In this episode, I have a great conversation with Ryan Aitken, an amazing Black Belt at 10th Planet Atlanta under friend of the show, Sean Applegate.In this conversation, Ryan discusses his experience with different aspects of his training, his development in wrestling, and the arm triangle choke, as well as his evolving game and training methods. …

In this episode, we have an exceptional returning guest - 1st Degree Jay Pages Black Belt, Josh Janis. Josh and Brown Belt Meghan Wagner are the driving force behind the White Lotus Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy in the heart of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. But his impact extends far beyond the mats of his academy. Through his ventures like MyOdisee and Gent…

In this episode, we have a very special guest, Seattle, WA Black Belt Sonia Sillan. Sonia is an incredible entrepreneur, a dedicated mother, and the owner of two Jiu Jitsu academies—Combat Arts Academy and Burien Brazilian Jiu Jitsu—as well as a fitness gym. Her journey to success was far from typical. In this episode, you'll hear the fascinating s…

I couldn't be more thrilled about the episode we have in store for you today. This interview has been on my bucket list for a long time, and I'm very honored to bring you this conversation. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of jiu-jitsu with none other than Jon Calestine, a black belt under the esteemed Daisuke Yamaji of the Renzo Gracie…

In this episode, we have a special guest: Katie Casimir from the famed King Kneebar duo, Bendy & Katie. At the heart of our conversation lies the story of Bendy Casimir, a Paris native who found his way to the United States through the world of MMA, eventually becoming enamored with jiu jitsu and the intricacies of kneebars. His journey, intertwine…

In this episode, we have one of my favorite people, Michael Liera Jr., a second-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under André Galvão, renowned as one of the most talented competitors of his generation. From his early success winning multiple world titles at different belt levels to founding his academy, Lōgōs Jiu-Jitsu Academy, in Denver, Color…

Today on the show, we have Jarrell Garcia Ed.D. At 33, Dr. Garcia is a 10th Planet Bethlehem, PA black belt under Zach Maslany and JM Holland. His journey extends beyond the mats, as he brings a wealth of knowledge and academic prowess to the conversation. Armed with a doctorate in Education, Dr. Garcia specializes in topics of athletic identity, l…

We are joined by the esteemed Michael Demko, Head Instructor of the renowned "Wrecking Crew BJJ" family martial arts school. As a Black Belt under living legends Rigan Machado and Erik Paulson, Mike Demko brings a wealth of experience to the mat. His coaching prowess has propelled fighters to amateur and professional championships, with many achiev…

In this episode, we are joined by an OG in the martial arts community - Jay Jack, co-owner of "The Academy" in Portland, Maine. Remember to like, share, and subscribe, and go check out our FWB merchandise, we've got coffee mugs, hats, sweatshirts, and more. Jay's martial arts journey began at the age of 5 with Karate, leading him through a rich tap…

In this episode, we have Isak Ivanovic. Isak, a Purple Belt under the guidance of Lachlan Giles, has honed his skills through extensive training with luminaries such as John Danaher and Heath Pedigo. Beyond his technical prowess on the mat, Isak exudes a rare intelligence and wisdom that surpasses his years. It's evident that he is destined to beco…

We welcome Las Vegas Black Belt, Casey Milliken in this episode. Casey's martial arts odyssey began in 2007 when he delved into the world of jiu-jitsu and muay thai. His unwavering dedication and passion catapulted him into the professional MMA scene, taking him on a journey crisscrossing the country. In 2017, Casey achieved a pinnacle moment, earn…

Today, we are thrilled to have a special guest on the show, Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt extraordinaire, Emil Fischer, hailing from Cleveland, OH, and representing Strong Style MMA. Emil is a practitioner who often finds himself at the crossroads of professionalism and an active Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle. In my opinion, he is also one of the most misunderstood f…

In this episode of Forever White Belt, join host Adolfo Foronda as he sits down with the accomplished 50-year-old purple belt, John Choe. If you've ever marveled at striking Jiu-Jitsu photos circulating the web, chances are they were skillfully captured by John's lens. Hailing from Six Blades Nova in Virginia and training under black belts Emil Tak…

