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The Jiu-Jitsu Mindset

Peter M. Deeley Jr. and Lucas Rubbo

When you improve your Jiujitsu, you improve your life.
Lessons on the mat are life lessons.
Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Welcome to The Jiu-Jitsu Mindset.

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22 episodes
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Avg 51 min
English

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September 13 · 1 hr 14 min
The Body Grows From Stress | Cameron Shayne on Aging, Movement & the Warrior Mind
Founder of Budokon Cameron Shayne joins Pete Deeley for a deep conversation on the warrior's mind: why a warrior is not an athlete, why the body only grows from stress, how the self-talk of aging quietly holds us back, and how to judge the source of any advice you're given. A masterclass in the mindset underneath the movement. Watch the full video on YouTube: [YouTube link] Submission Coffee: https://submissioncoffee.com · My Jiu Jitsu Journey app on the App Store Follow: @jiujitsumindset IN THIS EPISODE 00:00 Warrior vs. athlete: what martial arts really shapes 10:08 The hero's journey and "make yourself a great person" 24:05 Untangling the body like a junk drawer 31:11 A late black belt, and training with the best in the world 38:30 Learning what you didn't know you didn't know 51:38 The body grows from stress 58:54 Don't talk yourself old 67:41 Be critical about the source of your advice 70:47 Rich vs. happy: knowledge vs. wisdom #jiujitsu #bjj #mindset #budokon
September 11 · 41 min
Jiu-Jitsu Is the Serenity Prayer | Professor Eli Knight
Professor Eli Knight returns to The Jiu Jitsu Mindset, and this time we build the conversation around the hero's journey — the call, the crisis, the near-quit, the mentor, and the message he'd leave behind. Eli is a Royce Gracie black belt and one of the clearest thinkers working in self-defense jiu-jitsu. He talks here about the loss that pushed him into a taekwondo class as a teenager, the cousin who went to jail while he went to martial arts, the year his daughter was born and he nearly walked away from all of it, and why he still isn't sure who he would be without jiu-jitsu. He also gives one of the best answers we have had on what the art is actually for: "Jiu-jitsu to me is the serenity prayer. It teaches you how to accept things you can't change, how to change things you can, and how to know the difference." And then, at the very end, he takes the whole thing apart again with a bar of soap. CONNECT WITH PROFESSOR ELI KNIGHT YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KnightJiuJitsu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knight_jiu_jitsu_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@knightjiujitsu Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/KnightJiuJitsu Instructionals: https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/eli-knight THE JIU JITSU MINDSET Website: https://thejiujitsumindset.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheJiuJitsuMindset X: https://x.com/jiujitsumindset Find a school near you: https://thejiujitsumindset.com/pages/jiu-jitsu-schools-near-you SUPPORTING THE SHOW Submission Coffee — https://submissioncoffee.com (still not a performance-enhancing drug) My Jiu Jitsu Journey — free to try on the App Store and Google Play CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome back — year five of the podcast 00:29 Submission Coffee and the My Jiu Jitsu Journey app 01:25 Professor Eli Knight returns: the hero's journey 03:35 Crisis, loss, and the class that caught him 05:28 The soft kid who learned to face chaos 08:45 Zen, Daoism, and what religion didn't give him 10:03 "He went to jail, I went to martial arts" 11:17 It doesn't make you a good person — it reveals you 12:21 Pete's story: six years old outside Macy's 14:48 The year he almost walked away 18:42 The leap of faith into a martial arts career 20:10 "I'm not 100% sure who I am without jiu-jitsu" 22:19 The mentor: "you're off in the woods looking for Yoda" 25:35 Coaching with real care — Fit to Fight and Ryan Hoover 27:05 Instructor vs. coach: knowing what you are 30:36 When the fighter is already redlining 33:21 Technique vs. principle is a false choice 34:57 What he'd want people to take away 36:56 Jiu-jitsu is the serenity prayer 38:57 The bar of soap #jiujitsu #bjj #brazilianjiujitsu #selfdefense #eliknight #martialarts #thejiujitsumindset
September 8 · 1 hr 6 min
Professor Chris Burns: Rickson's "Invisible Jiu-Jitsu" & the Mission of Rickson Gracie United
