CareerJitsu: BJJ and the Workplace

Send us Fan Mail In this powerful Mini episode of CareerJitsu, we sit down with a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt whose greatest fight began long before stepping into an academy. Growing up surrounded by drugs, domestic violence, and instability, our guest faced challenges that could have defined an entire lifetime. Instead, they chose a different path. Through discipline, mentorship, resilience, a...

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to overcome life’s toughest battles and keep moving forward? In this inspiring episode of CareerJitsu, we’re honored to welcome Michael Cragholm, a Purple Heart Marine and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, for a conversation about resilience, leadership, service, and the mindset required to succeed when life tests you the most. Michael shares lessons forged through...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of CareerJitsu, we sit down with a unique leader who brings together two worlds that are rarely discussed in the same conversation: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and education. As both a dedicated BJJ practitioner and a high school vice principal, our guest shares how the lessons learned on the mats—discipline, resilience, humility, respect, accountability, and problem-solvi...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets to growing your Jiu-Jitsu academy! In this episode, we chat with Ben Timm, owner of Athens Jiu-Jitsu, who transformed his school from 20 to 150 students in just one year. Key takeaways: •The importance of immediate responses to inquiries •How to create a welcoming environment for new students •Strategies for retaining blue belts and keeping students engaged •The...

Send us Fan Mail What if the key to improving your Jiu-Jitsu wasn’t just training harder—but training smarter? In Episode 53 of CareerJitsu, hosts Jason Patterson and Frank D’Amelio sit down with Abe Diaz, creator of the innovative grappling analytics platform SubStats, to explore how data is changing the way athletes approach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Abe shares his journey from grappler to data-drive...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when the fight extends far beyond the mats? In this powerful CareerJitsu mini episode, we explore how the mindset, resilience, and community found in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can help someone navigate one of life’s toughest battles—cancer. Discover how embracing adversity, staying present, and refusing to quit can make all the difference when facing challenges both on and...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets of career success through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu principles! In this episode, we chat with Sakis, a brown belt and project manager, who shares his unique journey from Greece to the UK and how Jiu-Jitsu shaped his career. Key takeaways: •    Discover how to apply Jiu-Jitsu principles to your career progression. •    Learn the importance of knowing your next move in...

Send us Fan Mail Most police officers and retirees overlook a crucial game-changer: mastering the mental edge alongside physical skills. Steven Washington, a retired cop turned insurance broker and a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, shatters the myth that strength and bravado alone are enough. His journey from a power-packed athlete to a humble, confident practitioner reveals how BJJ teaches pat...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an enlightening episode of the Career Jitsu Podcast as we dive deep into the intersection of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and spirituality with Dr. Ben Shaw, a BJJ black belt and PhD. Discover how martial arts can shape our understanding of faith, morality, and personal growth. Key takeaways: * The connection between Jiu-Jitsu and spiritual growth * How to approach difficult co...

Send us Fan Mail This Episode CareerJitsu dives deep into the mindset of resilience, reinvention, and purpose with special guest Gabe Anderson — founder of Nine Lives BJJ and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. From setbacks on and off the mats to building a respected brand rooted in perseverance, Gabe shares the story behind Nine Lives and the philosophy that keeps people coming back stronger after e...

Send us Fan Mail Discover how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can transform lives and communities! In this episode of the Career Jitsu Podcast, we chat with Ray Freeman, founder of One Community Jiu Jitsu, about his mission to make BJJ accessible to everyone. Learn how Jiu-Jitsu not only builds physical skills but also fosters mental resilience and community spirit. Key takeaways: Ray's journey from fost...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an inspiring episode of the Career Jitsu Podcast featuring Alan Marquez, also known as Gumby! With over 30 years of experience in Jiu Jitsu and a fifth-degree black belt under Ralph Gracie, Gumby shares his journey from tech to martial arts and how both paths have shaped his life and his community. Key takeaways: •Discover the connections between Jiu Jitsu and career s...