In this episode I'm honored to be joined by none other than Junny Ocasio. Junny is a Jiu Jitsu black belt, under the legendary Murilo Santana. He's been a dominant force on stages like Who's Number One, Kasai, Fight2Win, IBJJF, and many more. Junny now calls Unity Jiu Jitsu School in the heart of New York City his home. After intensive training wit…

I'm so happy to have Charles Harriott on the show for his second appearance. Charles is not your average black belt in Jiu-Jitsu; he's a true martial arts enthusiast with a rich background. He holds black belts in Kenpo and Judo, showcasing his dedication to the martial arts world. He's been a professional breakdancer, and he is one of the featured…

In this episode, we've got a legendary figure in the BJJ world, none other than 4th degree black belt Karel "The Silver Fox" Pravec! In addition to my home instructors, Karel "The Silver Fox" Pravec has been one of the most important figures in my personal development of my Jiu-Jitsu game. He's not just a coach; he's a mentor and friend who's helpe…

In this exciting episode of Forever White Belt, host Adolfo Foronda brings you a deep dive into the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and strength training. We are joined by Matthew Guffey, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Functional Range Mobility Specialist, and Functional Strength Coach. Matt is the fo…

Welcome to "Forever White Belt," where we unravel the captivating stories of those who live and breathe Jiu-Jitsu. Today, we shine the spotlight on none other than Breylor Grout. Breylor's name resonates with excellence in the world of BJJ, known for his extraordinary skills and the devastating darce choke. He holds the prestigious rank of black be…

In this captivating episode of Forever White Belt, host Adolfo Foronda dives into the dynamic world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu alongside a true maestro of the sport, Marvin "Cerberus" Castelle. Hailing from the heart of Flint, Michigan, Marvin's BJJ journey ignited at 16, ignited by his fascination with MMA and the captivating allure of YouTube tutoria…

I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with the one and only Matt Kwan, a powerhouse in the BJJ community. Matt is the man behind On Guard Academy of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Canada. Matt holds a black belt under Rob Biernacki from Island Top Team, Matt's journey into the world of Jiu-Jitsu ignited at the age of 20. He's been an avid competitor,…

In today's episode, we have the privilege of diving into the captivating world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu alongside a remarkable guest, Aaron Esdon. Aaron, a black belt under Matt McPeake, has not only left his mark as a gold medalist and accomplished practitioner but has also embraced the role of a head Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor at Platinum Train…

In this captivating episode of Forever White Belt, host Adolfo Foronda sits down with the esteemed guest, Chris Haueter, a true legend in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. With over four decades of dedication to the art, Chris's journey has been nothing short of remarkable. As one of the celebrated "Dirty Dozen," the first twelve non-Brazilian blac…

In this riveting episode of "Forever White Belt," host Adolfo Foronda sits down with Chris "The Villan" Paines, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and head coach of Fighting Fit Grappling in the UK. Prepare to have your perspectives challenged as Chris shares his unique insights on the evolving landscape of Jiu-Jitsu. Chris discusses the growing sign…

Join host Adolfo Foronda in this captivating episode of Forever White Belt as he sits down with Mike Jaramillo, a true legend in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. As John Danaher's first black belt and the Advanced No-Gi coach at Renzo Gracie Academy, Mike brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the conversation. In this episode, Mike shares…

In this captivating episode of Forever White Belt, we have the privilege of sitting down with Sean Applegate, a highly accomplished 10th Planet Black Belt and head instructor at 10th Planet Atlanta. Join us as we dive deep into the world of Jiu Jitsu and uncover the invaluable wisdom that Sean has to share. Under the guidance of legendary figures E…

In today's episode, we have a special guest who embodies dedication and experience on the mats: Rob Cole, a first-degree black belt with over 21 years of training. Rob's journey in Jiu Jitsu has been nothing short of remarkable. He earned his purple belt under the renowned Eddie Bravo, known for his innovative approach to grappling. Continuing to h…

