Forever White Belt

In this episode of Forever White Belt, I sit down with Nick Salles, a black belt under Mikey Musumeci and co-owner of Movement Art Academy alongside Daniel Maira.Nick shares his journey through jiu-jitsu with a deep focus on something that often gets overlooked: culture. We dive into why a positive gym environment is critical for learning, long-term growth, and athlete development—and how the right culture can unlock a student’s true potential.This conversation goes beyond techniques and belts. Nick breaks down his philosophy on training, coaching, and creating an environment where people actually want to show up, stay consistent, and improve over time. His approach to jiu-jitsu is thoughtful, intentional, and refreshingly grounded.On a personal note, this was one of those special episodes where you instantly click with someone. It was a genuine pleasure getting to know Nick, and I already know I’ll be learning a lot more from him in the future.This is absolutely an episode you’ll want to re-listen to, pause, and take notes on. It’s packed with essential insights and honestly feels more like a masterclass in jiu-jitsu philosophy than a typical podcast episode.If you’re a coach, academy owner, or practitioner who cares about training for the long game, this one’s for you.Links:https://www.instagram.com/thatnicksalles/https://www.instagram.com/movementartjiujitsu/https://movementartonline.com/SALT Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. @SaltElectrolytes  Check out the new FWB store https://fwb.printful.me/Train with us at North Bay Jiu Jitsu in Novato, CA northbayjiujitsu.com @northbayjiujitsu#jiujitsu #grappling #bjj

Join host Adolfo Foronda on a special edition of Forever White Belt as he unveils the ultimate 2025 Holiday Gift Guide for Jiu-Jitsu enthusiasts. From budget-friendly essentials like finger tape and electrolytes to luxurious splurges like custom mats and AI grappling dummies, this episode covers a wide range of gift ideas for every budget. Whether you're shopping for yourself, your academy, or your fellow Jiu Jitsu friends, discover thoughtful and practical gifts that will delight any martial artist. Tune in for expert recommendations and personal insights to make this holiday season unforgettable. Don't forget to stay hydrated with Salt Electrolytes and train with us at North Bay Jiu Jitsu!SALT Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. @SaltElectrolytes Check out the new FWB store https://fwb.printful.me/Train with us at North Bay Jiu Jitsu in Novato, CA @northbayjiujitsuDojoChimp Gi & Fightwear @dojochimpLinks:Finger Tapehttps://www.amazon.com/Hampton-Adams-Official-Non-Slip-Weightlifting/dp/B07MQ2279R/Avowal natural sanitizer @avowal.storehttps://avowal.store/Odobanhttps://www.amazon.com/OdoBan-Multipurpose-Concentrate-Original-Eucalyptus/dp/B079Z6MJB1/ref=sr_1_1_sspaLiquid Bandagehttps://www.amazon.com/New-Skin-Liquid-Bandage-Ounce-Cover/dp/B0017JOF86/?th=1Slideshttps://forever-white-belt.creator-spring.com/listing/fwb-slides?product=1896Jiu Jitsu Bookshttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=jiu+jitsu+books&crid=1YAYYWJ2B900N&sprefix=jiu+jitsu+books%2Caps%2C218&ref=nb_sb_noss_1Jiu Jitsu Notebookshttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=jiu+jitsu+notebooks&crid=4FLPIRK7PLOL&sprefix=jiu+jitsu+notebooks%2Caps%2C205&ref=nb_sb_noss_1Rash Guardshttps://fwb.printful.me/Jiu Jitsu Bagshttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=jiu+jitsu+bags&crid=8AIBGVVNMLYD&sprefix=jiu+jitsu+bag%2Caps%2C289&ref=nb_sb_noss_1BJJ Fanatics Digital Gift Cardhttps://bjjfanatics.com/products/gift-cardMatshttps://dollamur.com/Grappling Dummieshttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=grappling+dummy&crid=3JSDK60YPD40Y&sprefix=grapp%2Caps%2C217Rollbothttps://rollbotbjj.com/Red Light Therapyhttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=red+light+therapy&crid=3QVW7JGT79GJY&sprefix=red+light%2Caps%2C196Ice Bath/Cold Plungehttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=ice+bath&crid=15GHI97CY3PQM&sprefix=ice+bath%2Caps%2C214BJJ Globetrotters Camps @bjjglobetrottershttps://www.bjjglobetrotters.com/bjjcampsSilverFox BJJ Costa Rica Camphttps://www.instagram.com/p/DOQlFkQgD83/Compression Bootshttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=compression+boots&crid=YRXMBOQNRTV2&sprefix=compression+boot%2Caps%2C213Open Mat Physio @openmatphysiohttps://www.openmatphysio.com/Grappling Strength & Performance @grapplestrong.sjhttps://grapplestrong.com/Dr. Wes Hendricks @drweshendricks Dr. Wes HendricksBackpack Mat Sprayerhttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=backpack+sprayer&crid=32OTDRXURJTLM&sprefix=backpack+s%2Caps%2C221Drew Weatherhead @drew.weatherhead https://drewjitsuonline.com/Digitsu @digitsu.bjjhttps://digitsu.com/BJJ365 @brandonmc.ninjahttps://bmac.mykajabi.com/BJJ Concepts @islandtopteam https://bjjconcepts.net/Silver Fox BJJ Global Academy @silverfoxbjjhttps://silverfoxbjj.app/Charles Harriott @charlesharriotthttps://www.patreon.com/charlesharriottTom & Dean Astarita @youngjimihendrix https://www.patreon.com/c/DeanAstarita/homeJon Calestine @jon_calestinehttps://www.patreon.com/JonCalestineMax Hanson @maxhansonbjjhttps://www.patreon.com/MaxhansonbjRandy William @black_belt_randy https://linktr.ee/blackbeltrandyNathan Haddad @nathanhaddad_https://coreprobjj.com/#jiujitsu #grappling #bjj #christmas #gifts #holidays

