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Would you have what it takes to achieve your goals and dreams despite financial setbacks, unemployment, and even being severely injured?

After hearing the amazing journey of James Clingerman, Thomas and Gary were blown away by how he dealt with the huge obstacles in his life.

Listen as they discuss how James's resilience made it possible.

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In the late 1990s James Clingerman had already been training Judo and Japanese Jiu Jitsu when he walked into his first BJJ class. The instructor was teaching Foot Locks and James was immediately “hooked”.

Since then James’s career and life have had many ups and downs. Even after several enormous setbacks that would make most people quit, James and his wife AJ kept pushing forward, never giving up on their dream of owning their own academy.

With little business experience they did the best they could and were within days of opening that academy, when a random act of violence changed everything.

While waiting at a stoplight, James was shot in the face during an unprovoked attack. James had a no quit attitude immediately  after the shooting and during his recovery. James and his wife not only went ahead with the academy opening but within months James worked his way back to competing and winning tournaments, all while building his new and struggling business.

James has kept pushing forward, never giving up and overcoming huge obstacles. Now he and AJ are the owners of two thriving academies, run multiple successful tournaments, and James produces great instructional videos.

Here is RŌL Radio with the incredibly determined James Clingerman.


Episode #23 Highlights
5:25 James gets his Jiu Jitsu start
17:22 High Anxiety
25:35 Big Decisions
40:20 Random Act Changes Everything
1:03:50 Never Give Up
1:20:40 Five Questions

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Do we have a purpose in life? Does everything happen for a reason?

After a great conversation with Rich McKeegan from Bushido Jiu Jitsu and
Black Belts for Butterflies, Thomas and Gary discuss finding a purpose in life, and what we can do to make positive changes in our own lives and the lives of others.

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On this episode of RŌL Radio our guest is instructor and Academy Manager at Bushido Jiu Jitsu Academy in Manchester CT, Rich McKeegan.

In 2012 a local tragedy changed Rich’s outlook on life. He made the decision that giving back and making a difference was his true calling.

Starting small, Rich began making and selling gi patches with the proceeds going to the victims of the Sandy Hook school shooting in Newtown CT. Shortly thereafter Rich met the father of Dylan, an autistic boy who was one of the shooting victims. This is when Rich decided he wanted to do even more.

Rich started the charity Black Belts for Butterflies with proceeds going to Dylan’s Wings of Change.  After eleven charity Jiu Jitsu seminars, Rich has helped raise over $100,000 dollars for Dylan’s Wings of Change and various other charities across the country.

Rich has accomplished so much, both on and off the mats, and he shares these accomplishments and so much more here with us.

Here is RŌL Radio with the inspirational Rich McKeegan.


Episode #22 Highlights
3:15 Making future leaders
10:03 Rich gets his start
15:43 Thomas’s first partner
32:30 The day that changed everything
39:50 A meeting that changed everything
49:04 New Chapters
53:30 The 2 inch stage
101:18 Five Questions

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Have you ever really considered what it takes to be an elite level coach, especially when you don't have the financial support of a large organization?

After speaking with former Olympian and Olympic Judo coach Steve Cohen, Thomas and Gary discuss the sacrifice and dedication Steve had for his players and the ways he made sure he could give them everything they needed to succeed.

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Welcome back to RŌL Radio. Our guest on this episode is a 5 time Judo National Champion, Silver medalist in the 1986 Goodwill Games, 1988 US Olympic team member, and 2000 US Olympic Judo team coach, Steve Cohen. 

Steve started his Judo training as a child with his older brother Irwin and they both became two of the most successful US competitors of the 1970’s. 

Steve shares his journey, which started at the age of 5 at a local Chicago YMCA, and took him all the way to the Olympics as both a player and coach. A journey that continues to this day with his involvement in the Cohen Brothers Judo Club.

We are so lucky to have Steve share his knowledge, stories, and insights, gained over six decades in martial arts with us. 

Here is RŌL Radio with Judo legend Steve Cohen.

Episode #21 Highlights:
2:41 Steve and Irwin get their start
8:22 Paths to learning
24:28 Steve’s Comeback
31:50 What it takes to coach internationally
40:16 Sport or Martial Art
42:38 The difference between 1988 and now
47:21 Culmination of a life's work
54:20 What do you say when they lose?

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Do you believe in destiny?  Do you believe hat your path is predetermined or do you set your own path?

After speaking with 2x Olympic Judo bronze medalist, Thomas and Gary discuss whether or not it was Jimmy's destiny to be an Olympian and represent his country on the world stage.

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Welcome back to RŌL Radio. On this episode we are lucky enough to have with us a true legend in the sport of Judo, Jimmy Pedro.

Jimmy is a World Judo Champion and two time Olympic Bronze medalist. He was the coach of Olympic Silver medalist Travis Stevens and two time Olympic Gold medalist Kayla Harrison.

On this episode Jimmy shares his journey of growing up in his father’s Dojo all the way to the Olympic games as both a player and coach.

Jimmy also shares his philosophy on coaching students at all levels, from recreational players to Olympic athletes and what it takes to become the best in the world. 

Jimmy also speaks candidly about where he sees the future of USA Judo heading and what is needed to change that direction.

Here is RŌL Radio with the insightful and resolved Jimmy Pedro.

Episode #20 Highlights
4:32 Jimmy’s gets his start
9:32 Producing Champions
18:20 Birth of a dream
21:00 Preparing to be world class
34:16 Bonding through coaching
42:07 System of how to win
44:45 Judo in the US today

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What does it take to transform from a sickly child to an elite child athlete? What does it take to overcome discrimination in a male dominated sport? What does it take to achieve unbelievably high goals? Perseverance.

This incredible perseverance is what Thomas and Gary took away from their conversation with the amazing Sophia McDermott.

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On this episode of RŌL Radio we have a 4 time Pan American Champion and the very first Australian female BJJ  black belt, Sophia McDermott.

Sophia shares how she has persevered over the challenges and discrimination she has faced throughout her life. 

First as a sickly child, who with the help of her mother changed her medical treatment and unleashed a top level child athlete. Then to being laughed at when shortly after starting Jiu Jitsu, she declared she would one day be the first Australian female black belt, and even now as she tries to change the culture of BJJ. Making it a more inclusive and safe place for women in a male dominated community.

Here is RŌL Radio with the incredibly strong willed and determined Sophia McDermott.

Episode #19 Highlights
3:56 Defying the doctors
6:58 Sophia finds her calling
16:05 Starting from scratch with nothing but a dream
24:05 A system for women to thrive
36:27 Focus on your happiness
48:42 Motivation
57:49 Final Goal

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