Host Pete Deeley talks with Professor Chris about preserving Gracie Jiu-Jitsu—specifically Rickson Gracie's interpretation focused on practical self-defense, common-sense solutions to common attacks, and "invisible jiu-jitsu" principles like connection, base, timing, and control rather than strength or athleticism. Chris explains how self-defense knowledge has been diluted by sport-focused training, why losing this curriculum forces people to "reinvent the wheel," and how he was injured after seeking self-defense but ending up in a sport school. He describes building Rickson Gracie United as a structured, global curriculum with tiers and affiliate academies, adding stress and live sparring, and keeping sport and self-defense unified while making training accessible for beginners, kids, and non-competitors. The conversation also touches on Rickson's character, honesty, boundaries, and how jiu-jitsu teaches realistic self-assessment. 00:00 Welcome and Updates 01:07 Movie References Warmup 03:07 Why Preserve Gracie Jiu Jitsu 08:23 Invisible Jiu Jitsu Basics 09:49 Hickson Gracie Unite Launch 11:05 Making Self Defense Accessible 14:06 What Gets Lost Without It 15:17 Personal Story and Injuries 17:39 Jiu Jitsu Telephone Effect 21:04 Sport Growth and Realism 23:32 Sport and Self Defense Unity 30:52 Who Self Defense Is For 32:18 Training Is Not Fighting 33:08 Trauma Empathy On Mats 34:00 Why Rickson Matters 36:27 Good Person Boundaries 38:13 Honesty Ocean Metaphor 42:55 Teaching Kids Through Play 44:51 Belts Competition Context 46:49 Confidence For Daughters 49:28 Internet Backlash Tribalism 52:52 Open Hand Learning 55:24 Lose To Learn Timing 58:16 Preserving Hickson Legacy 01:00:38 Mats Are Contextual 01:01:57 RGU Links And Farewell
August 28 · 25 min
Jiu Jitsu Mindsets: Professor Juanta Wolf on Art, Fatherhood, Gym Culture & Competition
Host Pete Deeley welcomes Professor Juanta "Tater" Wolf to discuss building a jiu jitsu life and academy while balancing family and community. Pete shares updates on the My Jiu Jitsu Journey app (including a new weight-loss component) and invites gym owners to carry Submission Coffee. Juanta explains that before jiu jitsu he focused on painting and murals, describing his style as therapeutic, abstract "Afro Cubism," and connects that improvisational approach to how he rolls and avoids rigid game plans. He credits becoming a father as the turning point that moved him from hobbyist to daily coach and eventual owner, bringing his son to the academy since four months old. Juanta recounts how he found his first gym through a graffiti painting encounter with coach Aaron, emphasizing serious training paired with fun, welcoming culture, and he shares his love of competition, a memorable injury match win, and a student moment when his cousin's daughter showcased jiu jitsu at a school talent show. He closes with where to follow Prairie Wolf Jujitsu online. 00:00 Welcome and Updates 01:32 Meet Professor Juanta 02:38 Art Before Jiu Jitsu 03:54 Flow State Training 05:25 Fatherhood and Ownership 09:26 Finding the First Gym 11:40 Building a Fun Culture 13:34 Why Compete 17:09 Injury and Breakthrough Win 20:07 Student Impact Story 22:05 Tater Man Nickname 22:42 Where to Follow and Farewell
August 16 · 1 hr 14 min
Change, Initiation, and Jiu Jitsu as a Modern Mystery with Professor Jason Hawkins
Change, Initiation, and Jiu Jitsu as a Modern Mystery with Professor Jason Hawkins The host of The Jiu Jitsu Mindset welcomes Professor Jason Hawkins, promotes the My Jiu Jitsu Journey app's new weight-loss component, and mentions Submission Coffee's wholesale program for gym owners. They discuss change as deep transformation rather than habit tweaks, framing growth as transmuting suffering into consciousness and using a marathon "pain is inevitable, suffering is optional" story plus the Yoga Sutras' "now" as a call to seriousness when ordinary coping fails. They explore initiation as guided "death, burial, resurrection," historically tied to near-death clarity, with compassion distinguishing it from abuse, and note women are "initiated by nature" while men often need imposed rites. They relate initiation to martial arts as modern mystery schools: sacred space, gi/belt symbolism, told-shown-done learning, humility, trust, and moving from technique to principle and "no habit." They cover Nietzsche's camel-lion-child, three paths (hardship, self-study, surrender), boredom as a gatekeeper, devotion vs outcome-seeking, and responsibility as the warrior ethic. 