Join us in this insightful episode as we sit down with Dr. Wes Hendricks, who has a unique blend of expertise in exercise science and human biology. Wes shares his journey of integrating rehabilitation and training, offering a fresh perspective on managing pain and empowering individuals to take control of their health. From the importance of movement to the psychological and social aspects of pain, this conversation is packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to enhance their well-being. Tune in to discover how to navigate the complexities of pain and find empowerment in your fitness journey.Links:IG https://www.instagram.com/drweshendricks/YT @dr.weshendricks5994https://rebuildbrandco.com/dr-wesSALT Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. @SaltElectrolytes  Check out the new FWB store Holiday Sale, everything at cost at https://fwb.printful.me/Please buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebeltTrain with us at North Bay Jiu Jitsu in Novato, CA

Join us in this engaging episode as Sid Nanda, CEO & Co-Founder of SubmissionSensAI, delves into the future of AI in sports coaching. Discover how AI-driven feedback is revolutionizing training in movement-based sports, particularly in jiu-jitsu. Sid shares his journey, the challenges faced, and the innovative solutions being developed to enhance self-study and training efficiency. Whether you're a seasoned grappler or new to the sport, this conversation offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of martial arts training. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of technology and sports.SALT Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. @SaltElectrolytes Buy our merchandise at https://fwb.printful.me/Train with us at North Bay Jiu Jitsu in Novato, CA @northbayjiujitsuDojoChimp Gi & Fight wear @dojochimp#jiujitsu #grappling #bjj #ai #artificialintelligence #tech #apps

Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Felipe Simplicio, a third-degree black belt under the legendary JT Torres and owner of Red Zone Jiu-Jitsu Academy. From his early days in Brazil to establishing a thriving academy in Connecticut, Felipe shares his passion for teaching, the importance of continuous learning, and the unique programs he offers, including a scholarship initiative for families in need. Discover how Felipe balances the art of Jiu-Jitsu with the business acumen required to run a successful academy, all while fostering a welcoming and supportive community. Tune in for insights on training, personal growth, and the power of a positive mental attitude.Links:https://www.instagram.com/f__simplicio/https://linktr.ee/f__simplicioSalt Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. https://saltelectrolytes.com/?fwb Please buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebeltInstagram @foreverwhitebeltshow.Buy Forever White Belt rash guards at https://fwb.printful.me/.Linktree https://linktr.ee/foreverwhitebeltChapters00:00 Introduction to Felipe Simplicio and His Journey06:08 Innovative Class Offerings: Family Jiu Jitsu and Q&A Drills10:28 Transitioning Students: From Beginners to Fundamentals16:51 What Makes a Great Student and Instructor24:51 Learning from the Best: Training with JT Torres31:39 Overcoming Doubts and Challenges36:42 Creating a Sense of Community45:55 Fundamentals of Jiu Jitsu Training

