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Combat Creative

Author: Jared Quackenbush

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Welcome to the Combat Creative podcast where we explore the heart of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, uncovering its creative, entrepreneurial, and leadership qualities.

Join us for inspiring stories, practical insights, and empowering conversations with guests who embody innovation and leadership in our BJJ community.

Whether you're a practitioner, entrepreneur, or leader, this podcast is for you.

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33 Episodes
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A U.S. Marine veteran shares how Jiu-Jitsu helped him battle PTSD — and how that journey led to starting Grapple Cove, a garage-born academy that’s now growing into a supportive community for families and veterans alike.
From the Octagon to building one of the most successful Jiu-Jitsu and MMA programs in his city, UFC fighter and head coach Alex Morono shares his mindset for creating unstoppable success. In this episode, we dive into what it really takes to grow a thriving academy, lead a team, and keep improving as a fighter, coach, and business owner. Whether you’re a UFC fan, a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, or an academy owner, you’ll take away real, actionable insights from Alex’s journey — no fluff, just hard-earned lessons. 📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Alex balances being a UFC fighter and running a growing academy The mindset needed to build lasting success in martial arts Tips for leading a team and keeping your students motivated Why growth starts with leadership and culture 🎙 Podcast Host: Jared Quackenbush – Founder of Combat Creative, helping Jiu-Jitsu academy owners dominate their local market.
Opening a Jiu-Jitsu academy is one thing. Building one that actually thrives? That’s a different story. In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Yamada, co-founder and instructor at Lokahi Jiu-Jitsu in Omaha, Nebraska, to break down what it really takes to stand out and succeed as a gym owner today. From branding and community to the real work behind running a business, Ryan shares hard-earned lessons and honest advice for professors who want to build a serious academy—not just run a hobby. Whether you’re thinking about opening your own gym or looking to scale the one you already have, this episode is packed with practical wisdom.
Why do so many people wait to start Jiu-Jitsu? In this episode, Kenny from the BJJ Balance Podcast shares his honest story of why he didn’t start training sooner — and what finally pushed him to commit. From funny gym trials to early No-Gi struggles, it’s a story every grappler can relate to. Kenny also talks about how he co-founded the BJJ Balance Podcast with his friend and black belt Matt, and what it’s like being a Jiu-Jitsu content creator in today’s social media world. Whether you're a new practitioner or just love good storytelling, this episode delivers.
In this episode, I sit down with Mat Veiga from Oss Nation BJJ and the BJJ Balance Podcast for a fun, honest, and sometimes hilarious conversation about Jiu-Jitsu. We cover everything from the frustrations with IBJJF, to the wild world of BJJ content creation and share plenty of laughs along the way. Whether you train, coach, or just love the Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle — you’ll enjoy this one. 👉 Want help growing your jiu-jitsu academy? Book a free call: https://app.gohighlevel.com/v2/preview/OOeD20XpgcnYDVdDCTop
In this full episode, we sit down with Nelson from Be The Undisputed, a Jiu-Jitsu soap company focused on helping athletes train hard and stay clean. We talk about the importance of proper hygiene, how infections spread on the mats, and the habits that every grappler should build to stay healthy and respectful in the gym. 🧼 The truth about hygiene in Jiu-Jitsu 👃 Avoiding ringworm, staph, and bad mat habits 🥋 Building a clean training routine every athlete should follow Whether you’re a white belt or a gym owner, this episode will make you think twice before skipping that post-roll shower.
Thinking about competing in Jiu-Jitsu? In this episode, I sit down with two world champions—Lucas Pinheiro and Daniel Sathler—to talk about what it really takes to step onto the competition mats. Whether you’re a hobbyist considering your first tournament or a seasoned athlete chasing gold, this conversation is full of honest insights, mindset advice, and hard-earned wisdom from two of the best in the game. 🥋 What We Cover: 1. How to mentally prepare for competition 2. Why some hobbyists make great competitors 3. Lessons learned from years of competing at the highest level 4. Tips for training smarter and staying consistent This isn’t just for pros—this is for anyone who loves Jiu-Jitsu and wants to push themselves. If you’ve been on the fence about competing, this episode might be the nudge you need.
🔥 How do you develop a champion’s mindset in Jiu-Jitsu? In this episode, we sit down with Enderson Dias, a dedicated competitor who shares his journey from starting Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil to building his life in the USA. Enderson breaks down the mental shifts that separate winners from the rest, why focusing on performance over medals is key, and how patience and mindset can transform your Jiu-Jitsu journey. Whether you're a competitor or just looking to level up your training, this episode is packed with game-changing insights.
In this episode, we sit down with Thor from Emerald Coast BJJ, a gym owner and entrepreneur who’s built a thriving Jiu-Jitsu academy from the ground up. Thor shares his journey of growing Jiu-Jitsu in a small city, the importance of community, and why he believes Jiu-Jitsu people are the best people in the world. Plus, we dive into his unique approach to running a business-first academy and how he’s shaking things up by adding a coffee shop inside his gym. If you’re passionate about Jiu-Jitsu, business, and building something bigger than yourself—this episode is for you!