00:00 Welcome and Updates 01:08 Meet Jason Hawkins 01:50 Why People Change 03:04 Pain vs Suffering Story 03:59 Yoga Sutras and Now 06:02 Transformation Not Habits 10:02 Gross to Subtle Path 13:32 What Is Initiation Today 16:35 Near Death and Rites 21:59 Pete's Grandfather Lesson 25:57 Mysteries and Three Steps 31:27 Nietzsche Camel Lion Child 36:21 Iron John Colors and Jiu Jitsu 38:22 Pick Your Moment 38:33 No Habit Mastery 38:46 Rolling With My Son 40:33 Skill Stages Explained 42:01 Mystery School Question 45:05 Sacred Space Rituals 48:13 False Danger Real Growth 52:00 Practice Reverence Discipline 54:16 Warrior Responsibility 01:01:03 Mystery Cannot Be Told 01:04:03 Miracles And Attention 01:05:57 Boredom Gatekeeper 01:08:16 Devotion Over Discipline 01:11:50 Closing Reflections
August 7 · 26 min
Coach Levi Frank (Super Billy Gilly!)| Developing Self-Belief Through Jiu-Jitsu
Host Pete Deeley welcomes Coach Levi Frank to The Jiu-Jitsu Mindset, shares updates on Submission Coffee sponsoring the Momentum Martial Arts Competition Team and the ad-free My Jiu Jitsu Journey app, then explores how martial arts transformed Levi's life. Levi explains he lacked confidence before MMA/jiu-jitsu and was influenced by watching UFC, school bullying, and a difficult relationship with his older brother. He credits Professor Darian Cobon with changing his worldview and mindset, replacing false security with confidence built from training and work, helping him calm overthinking and improve daily life. Levi argues competition is necessary because it tests training and changes people mentally regardless of outcome. He recounts a memorable amateur MMA TKO against a striker, following Darian's guidance to secure mount and finish with ground-and-pound. Levi also describes the impact of teaching kids and seeing dramatic confidence and life changes in students, and jokingly adopts the nickname "Super Billy Gilly" for his love of the guillotine. 00:00 Welcome and Sponsors 01:14 Life Without Martial Arts 02:39 Bullying and Early Motivation 04:03 Coach Darian Mindset Shift 05:26 Confidence Beyond the Mats 08:55 Why Competition Matters 11:43 Most Memorable MMA Fight 14:35 Ring vs Schoolyard Violence 18:39 Teaching Kids and Raising Lions 21:21 Gym Transformations and Wins 23:54 Super Billy Gilly Name 24:39 Closing and Next Meetup
August 4 · 27 min
Professor Kenny Kim on Martial Arts as a Calling, Resilience and Rebuilding
Host Pete Deeley welcomes back Professor Kenny Kim to discuss when martial arts became a lifelong path for him, starting at age four or five and realizing by high school he wanted a future in martial arts. Kim shares how training helped him overcome racism, bullying, and childhood shyness by building confidence and a desire to lead and teach, even while competing. He describes a major period of disillusionment in his late 20s/early 30s: business stress from running an academy since age 20–21, debt around $100,000, selling his academy for $100,000 to reset, briefly pursuing home inspection and then thriving as a personal trainer before returning to open a new school in 2006. Kim credits close teammates and world champions for shaping him and emphasizes humility, aging as a privilege, and giving back. He also previews Mat Made's expansion: matmade.com now hosts short stories and a large U.S. jiu-jitsu directory with 7,000+ listings and a rebooted, raw vlog-style academy-visit series. 00:00 Welcome and Sponsors 00:58 Kenny Kim Returns 01:48 Martial Arts Beginnings 03:47 Confidence Through Training 06:01 Competitor to Teacher 07:53 Burnout and Debt Spiral 11:39 Starting Over in 2006 14:53 Hustle and Self Learning 16:51 Brothers and Mentors 18:57 Legacy Humility Giving Back 21:52 Mat Made Directory Expansion 23:37 New Raw Vlog Series 25:14 Closing Thanks and Farewell
July 24 · 30 min
Damien Blotzke on Martial Arts: Life Pivots, Competitions, and Self-Mastery
Damien Blotzke on Martial Arts as a Life Pivot, Competition, and Self-Mastery Host Pete Deeley opens by promoting the Momentum Martial Arts competition team, joking about "submission coffee" as a performance enhancer, and announcing the ad-free My Jiu-Jitsu Journey app with a small monthly fee. He then interviews fighter Damien Blotzke, who says martial arts shaped his identity and gave him tools for learning, problem-solving, listening, and self-control. Blotzke describes being adopted by his brother Darian and moving to Nevada on short notice as a pivotal fork in the road that placed him in a strong learning environment and allowed him to pursue fighting. He cites Miyamoto Musashi's Book of Five Rings and discusses competition as mental, spiritual, and