In this engaging episode, Chris "Bones" Burns, a second-degree Rickson Gracie black belt, shares his unique journey through the world of Jiu-Jitsu. From his early struggles and injuries to his teaching philosophy and the founding of Zero Point Academy, Chris offers insights into the art of Jiu-Jitsu, the importance of foundational skills, and the balance between sport and self-defense. Discover how Chris's experiences have shaped his approach to teaching and his views on the evolving landscape of martial arts.Links:https://www.instagram.com/chrisbonesjj/https://www.instagram.com/zeropointsydneyhttps://www.instagram.com/the.bjjprojectSalt Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. https://saltelectrolytes.com/?fwb Please consider buying me a cup of coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/foreverwhitebeltBecome a VIP member for only .99 a month, get ad free, uncensored, early episodes https://is.gd/GytgXMInstagram @foreverwhitebeltshow.Go buy your Forever White Belt swag at teespring.com/forever-white-belt.Linktree https://linktr.ee/foreverwhitebelt

In this episode, I sit down with Clay Mayfield, a Pedigo Submission Fighting black belt under Heath Pedigo and the founder of Triangle Academy. Clay shares his inspiring journey from being homeschooled to becoming a respected black belt and academy owner.We discuss the importance of finding the right training environment, building a strong community, and balancing the demands of competition, business, and personal growth. Clay opens up about overcoming injuries, the lessons he’s learned as both a coach and competitor, and how he’s cultivated a positive, supportive culture at his gym.From belting criteria and youth development to the impact of judo on modern Jiu-Jitsu, Clay offers deep insights into what it takes to build not only great athletes but great people.Linkshttps://www.trianglefranklin.com/https://www.instagram.com/claymayfield_bjj/Salt Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. https://saltelectrolytes.com/?fwb Become a VIP member for only .99 a month, get ad free, uncensored, early episodes https://is.gd/GytgXMInstagram @foreverwhitebeltshow.Go buy your Forever White Belt merchandise at teespring.com/forever-white-belt.Linktree https://linktr.ee/foreverwhitebelt

In this episode, we are joined by none other than Heath “The Ref” Massery, ADCC referee, PGF referee, and one of the most knowledgeable voices when it comes to understanding the rules that shape elite-level Jiu Jitsu.In this episode, we dive deep into the art of optimizing your Jiu Jitsu for competition. Heath shares insights from his unique perspective on the mat—what competitors often overlook, the must-know rules that can make or break a match, and the strategies that separate high-level grapplers from the rest. Whether you’re a competitor looking to sharpen your edge, a coach trying to better prepare your athletes, or just a fan who wants to understand the hidden layers of the sport, this conversation is packed with essentials you won’t want to miss.Links:@heath_the_refhttps://www.heferee.com/https://linktr.ee/HeathTheRefSalt Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. https://saltelectrolytes.com/?fwb Become a VIP member for only .99 a month, get ad free, uncensored, early episodes https://is.gd/GytgXMInstagram @foreverwhitebeltshow.Go buy your Forever White Belt swag at teespring.com/forever-white-belt.Linktree https://linktr.ee/foreverwhitebeltDojoChimp Gi's https://www.dojochimp.com/

In this episode, we are joined by the insightful and candid Bird Wiltse. Known for his unique approach to teaching and his journey through the highs and lows of the sport, Bird shares his experiences from competing on the world stage to his passion for creating instructional content. Join us as we explore the art of Jiu-Jitsu, the evolution of techniques, and the personal stories that have shaped Bird's path.Links:BJJ Fanatics https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/instructional-videos/fighter_sathya-wiltse?list=1Patreon https://www.patreon.com/BirdWiltsebjjYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@birdwiltsebjjIG https://www.instagram.com/birdwiltse20/Salt Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. https://saltelectrolytes.com/?fwb Become a VIP member for only .99 a month, get ad-free, uncensored, early episodes https://is.gd/GytgXMInstagram @foreverwhitebeltshow.Go buy your Forever White Belt swag at teespring.com/forever-white-belt.Linktree https://linktr.ee/foreverwhitebeltDojoChimp Gi's https://www.dojochimp.com/

