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Today’s guest has the distinction of being Royler Gracie’s first European black belt and is now a fourth-degree black belt under the Jiu-Jitsu Global Federation.

Eddie Kone joins us to discuss why old school is the best school, his appreciation for today’s professional jiu-jitsu athletes, who the gatekeepers of jiu-jitsu are, and why after becoming a 4th-degree black belt and 26 years of experience, he still believes he hasn’t learned enough.

Here is The RŌL Radio with owner and Instructor of EK BJJ Eddie Kone Academy of Jiu Jitsu, coach of numerous Bellator and UFC fighters, podcaster, and more, Eddie Kone.

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Episode Highlights:
3:25 Happy Holidays
7:12 Old School Best School
11:57 New School and Sport
22:38 Training Expectations
26:29 Jiu-Jitsu Gatekeepers
37:12 The Social Media Generation
45:08 Eddie Finds Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
55:28 Because We Can Doesn’t Mean We Should
1:05:27 How Blessed Are We
1:13:53 Rob Hileman’s Question

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In this engaging conversation, Thomas’ guest shares his journey of self-discovery, the influence of mentors, and the importance of embracing discomfort in personal growth. He discusses the complexities of cultural expectations, the art of Jiu-Jitsu, and the significance of teaching and learning dynamics.

Here is The RŌL Radio with a black belt in Tae Kwon Do,Hapkido, and BJJ, an entrepreneur, and co-author of Lessons From The Mat, Benjamin Chen.

www.rolacademy.tv 30% discount with ROLRADIO code at checkout. Over 1600 videos for your Jiu-Jitsu journey.

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https://www.instagram.com/benjaminchen88/?hl=en

https://www.fromthemat.academy/

https://www.amazon.com/Lessons-Mat-Martial-Principles-Business/dp/B0FM6SKS16

Episode Highlights:

3:11 Major Life Choices

15:39 Lost In the Expectations of Others

20:26 Perspectives on Teaching and Learning

30:13 Discomfort and Growth

39:48 Seeking More

47:59 Embracing Discomfort with Consistancy

54:30 The Truth Is Scary

1:03:57 Efficancy Is the Key

1:17:36 Sharing Wiisdom Through Writing

1:20:33 Finding Your True Self

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In this conversation, Thomas’ guest reflects on his journey through the world of Jiu Jitsu and MMA, discussing the challenges and triumphs he has faced over the years. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, the mindset of never giving up, and the drive to create opportunities for others in the Jiu Jitsu community. He shares insights on his transition from fighting to teaching, the significance of empathy in competition, and his vision for the future of Jiu Jitsu, including the creation of an invitational event that aims to elevate the sport and support athletes at all levels.

Here is The RŌL Radio with former MMA Contender/Top 10 Bantamweight and Featherweight.  5th degree BB under Pedro Sauer, Owner of Team Curran and founder of all new Jeff Curran Invitational.

www.rolacademy.tv 30% discount with ROLRADIO code at checkout. Over 1600 videos for your Jiu-Jitsu journey.

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https://jcinvitational.com/?

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Episode Highlights:

2:22 Reflecting on Life Since Episode

4:37 Resilience in Business and Overcoming Challenges

8:57 Missing the MMA World

14:15 Transfer of Energy

22:00 Lessons from Fighting and Accepting Failure

29:24 Switching Focus from MMA to Jiu-Jitsu

40:38 Reasons for Creating a New Event

49:54 Highlighting New Talent and Elevating the Sport

1:04:03 Jeff’s Long Term Goals

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In this conversation, Thomas’ guest shares his journey as a competitor in Jiu-Jitsu, discussing his passion for travel and competition, the importance of preparation, and the evolution of the sport. He emphasizes that age is not a barrier in Jiu-Jitsu. He reflects on the camaraderie built during training and the mental toughness required to succeed. He also discusses the dynamics of competition within his family, the importance of fun in Jiu-Jitsu, and the pressures that come with ranking systems. He also reflects on the balance between seriousness and enjoyment in training.

