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Join us for an inspiring episode of the Career Jitsu Podcast featuring Alan Marquez, also known as Gumby! With over 30 years of experience in Jiu Jitsu and a fifth-degree black belt under Half Gracie, Gumby shares his journey from tech to martial arts and how both paths have shaped his life and his community.
Key takeaways:
•Discover the connections between Jiu Jitsu and career success.
•Learn how to navigate challenges in both tech and martial arts.
•Understand the importance of community and collaboration.
•Hear about Gumby's new project, Civic Cause, aimed at empowering citizens to engage with local government.
Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:57 Gumby's journey in Jiu Jitsu02:27 The intersection of tech and martial arts06:54 Strategies for perseverance10:24 The importance of community16:17 Civic Cause and its mission
What's your biggest challenge with balancing work and personal passions? Drop it in the comments!
Subscribe for more insights on career development and Jiu Jitsu!
#JiuJitsu #CareerDevelopment #CivicEngagement

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This podcast episode features Brogan Bernstein, a college student studying accounting and finance while working full-time and training in Jiu-Jitsu. Brogan shares insights on time management, discipline, resilience, journaling, and prioritization. He also discusses the parallels between Jiu-Jitsu and college life, emphasizing the importance of strategy and discipline in both areas.
Takeaways
•Time management
•Discipline
•Journaling and list-making
•Resilience
•Prioritization

Please donate to our mission of helping crate successful people on and off the mats :). Your support is much appreciated!

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Most people think success in sales, business, and life is about quick wins or flashy skills. But what if the secret is much simpler—and more accessible than you think? Eric Sperrazza, a black belt in jiu-jitsu and a seasoned corporate trainer, reveals how foundational principles—like patience, authenticity, and dressing for the role—are the real game-changers. His story shows that mastering the mindset in both martial arts and business can unlock doors you never even realized were there.In this episode, you'll discover:

• How the discipline of jiu-jitsu teaches patience and persistence—traits that translate directly into career success.
• The importance of role-playing and dress codes in building confidence and professional presence.
• Why sincere trust-building and active listening outshine manipulative tactics in sales—and how to develop them.
• The surprising connection between working through plateaus in jiu-jitsu and overcoming career stagnation.
• Practical lessons on how to keep working even when you're not seeing immediate results, from a veteran who’s been there.

Eric shares personal stories—from the lessons of his tough Italian mother to legendary UFC fighters—and reveals that success isn’t about talent alone but relentless effort, humility, and consistency. This episode is an urgent reminder: your growth depends on showing up, playing the long game, and doing the little things with care and sincerity.Perfect for entrepreneurs, salespeople, athletes, and anyone committed to continuous improvement. Whether you’re on the mat, in the office, or on stage, Eric’s insights will transform the way you approach your craft—and your life.If you believe in the power of mindset over talent, and understand that real trust wins every time, you won’t want to miss this. Tap in, level up, and remember: success is a habit.

Check Out These Links To Eric's Amazing Work:

https://sjbjj.com/

https://open.spotify.com/show/408YNMbguYSw1IJZu6rXeK?si=z0C4jR4BRb-FCXWjfTvQpw

http://www.tiktok.com/@thattrainingexpert

https://cacophonymedia.com/

https://youtube.com/@thattrainingexpert?si=hdJYvs0m0PMn_-ek

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Most entrepreneurs overlook a fundamental success skill that can be learned through martial arts: mastering your breath. In this episode, Glyn Powditch, a third-degree black belt in BJJ and savvy tech innovator, reveals how breath control isn’t just a survival skill—it’s a game-changer in both business and life. From optimizing Google ad spend to navigating corporate stress, Glyn’s insights will shift your perspective on how calm, strategic breathing can profoundly impact your decision-making, resilience, and growth.You’ll discover:

• The surprising connection between breathing techniques and high-stakes negotiations or assessments, inspired by martial arts master Rickson Gracie’s mastery of heart rate management.

• How AI and data analytics in digital marketing are akin to the breathing foundation—creating space for clarity and precision in decision-making.

• Practical tips for small business owners, such as leveraging reviews and social proof, echoed through Glyn’s entrepreneurial journey from auxiliary garage gym to international tech platform.

