The Old Grappler

In this episode we dive into JG Tracy Purple Belt Will Alexanders Journey. From trying to make it to the NFL as a DB and realizing it wasn't going to happen to crossing over to Jiu Jitsu. Finding his home there at JG Tracy with Former Guest Alika Foster has been a game changer for his Jiu Jitsu. The work ethic that Will has on and off the mat is inspirational. Now as a personal trainer and active power lifter he is one of the strongest guys I've had the opportunity to roll with. The cool calm and collective persona that he walks around with, who would have known he is also emotional before just about every match he competes in. Will is riding a win streak that added a Championship Belt in his last super fight for Arte Suave as the Purple Belt 165 pound Champion. Now as he awaits an opponent to defend his belt you can find Will giving back to his teammates and the youth of JG. That is not all he is working on... Will is in the works of putting on his own version of the CJI with the Pit there at JG Tracy. Stay tuned for updates its going to be Lit!!!!

https://linktr.ee/theoldgrappler

In this episode of the Old Grappler we have Mike Prudencio, owner of One World Jiu Jitsu in Newark. A journey that started in the 90's with Ralph and Cesar Gracie and would eventually lead Mike to Guerrilla Jiu Jitsu with Dave Camarillo. What got him started into his martial arts journey you ask... none other than Bruce Lee and any other martial art movie that had Shaolin Monks in it. From the dorm style living with a Hot Tub on the Balcony "For Recovery" wink wink, to teaming up with some other gym owners to start "ONE WORLD" back in 2006. What started out as a partnership with the other gym owners ended up with Mike moving on, on his own and being able to keep the name and Changing it to "ONE WORLD JIU JITSU" now 18 years later striving in the Bay Area. Give it a listen!

https://linktr.ee/theoldgrappler

A journey that started 20+ years ago. Listen to Kalanis journey growing up doing Eskrima and Boxing which led to him going in to a MMA gym just to fight the pro fighters so he wouldn't catch a case out on the streets. Little did he know that would change the way he looked at fighting. When the trainer asked if he was ready to do "Smokers" Kalani was all in but..... the trainer said you have to work the ground stuff and Kalani was no I'm good but the trainer insisted he at least learn how to defend the grappling. That is when in his first roll a little 115 pound pink haired kid broke his arm because he didn't know he had to tap. The next day he was back in the gym studying the ground stuff lol and his adventure down the rabbit hole of BJJ began! Now 20 years later he is a Black Belt and owner of Ares BJJ and the founder of Buffalo Black Brotherhood in Stockton. We talk about the good ol' days when you could send your kid to get you a pack of smokes at the local market. The gratitude he has to see his boys Alika and Cyrus become the grapplers they are and to see both of them get their own Black Belts. Definitely a pleasure to sit down and get his story, there's so much more to hear so buckle up and enjoy the ride!! 

https://linktr.ee/theoldgrappler

From Carpet wrestling matches, to finding a way through Faith, Friends and Family to open his own Jiu Jitsu School Guerrilla Merced. In this episode Adam talks about the ups and downs that got him to where he is today, 

https://linktr.ee/theoldgrappler

Rob's journey through Jiu Jitsu and his reasons to why he started the Backwoods BJJ Retreats!! 

https://linktr.ee/theoldgrappler

Are you captivated by the meticulous art of Jiu-Jitsu? If so, we've got an episode for you that will knock your socks off. We had the pleasure of sitting down with Chris, a passionate brown belt in Jiu-Jitsu, who generously shared his journey in the sport. Chris's charisma lights up the conversation as he explores his training experiences at different gyms, his remarkable transition from wrestling to Jiu-Jitsu, and his love for being more than just a 'wrestler'. His anecdotes about his time at Brujitsu and Judizzi Therapy in Watsonville showcase the impact of diverse coaching styles on his journey. 

Our conversation takes an interesting turn as Chris reflects on his life in his 40s and his unexpected love affair with Jiu-Jitsu. His stories from the competitive world of Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and football are riveting, showing how these sports helped to shape him into a resilient competitor. From his days of junior college wrestling to studying hospitality management at San Francisco State University while actively competing, Chris's journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring. 

We also relive some exciting moments from high school wrestling matches, complete with intense rivalries and unique challenges. Chris's advice for those embarking on their Jiu-Jitsu journey underlines the importance of dedication, having a coach, and the value of physical well-being. This episode is a treasure trove of inspiration, be you a Jiu-Jitsu enthusiast, aspiring grappler, or someone who loves extraordinary journeys. So sit back, relax, and get ready for an unforgettable encounter with Jiu-Jitsu.

https://linktr.ee/theoldgrappler

Ever wished you could peek into the mind of a martial arts expert ? Today, we invite you into the inspiring world of Alika Foster, a Brown belt in Jiu-Jitsu hailing from Tracy, California. Embark on a captivating journey as he shares his experiences, from his initial foray into boxing to his deep dive into Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling. His narrative of personal growth, honed by the raw mental environment he was raised in, could be the inspiration you need.