Here is The RŌL Radio with the head of New Breed Training Center, which will be celebrating their 21st year of operation this month, who’s competetion team has won 10 of the past 11 Chicago Opens, a 4x Pans Masters IBJJF champion, and a NoGi Masters IBJJF Champion, Mark Vives.

www.rolacademy.tv 30% discount with ROLRADIO code at checkout. Over 1600 videos for your Jiu-Jitsu journey.

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https://newbreedtrainingcenter.com/

Episodes Highlights:

3:19 Passion for Travel and Competition
7:44 Perspectives on OGs
14:01 How the Process of How Competition Changes
26:02 The Growth and Changes within Jiu-Jitsu
38:49 Enjoying the Preparation and Grind
50:41 Pressure and Expectations in Competition
1:06:11 If Your Not Having Fun Don’t Do It
1:09:13 Double Edged Sword of Promotions and Ranks
1:34:31 The Importance of Fun

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In this conversation, Thomas’ guest shares his incredible journey of nearly 40 years in Jiu-Jitsu, reflecting on the profound impact the martial art has had on his life. He discusses the importance of perseverance, the essence of competition, and the lessons learned from both victories and losses. He emphasizes the significance of Jiu-Jitsu as a lifestyle rather than just a sport, and he expresses his desire to inspire others through his experiences.

Here is The RŌL Radio with the author of MY Life In JIu-Jitsu, the owner of Robson Moura Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, 6th degree black belt, and 8 time world champion Robson Moura.

www.rolacademy.tv 30% discount with ROLRADIO code at checkout. Over 1500 videos for your Jiu-Jitsu journey.

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https://robsonmoura.com/

https://shop.robsonmoura.com/product-page/my-life-in-jiu-jitsu-book

https://www.instagram.com/robinhomoura/

Episode Highlights:

2:27 Thirty Seven Years on the Mats

7:22 Using Jiu-Jitus to Get Through Life

13:12 Robson’s Early Journey

21:54 Training Back in th Day vs Today

31:17 Competing No Matter the Obstacles

46:17 Learning from Losing

55:24 Following In Your Footsteps

1:01:37 Robson’s Inspiration

1:04:10 No End to Jiu-Jitsu

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In this conversation, Thomas and his guest delve into the intricacies of Gracie Survival Tactics training, its impact on law enforcement, and the importance of teaching skills in Jiu Jitsu. They discuss the balance between structure and creativity in teaching, the role of leadership, and the significance of relatable teaching methods. His guest shares his own journey from being a competitive swimmer to embracing Jiu-Jitsu, emphasizing the importance of self-care, and mental resilience. He discusses the significance of understanding one's worth beyond accomplishments, and the impact of judgment and comparison on personal growth.

Here is The RŌL Radio with GST master instructor, Safewrap co-founder, and owner of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Virginia Beach, Benardo Figueiredo.

www.rolacademy.tv 30% discount with ROLRADIO code at checkout. Over 1500 videos for your Jiu-Jitsu journey.

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https://www.instagram.com/graciejiujitsuvb/

https://www.gracieuniversity.com/Pages/Public/Informationpages/graciesurvivaltactics2

Episode Highlights:

2:58 GST Training

8:18 The Art of Instruction

18:18 The Real Power of Jiu-Jitsu

24:45 Effective Communication with New Students

32:23 Bernardo’s Journey

45:35 Identity and Worth

55:53 Difficult Conversations

1:00:18 Resilience and Adaptability

1:05:51 Finding Satisfaction

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In this conversation, Thomas’ guest shares her journey from a novice to a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu and a level two TacFit instructor. She discusses the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way, emphasizing the importance of the mind-body connection, community support, and the growing presence of women in martial arts. She also reflects on the emotional impact of her achievements, and her aspirations for the future, inspiring others to pursue their passions in fitness and self-defense.