• The importance of debt freedom—how avoiding unnecessary financial burdens provided Glyn with the agility to adapt through COVID and seize new opportunities—an inspiring lesson for any entrepreneur.

Check out Glyn's Businesses here:

dreamagility.com
sbgrossendale.com

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In this inspiring interview, Sam Snow , Owner of Alliance BJJ in Keller, shares his journey of resilience, the transformative power of jiu-jitsu, and his community initiatives like Mat Mission and Dad Squad. Discover how strategic pivoting and community service can create meaningful impact in personal and professional life.

key topics

• Sam Snow's career path and resilience story
• The role of jiu-jitsu in personal growth and community building
• The founding and mission of Map Mission and Dad Squad
• The importance of community, support networks, and giving back
• Strategies for balancing entrepreneurship, family, and community service
• "Endurance and consistency are key to success"
• "Surround yourself with people who believe in you"
• "Giving back creates a meaningful life"

Check out Sam’s Info here:

BJJ Academy:

http://www.alliancejjkeller.com/

Mat Mission:

http://www.thematmission.org/

Roll The World:

http://www.rolltheworldbjj.com/

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Discover how the principles of energy efficiency are applied to the art of Jiu-jitsu in this enlightening episode with highly respected energy consultant Andrew Vaillencourt. We explore the intersection of energy efficiency in jiu-jitsu training as well as how the concepts of jiu-jitsu can inspire the energy industry.

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Unlock the transformative power of Jiu-Jitsu through Morgan Sheehan's inspiring journey—starting at 39 and competing well into her 40s. This episode reveals how physical skills cultivate mental resilience, confidence, and a profound sense of freedom for women and men alike. Morgan, a scholar and bronze medalist at the IBJJF World Championships, shares how controlled violence can forge assertiveness, enhance self-defense, and even influence professional life—bringing clarity, courage, and authenticity off the mats.

You'll discover:
- How Morgan's late start in Jiu-Jitsu defies the too old myth and highlights the importance of persistence and community.
- The connection between physical combat and mental clarity, confidence, and emotional freedom—especially for women navigating a challenging societal landscape.
- Practical insights to overcoming the hesitation of close-contact sports like Jiu-Jitsu, including the importance of a supportive culture and choosing the right environment.
- How Jiu-Jitsu promotes resilience by forcing practitioners to embrace mistakes, adapt continuously, and find joy in the process—paralleling success in writing, leadership, and life.

This episode emphasizes that it’s never too late to discover your strength, find your tribe, and unlock a new layer of confidence. Morgan's unique blend of academic insight and athletic achievement offers a powerful message: through controlled violence, you gain not just self-defense skills but a new way to express authenticity, assertiveness, and joy—no matter your age.

Perfect for women considering martial arts, lifelong competitors, or anyone seeking a mental and physical reset, this conversation reshapes how we see strength, vulnerability, and growth. Whether you're on the mats or in the boardroom, Morgan’s story reminds us that embracing challenges is the key to unlocking our true potential.

Check out some of Morgan's work below:

https://www.yellowarrowpublishing.com/store/p/yellow-arrow-journal-elevate-paperback (https://www.yellowarrowpublishing.com/store/p/yellow-arrow-journal-elevate-paperback)

This is to a recording from that journal. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6MTBBHyU78 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6MTBBHyU78)

This is a free link to the whole piece. https://www.morganadair.com/post/on-the-mats (https://www.morganadair.com/post/on-the-mats)

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What do Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and captivating an audience have in common? More than you think.

In this episode of CareerJitsu, Robert Hackenson, founder of Dynamic Influence, breaks down the powerful connection between BJJ concepts and the art of entertaining, performing, and public speaking. From timing and presence to adaptability and reading your “opponent” (or audience), the same principles that make someone effective on the mats can make them unforgettable on stage.

We explore how concepts like leverage, flow, pressure, and control translate into commanding attention, delivering impactful messages, and staying composed under pressure. Whether you’re a performer, speaker, coach, or competitor, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on how to apply your BJJ mindset beyond the gym.

If you’ve ever struggled with nerves, engagement, or finding your voice—this episode shows you how to turn your training into a superpower off the mats.

Check out Robert Hackenson’s Website here and unlock your connection to an amazing experience:

https://dynamicinfluence.com/

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