Transitioning from military to civilian life is no easy feat. But Alika Foster's discipline, inculcated during his time in the military, coupled with his experience and respect garnered through Jiu-Jitsu, helped him face the challenges head-on. His journey from being a regular at the gym to owning one and becoming a head instructor is nothing short of inspiring. Whether it's the fitness goals you're struggling to meet or that dream project you've been meaning to start, Alika's story is a testament to the fact that anything is possible with dedication and hard work.

Alika's perspective on competing and training in Jiu-Jitsu is refreshingly unique. With his goals shifting from competing to helping others compete, he offers invaluable insights into the significance of skill development, staying motivated, and ensuring injury-free training. As he shares about his family's journey in martial arts and his approach to parenting, the importance of maintaining mental health despite challenges becomes evident. So, if you're seeking a blend of motivation, discipline, and the essence of martial arts, this episode with Alika Foster is just the ticket!

https://linktr.ee/theoldgrappler

Ever wondered how martial arts can enhance the efficiency and safety in law enforcement? That's the thought-provoking question at the heart of our discussion with Bryant Pangelinan, a man whose life has been shaped by wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu, and law enforcement. As the owner of Saber Jiu-Jitsu in Concord, California, Bryant’s journey has led him from high school wrestling mats to global Jiu-Jitsu competitions and, ultimately, to a role in law enforcement. He's leveraged this unique blend of experiences to offer free martial arts classes to fellow officers and first responders, advocating for continuous training beyond the academy. 

Our chat with Bryant takes us down the winding road of his martial arts journey, shedding light on the essential role of training and skill development for law enforcement officers. We delve into the potential dangers faced by officers who haven't supplemented their academy training, and explore the potential integration of different martial arts like Judo, Sambo, and Sumo into law enforcement training. Bryant’s refreshing perspective on running a Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling school, the freedom he gives his students to choose their training path, and the value of having experienced practitioners to learn from are insights you won’t want to miss. 

The conversation doesn't end there. We touch on Bryant’s memorable experiences in Jiu-Jitsu, from mentoring white belts to earn their black belts to competing worldwide. Bryant emphasizes how vital community involvement is, with his contributions to organizations like Black Belts for Butterflies and the We Defy Foundation serving as inspiring examples. And finally, we discuss the incredible importance of finding the right gym - one that offers a sense of family and community. Tune in for a fascinating exploration of martial arts, law enforcement, and community involvement with Bryant Pangelinan.

https://linktr.ee/theoldgrappler

Facing life-altering health challenges, Tony Cato, the Head Black Belt at Sensei Studio, embarks on an inspiring journey back to his beloved passion – Jiu-Jitsu. Through his eye-opening experience, he recaptures his physical strength, reforging his skill and emerging with an expanded vision of what martial arts mean not just to the individual, but to the community at large. Brace yourselves for an in-depth conversation that delves into the power of resilience, the human spirit, and a unique perspective on the role of martial arts in fostering personal growth and community connections.

Tony lays out his vision for martial arts studios, one that extends beyond the realm of physical training into the sphere of personal and societal impact. His mission to transform gyms into platforms for mental health support and community building has unfolded into a myriad of initiatives, from scholarships honoring lost friends to proactive steps towards supporting the youth of Modesto, California. Tony’s narrative is not just about martial arts, but the innate power each gym or studio holds to nurture safe spaces, encourage mental resilience, and provide a haven for personal growth and community enhancement.

In the latter part of our conversation, Tony places a strong emphasis on the power of mental resilience in overcoming life’s challenges. From insights drawn from the legendary judo master Kimura to his own experiences, he provides invaluable wisdom on harnessing the power of the mind. With an inviting outlook on inclusivity in martial arts, he advocates for welcoming environments that cater to everyone, elevating martial arts into a medium for personal transformation and community enrichment. This episode is a vibrant blend of life lessons, motivation, and a profound understanding of martial arts' potential to influence personal growth and societal impact.

https://linktr.ee/theoldgrappler

Ever wondered what it takes to earn a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu? Come along on a captivating journey with Tony, a dedicated martial artist who shares the trials and triumphs of his path to mastery. From the intense competition circuit to the lessons learned from grappling with opponents, we'll hear about Tony's commitment to the sport and his personal growth along the way. His insights into the contrasting approaches between Gi and No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu, and the advantages of training in both, will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the sport. 

Not limited to Jiu-Jitsu, Tony's passion extends to the realm of photography. Discover how the white belt mentality of starting fresh and embracing the basics translates seamlessly from martial arts to the creative field. Tony's approach to photography mirrors his journey in Jiu-Jitsu, highlighting the art of documentation and underscoring the necessity of challenging oneself for growth. Don't miss out on the joy he shares about earning his black belt and the importance he places on giving back to the community.

Whether you're a martial arts enthusiast or someone seeking inspiration from a compelling personal journey, this episode promises a powerful blend of Jiu-Jitsu stories, life lessons, and strategies for personal growth. From discussing memorable moments in Jiu-Jitsu to exploring the importance of maintaining a balanced training schedule, we dive headfirst into Tony's world. So, tune in as we navigate the challenging yet rewarding path of Jiu-Jitsu, photography, and the pursuit of mastery.

https://linktr.ee/theoldgrappler