In this episode, we're joined by Keith Kavanagh, a 10th Planet Brown Belt under Brandon Mccaghren. Hailing from Ireland, Keith travelled back and forth training at 10th Planet Decatur, Alabama with Brandon, and his Jiu Jitsu knowledge and teaching skills are second to none. Jiu Jitsu is just one of Keith's passions; he also runs a multimedia compan…

In this episode, we sit down with Ralf "The Germanator" Warneking, the first European to receive a 10th Planet black belt promotion under Eddie Bravo and a NoGi World Champion. Ralf shares his journey from white belt to black belt, which included 11 years of mastering the 10th Planet system at the headquarters in Los Angeles. He also talks about br…

In this episode we have, Professor Thomas Rozdzynski. Thomas is a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and the head instructor at RŌL Academy of Jiu Jitsu in Illinois. He began his journey in 2000 under the tutelage of the late Grandmaster Carlson Gracie Sr. in Chicago. In 2014, he was promoted to First Degree by Professor Eddie Redzovic a…

In this episode, attorney and BJJ practitioner Chet Palumbo joins us for an in-depth discussion about BJJ law and its implications for academies, investors, and employees. Chet is an experienced lawyer with extensive criminal law knowledge, having conducted over 40 jury trials as lead counsel. He's also a 2-stripe purple belt in BJJ and a certified…

In this episode of Forever White Belt, host Adolfo Foronda sits down with Dr. Diana Wang, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Athletic Trainer based in Southern California, who is also a serious practitioner of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Diana's work with athletes ranging from Division 1 to the professional level has given her a unique perspective…

I'm excited to have Richard Bresler as our latest guest. Richard is a sixth-degree jiu-jitsu black belt and the author of "Worth Defending".Richard is widely recognized as the first American student of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and worked closely with Rorion Gracie for almost twenty years. He played an essential role in growing Jiu-Jitsu through the Gracie …

In this episode of Forever White Belt, we are thrilled to have a returning friend of the show, Malachy Friedman. Malachy is a third-degree black belt under the legendary Ricardo Liborio, co-founder of American Top Team (ATT), and has over 20 years of experience in multiple fight disciplines including MMA, BJJ, boxing, Muay Thai, and wrestling. As t…

Today, we are honored to have a true legend of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with us, Eduardo Telles. Eduardo Telles is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with over 30 years of experience in the art. He is a multiple-time world champion and is known for his innovative and unconventional approach to the sport, with his trademark "Turtle Guard" and "Octopus Guar…

In this episode, we have Matt Serra black belt who also trained extensively under John Danaher, Jason Rau. Jason is the grappler's grappler, for whatever reason he seems to go under the radar of the general BJJ mainstream. Jason is well known in the professional community for his uber-technical and hazardous leg game. Although being sidelined by in…

Joining us on the show is none other than the renowned Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt and instructor to the instructors, Henry Akins. Henry is the 3rd black belt under the legendary Rickson Gracie and a former instructor at Rickson’s academy in Southern, California. Originally from Oklahoma, Henry now resides in Las Vegas, NV, and has been training…

Today on the show I have Sunshine aka Jonathan Fennell. You may know Sunshine as being one of the most famous Uke's in Jiu Jitsu from his appearances in Jiu Jitsu X instructionals. Sunshine currently holds the rank of brown belt under Keenan Cornelius. He’s also been active as a competitor, medaling at many local and regional competitions. He’s spe…

Today on the show I have Kyle Boehm, Kyle is a professional grappler, and a 10th Planet Black Belt awarded by John Botello. As of this recording Kyle trains at Geo Martinez's 10th Planet Oceanside academy. Kyle has competed against the best in the world some of his accomplishments: 1st Place BJJ Fanatics Grand Prix (2019) 1st Place King Of The Mats…