physical, emphasizing breathwork to quiet his inner critic and fight camp as preparation. He recounts memorable bouts, including his first amateur loss at 16, later success, and a five-round fight where he dominated. Deeley shares his own early competition experience and they discuss Momentum's supportive culture. Blotzke suggests the superhero name "Spike Elbow" and shares social links: dthekidmma and Momentum Martial Arts. 00:00 Welcome and Sponsors 01:24 Meet Damien Blotzke 02:18 Adoption and New Start 07:34 When Martial Arts Clicked 10:49 Musashi and Life Lessons 13:08 Competition and Inner Voice 16:56 Most Memorable Fights 20:17 Host Competition Story 24:21 Momentum Community Impact 27:43 Spike Elbow Superhero 28:52 Where to Follow Damien 29:26 Final Thanks and Wrap Up
July 19 · 38 min
The Might Mocifer! | Professor Mo Gobena on Fear, Community, and Competing: Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, and Life
Host Pete Deeley welcomes Professor Mo Gobena to The Jiu-Jitsu Mindset, mentions sponsorship of Momentum Martial Arts Competition Team, Subscription Coffee, and the My Jiu-Jitsu Journey app. Mo shares how martial arts evolved for him from overcoming fear as a kid in dangerous 1990s Las Vegas after his family migrated from Africa, to athletics, and now community at age 40. He describes a formative lesson from hearing the John Diggins "circus bear jiu-jitsu" story about experimenting without fear of losing, and how that mindset shaped his approach beyond wrestling and boxing. Mo argues most practitioners should compete at least once or twice for stress inoculation and self-defense readiness, and recounts memorable MMA fights, including taking a last-minute heavier opponent and winning by TKO. He explains how competing helps coaches empathize with students, and highlights watching Damien, Coach Darian's brother, fall in love with jiu-jitsu. Mo also shares his nickname "Mighty Mocifer," his stand-up comedy hobby, and upcoming shows including the Savage Henry Comedy Festival. 00:00 Welcome and Sponsors 01:25 Meet Professor Mo 02:14 Martial Arts and Fear 05:00 Growing Up in Vegas 07:37 Learning to Experiment 11:39 Journey Over Belts 14:55 Why Compete 18:45 First MMA Fight Story 24:37 Coaching Through Competition 27:24 Student Success Damien 32:13 Mocifer Nickname 35:08 Comedy and Closing
July 12 · 37 min
La Cazadora (The Huntress): Cassidy Roblero's Martial Arts Journey
Cassidy Roblero ("La Cazadora") on Martial Arts as an Outlet, Competition Mindset, and Building Confidence On this episode of The Jiu Jitsu Mindset, the host shares updates on the My Jiu Jitsu Journey app (a zero-advertising, subscription-based jujitsu-only platform) and Submission Coffee sponsoring the Momentum Martial Arts Competition Team, then interviews Momentum athlete and coach Cassidy Roblero. Cassidy describes starting boxing at 14 and MMA/jujitsu/Muay Thai at 15 during a personal crisis, crediting martial arts with providing a healthy outlet, structure, community, and inner calm. She discusses mentorship from Coach Darian and how martial arts principles apply to life, reflects on women's growing opportunities in combat sports, and explains how competition tests skills and mindset under pressure. Cassidy recounts pivotal experiences from her first jujitsu competition and first MMA fight, emphasizing self-belief, resilience, honesty, and adapting technique for safety, and highlights the confidence gains she sees in kids who train. She shares her fight name, La Cazadora ("The Huntress"), where to follow her (Cass on the Mats), and notes she's rehabbing a neck/shoulder with hopes to fight in September or October. 00:00 Welcome and Updates 01:46 Meet Cassidy Roblero 02:40 Martial Arts Saved Me 04:09 Crisis to Calm 07:08 Coaches and Life Lessons 09:24 Women in Combat Sports 13:27 Why Compete 18:07 First MMA Fight Mindset 22:05 Confidence and Resilience 27:53 Kids Program Transformations 33:21 The Huntress Identity 34:11 Follow and Next Fight
July 7 · 55 min
Jiu Jitsu as a Life Pivot: Humility and Persistence | The Splendid Savage Professor Carlos Reyes
Professor Carlos Reyes (Splendid Savage) on Jiu-Jitsu, Humility, Self-Defense, and Life Change Host Pete Deeley welcomes Professor Carlos Reyes ("Splendid Savage") to The Jiu-Jitsu Mindset, promotes the My Jiu-Jitsu Journey social app and Submission coffee, and discusses how jiu-jitsu redirected Reyes' life away from trouble associated with his band years, alongside faith. Reyes describes being drawn in through punishing early experiences, including being repeatedly submitted by a much smaller blue belt, which taught humility and openness to learning. He recounts a DUI and time in jail that prompted a commitment to jiu-jitsu, and how competition can inoculate practitioners against stress, though it should not be forced. Reyes contrasts sport-focused training with self-defense principles, emphasizing "DNA" concepts like base, connection, leverage, and weight distribution. He shares a student's transformation—losing 70 pounds and gaining confidence—illustrating jiu-jitsu's off-mat impact, and closes with where to find him online. 00:00 Welcome and Announcements 01:42 Life Without Jiu Jitsu 04:31 First Roll Reality Check 06:58 Humility and Honest Growth 12:13 Jail Wake Up Call 15:37 Habits and Incremental Change 17:30 Why Compete at All 20:27 Competition as Stress Training 26:16 Most Memorable Rolls 29:10 Self Defense Awakening 30:40 Sport Gym Shark Tank 31:53 Choosing the Right Gym 37:36 Principles Over Moves 39:48 Embracing Failure and Time 43:47 Student Transformation Story 49:26 Virtuous Cycles and Lifestyle 51:21 Splendid Savage Identity 52:44 Wrap Up and Where to Find
June 23 · 42 min
Sensei George Rego on the Martial Arts Mindset: Be Difficult to Harm but Easy to Respect
Host Pete Deeley welcomes listeners back to The Jiu-Jitsu Mindset, promotes subscription coffee and announces the new app "My Jiu-Jitsu Journey," then interviews Sensei George Rego about his lifelong martial arts path. Rego describes walking into an old, gritty dojo as a child and feeling instantly "at home," drawn to the combination of real physical capability and character, honor, and discipline—echoing Miyamoto Musashi's "twofold way" of sword and pen. He discusses the unique trust of training, the deep teacher-student bond, and the grief of losing his sensei. Rego shares lessons on discipline becoming self-discipline, navigating students who disappear, and his motivation for writing "The Founding of Jujutsu and Judo in America," including Teddy Roosevelt's ju jitsu connections. He concludes that a strong martial artist should be difficult to harm but easy to respect. 00:00 Welcome and Updates 01:05 Meet Sensei George Rego 02:01 Why Martial Arts 03:25 First Dojo Awakening 05:54 Quiet Strength Ideal 09:14 Twofold Way Mindset 13:21 Loss of a Sensei 15:02 Teacher Student Bond 19:08 Trust and Time on Mat 22:18 Students Who Disappear 23:44 Refocus on Students 25:07 Sensei Beyond Fighting 27:13 Systems and Discipline 29:14 Gravitas of a Master 31:05 Why Write the Book 33:53 Research and Roosevelt Dojo 35:05 Preserving Hidden Lineages 36:22 Where to Find the Book 36:57 Audiobook and Bestseller Run 38:33 Hard to Harm Easy Respect
June 13 · 40 min
Flow and Feel: Jiu-Jitsu Wisdom with Professor Darien Cobon
Host Pete Deeley welcomes Professor Darien to discuss how lessons from jiu-jitsu transfer to life and how first principles, efficiency, and environment shape learning. Professor Darien emphasizes concepts over flashy techniques, urging beginners to build fundamentals like posture, base, weight distribution, and inside position so submissions become reliable and safer. They compare learning to surfing and chess, highlighting "time on the board," pattern recognition, and applying knowledge through feel rather than memory or forcing outcomes. The conversation explores mindset as staying connected to yourself, observing thoughts, avoiding reactive "shootouts," and seeking truth even when it means admitting you've lost a position. Darien shares experiences training with Howder and an unforgettable hour-long roll with Rickson Gracie, plus how adopting his younger brother helped transform his life into a fight-team leader and UFC Fight Pass competitor. 00:00 Welcome 01:12 Why Jiu Jitsu Transfers 02:50 Teaching Evidence First 03:59 Concepts Before Techniques 06:51 Building Safe Training Culture 08:52 Feel Versus Know 10:21 Fight Your Fight Principles 13:08 Mindset and Self Awareness 15:58 Mind as Radio Frequency 17:18 Teaching Inspiration and Metaphors 19:17 Coaching Focus Structure Weight 20:38 Educated Instincts 21:21 Invisible Jujitsu 23:25 Overthink Good Outcomes 25:34 Chess Like Calmness 28:53 Composure Under Pressure 30:51 Most Memorable Roll 35:26 Students Changed Lives 38:00 Calculated Nickname 38:45 Closing Thanks
June 9 · 2 hr 25 min
Commitment Without Attachment: Professor Michael Casey's Insights on Jiu-Jitsu