In this episode, host Adolfo Foronda speaks with Matt Kwan, a black belt and owner of On Guard Jiu-Jitsu Academy, about the recent CJI 2 (Craig Jones Invitational) event. They discuss the production quality, match dynamics, standout performances, and the controversies surrounding the event, including tiebreaker rules and referee decisions. Kwan shares insights on the women's competition, including standout athletes and the challenges faced by competitors, such as injuries. The conversation also touches on Kwan's current endeavors and the importance of feedback for future events.Links:https://www.instagram.com/onguardbjj/https://www.instagram.com/theeverydayjiujitsupodcast/Buy SALT electrolytes, use code “FWB” for 15% off @saltelectrolytes https://linktr.ee/foreverwhitebelthttps://www.instagram.com/dojochimp/ @dojochip

Welcome to Forever White Belt, where we dive into the dynamic world of Jiu-Jitsu with the insightful Christos Papadelos. A PGF athlete, money maker, and 3x ADCC Open Champion, Christos is also the creator of the Enigma Jiu Jitsu grappling events and EnigmaJiuJitsu.tv. Training under the legendary Jon Danaher and Gordon Ryan at Kingsway Jiu Jitsu in Austin, TX, Christos shares his unique perspective on the sport, the art of grappling, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives him. Join us as we explore the intricacies of technique, the evolution of his game, and the future of Jiu-Jitsu. links:https://www.instagram.com/cpapadelos/https://linktr.ee/CPapadeloshttps://www.instagram.com/enigmajiujitsuofficial/https://www.enigmajiujitsu.tv/https://linktr.ee/EnigmaJiuJitsuSalt Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. https://saltelectrolytes.com/?fwb @SaltElectrolytes  Become a VIP member for only .99 a month, get ad free, uncensored, early episodes https://is.gd/GytgXMInstagram @foreverwhitebeltshow.Go buy your Forever White Belt merchandise at teespring.com/forever-white-belt.Linktree https://linktr.ee/foreverwhitebelt

This episode's guest is one of the most exciting names in competitive grappling right now—Max Hanson. A Canadian BJJ Black Belt under Dante Leon, Max represents Pedigo Submission Fighting and is currently considered one of the top 170 lbs. grapplers in the world. His resume includes major titles at IBJJF No-Gi Pans, No-Gi American Nationals, The Enigma Invitational, The Sapateiro Invitational, Midwest Finishers, and more.In this episode, Max opens up about preparing for CJI 2 and shares insight into what it’s like to train under the unique coaching of both Dante Leon and Heath Pedigo—two titans with very different yet complementary approaches to the game.We delve into Max’s perspective on techniques, navigating rule sets, and how to approach drilling effectively. Max is not only an elite athlete but also a brilliant communicator—his Instagram breakdowns and Patreon are quickly becoming must-follows for anyone looking to level up their nogi game.Links:https://www.instagram.com/maxhansonbjj/https://www.patreon.com/Maxhansonbjjhttps://www.instagram.com/westsidebarbellofficial/Salt Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. https://saltelectrolytes.com/?fwb Become a VIP member for only .99 a month, get ad free, uncensored, early episodes https://is.gd/GytgXMInstagram @foreverwhitebeltshow.Go buy your Forever White Belt swag at teespring.com/forever-white-belt.Linktree https://linktr.ee/foreverwhitebelt

