The 2nd Floor

In the premiere episode of "Be Brave," brothers Kenny and KB Bhullar introduce listeners to their exciting new podcast dedicated to the art of coaching martial arts. With a combined experience of over 30 years in various disciplines such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Karate, the Bhullar brothers bring a wealth of knowledge and a passionate perspective to the table. Kenny, a seasoned MMA coach, and KB, a decorated martial artist and instructor, kick off the series by diving into the fundamentals of coaching styles. They discuss the critical importance of understanding individual student needs and adapting coaching methods accordingly. The brothers share personal anecdotes and insights, contrasting different coaching styles they've encountered throughout their careers. Listeners will hear engaging conversations on the essentials of martial arts coaching, including prioritizing safety and respect in the dojo, fostering a supportive and inclusive training environment, and addressing the emotional and mental well-being of students. Kenny and KB emphasize the significance of building trust and communication between coach and student, offering practical tips on how to achieve this. They also address common challenges faced by coaches, such as balancing discipline with encouragement and managing diverse skill levels within a class. The Bhullar brothers highlight the importance of customizing training programs to fit individual needs rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. "Be Brave" Episode 1 sets the stage for an insightful and inspiring journey through the world of martial arts coaching. Whether you're a seasoned instructor, a budding coach, or simply a martial arts enthusiast, this podcast promises to equip you with valuable knowledge and motivate you to bring out the best in yourself and your students. Tune in to "Be Brave" and join the Bhullar brothers as they explore what it truly means to be a great martial arts coach

Hal Macdonald and Curt – both jiu jitsu blackbelts – are staples in our local jiu jitsu community. Both gentlemen have raised over $50K for Little Warriors – a NPO providing resources to help children heal from sexual abuse. This was all done through hosting events surrounding their mutual love for jiujitsu. In addition to learning about this event, we go into how Jiu Jitsu has changed their lives for the better. Curt shares his passion for how he managed to start offering jiujitsu programs during school hours at 2 public schools in Edmonton. The only other place in the world this is offered is in abu dhabi.

I speak to Alec Barbero, a 21 year old serial entrepreneur and barber! Crazy! This dude has a hustle like the greats. We speak about the following His businesses: Compound Cut Club, Lemino Marketing, Fish Source of Canada and Casapao Flooring and Poly Coating - why he decided to drop college and start hustling on his businesses - how he started the Compound Cut Club with his partner and why its quickly becoming a brand in the city of Edmonton - why he sees social media as a staple in building his brand

In this Jungle Episode, Danny Zahr and Qashus talk about Kobe and dive deep into his character traits and how his leadership traits can be implemented in the average human being! RIP to the legend, Kobe Bryant. Thank you for always taking us to the 2nd Floor. Find us on all streaming platforms : Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, Stitcher

I sit down with a good friend, Sam Mohammad and discuss my journey as an filmmaker and what it took to get to the point where I am now with both the podcast & Q Filmz Media (my company). Tune in as we discuss what it takes to be an entrepreneur and how to start your own business! - Qashus

Ivan Touko speaks on the importance of culture and why sticking to your roots is vital in modern society. Ivan is a founding member of La Connexional, a dance instructor and a current student in an Environmental & Conservation Sciences undergraduate degree at the University of Alberta. Originally from Cameroon, Ivan moved to Edmonton about 6 years ago and started training in West African Traditional Dances in 2014 while he was part of SANGEA. Ivan then went on to form an Afro Fusion Dance group named IOLA with his friends and performed regularly around the city for over two years. He has now been teaching Afrobeats & Afro Fusion dance classes and workshops for about 2 years and currently teaches at the UofA as part of their Recreation program and with La Connexional, a startup he co-founded that aims to build capacity and showcase the talents with communities of Afro & Latin Descents. My favorite quote is: "If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far go together" This quote is the perfect embodiment of what La Connexional stands and where my love for building communities comes from, as well as, how important it is to build resilient and strong communities that do not only build together but build each other. Find us on all streaming platforms: Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, Stitcher Instagram @2ndfloorpodcast Facebook @2ndfloorpodcast Your Hosts on Instagram Kenny Bhullar @Kenny_Bhullar Yousaf Saeed @Gainztalk Omid Qaderi @Qashus www.2ndfloorpodcast.com