Professor Michael Casey on Playful Learning, Trust, Breath, and Real-World Jiu-Jitsu Host Pete Deeley interviews Professor Michael Casey on why jiu-jitsu learning should start relaxed and playful, noting that fun and visible improvement keep both kids and adults training. Casey describes how he introduced his son Declan through play, community support, and avoiding "nagging dad" behavior, later adding hands-on coaching and emphasizing position before submission. They discuss building trust in a gym, safety culture, and how breathing and conscious pauses expand the space between emotion and reaction, improving self-control and maturity. Casey contrasts sport and self-defense approaches, arguing honesty about goals matters and that positional control often outweighs submissions in real-world contexts like healthcare or law enforcement. He critiques "flip the switch" self-defense claims, discourages enforcing gym culture by beating up "jerks," and advises older beginners to shop for supportive communities and advocate for themselves. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:34 Playful Learning in Jiu Jitsu 03:49 Kids vs Adults Training Paths 06:17 Raising a Jiu Jitsu Kid 19:13 Position Before Submission 25:40 Emotions and Self Control 31:54 Breath as a Training Tool 35:52 Teaching Self Defense Framework 39:47 Mapping Fight Feelings 40:29 Fear Isn't Weakness 42:09 Rational vs Irrational Fear 44:29 Incremental Safety and Trust 48:19 Instructor Builds Support 52:35 Relaxation as a Symptom 55:05 Lessons Off the Mats 01:06:30 Commit Without Attachment 01:14:43 Resilience Through Failure 01:19:27 Jiu-Jitsu Then vs Now 01:22:02 Street Ready Jiu Jitsu 01:22:36 Sport Vs Self Defense 01:23:11 Honesty In Training 01:25:18 Why The Grind Matters 01:27:54 Jiu Jitsu As Lifestyle 01:31:21 Preserve Or Evolve 01:32:29 Culture Bowing And Gis 01:35:35 Innovation With Relson Rickson 01:45:25 Finding Your Right School 01:47:48 Starting At 55 01:49:50 Shopping Schools Smart 01:53:53 Responsibility Teaching Violence 01:56:04 Gym Enforcers And Jerks 01:57:10 When Violence Backfires 01:57:52 Reforming the Rough Student 01:59:01 Ego vs Instructor Duty 02:00:05 Helsan Beach Fight Story 02:01:20 Rickson vs Relson Street Logic 02:06:04 Gracie Culture and Upbringing 02:09:12 Training Deescalation Scripts 02:16:27 Snowstorm Deescalation Win 02:17:59 Protecting Your Daughter 02:23:57 Wrap Up and Training Connections
June 6 · 41 min
Veterans Breakthrough: How Jiu-Jitsu Helps Veterans Rebuild Purpose, Health, and Community
Veterans Breakthrough: How Jiu-Jitsu Helps Veterans Rebuild Purpose, Health, and Community On The Jiu-Jitsu Mindset, Pete Deeley speaks with the founding board of Veterans Breakthrough—Chris (Navy), Kyle Zipf (Marine Corps infantry), and Phillip Marcum (Army 10th Mountain)—about how Brazilian jiu-jitsu supports veterans' personal growth, accountability, and community. Chris explains the organization's mission of empowering veterans from the inside out and how jiu-jitsu's structure, discipline, and camaraderie mirror military experiences. Kyle and Philip share their initial skepticism of "jiu-jitsu saves lives" messaging, then describe being humbled on the mats, ego reduction, improved health and habits, and stronger mental well-being. They detail Veterans Breakthrough's year-long jiu-jitsu scholarships, mentorship, annual retreats with training and "breakthrough" sessions, and how recipients can become mentors. They share how to apply or donate at veteransbreakthrough.org and promote their Mesa, Arizona tournaments (including a Nov. 7 no-gi event) and peer-to-peer fundraising. 00:00 Welcome and Coffee Bit 01:03 Why Veterans Breakthrough 02:02 Mission and Jiu Jitsu Fit 04:04 Chris Military Background 05:14 Kyle Finds Jiu Jitsu 06:32 Philip Story and Growth 09:44 Getting Humbled on Day One 12:18 Ego Break and Mental Chess 14:17 Controlled Violence and Healing 16:52 Vulnerability and Vet Readiness 19:18 Scholarship Success Story 21:26 Jujitsu Lifestyle Spillover 22:38 First Scholarship Success Story 24:03 From Skeptic to Breakthrough 28:29 Breath Body and Mind 30:49 Scholarship and Mentorship Model 33:17 Retreats and Breakthrough Sessions 35:22 Favorite Submissions Rapid Fire 36:43 How to Join and Support 38:44 Volunteer Powered Wrap Up
May 30 · 59 min
Finding the Way: Ryan Hurst on Martial Arts, Life, and Legacy
Host Pete Deeley interviews Ryan Hurst of GMB Fitness about how martial arts shaped his life and teaching. Hurst began martial arts in high school, visited Japan at 18, and an influential kendo instructor encouraged him to stay; a planned short exchange became 28 years in Japan, including training connected to police/self-defense groups and working eight years at a martial arts complex in a shrine. He emphasizes posture, breath, and mindset as core principles for both fighting and life. After moving back to the U.S. four years ago, injuries and cultural differences in training made him consider quitting, leading him to form the non-competitive, free "Jiú Kai" group focused on longevity and mutual benefit. He discusses judo maxims (maximum efficiency, mutual welfare/respect, and pausing to ask "is this necessary?"), training modes (maintenance, exploration, "monk mode"), and how being an outsider improved his coaching awareness. He previews a forthcoming book on staying on the mat forever. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:36 Martial Arts as a Life Path 02:55 Japan Exchange and Kendo Mentor 06:02 Posture Breath Mindset Framework 09:54 Coaches and Work Ethic Origins 11:40 Kendo Culture Shock and Proving Yourself 15:58 Shrine Dojo Years in Osaka 17:21 Joyful Hard Work and Longevity 20:34 Judo Maxims and Training Philosophy 22:51 Moving Back and BJJ Injury Wake Up Call 26:34 Starting the Jiu Kai Training Group 28:03 Training Without Rivalry 28:27 Almost Quitting Martial Arts 29:40 Osaka Castle Dojo Lessons 31:17 Practice Is Mindset 32:04 Maintenance Play Monk Modes 32:50 Aging Without Comparison 36:31 Longevity And Staying On 38:52 New Book Staying Forever 39:40 Injury Pivot And GMB 43:54 Outsider Experience And Ego 49:24 Awareness-Based Coaching 54:46 Jeans Guy And Farewell
May 22 · 50 min
Vini Fonseca on Gracie Jiu-Jitsu: Confidence, Mission-Driven Teaching, and Serving Everyone
Host Pete Deeley welcomes instructor Vini Fonseca to The Jiu Jitsu Mindset to discuss how Gracie Jiu-Jitsu shaped Vini's confidence, boundaries, and identity through a gentle, game-based childhood introduction around the Gracie family, including Rickson, Royler, and Helio. Vini explains he began teaching about 10 years ago after studying engineering and running a surf business, then committed fully to preserving Rickson's interpretation of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu—fundamentals, "invisible" aspects, and life transformation. They explore teaching as deep personal attention and scanning students' needs, using self-defense to build humility, compassion, and confidence for kids, neurodivergent students, seniors, and even fighters. Vini shares a story of helping an autistic student change socially, reflects on competition as optional, and recounts memorable rolls with Chris Burns, Scott Burr, and Michael Casey. 00:00 Welcome and Sponsor Plug 00:57 Meet Vini Fonseca 01:55 How Jiu Jitsu Shaped Me 05:57 From Engineer to Instructor 07:22 A Gentle Introduction 10:44 Learning Through Observation 16:15 Teaching as Life Mission 19:31 Self Defense for Everyone 22:06 Connection and Care 25:08 Preserving True Jiu Jitsu 26:52 Serving Students With Care 27:42 Self Defense For Seniors 28:20 Roleplay Boundaries Training 29:53 Complete Academy Mission 31:48 Competition For Learners 33:21 Why He Doesn't Compete 36:12 Rolling Stories And Lessons 40:25 First Student Transformation 43:52 Maturity And Teaching Wisdom 47:16 Closing And Future Plans
May 15 · 35 min
A Talk with Rodrigo Freitas: Embracing the Jiu-Jitsu Mindset
Host Pete Deeley welcomes Professor Rodrigo Freitas to the Jiu-Jitsu Mindset and discusses how Freitas's life might have differed without jiu-jitsu, noting his background in soccer, swimming, and love of music and travel. Freitas recounts starting jiu-jitsu at 13 in Brazil amid harsh training, hazing, and limited instruction, learning partly from VHS tapes, and says he wasn't naturally skillful but had strong cardio and persistence. They explore competition as optional but valuable at least once, citing a student whose first tournament improved discipline, health, and lifestyle. Freitas names a memorable loss to Leandro Lo by advantage as confidence-building, describes jiu-jitsu as stress inoculation, therapy, and moving meditation with spiritual benefits, and shares a story of a child improving socially and getting off medication. He invites visitors to Inspirit Jiu Jitsu Academy in Redondo Beach (InspiritJiuJitsuAcademy.com) and jokes his superhero name would be Spiderman due to Spiderguard. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:52 Life Without Jiu Jitsu 01:32 Sports and Music Roots 04:38 Why Martial Arts Clicked 05:24 Early Jiu Jitsu Struggles 07:33 Old School Gym Culture 10:49 Learning Before YouTube 12:22 Why Jiu Jitsu Endures 14:49 Competition Changes Lives 17:41 Weight Class Motivation 18:39 Memorable Match Leandro Lo 20:24 Losses And Self Mastery 21:48 Stress Inoculation Business 24:03 Jiu Jitsu As Meditation 26:17 Life Changing Student Story 28:59 Humility And Community 30:48 Visit Inspirit Academy 31:52 Training At New Gyms 32:45 Spiderguard Spiderman Wrap
