu

20:01 Competition and Its Role

28:44 Personal Stories and Impact

32:50 Where to Find More: BJJ Mental Models

34:25 Conclusion and Farewell

How can Jiu Jitsu teach you resilience, balance, and personal growth—both on and off the mats? Join host Pete Deeley and Professor Jeff Shaw for a conversation that explores these core aspects of the Jiu Jitsu journey.

In a world that demands both mental toughness and a healthy balance between work and passion, Jiu Jitsu offers valuable lessons that align with your goals of personal growth and building resilience. This episode dives into how Jiu Jitsu can shape not just skills but also mindset, benefiting all areas of life.

• Gain insights on developing resilience through Jiu Jitsu, a skill that can enhance mental strength in all aspects of life.
• Learn how to balance passion for Jiu Jitsu with other life commitments, fostering a sustainable and fulfilling training routine.
• Discover the universal lessons within the Jiu Jitsu community that promote growth, support, and continuous learning.

Ready to deepen your resilience and find balance through Jiu Jitsu? Hit play and unlock insights from Professor Jeff Shaw’s journey today!

The Jiu Jitsu Mindset: Insights with Professor Jeff Shaw

In this engaging episode of 'The Jiu Jitsu Mindset,' host Pete Deeley welcomes Professor Jeff Shaw for a deep dive into the diverse aspects of Jiu Jitsu. They discuss the importance of resilience, the role of competition, and the impact Jiu Jitsu has on personal and community growth. Professor Shaw shares anecdotes about his own competitive experiences and the transformative power of Jiu Jitsu in various walks of life. They touch on the significance of balancing passion and professional life, fostering a healthy training environment, and the universality of learning within the Jiu Jitsu community.

00:00 Introduction and Coffee Talk

00:32 Guest Introduction: Professor Jeff Shaw

02:20 The Journey to Jiu Jitsu

04:21 Building a Jiu Jitsu Community

06:50 Teaching and Learning Jiu Jitsu

13:47 The Role of Competition

17:54 The Importance of Basics in Jiu-Jitsu

18:05 Learning from Diverse Training Experiences

18:33 The Myth of the Magic Technique

19:15 Competition Lessons and Personal Growth

19:50 Memorable Matches and Valuable Lessons

21:05 The Real Value of Jiu-Jitsu

24:11 Jiu-Jitsu as a Metaphor for Life

27:21 Community and Personal Stories

35:18 The Role of Honesty and Clarity in Training

37:36 Connecting with the Jiu-Jitsu Community

Curious how two top Jiu Jitsu professors balance discipline, spirituality, and the mat? Dive into this episode with Professors Alexis and Gustavo Fonseca as they share their unique journeys.

Many practitioners seek more than just physical skill from Jiu Jitsu—they want personal growth, discipline, and a supportive community. This episode unpacks how martial arts can transform lives both mentally and spiritually, aligning with your pursuit of a balanced, growth-focused mindset.

• Gain insights into the powerful connection between spiritual practices and Jiu Jitsu, which can elevate your mental focus and resilience.
• Discover the transformative potential of a growth mindset, as shared through personal stories that can motivate you to push past challenges.
• Learn the essentials of building a supportive community that can enrich your Jiu Jitsu experience and personal development journey.

Tap into the wisdom of two experienced professors to enrich your own Jiu Jitsu journey—hit play and start transforming your mindset today!

The Jiu-Jitsu Mindset: Conversations on Discipline, Growth, and Community with Professors Alexis and Gustavo Fonseca

The episode explores their transition from potential careers in coaching and meditation to dedicating themselves fully to jiu-jitsu. The professors share stories about their early struggles, moments of competition, and the deeper connection between spiritual practices and martial arts. The conversation further delves into the impact of jiu-jitsu on individuals, highlighting heartwarming transformations within their community. Amidst personal anecdotes and reflections, the importance of fostering a growth mindset and building a supportive jiu-jitsu community shines through.

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

00:45 Guests Introduction and Initial Discussion

00:53 Alternative Career Paths and Early Influences

03:04 The Impact of Coaches and Mentors

05:10 Spiritual Connections and Jiu Jitsu

12:15 The Gentle Art and Technique Mastery

18:32 Challenges and Growth in Jiu Jitsu

28:19 The Role of Competition in Jiu Jitsu

29:15 Creating a Competitive Atmosphere

30:33 Memorable Moments in Competition

33:50 The Importance of Belief and Support

36:44 Balancing Competition and Personal Goals

44:58 Transformative Power of Jiu Jitsu

51:44 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Ever wondered how a journey from UFOs and spiritual books could lead to mastering Jiu Jitsu? Tune in as Coach Priit Mihkelson shares his incredible path from youthful exploration to becoming one of Estonia's most respected martial arts coaches.

Many Jiu Jitsu practitioners struggle with balancing defense and offense, often feeling vulnerable on the mats. This episode dives into the wisdom of emphasizing defense—a mindset shift that could revolutionize your approach to martial arts and improve your performance.

   - Discover how focusing on defense can enhance your offensive skills and create a stronger foundation on the mat.

   - Learn about Priit Mihkelson's unique martial arts journey and how it shaped his teaching philosophy, which can bring fresh insights to your own practice.

   - Gain inspiration from Priit's experience in developing elite grapplers and coaching across disciplines, from boxing to wrestling, that could motivate you in your Jiu Jitsu journey.

Don’t miss the chance to gain valuable insights from a coach with over two decades of experience—hit play and take your Jiu Jitsu mindset to the next level today!

The conversation shines a light on defense's role in enhancing offensive capabilities and overall performance. It concludes with Priit sharing his notable achievements and his profound influence on students, nurturing top-tier grapplers in Estonia, and remaining committed to spreading his knowledge through various platforms.

00:00 Introduction and Host Update

00:37 Guest Introduction: Priit Mihkelson

01:23 Preet's Journey: From Basketball to Martial Arts

04:05 Stage Fighting and Early Career

05:08 The Impact of Martial Arts on Priit's Life

10:45 Transition to Jiu Jitsu

13:28 Challenges in Wing Chun and Embracing Jiu Jitsu

21:02 The Philosophy of Defense in Jiu Jitsu

25:09 The Importance of Defense in Jiu Jitsu

26:43 Epiphany and Evolution of Techniques

27:50 Teaching Defense and Survival

28:48 Influences and Philosophies

36:27 Competition as a Teaching Tool

40:31 Memorable Fights and Personal Growth

43:44 Success Stories and Impact of Jiu Jitsu

47:29 Where to Find More Instruction

49:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts