This is a conversation with Steve Jolly, a black belt out of El Paso, Texas, USA. Steve is a Minister, traveled the world helping to provide clean water, and is the Founder/Director of the Rio Bravo project.

If you have the financial ability to donate to the Rio Bravo Project, go to https://www.riobravoproject.com/give where you can either do a one-time donation or a regular monthly contribution. Or if you have the ability to donate kids Gis or other BJJ gear, reach out to Steve directly on Instagram.

Episode Links:

* Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenjolly

* Rio Bravo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riobravoproject

* Rio Bravo Project: https://www.riobravoproject.com/

* Rio Bravo Donations: https://www.riobravoproject.com/give

* Beltchecker: https://www.beltchecker.com/profile.php?id=16487

* Give Clean Water Charity: https://givecleanwater.org/

Contact:

* Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest

Outline:

00:00 Intro

00:47 Journey to Black Belt

03:46 Getting into BJJ

09:48 Ego and Tapping in Jiujitsu

12:56 Teaching Kids Jiujitsu

15:45 Discipline and Self-Control in Martial Arts

25:00 The Rio Bravo Project

33:24 Funding the Dream: Grassroots Support

36:15 Going Beyond Jiujitsu

41:08 Comprehensive Programs for Kids

50:17 Getting Clean Water to Fiji

59:40 Living Life for Others

01:09:01 Education to Ministry

01:11:41 Finding Your Own Definition of Ministry and Service

01:15:31 Connecting Through Service

01:22:01 Global Perspectives on Life

01:28:31 Looking Ahead

01:32:05 Outro

Podcast Links:

* Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/

* Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify

* Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple

* RSS: https://btb.fan/rss

Social:

* Instagram: https://instagram.com/beyondthebeltpod

* Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod

* Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod

* Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/beyondthebeltpod.bsky.social

* Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

This is a conversation with Heidi Cheng, a black belt out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Heidi is a Fashion Engineer and Technical Designer, a seamstress, and a reclaimer of goods.

Episode Links:

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hi.im_heidi

* Beltchecker: https://www.beltchecker.com/profile.php?id=45315

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-cheng-449792a/

* Training Academy: "The Jiujitsu Company" - https://www.instagram.com/thejiujitsucompany

* Decorative Embroidery: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sashiko

* Mending Pottery with Gold: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kintsugi

Contact:

* Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest

Outline:

00:00 Intro

00:17 Journey to Black Belt

01:18 Heidi's Seminar

06:58 Discovering the Love for Jiu-Jitsu

12:49 Advice for Women in Jiu-Jitsu

17:58 Overcoming Challenges in Training

20:10 The Joy of Learning and Problem Solving

23:11 Crafting and Creativity Beyond the Mat

26:54 Getting into Sewing

35:03 The Role of a Technical Designer

39:32 Navigating Challenges in Fashion Design

42:22 Seeing Your Work in the Real World

44:31 Transitioning to 3D Design

47:00 Personal vs. Professional Sewing

48:58 The Pursuit of Perfection

52:10 Embracing New Hobbies

56:27 Life Advice: Stick with It

01:02:19 Outro

Podcast Links:

* Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/

* Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify

* Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple

* RSS: https://btb.fan/rss

Social:

* Instagram: https://instagram.com/beyondthebeltpod

* Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod

* Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod

* Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/beyondthebeltpod.bsky.social

* Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

This is a conversation with Dylan Freedman, a black belt out of Jamestown, New York, USA. Dylan is a Corrections officer trainer for the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. He also travels the US and helps to teach defensive tactics for the company Effective Fitness Combatives.

Episode Links:

* Instagram: https://instagram.com/freedbjj

* Effective Fitness Combatives: https://www.efcombatives.com/

Contact:

* Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest

Outline:

00:00 Intro

00:23 Journey to Black Belt

03:57 Naming Things

11:07 Transitioning from Military to Martial Arts

17:01 The Evolution of Grappling Sports

25:26 Combat Sports in the 90s

29:15 Importance of Fundamentals and Ego

34:15 Understanding Human Behavior in Corrections

44:06 Misconceptions About Corrections Officers

51:12 Martial Arts in Law Enforcement Training

01:05:48 Understanding Defensive Strategies in Self-Defense

01:18:06 Not Getting Into Filmmaking

01:24:28 The Impact of Military Experience on Personal Growth

01:27:41 The Journey Over the Destination

01:34:30 Outro

Podcast Links:

* Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/

* Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify

* Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple

* RSS: https://btb.fan/rss

Social:

* Instagram: https://instagram.com/beyondthebeltpod

* Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod

* Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod

* Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/beyondthebeltpod.bsky.social

* Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

This is a conversation with Fabian Fitzner, a black belt out of Dubai, UAE. Fabian is lifelong entrepreneur, network marketing expert, kite surfer, and BJJ school owner.

Episode Links:

* Instagram: https://instagram.com/fabian.fitzner

* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FabianFitzner

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabianfitzner/

Contact:

* Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest

Outline:

00:00 Intro

00:17 Journey to Black Belt

04:49 Traveling and Training Unaffiliated

08:29 Injuries and Adaptations in Jiu-Jitsu

16:33 Life in Uganda: Adoption and Cultural Insights

25:31 Resourcefulness and Mentorship

35:17 Essence of a Mentor

40:58 Understanding Network Marketing

48:18 Helping Others Succeed

56:48 Selfishness and Selflessness in Success

01:00:42 Believing in Yourself

01:15:01 The Importance of Skillset and Network

01:24:09 Cultural Insights: Jiu-Jitsu in Dubai

01:28:46 The Contrast of Life in Dubai and Mauritius

01:34:23 Finding Freedom and Balance in Life

01:38:51 Defining Success: A Personal Journey

01:50:26 Mental Health and High Performance

01:57:45 Life Advice and the Future

02:00:17 The Impact of AI on Society

02:18:26 On a Positive Note

02:20:11 Outro

Podcast Links:

* Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/

* Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify

* Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple

* RSS: https://btb.fan/rss

Social:

* Instagram: https://instagram.com/beyondthebeltpod

* TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod

* Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod

* Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/beyondthebeltpod.bsky.social

* Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

This is a conversation with Matt Shamloo, a black belt out of Long Island, New York, USA. Matt is a wedding photographer and videographer, BJJ and MMA coach, and avid Tony Robbins supporter.

Episode Links:

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattshamloo_bjjmma

* The Midnight Project Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themidnightprojectweddings

* The Midnight Project Website: https://www.themidnightproject.co/

* Tony Robbins: https://www.tonyrobbins.com/

Contact:

* Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest

Outline:

00:00 Intro

00:17 Journey to Black Belt

05:41 What is the Tony Robbins Experience

09:51 Self-Discipline and Personal Growth

16:19 Finding Gratitude and Perspective in Martial Arts

19:16 Confronting Weaknesses

24:56 Misconceptions about Tony Robbins

28:39 Changes in Outlook and Training

32:01 Self-Reflection and Personal Growth

38:45 Teaching and Guiding Students

41:53 Overcoming Physical Limitations in Martial Arts

49:01 Lessons from Jiujitsu

53:52 Getting Into Wedding Videography

01:01:17 Wedding Stories

01:04:37 Capturing Sentiment in Photography

01:07:48 Life Lessons from Weddings

01:10:06 Connecting with Shy Couples

01:13:05 Handling Difficult Situations at Weddings

01:19:07 Lots of Life Advice

01:27:16 Future Aspirations and Personal Growth

01:32:36 Outro

Podcast Links:

* Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/

* Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify

* Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple

* RSS: https://btb.fan/rss

Social:

* Instagram: https://instagram.com/beyondthebeltpod

* Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod

* Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod

* Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/beyondthebeltpod.bsky.social

* Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

This is a conversation with Paul Elliott, a black belt out of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA. Paul is a software engineer, BJJ coach and writer, backpacker, and photographer.

Episode Links:

* Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/simplebjj

* Website: https://www.simplebjj.com

* Most Popular Article: https://simplebjj.com/a-week-with-henry-akins/

* A Year With Henry Akins: https://simplebjj.com/a-year-with-henry-akins/

* Redline BJJ: https://www.redlinebjj.com/

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplebjj

* Twitter (X): https://x.com/simplebjj

* Beltchecker: https://www.beltchecker.com/u/SimpleBJJ

Contact:

* Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest

Outline:

00:00 Intro

00:18 Journey to Black Belt

06:29 Finding Jiujitsu-Life Balance

13:23 Writing for Jitjitsu

20:17 Starting BJJ at 38

29:14 Writing Software Since the 80s

34:26 Transitioning from C++ to C# for Better Memory Management

38:06 LLMs and Large Code Bases

44:21 Balancing AI Assistance with Best Practices

53:40 Solo Backpacking and Optimization

01:00:27 DIY Gear for Backpacking Adventures

01:13:28 Redundancy and Adaptability in Outdoor Equipment

01:19:21 Recording the Backpacking Trips

01:21:39 Getting into Photography

01:28:07 Skydiving and Finding Balance

01:32:24 Prioritizing Goals and Managing Emotions

01:42:40 Traveling and Teaching More Jiujitsu

01:49:14 Outro

Podcast Links:

* Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/

* Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify

* Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple

* RSS: https://btb.fan/rss

Social:

* Instagram: https://instagram.com/beyondthebeltpod

* Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod

* Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod

* Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/beyondthebeltpod.bsky.social

* Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

This is a conversation with Mikhail Oza, a black belt out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Mikhail is technology strategist with Microsoft, BJJ coach and commentator, and scuba diver.

Episode Links:

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikhail-oza/

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baloothebeardog

* The Jiujitsu Company: https://www.instagram.com/thejiujitsucompany

* The Jiujitsu Shop: https://www.jiujitsuphilly.com/shop

* Beltchecker: https://www.beltchecker.com/profile.php?id=3661

* 4 Archetypes of People (Jets Coach): https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jonathangreechan_according-to-robert-saleh-there-are-4-types-activity-7100209641984294912-tGBB/

* Arena Grappling: https://www.arenagrappling.com/

* FSM BJJ: https://www.instagram.com/fsmbjj

* Andrew Kochel vs Luke Staley: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gj37iy9aBO8

Contact:

Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest

Outline:

00:00 Intro

00:18 Journey to Black Belt

02:52 BJJ and Community

06:20 Evolution of Jiu-Jitsu Culture

09:46 Regulated Tension and Cruise Control

13:22 Reducing the Obsession

17:31 Finding Balance

19:50 Coaching Philosophy and Leadership

23:58 Strategic Thinking in Jiu-Jitsu and Work

28:46 The Platform Play

33:23 Perspectives on Coaching

44:30 The Importance of Resilience and Enjoyment in Life

50:24 Leadership and Coaching: Lessons from Jiu-Jitsu

01:00:20 Coaching People and Your Partner

01:07:46 Journey into Scuba Diving

01:15:38 The Role of Scuba Diving in Life

01:18:55 High-Stakes Moments in Diving

01:27:41 Respect, Value, and Fun

01:31:47 Commentary in Jiu-Jitsu Matches

01:39:36 The Future

01:43:39 Outro

Podcast Links:

* Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/

* Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify

* Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple

* RSS: https://btb.fan/rss

Social:

* Instagram: https://instagram.com/beyondthebeltpod

* Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod

* Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod

* Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/beyondthebeltpod.bsky.social

* Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb

This is a conversation with Toma Dragicevic, a black belt out of Ontario, Canada. Toma is senior manager in corporate North America as well as being the owner of a few gyms in Ontario, Canada.

Episode Links:

* Instagram: https://instagram.com/toma_rmnu_canada

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toma-dragicevic-7b92a022/

* Current BJJ: https://currentbjj.com

* Revo Jiujitsu: https://revojiujitsu.com

Contact:

* Be a Guest: https://btb.fan/newguest

Outline:

00:00 Intro

00:34 Journey to Black Belt

08:17 Grading Philosophy and Student Development

10:51 Training Smarter with Age

14:08 Training as an Instructor

19:30 Injuries and Recovery

28:47 Styles and Body Care

32:28 BJJ Associations

37:33 The Thrill of Corporate Life

41:16 Managing a P&L

43:30 Empowering Leadership and Team Engagement

47:33 Goal Setting Strategies

56:19 Work Life Balance

01:01:36 Hybrid Work Culture

01:06:21 Professional Atmospheres

01:11:13 Authentic Curiosity About People

01:14:32 Confidence and Life Advice

01:20:02 Outro

Podcast Links:

* Podcast Website: https://www.beyondthebeltpod.com/

* Spotify: https://btb.fan/spotify

* Apple Podcasts: https://btb.fan/apple

* RSS: https://btb.fan/rss

Social:

* Instagram: https://instagram.com/beyondthebeltpod

* Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@beyondthebeltpod

* Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthebeltpod

* Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/beyondthebeltpod.bsky.social

* Facebook: https://btb.fan/fb