May 8 · 1 hr 1 min
Professor Eddie Kone on Finding Jiu-Jitsu, Mentorship, and Preserving a Legacy
Host Pete Deeley welcomes Professor Eddie Kone to the Jiu-Jitsu Mindset where they explore Cohn's 30-year Jiu Jitsu journey beginning March 12, 1996. Kone describes a troubled youth spent in children's homes and periods of homelessness, developing an ego-driven, scrappy mentality that led him through karate, judo, and Thai boxing before the UFC revealed what he felt was missing. After seeing Royce Gracie on VHS, Kone traveled to Rio, found the Gracie Academy in Botafogo, trained with Royler and encountered Helio Gracie and other icons, immediately quitting striking after being repeatedly submitted. He discusses mentorship, jiu-jitsu's spiritual and community aspects, UK gym politics, competing as a validation tool, a memorable last-minute MMA fight he won by triangle, and student transformations including a blind practitioner and a child with cerebral palsy, emphasizing preserving Helio/Rickson principles and directing listeners to Ricksongracie.com. 00:00 Welcome 02:03 Life Beyond Jiu Jitsu 03:32 Wild Kid Origins 05:27 Street Survival and Mentors 13:32 UFC VHS Sparks Obsession 15:02 Finding the Gracie Academy 17:03 First Roll Reality Check 18:12 Hooked on the Culture 26:01 Jiu Jitsu Spiritual Ethos 28:39 Defense Versus Offense 30:00 Planting Your Flag 30:34 Tribes and Mud Slinging 31:56 Ego and Late Starts 33:42 Why Everyone Competes 35:11 Open Weight Reality Check 37:15 Taking a Fight on Short Notice 39:19 Ego and Controlled Aggression 43:12 Legacy and Finding Home 47:15 Inside Rickson Circle 49:46 Rickson Teaching Magic 54:52 Students Who Transform 57:35 Jujitsu Over Sides 57:53 Farewell
April 27 · 47 min
Kindness, Discipline, And Harmony with Professor Jason Cruz
Jason Cruz Rickson Gracie Jiujitsu "Pure Bred" Rooted in tradition, Jason's journey began at age seven training on wooden floors and makiwara boards. He earned a Traditional Karate Black Belt and is a Guro in both Pangamot and Lameco Filipino Martial Arts, which along with his experience in Jeet Kune Do served as the foundations for his striking style. A "purebred" Rickson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, Jason's lineage is unbroken from his first trial lesson with Master Rickson Gracie to receiving his black belt from the hands of the Master. A dedicated coach and elite training partner, he is now a sought after coach and has prepared fighters for Professional Competition and played a pivotal role in the first and most recent victory of a Gracie since the early days of UFC. Today he and his family run Bushido Mountain Dojo in Montana, where the mission of preserving art and spreading the way art Rickson Gracie Jiujitsu and Filipino Martial Arts is his focus. From Karate to Invisible Jiu-Jitsu: Etiquette, Discipline, and Teaching as Family Host Pete Deeley interviews Professor Jason about his martial arts journey from karate training at age seven on wood floors to Filipino martial arts and Jeet Kune Do with original Bruce Lee students, and how those experiences shaped his approach to jiu-jitsu. They compare earlier eras—when students "courted" instructors and etiquette was central—to today's more transactional gym culture. Jason describes building a dojo in Montana focused on respect, safety, and community, including white-gi preference, interviews and waiting lists, and treating students as family rather than customers. He recounts driving 80 miles each way for years to train in a Rickson Gracie lineage and shares how "invisible jiu-jitsu" applies off the mat as being a better teacher, husband, and dad. They discuss concepts like stripping away the useless, soft vision, "no technique," and a recent epiphany: "invisible timing," plus student transformations through breathing, kindness, and improved relationships. 00:00 Welcome and Setup 01:36 Early Karate Roots 03:00 Jeet Kune Do Era 05:16 Bruce Lee Philosophy 09:38 Efficiency and Focus 13:14 Invisible Jiu Jitsu 16:18 Building Dojo Culture 20:04 Coffee Shop to Dojo 22:28 Gi Color and Ego 22:57 Dojo Safety Culture 23:52 Dojo as Spiritual Practice 25:03 Chasing the Purest Jiu Jitsu 27:01 Earning Access and Commitment 28:40 Students Not Customers 29:25 Real Life Transformations 33:27 Invisible Timing Epiphany 37:36 Aikido and Mystical Rootedness 41:22 Etiquette and Beginner Mind 44:13 Mind Heart Respect Closing

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