Black Belt Mindset: Grit, Growth, and 39 Years on the Mat with Jon Bidwell

In this episode of Impact My Life, Jason Nolan welcomes longtime friend, martial artist, and instructor Jon Bidwell—a man with nearly four decades of martial arts experience and a black belt lineage that spans generations.

Jason and Jon dive into their shared history on and off the mat, from early sparring memories to modern-day lessons in grit, growth, and perseverance. They reflect on how martial arts has evolved over the years—from the hardcore, militaristic training of the past to today’s focus on mental toughness, character development, and inclusivity. You'll hear stories about black belt transformations, hilarious dojo moments, and the philosophies that shaped their approach to teaching and training—like the “shoe rack theory” and overcoming “stinking thinking.”

Whether you’re a seasoned martial artist or just curious  ...