2:30 - why sports psychology as a profession 5:52 - use fear and failure as a compass 9:35 - maladaptive vs adaptive perfectionism 13:50 - support vs challenge coaching style 16:55 - is proving someone wrong the wrong mentality? 18:51 - developing the why with athletes - mission, purpose and philosophy 23:27 - building on flow state to capitalize on the present moment 36:55 - rule of 3 on process to outcome 41:47 - ideal state of awareness and performance out of 10 46:45 - peak your mindfulness training 57:30 - being comfortable confronting your challenges 1:09:07 - staying neutral in a team setting and independently 1:16:40 - what is 2nd floor all about? Marek is in the pursuit of mastering the mental game. As a high performance psychologist, Michael Gervais says: There are 3 things you can train; your mind, your body, and your craft. But too often we neglect how vital our mind is for our performance. Marek helps people train their minds for peak performance, whatever performance that may be! Growing up as an athlete, Marek thought he was technically decent enough, but his mental game was always lacking. . He didn't have the resources to tackle the persistent mental barriers. He took it upon himself to get to the bottom of it and study the mind and performance, which led to two masters degrees in sport and exercise psychology. He is also a certified mental performance consultant with the Canadian Sport Psychology Association (CSPA). Currently, Marek is working with a number of different individuals and teams from a variety of sports and other performance domains. His personal blog is also ranked in the Top 40 Sports Psychologist Blog In The World, which you can find on www.flowperformancepsych.com Find us on all streaming platforms: Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, Stitcher Instagram @2ndfloorpodcast Facebook @2ndfloorpodcast Your Hosts on Instagram Kenny Bhullar @Kenny_Bhullar Yousaf Saeed @Gainztalk Omid Qaderi @Qashus www.2ndfloorpodcast.com

3:14 - Creating connections online from building influence 5:22 - ball is life and so is video creation and photography 9:00 - fake it till you make it 11:22 - long and short term vision 14:00 - battling insomnia and depression 20:14 - is catering your personality to others to fit in the right thing to do or wrong thing to do? 27:26 - intrinsic motivation and time management 37:23 - start imagining things Khurram has the athletic ability of a pro basketball player and the entrepreneurial drive that it takes for someone to indoctrinate the 2nd Floor mentality. As a high performing basketball athlete, Khurram played at a high level since high school and his university career; at Lethbridge he averaged 18 buckets a game as a rookie! Khurram Sultan knew he wanted to shape his career around his love for the sport of basketball while he managed to become aware of his emotions during the ups and downs. Outside of the court, Khurram is a creative visionary who is not afraid of turning ideas into a reality. He started crafting skills in content creation on social media through high resolution videos and photography. A true artist of his own craft. Khurram's love for ball and community building has led him to creating "In The Dark Athletics" - Train In the Dark, Shine in the Light. This in his own words is "for all the people who have the blind faith that the hard work they put in the dark will pay off when the opportunity is given to shine in the light and be in the spotlight!" Find us on all streaming platforms: Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, Stitcher Instagram @2ndfloorpodcast Facebook @2ndfloorpodcast Your Hosts on Instagram Kenny Bhullar @Kenny_Bhullar Yousaf Saeed @Gainztalk Omid Qaderi @Qashus www.2ndfloorpodcast.com

KB "Bengal" Bhullar is an undefeated professional mixed martial artist (MMA Fighter) with a record of 4 Wins - 0 Losses. With a Bachelor of Commerce degree majoring in Accounting, KB worked for one of the largest accounting firms in the world. The Bengal started to notice the time he put in to training martial arts was steadily decreasing due to the demands of the corporate life 😤 He realized time was slipping away from his fingertips and getting back in the cage was all he could think about after completing school. . Since taking action and fueling his passion, KB went to California to affiliate himself as a certified @speedofsport personal trainer 💪 Upon his arrival back home, he now balances his love for teaching martial arts and fitness training with his fighting career where he feels like he's putting his time into what drives him to the next level! Find us on all streaming platforms : Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, Stitcher Instagram @2ndfloorpodcast Facebook @2ndfloorpodcast Your Hosts on Instagram Kenny Bhullar @Kenny_Bhullar Yousaf Saeed @Gainztalk Omid Qaderi @Qashus www.2ndfloorpodcast.com

On Episode 1 of the 2nd Floor, we explain what this show is all about and who we are! Join us every Monday at 10 am (MST) Find us on all streaming platforms : Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, and Stitcher Instagram @2ndfloorpodcast Facebook @2ndfloorpodcast Your Hosts on Instagram: Kenny Bhullar - @Kenny_Bhullar Yousaf Saeed - @Gainztalk Omid Qaderi - @Qashus www.2ndfloorpodcast.com

Paolo is the proud owner of Overflow on Whyte.  He is also my friend and student at Brave MMA & Fitness. His wife, two daughters and himself are avid members in jiu jitsu at our facility. I am very happy to bring him on the show.  We talk about how much our values impact our performance both at work and the role we play within our families.  Paolo shares with us how jiu jitsu changed his life, and gives him so much joy and drive in his current stage of life.  This one's a gem. 

In this episode of our Be Brave Series, we sit down with Dr. John Rusin - founder of Pain Free Performance Specialist Certification - to explore what it really means to train smart—especially when pain, injury, or burnout starts knocking at the door. We dive deep into how athletes can honor their bodies without sacrificing performance, and why addressing pain early—not ignoring it—is a game changer. John shares his insights on how coaches can create space for athletes to slow down when needed, and how conversations around injury and recovery can be reframed to build trust, resilience, and longevity in sport. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or just someone pushing your limits, this one's for you. 🎧 Listen now on all platforms. #2ndFloorPodcast #BeBraveSeries #JohnRusin #AthleteMindset #InjuryRecovery #PeakPerformance #TrainSmart #PainFreePerformance

In this episode of the Be Brave Podcast, I sit down with Joey Boretski, the accomplished head coach and owner of Limitless BJJ in Edmonton. Together, we dive into the art of coaching in the world of jiu-jitsu, exploring the critical decisions and strategies that shape successful teams and skilled practitioners. We discuss the nuanced process of determining when a student is ready for promotion—a responsibility that requires balance, intuition, and fairness. Joey also shares his approach to structuring classes for maximum engagement and growth, ensuring students progress in both skill and confidence. Finally, we unpack the essential things every coach needs to know when leading a jiu-jitsu team, from fostering a positive culture to managing the unique challenges of guiding students of all levels. Whether you're a coach, an aspiring leader, or simply passionate about martial arts, this episode offers invaluable insights into what it takes to build a thriving jiu-jitsu community.

In this solo episode, I share insights on what it truly means to be a coach first before being a student's friend—a balance that's vital in building trust, respect, and growth within the jiu-jitsu community. I also unveil the transition of our podcast's identity, as we evolve from The 2nd Floor to Be Brave. This rebrand marks a powerful new chapter, aligned with a vision of courage, authenticity, and growth. Lastly, I reflect on my journey of enlightenment while decluttering my life—letting go of items, habits, and beliefs that no longer serve me, and finding clarity in simplicity. Tune in for an episode filled with transformation, lessons in leadership, and inspiration to embrace change.

I had the pleasure of meeting Pete McGregor, discussing his journey of how much jiu jitsu has helped cope with his mental and physical stressors after dealing with a severe injury causing him to lose motor function from the waist down. It's not only inpsiring but also empowering to hear his story and how much he cares deeply about how a strong gym culture is the backbone of what makes any martial art or fitness centre successful.  His honest and raw approach alongside his opinions he shares about his personal journey and experiences in previous dojos really strongly shapes the do's and dont's of what to be aware of in a gym.   

In this episode, we delve into Dr. Kara Otuomagie's remarkable journey from a patient at the Stollery Children's Hospital to a trailblazing chiropractor and community leader. Discover how she combines her expertise in chiropractic care with a passion for fitness to help athletes and individuals achieve their personal and professional goals. 💬 In this interview, Dr. Kara Otuomagie shares: The founding story of Kinetic Living and its impact on the community, her experiences as a woman of color in the healthcare and fitness industries, the importance of diversity and inclusion in her work and leadership roles, insights into her community involvement, including the Stollery Women's Network and Ladies Who Brunch and personal anecdotes and success stories from her career Whether you're interested in healthcare, fitness, or community leadership, this conversation is packed with valuable insights and inspiration. Dr. Otuomagie's dedication to empowering others and breaking barriers is truly motivating! Dr. Kara Otuomagie is the owner of Kinetic Living a multi-disclipinary health facility here, in the heart of Edmonton. As an active member of our fitness community and as a chiropractor who works with athletes, she assists people in achieving their personal and professional goals alike. Dr. Otuomagie completed her Bachelor of Science at the University of Alberta, where she also volunteered at the Stollery throughout her undergraduate degree, giving back to the very hospital that saved her own life. She has been a member of the Stollery Women's Network for several years and is the founder of Ladies Who Brunch, an annual charitable event in support of the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation. In her spare time, you can find her supporting the sweaty pursuits of her patients, coaching her run group Startline, and training for her next triathlon race in Edmonton's River Valley. ► LISTEN OR WATCH US HERE: Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3sLeKof Apple Podcasts - https://apple.co/3sNFFQc TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@2ndfloorpodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/2ndfloorpodcast/ ► HOSTS  Qashus YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/omidqtv Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/qashus/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@qashus Kenny Bhullar Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kennybhullarbjj ► CONTACT: For any sponsors, brands, partnership inquiries: https://www.2ndfloorpodcast.com Produced by Q Filmz Media www.qfilmz.com