In this episode, I'm joined by Jiu Jitsu Black Belt, brilliant thinker, and true renaissance man, Drew Weatherhead. You may know him from his hilarious and insightful Because Jitsu page, his mind-expanding book "Fractures," or his world-class instruction on DrewJitsu Online, but there’s so much more to Drew than that.Drew and his family live as digital nomads, traveling the world while he continues to teach, create, and share his unique perspective on Jiu Jitsu and life. In this conversation, we delve into his approach to learning and teaching, the philosophy that drives his success, and why his ability to make complex ideas accessible has earned him a reputation as one of the most engaging instructors in the field.Links:https://www.instagram.com/drew.weatherhead/https://www.instagram.com/because_jitsu/https://linktr.ee/because_jitsuhttps://www.instagram.com/drew.w.author/https://www.amazon.com/stores/Drew-Weatherhead/author/B0CZKXYX4CGive us a 5 star review Become a VIP member for only .99 a month, get ad free, uncensored, early episodes https://is.gd/GytgXMInstagram @foreverwhitebeltshow.Go buy your Forever White Belt swag at teespring.com/forever-white-belt.Linktree https://linktr.ee/foreverwhitebeltBuy Salt Electrolytes  @SaltElectrolytes  use code FWB for 15% off. https://saltelectrolytes.com/?fwb

In this episode of the show, I’m joined by Shawn Melanson — a Jiu-Jitsu black belt, highly respected instructor, and the owner of Precision Jiu Jitsu in New Hampshire. Known for his incredibly refined and effective teaching style, Shawn is a coach’s coach — a technician with a deep understanding of wrestling for BJJ integration and a powerful advocate for intelligent grappling.Shawn has become a go-to resource on BJJ Fanatics, where his instructional series, such as Precision Wrestling for Jiu Jitsu and Precision Attacks and Sweeps from Butterfly, Half, and Knee Shield, have helped practitioners around the world elevate their game. In this conversation, we talk about the evolution of his style, how wrestling has shaped his Jiu-Jitsu, his approach to coaching, and what it means to develop high-percentage techniques that hold up under pressure. We also dive into training culture, competition prep, and modern grappling.Links:https://www.instagram.com/shawnmelanson160/https://precisionjiujitsunh.com/https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/instructional-videos/fighter_shawn-melanson?list=1Salt Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. https://saltelectrolytes.com/?fwb Become a VIP member for only .99 a month, get ad free, uncensored, early episodes podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/foreverwhitebelt/subscribe@foreverwhitebeltshow.Go buy your Forever White Belt merchandise at teespring.com/forever-white-belthttps://linktr.ee/foreverwhitebelt#brazilianjiujitsu #jiujitsu #grappling #bjj #nogi

In this episode, I’m joined by one of the most original and dynamic minds in Jiu-Jitsu today — Daniel Schuardt.A black belt competitor and coach currently training under John Danaher with the New Wave / Kingsway team in Austin, Texas, Daniel is the perfect blend of high-level athlete, thoughtful instructor, and unapologetically weird internet personality — and I mean that in the best way. He's also the head coach at Precision MMA in Australia.Daniel has competed around the globe, recently grabbing headlines with a dominant AIGA win. But what really sets Daniel apart is his ability to make the complicated stuff digestible — and hilarious. Whether he’s explaining guard retention, breaking down strategy, or posting bizarre memes, Daniel keeps it real. His Instagram, @daniel_the_manchild, is a must-follow for anyone serious about learning while laughing.In this episode, we get into competition mindset, teaching methodology, training in the Danaher room, making Jiu-Jitsu more human and less dogmatic, and why being curious and creative on the mats can be a superpower.Links:https://www.instagram.com/daniel_the_manchild/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/precision_mma_official/⁠⁠https://www.precisionmma.com.au/⁠Buy Salt Electrolytes  @SaltElectrolytes  use code FWB for 15% off. https://saltelectrolytes.com/?fwb Become a VIP member for only .99 a month, get ad-free, uncensored, early episodes https://is.gd/GytgXMInstagram @foreverwhitebeltshow.Go buy your Forever White Belt swag at teespring.com/forever-white-belt.Linktree https://linktr.ee/foreverwhitebelt

