Creativity in Jiu Jitsu – Josh Janis

In this episode, we have an exceptional returning guest - 1st Degree Jay Pages Black Belt, Josh Janis. Josh and Brown Belt Meghan Wagner are the driving force behind the White Lotus Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy in the heart of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. But his impact extends far beyond the mats of his academy. Through his ventures like MyOdisee and Gentle Art Lifestyle, Josh coaches professionals and individuals on interpersonal communication development, strategy, and personal growth, all while spreading the ethos of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. With over two decades of training, Josh is renowned for his painless, precise, and playful approach…

Building a Thriving Jiu Jitsu Academy: Sonia Sillan

In this episode, we have a very special guest, Seattle, WA Black Belt Sonia Sillan. Sonia is an incredible entrepreneur, a dedicated mother, and the owner of two Jiu Jitsu academies—Combat Arts Academy and Burien Brazilian Jiu Jitsu—as well as a fitness gym. Her journey to success was far from typical. In this episode, you'll hear the fascinating story of how Sonia, then a Blue Belt, was unexpectedly left in charge of an academy with almost no business experience. Despite the many ups and downs, she navigated the challenges and built a thriving business with low attrition rates. Whether you…

Mastering No Gi Jiu Jitsu with Jon Calestine

I couldn't be more thrilled about the episode we have in store for you today. This interview has been on my bucket list for a long time, and I'm very honored to bring you this conversation. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of jiu-jitsu with none other than Jon Calestine, a black belt under the esteemed Daisuke Yamaji of the Renzo Gracie Fight Academy. But Jon's journey doesn't stop there; he's trained extensively with luminaries such as Eddie Cummings, John Danaher, Gordon Ryan, the rest of the DDS, and more, shaping him into the formidable grappler and…

King Kneebar

In this episode, we have a special guest: Katie Casimir from the famed King Kneebar duo, Bendy & Katie. At the heart of our conversation lies the story of Bendy Casimir, a Paris native who found his way to the United States through the world of MMA, eventually becoming enamored with jiu jitsu and the intricacies of kneebars. His journey, intertwined with that of his wife Katie, a former kickboxer turned grappler, led to the creation of the renowned King Kneebar system. What sets Bendy and Katie apart is their relentless pursuit of knowledge within jiu jitsu. Their King Kneebar…

Jiu Jitsu Your Own Way – Michael Liera Jr.

In this episode, we have one of my favorite people, Michael Liera Jr., a second-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under André Galvão, renowned as one of the most talented competitors of his generation. From his early success winning multiple world titles at different belt levels to founding his academy, Lōgōs Jiu-Jitsu Academy, in Denver, Colorado. In this episode, we delve into Michael's transition from being a single-focused competitor to assuming the role of academy owner and leader. We uncover his high fight IQ, his earnest respect for warmups, competition, tradition, and potential. As we explore Michael's journey, listeners will gain…

Jiu Jitsu and Leadership – Jarrell Garcia

Today on the show, we have Jarrell Garcia Ed.D. At 33, Dr. Garcia is a 10th Planet Bethlehem, PA black belt under Zach Maslany and JM Holland. His journey extends beyond the mats, as he brings a wealth of knowledge and academic prowess to the conversation. Armed with a doctorate in Education, Dr. Garcia specializes in topics of athletic identity, leadership, and organization management. Currently serving as a college professor and the Associate Director at the University of Rhode Island, Dr. Garcia's impact reaches far beyond the confines of academia. Originally hailing from the dynamic streets of Brooklyn, New York,…

Jiu Jitsu Deliberate Training with Michael Demko

We are joined by the esteemed Michael Demko, Head Instructor of the renowned "Wrecking Crew BJJ" family martial arts school. As a Black Belt under living legends Rigan Machado and Erik Paulson, Mike Demko brings a wealth of experience to the mat. His coaching prowess has propelled fighters to amateur and professional championships, with many achieving success in major promotions such as Bellator. Notably, Mike leads one of the best kids teams in the country, consistently dominating local tournaments and making impressive showings at NAGA World's. Our paths first crossed at the 2023 BJJ Globetrotters Arizona camp, where Mike's session…

On Ramp to Jiu Jitsu: Jay Jack Guides the Way

In this episode, we are joined by an OG in the martial arts community - Jay Jack, co-owner of "The Academy" in Portland, Maine. Remember to like, share, and subscribe, and go check out our FWB merchandise, we've got coffee mugs, hats, sweatshirts, and more. Jay's martial arts journey began at the age of 5 with Karate, leading him through a rich tapestry of disciplines, including Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do, and Judo. He spent five years studying Shaolin Chin-Na under the renowned Yang Jwing Ming, and his dedication to Jiu-Jitsu and Vale Tudo has been unwavering since finding the…

Training Philosophy with Isak Ivanovic

In this episode, we have Isak Ivanovic. Isak, a Purple Belt under the guidance of Lachlan Giles, has honed his skills through extensive training with luminaries such as John Danaher and Heath Pedigo. Beyond his technical prowess on the mat, Isak exudes a rare intelligence and wisdom that surpasses his years. It's evident that he is destined to become one of the great coaches in the future. The buzz about Isak's impact on the Australian jiu jitsu scene is undeniable, and he is poised to make a significant mark on the international stage. Isak's competitive journey has taken him around…

Fusion of Jiu Jitsu Tradition and Innovation

We welcome Las Vegas Black Belt, Casey Milliken in this episode. Casey's martial arts odyssey began in 2007 when he delved into the world of jiu-jitsu and muay thai. His unwavering dedication and passion catapulted him into the professional MMA scene, taking him on a journey crisscrossing the country. In 2017, Casey achieved a pinnacle moment, earning his black belt under the guidance of Alexandre Almeida. Casey Milliken is not just a black belt; he's a connoisseur of fundamental jiu-jitsu. His approach blends the timeless wisdom of traditional techniques with the innovation of contemporary strategies, offering a unique and insightful…