Send us Fan Mail This podcast episode features Brogan Bernstein, a college student studying accounting and finance while working full-time and training in Jiu-Jitsu. Brogan shares insights on time management, discipline, resilience, journaling, and prioritization. He also discusses the parallels between Jiu-Jitsu and college life, emphasizing the importance of strategy and discipline in both areas...

Send us Fan Mail Most people think success in sales, business, and life is about quick wins or flashy skills. But what if the secret is much simpler—and more accessible than you think? Eric Sperrazza, a black belt in jiu-jitsu and a seasoned corporate trainer, reveals how foundational principles—like patience, authenticity, and dressing for the role—are the real game-changers. His story shows that...

Send us Fan Mail Most entrepreneurs overlook a fundamental success skill that can be learned through martial arts: mastering your breath. In this episode, Glyn Powditch, a third-degree black belt in BJJ and savvy tech innovator, reveals how breath control isn’t just a survival skill—it’s a game-changer in both business and life. From optimizing Google ad spend to navigating corporate stress, Glyn’...

Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring interview, Sam Snow , Owner of Alliance BJJ in Keller, shares his journey of resilience, the transformative power of jiu-jitsu, and his community initiatives like Mat Mission and Dad Squad. Discover how strategic pivoting and community service can create meaningful impact in personal and professional life. key topics Sam Snow's career path and resilience sto...

Send us Fan Mail Discover how the principles of energy efficiency are applied to the art of Jiu-jitsu in this enlightening episode with highly respected energy consultant Andrew Vaillencourt. We explore the intersection of energy efficiency in jiu-jitsu training as well as how the concepts of jiu-jitsu can inspire the energy industry. https://www.facebook.com/share/17EBAzW6KK/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the transformative power of Jiu-Jitsu through Morgan Sheehan's inspiring journey—starting at 39 and competing well into her 40s. This episode reveals how physical skills cultivate mental resilience, confidence, and a profound sense of freedom for women and men alike. Morgan, a scholar and bronze medalist at the IBJJF World Championships, shares how controlled violence...

Send us Fan Mail What do Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and captivating an audience have in common? More than you think. In this episode of CareerJitsu, Robert Hackenson, founder of Dynamic Influence, breaks down the powerful connection between BJJ concepts and the art of entertaining, performing, and public speaking. From timing and presence to adaptability and reading your “opponent” (or audience), the sam...

Send us Fan Mail The conversation explores the impact of Jiu Jitsu on youth leadership, focusing on character building, emotional maturity, physical health, and goal setting. It also delves into the connection between Jiu Jitsu and youth leadership, emphasizing the importance of consistency, accountability, and the influence of positive environments. Takeaways * Jiu Jitsu as a tool for youth leade...

Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Damian Tanenbaum discusses the adaptation of Jiu-Jitsu skills to a stunt acting career. The discussion also explores his transition to stunt acting, involvement in fight choreography, and the realism in fight scenes and stunt acting. Additionally, it highlights the trend of grappling in modern films and the impact of Jiu-Jitsu on fight choreography, as well a...

Send us Fan Mail This week we decided to “re-launch” this episode to highlight the “Life-Changing Impact of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu” We felt it was time to bring this conversation back because the message matters: BJJ doesn’t just change how you fight — it changes how you live. BJJ becomes a turning point — a foundation for discipline, mental strength, and personal growth. It provides structure in cha...

Send us Fan Mail It's easy to believe that combat sports are for the young, the fearless, or already fit. But what happens when you discover Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in your 30's 40's 50's or beyond? In this episode, we're talking about what it really means to begin training later in life. The nerves of walking into your class. The humility of being a beginner again. The sorene...

Send us Fan Mail What can we learn when we zoom out and listen to the collective stories of Jiu-Jitsu practitioners? This episode explores the universal lessons revealed through the experiences of those who step onto the mats — overcoming fear, learning consistency, and discovering growth through challenge. Whether you train or not, the insights shared through these journeys offer practical wisdom...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of CareerJitsu, we sit down with Brad McDonnell, Founder of a skin brand called “Resurge” and Brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu who turned lessons from the mat into a high-performance skin hygiene brand. We explore how discipline, strategy, and resilience in BJJ translate to entrepreneurship, product development, and building a business that performs under pressure...