Today on the show I have the 2022 IBJJF No Gi World Middle and Absolute Champion, Elisabeth Clay. Elisabeth is a professional jiu-jitsu athlete as well as a black belt under Osvaldo Moizinho (Queixinho) and Samir Chantre, who represents the Ares BJJ Association. A prodigy at the age of 16, the (then) Alaska-based athlete conquered the ADCC West Coa…

Today on the show I have Jay Zeballos. Jay is a 4th degree black belt under the legend, Jean Jacques Machado. Jay has been a full-time instructor since 2010, he teaches adult and youth classes at the JJM Headquarters in Woodland Hills, CA. Jay has assisted Jean Jacques with developing much of his instructional media, including designing and launchi…

Today on the show I have Leslie Gardineer. Leslie is a Black Belt, Pan American & Masters World Champion. Leslie is the co-owner of De Boa Jiu Jitsu in Surprise, AZ with Black Belt husband Andrew Gardineer. Leslie has been teaching an all female BJJ class for over 9 years, averaging 20 women per class, and helps run the De Boa kid's BJJ classes as-…

Today on the show I have Hunter Colvin. Hunter is a Triton Fight Center, first degree black belt under Piet Wilhelm. Hunter has competed with the who's who of elite Jiu Jitsu always putting on an exciting show. Some of his accomplishments, being the 2022 ADCC Trials Silver Medalist, IBJJF Black Belt: American Nationals Gold medalist, Pans, and Euro…

Today on the show I have Nicole Sullivan, commonly known as Nikki Sullivan. Nikki is a team ATOS Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under Andre Galvao. She is well known for her unorthodox grappling style, heavily founded on Sullivan’s trademark “Panda Guard” (inverted guard), Nikki became known to mainstream fans after her performances at the ADCC US West Coast…

Today on the show I have Professor Josef "Ze Cobra" Manuel. Josef is a 4th degree black belt under the legendary Robson Mora. Josef is a multiple time champion, gold medalist, and the owner of Cutting Edge BJJ in Harrison, New Jersey. There is so much gold to mine from the beginning to the end of this episode, it's a must listen for hobbyists, comp…

Today on the show I have Paul Elliott, Paul is an American Top Team Watertown Black Belt under Mark Stevens. Paul also happens to be one of the fantastic instructors for BJJ Globetrotters. Paul is also the author of the amazing free BJJ online resource/blog SimpleBJJ.com. In this episode, we go deep into some of the mechanics of BJJ and we go into …

Sophia Cassella is a Brown Belt under Jason Rau, she is an elite female jiu-jitsu competitor known for scoring the fastest submission in a women's match on Who's Number One at 35 seconds, she has won several titles and tournaments, and is the current reigning Medusa champion as of this recording. Sophia has trained under some of the best teams Silv…

Today on the show I have Stephen "The Dream" Eakin. Stephen is a 10th Planet Black Belt under Richie "Boogyman" Martinez. In this episode Stephen walks us through his journey to black belt, leaving his small hometown in Georgia, his MMA career from backyard fights to actual cage shows, how he joined the 10th Planet Freaks in San Diego only to go ba…

In this episode I have Zach Waldman. Zach is a 10th Planet Black Belt OG under Eddie Bravo, he trains at 10th Planet headquarters in Los Angeles. Zach also happens to be a professional entertainer, he's an amazing magician regularly performing at The Famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, he's a comedian who's performed at The Comedy Store. He regularly…

Today on the show I have Aaron Johnson, commonly known as “Tex” Johnson. Tex is a BJJ black belt under Philip Smith and Murilo Santana. Tex has won all kinds of tournaments he is an IBJJF 3x Pan American No-Gi Champion, he's known for his aggressive and submission-oriented style with which he submitted some of the sport’s biggest stars and for that…

Today on the show I have 10th Planets, 10th Female Black Belt under Eddie Bravo, Jennifer Dietrick. Jennifer is a fitness expert, health coach, martial artist, IFBB Pro athlete, personal trainer, and nutritionist. She's an accomplished Jiu Jitsu competitor and 10th planet headquarters coach. In the episode we discuss mindset, self talk, gymnastics,…