In this episode, I sit down with one of the most brilliant minds in the world of Jiu Jitsu—Malachy Friedman. Widely respected as a true scientist of the art, Malachy is a black belt whose innovative approach to coaching, technique, and strategy has earned him admiration across the global Jiu Jitsu community. Many of us have looked up to him for years, not just for his depth of knowledge, but also for the generous, passionate, and authentic energy he brings to everything he does.Malachy shares insights into his evolution as both a martial artist and a coach, detailing his journey through the worlds of MMA and Jiu Jitsu. We dive into the challenges of content creation, the unique demands of coaching in both sports, and his ongoing work to develop a comprehensive MMA instructional library.We also explore the leg control meta and the importance of personalized coaching that truly resonates with students. Malachy unpacks the nuances of performance, creativity, and the ever-evolving strategies of grappling, highlighting the balance between control and expression, between specialization and adaptability.From studying legends like Fedor to the role of seminars and sharing knowledge with the next generation, I hope this conversation captures some of what makes Malachy Friedman so respected, not just as a coach, but as an artist, a thinker, and just a great guy.Links:https://www.instagram.com/malachyfriedman/https://www.madlabbjj.com/https://www.skool.com/mmamastermindSalt Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. https://saltelectrolytes.com/?fwb Become a VIP member for only .99 a month, get ad-free, uncensored, early episodes https://is.gd/GytgXMInstagram @foreverwhitebeltshow.Go buy your Forever White Belt swag at teespring.com/forever-white-belt.Linktree https://linktr.ee/foreverwhitebelt

In this episode, I'm joined by a true innovator in the Jiu Jitsu world—Nelson Puentes, the co-founder of Inverted Gear and a third-degree black belt who has spent years traveling the globe, training, teaching, and building community.Nelson and his wife, Hillary, launched Inverted Gear in 2012 with a mission to create high-quality Jiu Jitsu gear that reflected both personality and performance. What started as a small brand with a sleepy panda logo has since become one of the most popular companies in the BJJ scene, known for its thoughtful design, ethical manufacturing, and strong connection to the Jiu Jitsu lifestyle.But Nelson’s journey goes far beyond the GI. He’s also the head instructor at Inverted Gear Academy in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where he’s built a culture rooted in play, accessibility, and deep conceptual learning.In this conversation, Nelson and I explore his early days in Jiu Jitsu, his philosophy on teaching, how traveling shaped his approach to training, his love of German food, and the challenges and lessons that came with creating businesses from the ground up.Links:https://www.invertedgearacademy.com/https://www.invertedgear.com/https://www.instagram.com/invertedgearnelson/Salt Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. https://saltelectrolytes.com/?fwb Become a VIP member for only .99 a month, get ad-free, uncensored, early episodes https://is.gd/GytgXMInstagram @foreverwhitebeltshow.Go buy your Forever White Belt swag at teespring.com/forever-white-belt.Linktree https://linktr.ee/foreverwhitebelt#brazilianjiujitsu #jiujitsu #grappling #bjj #bjjglobetrotters

I’m incredibly honored to share a conversation with someone whose work has had a massive influence on my own jiu-jitsu journey, from the earliest stages right up to today—Rob Biernacki.Rob is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and the head instructor at Island Top Team in Nanaimo, British Columbia. He’s also the mastermind behind BJJ Concepts, the groundbreaking instructional platform that redefined the way so many of us—me included—think about learning jiu-jitsu.Rob’s approach is rooted in logic, structure, and conceptual clarity. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by technique after technique, his material gives you a framework to understand jiu-jitsu. His teachings on alignment, structure, and posture-based control completely changed how I see the art, and I know I’m not alone.In this episode, Rob and I discuss his evolution as a coach, The Roadhouse Choke, and how to develop a game built on principles, not memorization. We get into his thoughts on the direction of the sport, the pitfalls of conventional training, and what keeps him excited to keep exploring and teaching.Rob’s one of the few voices in the BJJ world that consistently advocates smarter, more efficient learning. I can't overstate how much his content has shaped how I train and communicate about Jiu-Jitsu to others.Links:https://www.instagram.com/islandtopteamhttps://islandtopteam.com/https://bjjconcepts.net/Become a VIP member for only .99 a month, get ad-free, uncensored, early episodes https://is.gd/GytgXMInstagram @foreverwhitebeltshow.Go buy your Forever White Belt merchandise at teespring.com/forever-white-belt.Linktree https://linktr.ee/foreverwhitebeltBuy Salt Electrolytes  @SaltElectrolytes  use code FWB for 15% off. https://saltelectrolytes.com/?fwb #brazilianjiujitsu #jiujitsu #grappling #bjj

Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Randy William, who is quickly becoming a powerful and refreshing voice in the Jiu-Jitsu community.Randy is a BJJ black belt, competitor, and passionate content creator known for his sharp technical insights, detailed instructionals, and thought-provoking breakdowns that reach thousands across Instagram, YouTube, and beyond. His ability to clearly articulate complex techniques while keeping things real, relatable, and approachable has made him a favorite among students and practitioners looking for smarter, more effective ways to evolve their games.What stands out about Randy isn’t just his skill on the mat—it's his dedication to sharing practical, no-fluff jiu-jitsu knowledge and creating accessible pathways for grapplers at all stages of their journey. In this conversation, we get into Randy’s personal evolution in jiu-jitsu, his teaching philosophy, what inspires his content creation, and how he approaches growth both as a practitioner and a coach. We also dive into the importance of training environments, how to handle setbacks, and his broader vision for the sport’s future.Links:https://www.instagram.com/black_belt_randy/https://www.instagram.com/gracie_gulf_coast_bjj/?hl=enhttp://graciegc.com/Salt Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. https://saltelectrolytes.com/?fwb Become a VIP member for only .99 a month, get ad free, uncensored, early episodes https://is.gd/GytgXMInstagram @foreverwhitebeltshow.Go buy your Forever White Belt swag at teespring.com/forever-white-belt.Linktree https://linktr.ee/foreverwhitebelt04:28Randy's Jiu Jitsu Journey06:36Teaching Philosophy and Experience09:28The Evolution of Teaching Methods11:45What Makes a Great Student14:41The Role of Strength and Conditioning16:58Life Lessons from Jiu Jitsu20:40Building a Unique Teaching Style26:21The Importance of Strength Training in Jiu-Jitsu28:45Injury Prevention and Tapping Out30:23Fundamentals of Jiu-Jitsu32:37Techniques and Personal Style34:42Training Philosophy and Principles36:21Aggression vs. Control in Jiu-Jitsu38:33Mastering the Armbar41:44Teaching Self-Defense and Armbar Techniques44:22Creating a Positive Training Culture49:03Criteria for Belting in Jiu-Jitsu50:39Teaching the Teachers51:10Pros and Cons of Different Academies53:34Online Offerings and Instructionals57:47Consistency and Simplicity in Learning01:00:28Aha Moments and Learning Experiences01:02:14Never Quitting: A Lifelong Commitment01:03:32Conceptualizing Difficulty in Jiu-Jitsu01:07:43The Importance of Fundamentals#brazilianjiujitsu #jiujitsu #grappling #bjj

In this episode, Nathan Haddad shares his extensive journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, starting from his early days as a child practitioner to becoming a black belt and esteemed instructor. He discusses his experiences in competition, the evolution of his techniques, and the importance of mindset in grappling. Nathan also delves into his teaching philosophy, the significance of belts in Jiu-Jitsu, and what makes a great student and instructor. He emphasizes the value of consistency in training and shares insights on his future plans and online offerings.Links:https://corelouisville.com/https://coreprobjj.com/catalogSalt Electrolytes use code FWB for 15% off. https://saltelectrolytes.com/?fwb Become a VIP member for only .99 a month and get ad-free, uncensored, early episodes https://is.gd/GytgXMInstagram @foreverwhitebeltshow.Go buy your Forever White Belt swag at teespring.com/forever-white-belt.Linktree https://linktr.ee/foreverwhitebelt00:00Introduction to Nathan Haddad's Journey04:32Core Combat Sports and Family Legacy05:26The Impact of PGF on Nathan's Career07:54Adapting Strategies in Competition09:55Self-Critique and Growth in Jiu-Jitsu11:36Competing in Different Environments12:59Mindset in High-Stakes Matches14:11Balancing Coaching and Competing15:24The Art of Teaching Jiu-Jitsu18:25Teaching Jiu-Jitsu: Challenges and Growth20:42What Makes a Great Student?22:56The Evolving Meaning of Belts in Jiu-Jitsu25:32Aha Moments in Jiu-Jitsu26:46The Importance of Consistency in Training28:17Core Pro BJJ: Building a Jiu-Jitsu Library30:47Future Goals and Aspirations31:24The Debate on Training Approaches32:26Qualities of a Great Instructor33:32Fond Childhood Memories33:38Where to Find Nathan Haddad