In this episode of the Second Floor Podcast, host Kenny Bhullar and Qashus discuss the critical role of planning and focusing on specific business roles to achieve success and fulfillment. They share personal experiences on prioritizing and delegating tasks to pursue their passions and business goals. Kenny emphasizes the importance of having a strategic plan, likening it to chess, and stresses the value of coaching and mentorship. The conversation also highlights the significance of transparency, honesty, and integrity in leadership, as well as the challenges of maintaining these values in larger organizations. Overall, the episode offers valuable insights into effective team building and business growth.

I am pleased to bring on Dr. Sean Pastuch, CEO of Active Life to the podcast. I have the pleasure of hosting a distinguished professional gym leader and coach who specializes in helping fitness enthusiasts and athletes achieve their goals. As a gym owner and jiujitsu coach myself, I am excited to delve into a candid discussion about the challenges I face in my roles. This episode will be an open forum where I will share my existing problems, from gym management issues to coaching dilemmas, and our guest will provide expert insights and practical solutions live on air. Listeners can expect an engaging and informative session filled with valuable advice that not only addresses my specific issues but also offers broader guidance for anyone involved in the fitness industry. Whether you're a fellow gym owner, a coach, or someone passionate about fitness, this episode promises to deliver actionable strategies to overcome common obstacles and enhance your professional journey. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of effective gym leadership and coaching practices, and to hear firsthand how expert advice can transform real-world problems into opportunities for growth and success. If you are personally a personal training coach or gym owner and are looking to to be guided in the right direction with where you are headed in your coaching career, then look into how Active Life can help support you. Here is a link to learn more: https://activelifeprofessional.com

We brought on EJ Parris – formally known as Emanuel Pow Parris Elite Fitness Coach. He is an old friend of mine and a former track and field Olympian/bodybuilder. EJ and I share the mutual love and respect for fitness. We delved into the profound importance of the ancient adage "know thyself." This principle, rooted in self-awareness, serves as the foundation for personal and professional empowerment, particularly for coaches and individuals striving to maximize their potential. The coach emphasized that understanding one's own strengths, weaknesses, values, and motivations is crucial. By truly knowing themselves, coaches can better align their actions and decisions with their authentic selves. This alignment not only enhances personal satisfaction but also boosts effectiveness in their professional roles. For fitness coaches, in particular, self-awareness translates into a clearer understanding of what they offer to clients. It helps in defining their unique value proposition and establishing their worth in a competitive market. When coaches know their strengths and areas for improvement, they can more confidently communicate their skills and services, leading to better client relationships and career growth. The podcast highlighted that self-knowledge isn't just about introspection but also about continuous learning and adaptation. The coach encouraged listeners to regularly reflect on their experiences, seek feedback, and remain open to change. This dynamic process of self-discovery enables individuals to stay relevant and resilient in their fields. In conclusion, the episode underscored that "know thyself" is not merely an ancient maxim but a vital, ongoing practice. For fitness coaches and others, embracing this principle fosters empowerment, clarity, and a deeper connection to one's professional and personal life.    

In this podcast episode, Kenny and Personal Trainer Sean discuss the pros and cons of working as personal trainers in commercial gyms versus private community gyms. Commercial Gyms Pros: Larger client base Advanced resources and equipment Professional development opportunities Marketing and administrative support Cons: High competition Limited autonomy Revenue sharing Pressure for sales Private Community Gyms Pros: Personalized environment Greater autonomy Direct earnings Strong community feel Cons: Smaller client base Limited resources Responsibility for marketing Administrative duties Tune in to explore which setting best aligns with your career goals!