Here is The RŌL Radio with a person who has their masters degree in English and Philosophy, Level 2 Head Coach of TacFit and black belt under Professor Alberto Crane, at Legacy Los Angeles, Monika Toth Cingel.

www.rolacademy.tv 30% discount with ROLRADIO code at checkout. Over 1000 videos for your Jiu-Jitsu journey.

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https://www.legacybjj.com/
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https://tacfit.com/
https://www.instagram.com/tacfit/

Episode Highlights:

3:17 The Unique Challenges of Jiu-Jitsu and TacFit

9:21 Reaching TacFit Level 2

12:27 Monika’s Journey Begins

18:50 The Difference Between Rolling with Men and Women

25:46 Preparing for TacFit Level 2

31:41 Personal Growth and Pushing Limits

39:40 Receiving a Black Belt

49:44 Encouraging Others

53:13 Supporting Women in Jiu- Jitsu

57:26 What if You Never Stepped on the Mats

59:00 What’s Monika’s Plan

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In this conversation, Thomas’s guest shares her journey from being a nurse to owning a Jiu Jitsu gym. She discusses the challenges of balancing a demanding full-time job with running a gym, the misconceptions about the ease of opening a gym, and the importance of building a community. She also emphasizes the need for continuous learning and adaptation in teaching, the unique experiences of women in Jiu Jitsu, and the impact of leadership and vulnerability in the martial arts space.

Here is The RŌL Radio with a 3x NOGI world champion, a registered nurse, and the owner of New Asgard Martial Arts, Cathryn Discianni.

www.rolacademy.tv 30% discount with ROLRADIO code at checkout. Over 1500 videos for your Jiu-Jitsu journey.

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Episode Highlights:

2:21 16 Hour Days Every Day

7:30 Hitting Your Targeting Audience and Building a Culture

15:14 Cathryn’ Vision for the Gym

21:26 Wanting to Be Better

26:14 Women’s Training and Gender Dynamics

33:54 Cathryn’s Start in Jiu-Jitsu

40:05 Empowerment Through Jiu-Jitsu

50:22 Moments of Doubt and Resilience

59:22 Building a New Home

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On this episode, Thomas’ guest reflects on the journey of Tap Cancer Out, discussing the impact of their work in the community, the challenges faced in building a nonprofit organization, and the importance of perseverance and grit in leadership. He emphasizes the significance of feedback from the community, the role of volunteers, and the need for efficiency in tournament organization. 

Tap Cancer Out is currently on its fall tour and as of this release has stops in Austin, Chicago, Pittsburg, Philadelphia, Detroit, and Massachusetts, culminating with Global Grappling Day on December 13th.

Here is The RŌL Radio with the founder, executive director, and board president of Tap Cancer Out, Jon Thomas.

www.rolacademy.tv 30% discount with ROLRADIO code at checkout. Over 1500 videos for your Jiu-Jitsu journey.

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https://tapcancerout.org/

https://tapcancerout.org/tournaments/

https://wecan.tapcancerout.org/campaign/2025-tap-cancer-out-global-grappling-day/c647705

https://www.instagram.com/tapcancerout/

Episode Highlights:

3:11 Striving to Change the World

6:36 The Challenges of Building a Non-Profit

22:48 Future Aspirations and Growth

41:45 The Importance of Professional Referees

48:35 Building a Cohesive Team

1:00:08 Learning from Feedback

1:08:37 Meeting Everyone’s Expectations

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On this conversation, Thomas’ guest shares her journey to recently achieving her black belt, reflecting on the emotional weight of the rank, the perception and responsibility that comes with it, and the importance of consistency and mastery in her practice. She discusses the role of her environment in shaping her experience, the significance of teaching and giving back, and her aspirations for the future as an instructor. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the value of perseverance, personal growth, and the unique challenges faced by women in a male-dominated sport.

Here is The RŌL Radio with a Pans medalist, Grapplers Lab coach, and a new Atos black belt, Rose Miller.

www.rolacademy.tv 30% discount with ROLRADIO code at checkout. Over 1500 videos for your Jiu-Jitsu journey.

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