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Conversations From The Mat

Conversations From The Mat

by A Jiujitsu Journey

Fitness Mental Health

#17: Micro Dosing Adversity

This week I had the opportunity to sit down with Professor Jason and Justin Rhodes, a veteran and former first responder, who is also a brown belt in Brazilian Jiujitsu. During this episode, we discussed their upcoming "Last Man Standing Ruck" they will be doing on 09/26/2026. Aside from it being an endurance race that will test the mental grit of each contestant, it will also serve to raise awareness and funds for Frontline Healing Foundation and Warriors Heart which assist veterans and first responders heal from trauma and build a path toward long term recovery and self-reliance. To donate click the link below: Last Person Standing - Frontline Healing Foundation

#16: Out Of My Shell

This week I had the opportunity to sit down with Moises Rodriguez, a brown belt in Brazilian Jiujitsu. During the episode, we discuss how jiujitsu has allowed Moises to be less shy and quiet around others.

#15: Harbor Jiujitsu

This week I had the opportunity of sitting with Professor Jason Stephens who through Harbor Jiujitsu is bringing fellowship through Brazilian Jiujitsu. During the episode, Professor Jason discusses the importance of his Christian faith and how through Jiujitsu, he is hoping to provide a space where others can come together to train and support each other.

#14: Jiujitsu A Family Affair

This week I had the opportunity to sit with Minh Cao who is a fireman and purple belt under Professor Marcelo Uirapuru Azevedo. During this episode we discussed what his martial arts journey has taught him about himself, the support from other members from within the Gracie Barra Pearland community, and the importance of his kids training jiujitsu.

#13: Bernal Brothers

This week I had the opportunity to sit with Josh and Christian Bernal who are brothers and Black Belts in Brazilian Jiujitsu under Marcelo "Uiripuru" Azevedo. During the episode, we discuss their martial arts journey growing up as well as the benefits it provides for them in and outside the mats. This is the first time I've done a three-person episode, so I hope y'all enjoy!

#12: White Belt Killer

This week I sat down with Anthony who is a purple belt in Brazilian Jiujitsu. Anthony and I discussed his martial arts journey and what's his beef with white belts.

#11: The Doctor Is In

This week I had the opportunity to sit down with Karl and talk about his experiences advocating as a board member of NAACP and his medical background. We also discussed how Brazilian Jiujitsu helped him during a difficult time in his life.

#10: Rewiring Old Habits

This week I had the chance to sit down with Parsa who is a purple belt in Brazilian Jiujitsu. We discussed what led to him starting jiujitsu and how it became a major factor in changing behaviors that were detrimental to his well being.

#9: Respect For The Game

This week I had the chance to sit down with Alex Amaro who is currently a brown belt in Brazilian Jiujitsu. During the show, we discussed the nervousness she experiences she feels during training and competition. We also discuss the benefits jiujitsu provides as well as the importance of women creating a space for themselves in jiujitsu,

#8: Women Are Martial Artists Too

This week I had the opportunity to sit with Professor Mariana Scott who is a multiple IBJJF World Champion and the head Women's Self Defense Class Instructor at Gracie Barra Pearland. During the episode Professor Mariana discussed her Brazilian Jiujitsu journey as well as the importance of having healthy women spaces in Brazilian Jiujitsu.

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