In this episode, we sit down with Daniel Sathler, one of the most exciting pro Jiu-Jitsu competitors today. Daniel shares what it takes to succeed in the world of Jiu-Jitsu—both on and off the mat. From the grind to the mindset, this conversation offers an inside look into the life of a professional athlete. Whether you're a competitor or a fan, you won’t want to miss this!
"Is Jiu-Jitsu Even Legal?" In this episode of the Combat Creative Podcast, we share the story of James Simmons, a lawyer and Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. James talks about his journey into the sport and how he uses his legal career to support Jiu-Jitsu practitioners and academy owners. We dive into the intersection of law and martial arts, exploring how legal knowledge can benefit anyone involved in Jiu-Jitsu.
In this episode, we sit down with Tarsis Paula, a Jiu-Jitsu entrepreneur who turned his dream of owning a successful gym in America into a thriving reality. Tarsis shares his inspiring journey from Brazil to Orlando, where he built one of the most respected Jiu-Jitsu schools in the area. He opens up about the challenges of growing a Jiu-Jitsu business, how he created a family-oriented environment, and what it takes to succeed in a competitive industry. Whether you're an aspiring gym owner or a current Jiu-Jitsu instructor, this episode is packed with valuable insights on business growth, creating a strong community, and the dedication required to make your dreams come true. Tune in and discover the keys to building a Jiu-Jitsu business that not only thrives but stands out.
In this episode, Johnny Naranjo, founder of Liberatus Jiu-Jitsu in Fulshear, Texas, shares the behind-the-scenes of running a new Jiu-Jitsu gym. From building a thriving community to the personal rewards of teaching and mentoring, Johnny offers an honest look at what it takes to grow a Jiu-Jitsu academy. Tune in for an inspiring story about passion, perseverance, and the impact Jiu-Jitsu can have on both students and academy owners.
In this episode, we sit down with Chris Ortiz, a public school teacher and Jiu-Jitsu black belt, who is on a mission to bring Jiu-Jitsu into classrooms to positively impact the next generation. Chris shares his incredible journey of mentoring students and how Jiu-Jitsu can help children build discipline, focus, and resilience. We dive into his passion for teaching life skills through Jiu-Jitsu and his recently published children's book, Flow State, which aims to inspire kids to develop a growth mindset and understand the importance of perseverance. Join us for this inspiring conversation on how Jiu-Jitsu can make a difference in the lives of students, and how one teacher’s mission is paving the way for future leaders.
In this episode, we’re joined by Professor Renato Tavares, who celebrates 50 years of dedication to Jiu-Jitsu. As a respected black belt, successful school owner in Vero Beach, and mentor to Jiu-Jitsu schools worldwide, Professor Tavares shares insights from his lifelong journey. We discuss how Jiu-Jitsu can equip us to handle challenges within the gym and beyond, offering valuable life lessons that inspire us to live with the discipline and resilience of a black belt both on and off the mats. Tune in for wisdom, encouragement, and practical advice on leading a balanced life through Jiu-Jitsu.
In this episode, we sit down with Carlos Florez, a black belt under Bruno Malfacine and coach at Alliance Orlando. Carlos shares his inspiring journey from discovering Jiu-Jitsu to becoming a competitor, training under some of the sport’s greatest legends. We dive into the impact of mentorship on his development as both an athlete and a coach. Carlos also sheds light on the rise of fake black belts in Jiu-Jitsu and discusses the importance of maintaining high standards in the sport. Please tune in for an insightful conversation on the world of Jiu-Jitsu and the values that shape it.
In this episode, we sit down with Eric Tansey, a business owner, military veteran, and podcaster who has recently started his Jiu-Jitsu journey. Now sharing his love for the sport through funny and relatable online content, Eric talks with us about the ups and downs of being a white belt. We also dive into parenting tips, business insights, and the lighter side of Jiu-Jitsu that often gets overlooked. Get ready for plenty of laughs and great advice from a fresh perspective on the mats!
In this episode, we dive deep into the recent CJI Jiu-Jitsu tournament, one of the most talked-about events from last weekend! The tournament was a massive success, and the buzz around it is still going strong. To give you an insider's perspective, I invited my friend Michael Craghom, who attended the event live, to join the show. Michael shares his firsthand experience, from the thrilling matches to the electric atmosphere, and offers insights into what made this tournament so memorable. Whether you’re a Jiu-Jitsu enthusiast or just curious about what went down, you won’t want to miss this recap!
In this episode, we sit down with Arman Badrudeen, who, along with his mentor Ricardo Liborio, created the first accredited Jiu-Jitsu program at the University of Central Florida. Arman shares their incredible journey of growing the program to 1,000 students. He also highlights the crucial role mentors have played in his personal and professional development. So whether you're a practitioner or entrepreneur, there is something in this episode for you.
In this episode, we dive into the world of Malachy Friedman, the innovative BJJ school owner and coach behind the popular online instructionals, Mad Lab BJJ. Known for his daily Jiu-Jitsu technique videos and a following of over 500,000 people, Malachy combines humor, science, and a touch of craziness in his approach. Tune in for an engaging conversation on his BJJ journey, creative methods, and valuable advice for BJJ practitioners of all levels.
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